The newsletter of the Department of Medicine
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Welcome to the fall edition of The DOM Insider,
This is a busy time in Medicine as our inpatient and outpatient practices are growing. We have many new faculty starting this year and we welcomed new residents and fellows. All of our fellowships have a large number of applicants from across the country and our residency has a record number of applicants. We look forward to celebrating Fellowship Match Day, December 2.
We had a tremendous response to our inaugural Department of Medicine faculty and staff awards. Nearly 400 nominations were submitted across 12 staff and 11 faculty award categories — a wonderful reflection of the talent, dedication and compassion found throughout our department. Nineteen faculty and 12 staff will be receiving awards this year. I am very grateful to everyone who took the time to recognize a colleague and share the meaningful ways they contribute to our missions and our community. I look forward to celebrating those who were nominated and the awardees as we recognize the exceptional people who make the Department of Medicine so successful.
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Our DOM Spotlight highlights the work of Rodrigo Vazquez, MD, and his colleagues in the Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, who are implementing new care models to improve outcomes for patients with COPD and advanced lung disease. Their comprehensive approach brings together earlier detection, advanced therapies, pulmonary rehabilitation, innovative procedures and lung transplantation, with a focus not only on helping patients live longer, but also on improving quality of life. This work is a wonderful example of how our faculty are bringing specialized expertise, innovation and collaboration together to provide patients with more options and hope for the future.
Finally, a reminder about the Fall 2026 Mandatory Flu Vaccination Policy. Employees working on campus or in hybrid roles at any WashU Medicine location, as well as select Danforth Campus employees, must receive the influenza vaccine by 5 p.m. on November 16, 2026. Help us keep everyone healthy by getting a flu shot and encouraging patients and friends to get their flu shot too!
Thank you for your support of the Department of Medicine,
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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| Research Impact & Highlights |
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$11.7 million from NIH supports research on inflammation in blood cancers Read article»
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New research shows promise for treating hepatitis C in pregnancy Read article»
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Makeonka Mitreva, PhD, received award for parasite research Read article»
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From Diagnosis to Transplant: Expanding the Possibilities of COPD Care at WashU Medicine |
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For many people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diagnosis comes only after the disease has already significantly affected their lives.
Everyday activities become harder. Hospitalizations may become more frequent. And patients with advanced disease may begin to believe they have exhausted their treatment options. At WashU Medicine, specialists in the Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine are working to change that trajectory through a comprehensive approach that connects patients with expertise across the spectrum of lung disease — from earlier diagnosis and medical management to pulmonary rehabilitation, advanced procedures and, when needed, lung transplantation.
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| Rodrigo Vazquez Guillamet, MD
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WashU Medicine dermatology research takes next step toward broader clinical use
Years of research on sun-damaged skin are moving beyond the academic setting through a new licensing agreement that creates a pathway for further development and potential wider clinical use. Read article»
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| Liver transplants offer new hope for late-stage colorectal cancer
When Meghan and Mark Moore got married in 2021 at their home in suburban St. Louis, the group of close friends in attendance knew Meghan had been diagnosed with colon cancer just days earlier. Read article»
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| | Awards/Fellowships/Honors/Accolades |
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Former KL2 Scholar, Jacquelyn Benson, PhD, awarded NIA Funding for alzheimer’s caregiver research Read article»
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Matsui, Sharma, and Mahjoub Receive 2026 KidneyCure Awards Read article»
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International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) named Anne Mobley Butler, PhD, MS as Fellow Read article»
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Seven Department of Medicine Physicians Receive Knowlton Incentive for Excellence Award |
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WashU Medicine in St. Louis and Barnes-Jewish Hospital recognized sevent Department of Medicine internal medicine residents and fellows with the 2026 Knowlton Incentive for Excellence Award.
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This award recognizes and fosters a new generation of compassionate, skilled physicians who show extraordinary care for the patient.
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Emily F. Cole, MD, MPH, FAAD – John Cochran VA Medical Center Chief of Dermatology Read article»
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Nicole Ducharme, DO, selected for American Board of Internal Medicine task force Read article»
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Todd A. Fehniger, MD, PhD – Samuel B. Grant Professor of Medicine Read article»
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Philana Liang PA-C, MPH, elected to HIV Medicine Association Board of Directors Read article»
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Rajan Sah, MD, PhD – Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Endowed Professor of Cardiology
Read article»
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Office of Faculty Development (OFD) |
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DOM Office of Faculty Development hosts AI in Medicine Workshop on November 17th Hosted by the Office of Faculty Development and presented by the WashU Medicine - Center for Health AI. This in-person workshop is open to Department of Medicine Faculty only and is limited to 30 participants.
We welcomed new faculty on August 26th with an institutional resource fair followed by an orientation session. Sponsored by the Office of Faculty Development, over 40 attendees learned about career development, the WashU & BJC partnership, AI Basics for WashU faculty, and Appointments and Promotions.
Our New Faculty Onboarding webpage provides information and resources for new faculty, regardless of when their appointment begins. Additionally, it ensures that all new faculty have access to important information to help them settle into their roles effectively. Faculty with specific questions or needing further assistance should contact Jennifer Mosher at mosherj@wustl.edu.
