Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs
Vol. 8, Issue 1

The Pulse of UI Health is an e-newsletter that provides news, celebrations and recognitions from across the university's academic health enterprise. To submit content or learn more please email vcha@uic.edu.

The 55th & Pulaski Health Collaborative increases access to specialty care, urgent care, behavioral health, dental care, women's health, and advanced diagnostics, as well as the new Lifespan Disability Clinic.

UI Health received a $33 million award from the State of Illinois' Healthcare Transformation Capital (HTC) Investment Grant Program. The HTC grants were allocated to fund capital projects addressing health-related social needs and to reduce healthcare disparities in historically underserved communities. The award to UI Health will support the establishment of the “Community-Centered Comprehensive Care for Chronic Conditions” (C6) Model on the Southwest side of Chicago to complement the 55th and Pulaski Health Collaborative which serves residents in Chicago’s Gage Park, West Elsdon, Chicago Lawn and West Lawn communities.

In addition to this historic grant, UI Health also received over $6.5 million to further expand general services at the 55th & Pulaski Health Collaborative. Since its launch in February 2022, the Health Collaborative has provided access to specialty care and advanced diagnostics with over 35,000 patient care visits reflecting the critical need for accessible healthcare in the area. The clinic also recently established The Lifespan Disability Clinic which was designed to serve patients with disabilities who have long faced challenges accessing needed care. The Lifespan Disability Clinic is a one-stop healthcare site for people with disabilities, providing access to multiple practitioners, such as a cardiologist, neurologist, primary health care staff and counselors, under one roof. 

"Expanding access to high quality and compassionate care is central to the mission of UI Health," said UIC Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Robert Barish. "This investment ensures that we can continue fulfilling that mission for Southwest side communities in Chicago."

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, actor Halle Berry and UIC researcher Dr. Pauline Maki.

Actor Halle Berry and Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton joined UIC researchers at the University Club of Chicago on March 13 to advance awareness of the impact of menopause on billions of women globally. The event was titled The Menopause Imperative: Advancing Care, Research, and Policy, and the discussion went far beyond mere awareness. “How many women fall out of the workforce for a day, for a week, for a month, for a year, forever, when they reach this time of their life?” said Berry at the event. “How much money do we cost the health care system because menopausal women don’t have access to care?” Berry has been a vocal advocate around diagnosis and treatment of menopause, and in spring of 2024 she visited UIC with former First Lady Jill Biden to spotlight the need for more research in these areas.

At the event, Lt. Governor Stratton announced that October 12-18 will officially be known as Illinois Menopause Awareness Week, in conjunction with World Menopause Day on October 18. She pointed to menopause as a public health issue, saying, “Too many women, especially Black and Latina women, experience healthcare disparities that leave them without adequate support during this transition.”

Dr. Pauline Maki, professor of psychiatry, psychology and obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, unveiled the new Center for Health, Awareness and Research on Menopause (CHARM) at UIC. The center works to address critical gaps in medical training, research and global data by leveraging UIC’s integrated academic health enterprise. “What you’re hearing today is the brainchild, the strategic plan of CHARM,” she said at the event. “We’re going to make a difference here in Chicagoland, with all of our partners, and we’re going to make a difference in the state of Illinois.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker (center), Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (left), and U.S. Congressmen Jonathan Jackson & Danny K. Davis (right).

On February 28, Governor J.B. Pritzker held a press conference at the UI Health Mile Square Health Center main location to draw attention to the critical role Medicaid has in supporting healthcare throughout the state, particularly citing underserved urban and rural communities who depend on the program for their basic medical needs. The governor noted that one in four Illinois residents — more than 3.4 million people in the state — are covered by Medicaid. The governor was joined by many state and local politicians, as well as UIC and UI Health leaders including Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda and Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Robert Barish.

Earlier in February, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin visited the Illinois Medical District to speak about the importance that NIH funding has for medical research in Illinois. Joining him were medical researchers including UIC’s Dr. Rachel Caskey, who noted that NIH funding is critical to medical research at UIC and UI Health, with 400 clinical trials currently underway. 

Architectural rendering of the Gresham Street Parking Structure, to be completed in 2026.

Construction has begun on a new parking structure at the intersection of Grenshaw Street and Wolcott Avenue. The project will deliver approximately 1,000 new structured parking spaces to support increased demand driven by the ongoing expansion of UI Health facilities, including the 2022 opening of the UI Health Specialty Care Building and projected growth of hospital clinics. The project will also replace parking space lost as a result of new construction projects, including the planned Drug Discovery and Cancer Research Pavilion.
  
