01/10/25
Letter From the Chair
 
Ruth O'ReganAs we begin the new year, I am excited about the opportunities ahead as we further implement our multi-year Strategic Plan. Developed through the collective efforts of your leaders and colleagues, the plan serves as a roadmap to achieve our overall mission of improving people’s health in our region and around the world through high-quality patient care, education and research.

These strategic pillars form the foundation of our plan:

  1. Instill Collective Responsibility for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  2. Cultivate a Thriving Workforce and Culture
  3. Be Pioneers in Superior Patient Care and Public Health
  4. Amplify Excellence and Esteem in Training and Education
  5. Advance Powerful and Innovative Research and Discovery

Be well,
Ruth O'Regan, MD

 
 
 
    Top Stories  
 
 
Jennifer Anolik Named AIR Chief
 
A pioneer of autoimmune diseases research, Anolik was named chief of the Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Division. She is hitting the ground running, with introduction of a new program to expand residents’ research opportunities.
 
 
 
New Program Expands Residents’ Research Skills
 
New NIAID funding creates opportunities for residents to become ROC StARRs in research. A multidisciplinary team will offer training and mentorship to expand the ranks of physician-scientists leading the development, implementation and evaluation of therapies to treat autoimmune disorders.
 
 
 
Faculty Honored by NYS DOH for Patient Care, Advocacy
 
Daniela DiMarco, MD, MPH, and Erica Bostick, MD, were recently honored by the state Department of Health for their commitment to protecting and advancing care for sexually transmitted infections and LGBTQ+ community.
 
 
 
    Special Announcements  
 
 

Publication: Angela Branche, MD, was lead author of “A narrative review of key risk factors for severe illness following sars-cov-2, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus infection” published in Infectious Diseases and Therapy.

Publication: Truptesh Kothari, MD, published “Resmetirom in the management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH): A comprehensive review of current evidence and therapeutic potential” in Cureus.

Publication: Ahona Shirin, a health equity project manager, was lead author of “Providers’ Beliefs and Values: Understanding Their Approach to Gender-Affirming Care,” published in Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. Laura Stamm, PhD, was principal investigator.

Publication: Diane Morse, MD, was senior author of “Barriers and Facilitators to Quality Healthcare for African Americans with Incarceration Histories,” published in Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Publication: Stella M Savarimuthu was a co-author of “Operationalizing the new global definition of ARDS: A retrospective cohort study from South Africa,” published in CHEST Critical Care.

 
 
 
    Department Bulletin Board  
 
 

You Gotta See This: Pulmonary Team’s Ugly Sweater Competition

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine’ faculty and staff celebrate with an ugly sweater contest, embracing fashion crimes that can only be tolerated during the holidays. Check out the best – er, worst – attire.

UR Aging Institute Launches Newsletter

The University of Rochester Aging Institute has launched Vital Times for Aging, a newsletter to inform and connect educators, clinicians and researchers working to support this growing population. Check out the inaugural issue.

University Research Award Proposals Due January 31

Applications for University Research Awards, seed money to support new, innovative faculty research projects that have high probability of attracting external support, will be accepted through Friday, January 31.

Funding of up to $75,000 is available for projects expected to be completed in one year. Learn more here. For questions, contact libby.reitz@rochester.edu.

 
 
 
    Off the Clock  
 
 
During our long winter months, Drs. Misha and Olga Vornovitsky, from Cardiology and Anesthesiology, turn to their photos for warm memories. “We take one vacation a year without our children, choosing destinations that fulfill what our souls crave—adventure, culture, or relaxation. The majesty of Machu Picchu, reached by foot via the Inca Trail, was an irresistible magnetic force that drew us on a spiritual journey of a lifetime.” Their children share their adventurous spirit and are anxious to visit Portugal in April. (Click the image for full-size.)
 
 
 
    Social Spotlight  
 
 
 
 
URMC Department of Medicine
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