The holiday season is here, and with it comes all of the unique ways people celebrate with friends, family, and loved ones. Whether you're cooking a large meal, following family traditions, or opting for virtual gatherings this year, I wish you all joy and warmth.

As I reflect on this past year, I am humbled by the strength and perseverance you all have shown as the pandemic continues. Although times have been tough, you have been tougher, and it is a privilege to witness your courage and kindness in the face of difficult times. Thank you for all that you do.

I hope that you all find safe and fun ways to celebrate in the coming weeks. This is our last newsletter of 2021, and we will return in January to kick off the New Year. Looking forward to getting to know everyone better in 2022 and for the NFL play-offs!

Be well,
Ruth O'Regan, M.D.

Awards: The division of Hospital Medicine has a new endowed fund available, thanks to the generosity of hospitalist Valerie Lang, M.D., M.H.P.E., and hematologist Alexander Solky M.D. It is named the Lang and Solky Hospitalist Faculty Development Award.

Publications: Benzi Kluger, M.D., M.S., professor in the division of Palliative Care, studied how patient and caregiver factors are associated with spiritual well-being. His findings have been published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine.

Publications: Jennifer Barnas, M.D., Ph.D., of the Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology division and team published findings related to B cell activation and plasma cell differentiation in the Journal of Immunology.

In the News: Louis Papa, M.D., professor of Clinical Medicine, and Ted Louie, M.D., associate professor of Clinical Medicine in Infectious Diseases, discussed antibiotic resistance on the show Second Opinion with Joan Lunden.

Geriatrics Faculty Scholars Program The University of Rochester Aging Institute and division of Geriatrics & Aging are calling for applications for the 2022 Geriatric Faculty Scholars Program. This program is open to junior and mid-career academic faculty from the School of Nursing and School of Medicine & Dentistry with an interest in aging who wish to spearhead program development through geriatric education within their school, program, division, or department. The program will enhance the scholars' teaching and leadership skills and facilitate their career development as academic leaders with a clinical, educational, and/or research niche in geriatrics and gerontology that advances the paradigm of the Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS). An AFHS incorporates "4Ms" of care that health systems need to address for older adults: what matters, medication, mentation, and mobility.