The project, a public-private partnership (P3), integrates both structured parking and traffic calming improvements, including upgrades at the intersection of Taylor and Wood Streets to enhance traffic flow and pedestrian safety. This collaborative project will address the immediate need for parking space and help ensure that UIC’s West Campus infrastructure is well-positioned for the future. The expected completion date is July 2026.  

Dr. Sandeep Jain, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Dr. Arnon Lavie, professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics; and Dr. Mathew Mathew Thoppil, Cedric W. Blazer Endowed Professor of Biomedical Sciences.

Recently completed clinical trials led by Dr. Sandeep Jain of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences have demonstrated the viability of DNase therapies in treating moderate to severe dry eye disease (DED) or ocular graft versus host disease. The technology has been licensed by biotech company Neutrolis Inc. for a treatment utilizing DNase to target neutrophil extracellular Traps which contribute to DED. “Our work demonstrates that NETs have an underlying role in DED and I am delighted to be working in an advisory capacity with Neutrolis,” said Dr. Jain. “There is a need for new therapies that have the potential to redefine the standard of care for patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease.”

A research team led by Dr. Arnon Lavie, professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics, has redesigned a treatment for the most common pediatric leukemia to eliminate severe side effects such as blood clots and liver damage. Using protein engineering, the team designed a new form of the enzyme asparaginase, an enzyme that is approved clinically for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The researchers reported that the new compound successfully destroyed leukemia cells in mice without the side effects seen with asparaginase. The new treatment also shrank tumors in laboratory models of melanoma and liver cancer.

Dr. Mathew Mathew Thoppil, the Cedric W. Blazer Endowed Professor of Biomedical Sciences and co-director of the Regenerative Medicine and Disability Laboratory in Rockford, is developing biosensor technology to detect pancreatic cancer in its earlier, more treatable stages. The project, “Electrochemical, Nanoengineered and Intelligent Biosensor for the Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer (PancreaAlert),” will be the first to leverage a machine learning cloud-based model to predict pancreatic cancer risk based on detecting particular biomarkers in blood.

The project aims to improve community living and participation outcomes for people with disabilities and their caregiving family members.

The Institute on Disability and Human Development at the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences is researching the support needs of caregivers in the community. Under a five-year $4.3 million grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, researchers at the institute are seeking to expand our understanding of the lived experiences of families caring for a member with a disability.

Principal investigator Dr. Sumithra Murthy says the goal is to “improve family support, policies and practices, as well as improve community living and participation outcomes for people with disabilities and their families.” The project will also create a national resource center on family support, providing families and caregivers with training, technical assistance and information, and disseminating findings to health care professionals and policymakers.  

Standing behind the children: Dr. Majd Alsaleh, Dr. Sahar Alrayyes and Dean Susan Rowan of the College of Dentistry.

On February 5, 2025, the UIC College of Dentistry hosted its annual Give Kids a Smile Day as part of a national initiative aimed at ensuring access to quality oral health care for all children. The event welcomed more than 100 children from St. Malachy School, Children of Peace School and Head Start families from El Valor for a day of free oral health screenings, oral health care education and face painting.

The children were entertained by the costumed characters Happy Molar and the Tooth Fairy, and each child received an oral hygiene kit to reinforce the importance of daily care and routine dental visits. “The children have a wonderful experience, which leaves a positive impact year after year,” said Susan Rowan, dean of the College of Dentistry. “Teaching children about their oral health in a fun and interactive way is the greatest act of optimism for the future.” 

See Photos from Give Kids a Smile Day

The surgical simulation devices in use for training residents in ophthalmology.

The UIC Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in the College of Medicine is partnering with the nonprofit organization HelpMeSee to train ophthalmology residents with cutting-edge simulation technology. The virtual reality technology offers a realistic and risk-free environment for developing critical skills needed to help people with severe visual impairment and blindness due to cataracts.  

"The HelpMeSee Simulation-based Training Program represents an incredible advancement in surgical education,” said Dr. Peter MacIntosh, UIC’s ophthalmology residency program director. “Haptic feedback combined with instructor-led guidance ensures that our residents develop the hand-foot-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities required to tackle even the most challenging cataract cases." 

Dr. Sam Wainwright, UI Health pediatrician and internist, with a young patient and her mother.

