On Wednesday, the Heersink School of Medicine hosted its biannual Endowed Chairs and Professorships Reception. Fifteen exceptional faculty from across the school were recognized for their outstanding contributions to research, education, and clinical care. Four deserving leaders from the department received endowed chairs and professorships, which provide critical support for academic medicine and innovation. Congratulations to the following recipients:

Ananda (Andy) Basu, M.D.
S. Richardson Hill, Jr. Endowed Professorship in Endocrinology

Rita Basu, M.D.
Endowed Professorship in Diabetes Science

Robert Edwards, M.D.
Benjamin Russell Endowed Chair in Geriatrics

J. Martin Rodriguez, M.D.
C. Glenn Cobbs, M.D., Endowed Chair in Infectious Diseases

Pictured L to R: Fernado Ovalle, M.D., Andy Basu, M.D., Rita Basu, M.D., Robert Edwards, M.D., Martin Rodriguéz, M.D., and Mark Dransfield, M.D./p>

Dransfield Publishes NEJM Editorial Analyzing COPD Trials

Mark Dransfield, M.D., professor in PACCM and interim chair of the DOM, published an editorial in the NEJM analyzing recent COPD trials. He highlights strengths and limitations of each trial, emphasizes the need to focus on patients at risk for frequent exacerbations, and calls for more research to better define the target group.

Riley Reduces Cell Inflammation in Mouse Model of IgAN

Colin Riley, M.D., associate professor in Nephrology, published a study in the American Journal of Physiology: Renal Physiology showing that the drug sparsentan protected mice with glomerular injury by preventing cell overgrowth and reducing inflammatory responses.

Mulki Lands GIE Cover for TOR Expertise

Ramzi Mulki, M.D., assistant professor in GI, was featured on the cover of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for his insights on transoral outlet reduction—an endoscopic procedure that narrows the stomach-to-intestine connection to help reverse weight gain following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

DOM Celebrates Blaze Leadership Academy Graduate

Jeff Bridges, facility manager for the Department of Medicine, recently graduated from the Blaze Leadership Academy, joining 18 faculty and staff leaders in the latest cohort. The program includes team projects, case studies, expert speakers and networking opportunities. Congrats, Jeff!