The official newsletter of the Department of Medicine
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Dear colleagues and friends,
As we step into a new year, I’m proud to reflect on the extraordinary strength, scope, and impact of the Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine. Together, we are advancing discovery, shaping the future of patient care, and training the next generation of physicians and scientists at a scale unmatched across the US.
This past year marked a significant milestone for WashU Medicine, with the highest level of NIH funding in our history. These grants fuel basic, clinical, and translational research that is improving lives locally and globally. More importantly, they reflect the creativity, rigor, and perseverance of our faculty, staff, and trainees—and underscore the national and international impact of the work happening across our department every day.
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We also closed the year by celebrating a highly successful fellowship match, welcoming 77 new fellows into our subspecialty training programs. These talented physicians represent the future of medicine, and we are honored they have chosen WashU for this next phase of their training.
If you haven’t had a chance, I encourage you to read our inaugural Year of Impact report, which captures highlights from across the department over the 2024-2025 academic year—from major research advances and high-impact publications to notable honors, awards, and leadership achievements. It is a powerful reflection of what we can accomplish when we work together at scale and with shared purpose.
I begin this new year deeply grateful—for the dedication of our community, the patients who trust us with their care, and the opportunity to lead such an exceptional department. I am excited for what lies ahead and confident in what we will continue to achieve together.
As always, thank you for your support of the Department of Medicine.
Warm regards,
Vicky Fraser, MD, Adolphus Busch Professor of Medicine, Chair, Department of Medicine
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A listing of all current Department of Medicine grants ≥ $300,000 is available here.
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View recent publications across the Department of Medicine via the Publications page.
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Your gift will help recruit and retain outstanding faculty, support life-saving research and patient care and help train the next generation of leaders in medicine.
Make your gift here.
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High Impact Research Publications |
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Discovery of viral entry routes into cells points to future prevention, treatment strategies
(Read article)
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| | Inflammatory immune cells predict survival, relapse in multiple myeloma
(Read article)
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$3.2 million grant funds research on computational AI in fistulizing Crohn’s disease (Read article)
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WashU startups attract record-setting $1.7 billion in private-sector investment over past year (Read article)
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Ashley Brooks (left) poses with Jasvindar Singh, MD, WashU Medicine interventional cardiologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
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| A Heart for Life: How One Woman’s Transplant Journey Came Full-Circle at Barnes-Jewish Hospital |
When Ashley Brooks, RN, BSN, was born, the first hint her parents received that something was out of the ordinary was that nurses didn’t bring their infant daughter from the nursery to their room when it was time to eat. She had been taken to the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. Something was different about Ashley’s heart, but physicians didn’t quite know what.
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| In-home mammalian meat reintroduction protocol shows promise in alpha-gal syndrome |
An in-home mammalian meat reintroduction protocol was feasible and safe among patients with alpha-gal syndrome who had declining alpha-gal IgE titers and avoided red meat, according to study results. These data were published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
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Gonzalo Matzumura, MD (left) at ASN Kidney Week 2025.
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| Matzumura Co-Author of Landmark LIBERATE-D Trial Redefining Dialysis Care |
WashU Nephrology proudly recognizes Gonzalo Matzumura, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of Acute Dialysis Services at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, for his role as co-author and investigator in the landmark LIBERATE‑D (Liberation from Acute Dialysis) trial, published in JAMA on November 7, 2025. The findings were presented simultaneously at ASN Kidney Week 2025 in Houston, as part of the High-Impact Clinical Trials session, with senior author Dr. Chi-yuan Hsu (UCSF) as the lead presenter.
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| One of the First: Lois’s Remarkable Recovery with a New Transcatheter Valve |
At 82 years old, Lois Miles was one of the first patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital to receive a transcatheter tricuspid valve implant, a groundbreaking procedure performed in 2024. It’s one more way the hospital and its academic physician partner, WashU Medicine, are helping patients with valve disease. For years, Lois’ leaky tricuspid valve caused blood to flow backward in her heart.
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Clinic medicine lead Barbara Lutey, MD, speaks with student volunteer James Surgenor (middle) and student leader Siddhant Bhat.
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| Together, WashU Medicine MD, OT, PT students treat patients at Pro Bono Health Clinic |
Makenna Dixon remembers all the appointments during her childhood. Her mother suffered from autoimmune diseases that required countless trips to physical therapy. As her health conditions worsened, Dixon’s mom could no longer work a full-time job, and the lack of insurance through an employer made therapy one financial challenge among many.