Since 2020, physicians in the Two-Generation Clinic have been leveraging postpartum visits as an opportunity to deliver care for both infants and their mothers, assessing their needs for common postpartum conditions such as cardiovascular and mental health issues, or help managing chronic medical concerns. Physicians in the clinic have published a new study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine demonstrating that 97% of mothers seen in the Two-Generation Clinic received primary care at least once within a year postpartum, compared with only 19% of patients receiving standard obstetric care. 

“Many of the challenges facing new moms are primary care issues; they aren’t gynecological issues,” said Dr. Sam Wainwright, first author of the study and assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics in the University of Illinois College of Medicine. “We’re not replacing obstetrics, but we think that primary care can provide a better longitudinal home to treat mothers’ chronic conditions over time, after the pregnancy is over.” The study authors noted that additional research is required to assess the long-term health impact of the Two-Generation Clinic, but this initial study strongly indicates that a comprehensive, family-based model reduces barriers to the care that mothers need.

College of Medicine graduates celebrating their residency matches.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine celebrated Match Day on Friday, March 21. It is an annual tradition and part of the National Resident Matching Program. A total of 274 UIC medical students from all three campuses – 173 from Chicago, 51 from Rockford and 50 from Peoria – were matched with residencies at healthcare institutions across the United States.

At the Match Day event in Chicago, Dr. Robert Barish, UIC vice chancellor for health affairs, said, "It is evident to me that this class of dedicated and talented individuals will continue into successful careers as clinicians, researchers and innovators. This moment marks yet another beginning in your journey."

Dr. Mark Rosenblatt, executive dean of the College of Medicine said, “Across the country, the students from our medical school are prized because you have grit, you have determination, you have remarkable humanity, and excellence in all that you’ve done.” 

Match Day Coverage with Quotes from Graduates

Sarah Kramer graduated from the Rural Pharmacy Education Program, which prepares pharmacists to serve rural populations.

Under a $864,000 grant from the McKesson Foundation, the UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy Rockford will undertake a number of initiatives aimed at getting more pharmacists into rural areas. Over the next three years, the grant will allow educators on the UIC Health Sciences Campus-Rockford to expand the High School Pharmacy Camp to rural students interested in pharmacy careers. In addition, it will fund travel and housing stipends to give more student pharmacists experiential learning opportunities in rural communities, as well as support and engagement with pharmacists currently working in rural settings. 

Dr. Heidi Olson, who directs the college's Rural Pharmacy Education (RPHARM) Program, notes that the last 20 years has seen the closure of many small independent pharmacies that served rural communities. “Pharmacists are a great resource for their surrounding communities, and pharmacists in rural areas often end up bridging health care gaps created by barriers like limited income, shortages of health care professionals and hospital closures.” she said. “So it’s important that students understand how they can help patients overcome these barriers.”

UIC Associate Vice Chancellor for Population Health Sciences Dr. Jerry Krishnan was a guest on WBEZ's Reset program for a discussion of how Long COVID continues to affect millions of people across the country.

Listen to the Interview about Long COVID

Researcher Dr. José Villegas of the Retzky College of Pharmacy.

The University of Illinois Chicago was again designated as a Research 1 University, an exclusive status that recognizes schools with exemplary research activity and doctoral education. UIC has received Research 1 status since 1987 and is one of only four Research 1 universities in the state of Illinois.

The UIC Portal to Biomedical Research Careers PREP (PBRC-PREP) prepares undergraduates to enter biomedical research careers by organizing intensive research experiences. The program, which saw 84% of participants accepted into PhD or dual-degree programs last cycle, received renewed NIH funding.

Since 2022, a team of researchers, librarians and graduate student assistants have supported over 100 research teams across campus in data management planning, advancing scholarship while assuring protection of participants and communities.

UIC faculty, staff and students are invited to record a video (up to 30 sec.) explaining why research matters and how it makes an impact. Your video may be used in a UIC social media campaign throughout spring semester using the hashtag #UICResearchMatters. You are invited to use that hashtag when posting your own research-related content on social media.

Upload Your Research Matters Video

System President Tim Killeen and UIC Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda were selected to participate in the roundtable discussion Higher education alliances are key to Illinois’ economic engine, co-hosted by Crain’s Content Studio.

Dr. Sagar Harwani has been appointed Chief Quality Officer for the University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics.

