11/1/24
 
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Lights, Camera, Medicine!
URMC Takes Center Stage at ID Week
 
The spotlight was on Infectious Diseases at the annual conference, showcasing the division's innovative work in a mini movie about our program in Uganda. Led by chief Paul Bohjanen, MD, PhD, the feature highlights the division's global reach and commitment to improving infectious disease care. Watch the five-minute video to see some familiar faces and learn how their work is making a difference. Read the article for a full list of presenters and their work. (Pictured: Dave Dobrzynski, MD, with Bohjanen, and Abigail Link, PhD)
 
 
 
    Top Stories  
 
 
Dive Into the DNA of Aging
 
Vera Gorbunova, PhD, from Geriatrics & Aging, identified a "longevity gene" in naked mole rats, known for their long lifespan and disease resistance. With an $18.5 million National Institute on Aging grant, she and Andrei Seluanov, PhD, will use this gene sequence to explore treatments for Alzheimer's and related dementias in humans, aiming to transform our understanding of aging and future care approaches.
 
 
 
RSV Vaccines are Effective: But More People Need to Get Them
 
Angela Branche, MD, from Infectious Diseases, authored a commentary published in The Lancet on the first respiratory virus season after the approval of the RSV vaccine. She details how it effectively prevented severe illness in people 60 and over, but only 24 percent of eligible US adults received the vaccine, compared to 50 percent for the flu shot.
 
 
 
Last Call: DOM Pilot Awards
 
Letters of intent for our Pilot Awards in Research and Education are due Monday, November 4. The program supports basic, clinical, and translational research, and innovative educational scholarship proposals. For a one-year project, three to five awards will receive $20,000 to $40,000 each. Collaborative projects are encouraged.
 
 
 
    Special Announcements  
 
 

Awards: Nicole O’Dell, PhD, from Hematology/Oncology, received the Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Innovator Award at Wilmot Cancer Institute's fifth annual Community Cancer Action Council (CCAC) Retreat. Read about the event.

Publication: Dennis Samuel, DO, and Laticia Valle, MD, from Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, are co-authors of "Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy: Challenges in Glycemic Control and Maternal–Fetal Outcomes," published in Seminars in Reproductive Medicine.

Publication: Sahaj Mujumdar, MD, Michelle D’Souza, MD, and Maisa Abdalla, MD, MPH, from Gastroenterology & Hepatology, are co-authors of "Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Reproductive Health: A Focus on Pregnancy Planning and Outcomes," published in Seminars in Reproductive Medicine.

In the News: Marilyn Augustine, MD, from Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, shared her expert insight for the article "How to Build Bone Density Naturally and Prevent Osteoporosis: 5 Doctor-Recommended Tips," published in Woman's World.

Podcast: Brenda Tesini, MD, from Infectious Diseases, was a guest on "Check Your Health Podcast with University of Rochester," broadcast on WDKX. This episode focuses on the respiratory virus season, masking recommendations, and vaccines/boosters.

Podcast: Alissa Huston, MD, from Hematology/Oncology, was a guest on another episode of the "Check Your Health Podcast." This episode focuses on breast cancer screening options and the importance of clinical trials.

 
 
 
    Research Roundup  
 
 

Struggling with IRB Approval? Here's How to Navigate the Process

Join us at the DOM Town Hall on Monday, November 11, 12 – 1 pm. Kelly Unsworth, from the Office of Human Subject Protection, will present "IRB Overview and Resources." She will cover the IRB's scope, review process, and practical tips to streamline approvals with the Research Subjects Review Board. Check your Outlook calendar for details.

 
 
 
    Department Bulletin Board  
 
 

SMD Alumni Council Accepting Award Nomination

We recently shared Ann Falsey, MD, and Frank Richeson, MD, received Alumni Council Awards. You can nominate the next DOM members! These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in their professional accomplishments, dedication to underserved populations, and commitment to the ideals of the School of Medicine & Dentistry. All SMD graduates of the MD, PhD, MS, MPH programs, as well as former Residents are eligible. Submit your nomination.

 

USB Risk Management Enters New Phase

To address rising global cybersecurity threats, URMC is launching the next phase of its USB risk management plan, restricting the use of unencrypted USB storage devices. In the coming days, Information Security and Privacy teams will assess workflows and offer approved encrypted storage solutions. Learn how you can help safeguard our data from unauthorized access.

 
 
 
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