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Awards/Fellowships/Honors/Accolades |
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Celebrating Millman and Lee: Bold Thinkers Driving Medical Progress (Read article)
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Inaugural Jack Sarver Prize honors groundbreaking research by WashU Medicine scientist (Read article)
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Kirmani received BJH Medical Staff Association Lifetime Achievement Award (Read article)
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Khan received 2025 Knowlton Incentive for Excellence Award (Read article)
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| Mahjoub Advancing Lung Disease Research Through Dual R01 Awards
(Read article)
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Matthew A. Ciorba, MD – William B. Kountz Professor of Medicine |
The Kountz Chair was previously held by Dr. Gus Schoenfeld, Dr. David Alpers and most recently Dr. Deborah Rubin, all exceptional physician scientists. Dr. Ciorba will continue this tradition of excellence in his capacity as a highly accomplished physician scientist and Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center. (Read article)
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Leslie Stuart Gewin, MD – Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Renal Diseases |
Dr. Gewin is an outstanding physician scientist, clinician and educator who is nationally recognized for her many contributions in academic Nephrology. Dr. Gewin earned her Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University and MD from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine (graduating magna cum laude). (Read article)
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Office of Faculty Development (OFD) |
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The Office of Faculty Development is excited to announce the Spring 2026 schedule for their Faculty Development Seminar Series. This series focuses on key topics essential for the career and professional growth of our faculty members. Join us on February 11 from 12-1 pm for How to Stay on Track for Promotion presented by Dr. Milan Anadkat.
Congratulations to the 17 WashU Medicine Faculty for being selected for 2025-2026 DOM Leadership Training Course (LTC).
Located in room 6610 of Wohl Hospital, the Wellness & Fitness Room is equipped with two Pilates reformer machines with tower and mat, a Pilates chair, treadmill, a Peloton, massage chair, pedal exerciser mini-bike, and small weights and stretchy bands. The Wellness & Fitness Room is open to DOM Faculty, Staff, and Trainees. Access will be granted with the completion and submission of a waiver and release form (doc). Please contact Jennifer Mosher at mosherj@wustl.edu for more information or to request access to the Fitness room.
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| Dr. Milan Anadkat
Vice Chair of Faculty Development
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The IDEAS at DOM – HEaR Initiative hosted wellness events/programs in Fall 2025, open to all WashU employees. In October, we collaborated with the Mindfulness Science & Practice, Incubator for Transdisciplinary Futures, and Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies for Mindfulness Month 2025. Activities were held on both the Danforth and Medicine campuses.
In November and December, 10-minute therapeutic chair massages by Sheyenne Carter, LMT, provided relaxation for DOM employees. Additionally, IDEAS hosted a virtual workshop on Mindful Eating led by Meg Krejci, focusing on present-moment awareness to reduce stress.
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Mentorship to Enhance Development in Academia (MEDA) |
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February 5, 2026 | 1 - 2pm – You Belong Here: Lessons from an Unconventional Path in Academic Medicine presented by Dr. Joe Pangelinan (Orthopaedic Surgery)
- March 26, 2026 | 1 - 2pm – Dr. Anthony Williams (Pathology and Immunology)
- April 30, 2026 | 11am - 12pm – Dr. Sarah Chavez (Assistant Director of Community Outreach and Engagement)
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| Dr. Angela L. Brown
Vice Chair for Community Health
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Vice-Chair of Clinical Research |
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In September, the department established an Early Career Mentoring Group focused on Clinical Research. The initiative garnered interest from over 70 DOM faculty members and has seen excellent attendance at the sessions.
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The Early Career Mentoring Group has held 4 meetings, with 5 upcoming meetings |
- September 24, 2025, facilitated by Dr. Sweitzer. The topics were campus resources, training programs, funding opportunities through ICTS, grant writing support, mentorship programs, and clinical trial investigator training.
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October 22, 2025, facilitated by Dr. Rachel Presti. The topics included were: industry – sponsored vs investigator – beyond regulatory issues, trial management, budget considerations and IRB approvals were also discussed.
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November 19, 2025, facilitated by Dr. Deepak and Dr. Shankar. The topics were: exploring interactions between academia and industry in clinical trials and research, drug development processes, and academic-industry collaboration in data analysis.
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December 17, 2025, facilitated by Dr. Sweitzer. The topics were: financial management strategies for clinical research programs and clinical trials, budget negotiation guidance, and financial sustainability.
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| Dr. Nancy Sweitzer
Vice Chair of Clinical Research
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The meetings will resume on January 28, 2026, with Dr. Karen Joynt-Maddox as the facilitator, discussing resources for epidemiological research using large datasets. If you would like to be added to the mailing list or have ideas for topics to cover, please contact Jasmine Pugh (pugh.j@wustl.edu).
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Be sure to check out our full update from the Vice Chair of Clinical Research.
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The Roads to Success educator development session was held on January 15 and 16, 2026. These sessions are held twice a year with a focus on inpatient and ambulatory teachers across the Department of Medicine, with the next one scheduled for Fall 2026. The specific date is yet to be determined.