Eighty UI Health physicians and surgeons across 39 specialties were recognized as Top Doctors for 2025 by consumer healthcare guide Castle Connolly.  

Five health sciences faculty members were honored with 2024-25 Research and Scholarship Annual Awards:

Seven faculty in the health sciences received Office of Innovation Proof of Concept Awards:

Six faculty in the College of Dentistry's Department of Orthodontics have received American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF) awards for 2025: Dr. Mohammed H. Elnagar, Dr. Phimon Atsawasuwan, Dr. Min Kyeong Lee, Dr. Bushra Kanwal and Dr. Jenna Burton Berry.

Dr. Christina R. Welter, clinical associate professor of the health policy and administration the School of Public Health, has joined the editorial board for the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice.  

Dr. Fernando D. Testai, professor of neurology and rehabilitation in the College of Medicine, led the writing committee for a 2024 American Heart Association scientific statement on the link between common cardiovascular diseases and cognitive impairment.

Two faculty in the College of Medicine Peoria were honored among 40 Leaders Under 40: Dr. Nicole Rau, associate residency program director and assistant professor of clinical pediatrics, and Dr. Claudia Plumer, pediatric nurse practitioner at the college’s Pediatric Resource Center.

Dr. Susan Magasi, professor and head of disability and human development at the College of Applied Health Sciences, was inducted in American Occupational Therapy Foundation Academy of Research.

Dr. Alesia Hawkins Jones, assistant dean for diversity and inclusion at the College of Medicine Rockford, received the 2025 Racial Justice Award from the YWCA Northwestern Illinois at their annual Leader Luncheon. 

Dr. Nourah Abdul Kader, third-year orthodontic resident at the College of Dentistry, was awarded the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Ortho Innovator Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of orthodontics.  

Dr. Joseph Strickland, associate director of the Jane Addams Center for Social Policy and Research, was honored with the GSA 2025 Chicago Trailblazer Award.

In the final episode of their impactful Forefront video series, the College of Dentistry highlights the research of Dr. Ana Bedran-Russo into functional biomaterials from plants. Prior videos have featured topics such as AI and big data in orthodontics, wound healing and more.

View the Forefront Videos

April 7 – UIC Global Health Colloquium: The Power of Faces: A Look at the Global Refugee Crisis

April 7-13 –  National Public Health Week (School of Public Health)

April 8 – Gene-Agnostic Gene Therapy to Prolong Vision (University of Illinois College of Medicine Deans Distinguished Lecture Series)

April 10 – Health justice and critical science in a time of oligarchy & opportunistic science denialism: an ecosocial analysis (School of Public Health National Public Health Week Distinguished Lecture) 

April 11 – 16th Annual UIC Minority Health Conference (School of Public Health)

April 11 – Exercising Choice: Advancing reproductive justice and abortion in healthcare (College of Nursing event on Urbana campus)

April 21-25 – UIC Research Week 2025

April 14 – Healthy Mothers Healthy Families (College of Applied Health Sciences Scholarship of Practice Lecture Series)

April 16 – 7th Annual UIC Women’s Health Research Day (College of Medicine)

April 24 – AAC and Autism: Neurodiverse Affirming Practice (College of Applied Health Sciences)

April 28 – EQuaTR Conference 2025 (Center for Clinical and Translation Science)

May 7 – Hunger & Health: Illinois Regional Summit (Office of Community Engagement and Neighborhood Health Partnerships)

May 21 – AI Rural Health Workshop (College of Medicine Peoria Center 4 Health Research)

June 16-19 – Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress (University of Illinois System)

UIC School of Public Health Professor Mark Dworkin was recently in a CBS news segment to speak about the public health concerns of measles as people begin to travel and congregate.

Watch the CBS News Segment about Measles

In fiscal year 2024, the seven health sciences colleges at UIC received $339.5M of research funding, representing 70% of total UIC funding. Additionally, in its national ranking of schools by NIH funding, Forbes ranked the College of Nursing as #7 among schools of nursing, and the College of Pharmacy as #9 among schools of pharmacy.

Forty-six resident trainees annually receive outpatient education and training through residency programs at Mile Square Health Center locations in Chicago and Rockford.

With seven pharmacy practice locations throughout the University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics, the Retzky College of Pharmacy fulfilled a total of 428,562 prescriptions/transactions in fiscal year 2024.

UIC Office of The Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs
University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System

914 South Wood Street, MCA (MC 973)
Phone: (312) 355-5473 | Email: VCHA@uic.edu

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