Morgan to Serve as GI Division Director
The Department of Medicine is delighted to welcome Douglas R. Morgan, M.D., MPH, as our next Director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, effective October 1. A global expert in the epidemiology and prevention of gastric cancer, Dr. Morgan is currently Associate Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University. He will lead the Division in expanding its clinical, educational, and research programs to meet the needs of Alabama and to advance prevention and treatment of GI diseases globally.
Inaugural Heudebert Scholar Honored at Reception
L to R: Gustavo Heudebert, MD; Jason Morris, MD; GIM Division Director Carlos Estrada, MD; and DOM Chair Seth Landefeld, MDJason Morris, MD (Associate Professor, General Internal Medicine) has been named the inaugural Gustavo R. Heudebert, M.D., MACP, Endowed Faculty Scholar. He was recognized at a reception on June 14, 2018. The endowment honoring Dr. “Tavo” Heudebert’s legacy will support Dr. Morris’ goal of finding innovative teaching and learning tools to advance medical education. Congrats, Dr. Morris!
New Emphysema Therapy Improves Pulmonary Function
Surya Bhatt, MD (left) and Mark Dransfield, MD (right) maneuver valve with a bronchoscope.A new emphysema therapy has demonstrated significant positive results, according to findings from a multi-site study. Lead investigator, Mark Dransfield, MD (Professor) and Surya Bhatt, MD (Assistant Professor) in Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care are investigating the Zephyr® endobronchial valves, one-way valves inserted into the lungs of patients with emphysema to reduce the volume in a minimally invasive procedure. The study has shown that patients with this valve had a significantly lower rate of respiratory failure and reduction in COPD hospitalization.
Gaston Receives AST Lifetime Achievement Award
Robert Gaston, MD (Professor Emeritus, Nephrology) received the distinguished lifetime achievement award from the American Society of Transplantation (AST) at a special awards ceremony last weekend. This is AST's most prestigious award which honors a senior investigator who has made significant contributions to the field of transplantation.
DOM Applauds 2018 Dean's Excellence Awardees
Seven department faculty have been honored by the School of Medicine dean for demonstrated excellence in our mission areas. Hats off to these exemplars in academic medicine!
Research – Junior Faculty: Andre Ballesteros-Tato, PhD (Assistant Professor, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology)
Research – Senior Faculty: Steven Rowe, MD, MSPH (Professor, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care)
Teaching – Junior Faculty: Michael Barnett, MD (Assistant Professor, Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care)
Teaching – Senior Faculty: Vineeta Kumar, MD (Professor, Nephrology)
Service – Senior Faculty: Veena Antony, MD (Professor, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care)
Mentorship – Senior Faculty: Stu Frank, MD (Professor and Director, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism)
Diversity Enhancement – Senior Faculty: Monica Baskin, PhD (Professor, Preventive Medicine)