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| Dr. Milan Anadkat
Vice Chair of Faculty Development
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Graduate Medical Education (GME) |
- Fellowship programs are transitioning from interviews to rankings.
- Residency recruitment is off to a strong start.
- All GME programs completed APE and WebADS requirements.
- The Transplant Nephrology Fellowship achieved ACGME accreditation.
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Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) |
Dr. Jackie Birnbaum will begin the primary care ACR build in October. Faculty interested in working with primary care ACR students are encouraged to reach out. The IM Clerkship's transition to six weeks of inpatient training has shown positive results, and 35 SELs were completed for students applying to Internal Medicine residency.
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Education Day 2026: Celebrating Excellence, Achievement, and the Impact of Medical Education |
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| Dr. Abby Spencer
Vice Chair of Education
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Academy of Educators 2026 Education Day, held October 8, featured keynote speaker Dr. Graham McMahon, MD (center), alongside Dr. Abby Spencer (left), Director of the Academy of Educators, and Dr. Eileen Lee (right), Chair of the Education Day Committee.
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We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces from DOM come together to celebrate three of our own and recognize their outstanding achievements! It was wonderful to see our department’s strong support and shared commitment to excellence. Read more»
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| DOM Advising Core Planning Team |
- Successfully completed all SELs for mentees applying to Internal Medicine Residency Programs.
- Hosted a Phase 3 planning session for students who have interest in applying to Internal Medicine residency programs in the next application cycle, specifically for Phase 2 students planning their Phase 3 schedule in the coming weeks.
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Currently planning and preparing for the Phase 2 Kickoff in January!
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2025-2026 Academy of Educators Annual Report |
Read the Education team's AY26 Annual Report (pdf), showcasing accomplishments from the past year and goals for the future.
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Be sure to check out the full update from the Vice Chair of Education.
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Vice Chair for Wellness and Engagement |
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We encourage all members of the Department to attend this special celebration, which will honor the positive impact our colleagues have on the Department of Medicine, the School of Medicine, and the broader University community. The ceremony will be held in Great Room A of the Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC). Kindly RSVP by October 24, 2027.
The DOM Wellness Program newsletter is published monthly. View past issues»
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Explore these resources and programs: |
- Mark Your Calendar: WashU Benefits Open Enrollment for 2027 runs November 2-13, 2026. Watch your HR communications for more information.
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TIAA: Myth busting: Planning and managing healthcare expenses - November 24th at 11:00 a.m.
- Learn more about your Medicare, Health Savings Account and long-term care benefits for today and tomorrow. This event is sponsored by TIAA.
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| Dr. Rakhee Bhayani
Vice Chair for Wellness and Engagement
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Visit the Culture and Community Hub for upcoming Wash U Signature Events. Opportunities to connect with colleagues through events that offer discounted tickets.
- Purchase discounted tickets for performances at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.
- Meet your UHC Nurse Advocates – WashU nurse advocates provide confidential assistance for all WashU employees and their dependents.
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General Internal Medicine Launches New Website and Social Media Presence |
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The Division of General Internal Medicine recently launched its new website, thanks to the efforts of DOM Marketing Manager McKinzie Tolliver who led the project with help from GIM Communications Specialist William Morris. Designed to showcase the Division's outstanding clinical, research, and educational achievements, the site also serves as a valuable resource for faculty recruitment across its sections.
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Be sure to take a moment to explore the new website and connect with GIM on social media. The Division has updated their handle on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you’re not already following these platforms, now is the perfect time to.
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Dr. Maya Jerath speaks with Nine PBS about alpha-gal syndrome Read article»
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How I Became a Global Oncology Leader featuring Dr. Thomas Odeny Read article»
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(l to r - 1st row) Drs. Reuben Adatorwovor, Daniel Aldea, Abhishek Bhandari, Melida Castelblanco, and Vanessa Kung (l to r - 2nd row) Drs. Intelly Lee, Kristin Mondy, Neil Parker, William Thinnes, and Thomas Westbrook
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We extend a warm welcome to our 10 new faculty across 7 divisions. Our DOM website and social media features more information on each faculty member. We invite you to follow us there!
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October 20, 2026
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Eric P. Newman Education Center
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| October 27, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Eric P. Newman Education Center
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| October 29, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Clark-Fox Forum, Hillman Hall
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Light Institute for Global Health and Transformation
The Light Institute for Global Health and Transformation connects communities, researchers, and partners to drive lasting public health impact. Browse all issues»
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| ICTS Digest
The ICTS Digest is distributed monthly and includes the latest news, events, awards and funding opportunities across our CTSA. Browse all issues»
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Our DOM Renal Gems team, representing Barnes-Jewish Transplant & WashU Nephrology/Transplant, joined the 2026 National Kidney Foundation St. Louis Kidney Walk last Sunday. It was a great day supporting families affected by kidney disease. Congrats to team leader Heather Francis, BSN, RN, who helped raise more than $3,000 for the NKF. Read article»
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| Fall 2026 Mandatory Flu Vaccination Policy
Documentation deadline:
November. 16, 2026, at 5 p.m.
WashU employees who work at a WashU Medicine location or in a WashU Medicine hybrid position are required to be vaccinated against the flu. View details»
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International Travel Policy
WashU is concerned with the health, safety, and security of all members of our community while traveling outside of the United States of America. View details»
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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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