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Dr. Abby Spencer
Vice Chair of Education
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(from left) Drs. Alex Thomas, Majd Mokbel, Jessica Ohemeng-Dapaah, Kieran Patel, Phil Budge, Rakhee Bhayani, Sayel Alzraikat, David Zhang, Brian Kocak, Randy Laine, and Abby Spencer
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The Department of Medicine was proud to announce the successful participation of three distinguished educators, Drs. Bria Giacomino, Philip Budge, and Jerry Fong, in the Academy of Educators' Teachfest Royale, held on January 27, 2026, from 11 am - 1 pm. In addition to our competitors, several department educators served as judges and planning committee members, contributing to the success and organization of the event.
Learn more Teachfest Royale.
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Be sure to check out our full update from the Vice Chair of Education.
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Vice Chairs of Safety, Quality, and Operations |
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38th Edition: The Washington Manual® of Medical Therapeutics |
For over 80 years, clinicians around the world have trusted The Washington Manual® of Medical Therapeutics for succinct and practical guidance to navigate the daily challenges faced by residents, interns, medical students, and practitioners in the hospital setting. Authored by the distinguished faculty, fellows, and internal medicine chief residents of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the 38th Edition of The Washington Manual offers concise, logical approaches to diagnosing and managing common medical conditions, all in a format that is both accessible and easy to read.
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| Dr. Thomas Ciesielski
Vice Chair of Inpatient Safety, Quality and Operations
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| Dr. Maya Jerath
Vice Chair of Ambulatory Clinical Operations, Safety and Quality
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Reflecting the latest evidence, guidelines, and expert insights from experienced clinicians, The Washington Manual continues to be an indispensable and reliable resource for quick access to essential information necessary for effective patient care.
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BJH and Infection Prevention are launching a hand hygiene and PPE campaign in an effort to improve compliance and decrease health care associated infections. More information will be shared soon.
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Welcome to WashU Medicine |
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The Department of Medicine is proud to announce that we have 77 matched fellows. These physicians bring talent, curiosity and drive to their program built on teamwork and discovery.
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Christina Kearse, MD
Instructor in Medicine
Division of Palliative Medicine
(Read article)
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| Alaina Kessler, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Division of Oncology
(Read article)
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| Akhil Sood, MD, MS
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Division of Rheumatology
(Read article)
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15th Annual Fellow Immersion Training Program in Addiction Medicine
Deadline: February 13, 2026 | View details - 25th Annual Chief Resident Immersion Training Program in Addiction Medicine
Deadline: February 13, 2026 | View details - 4th Annual CARE Faculty Scholars Program in Addiction Medicine
Deadline: February 13, 2026 | View details - 2026 WashU Nephrology Summer Intern Research “SOAR” Program
Deadline: February 16, 2026 | View details - WashU Medicine faculty for Pilot and Feasibility Research Projects
Letters of Intent deadline: February 16, 2026 (required) | View details
- Spring ICTS NIH Mock Study Section
Letters of Intent deadline: February 18, 2026 | View details - Master of Science in Clinical Investigation
Applications deadline: April 15, 2026 | View details
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Mondays, Jan. 12 – Apr. 21, 2026
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Zoom
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| | Feb. 26, 2026
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Eric P. Newman Education Center
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Mar. 30, 2026
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Eric P. Newman Education Center
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Mar. 31, 2026
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Eric P. Newman Education Center
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| Apr. 13, 2026
Eric P. Newman Education Center
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Coyne retires, leaving a legacy of excellence in Care, Leadership and Mentorship |
After nearly four decades of service to WashU Nephrology, Daniel Coyne, MD, retired at the end of 2025. Known for his dedication to patient care and mentorship, Dan has guided generations of fellows and residents with warmth, rigor, and a passion for science. (Read article)
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2025 MyeloProliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) |
The Division of Hematology recognized four exceptional members of their team, Nicole, Maggie, Julie, and Karyn, honored with the prestigious MPN Heroes Award. This recognition celebrates individuals whose extraordinary efforts have significantly improved the lives of people living with MPNs. (Read article)
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2024-2025 Academic Year of Impact |
Our first Academic Year of Impact report highlights the meaningful work our faculty, clinicians, and trainees accomplish every day, capturing the impact we make - for patients, for science, and for the future of medicine. (View report)
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| International travel requirement |
WashU is concerned with the health, safety, and security of all members of our community while traveling outside of the United States of America. The WashU International Travel Policy has been adopted to ensure a consistent set of travel standards to be followed by all units of the university. (Learn more)
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| Improving public health communication with implementation science |
In today’s information-rich world, where an answer – correct or not – to any question can be obtained with just a few moments of searching, it is hard for accurate information to be noticed, trusted and acted on. (Read article)
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Contact DOM Media/Marketing Team (dom.media@wustl.edu) if you have questions or requests about social media, marketing, websites, web design, etc.
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660 S. Euclid Ave. | St. Louis, MO 63110 US
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