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FEBRUARY 17, 2025
What you will learn in this month's
Research edition of the Bulletin:
- Ease of Research Town Hall: February Recording & March Details
- Research Events
- Funding opportunities & awards
- Recent DOM publications
- NEW Researcher Spotlight: Michael Hughes, MD
- Medical Director of Emory Dialysis
- Heart Month spotlight on Division of Cardiology
- Call for Applications: DOM Vice Chair of Education
- Ted Johnson, MD, honored by Atlanta Medical Association
Scroll down to read more!
RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dear Colleagues,
It’s difficult to start our Research Bulletin without addressing the recent changes being implemented at NIH. If any announcements or changes in the programs have directly impacted your work, where you have received definitive communication, we would like to hear about it. Please pass those on to us at domresearch@emory.edu.
Regarding any potential indirect impact, we will continue to communicate via the Chair’s Office as we learn more. We also recommend reviewing the Updates on federal government directives impacting Emory webpage, for continuous updates from leadership on federal directives.
Warm regards,
Vibha N. Lama, MD, MS
Vice Chair Research
February Town Hall Recap
Thank you all who attended our February Ease of Research Town Hall! We enjoyed hearing from Robin Ginn, Associate Vice President of the Office for Clinical Research (OCR). If you weren't able to join us be sure to check out the recording!
Mark your calendars for our next town hall in March!
Event Details: Friday, March 7 | noon–1 p.m. | SOM 178P and via Zoom
Guest Speaker: Todd Sherer, Associate Vice President of Research and Executive Director, Office of Technology Transfer
Light snacks and beverages will be provided for DOM faculty, staff, and trainees.
Call for Abstracts
14th Annual Southeastern Pediatric Research Conference
Friday, June 6 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Georgia Aquarium
Abstract deadline: Friday, April 4
The 14th Annual Southeastern Pediatric Research Conference is now accepting abstracts. Abstract submissions on any and all child health-related research topics are welcome and encouraged.
Georgia CTSA 11th Annual Health Services Research Day
Tuesday, May 6 | 8 a.m.–3 p.m. | Rollins School of Public Health, Claudia Nance Rollins Building, Rollins Auditorium
Abstract deadline: Monday, March 3.
Attend to learn about ongoing quality, effectiveness, and value-based research activities across the state of Georgia. Contact Melisa Meza with questions
The Integrated Cellular Imaging Core: New Slide Scanner
The ICI Core is excited to announce that the Zeiss Axioscan 7 Slide Scanner at HSRB II room S305 is available for booking. The Axioscan 7 is a fully automated microscopy system designed to digitize bulk samples, allowing users to capture high-quality images with minimal effort. Training is required for independent use. Usage will be charged at an hourly rate. Please contact Harold Vo for more information.
Highlighted Resource: NIH Scientific Review
NIH’s Center for Scientific Review’s resources provide expert support for the grant application and review process as well as tips for NIH applicants.
RESEARCH EVENTS
Aflac Research Conference with Dr. Noha Sharafeldin
Tuesday, February 25 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. | HSRB II N600; AMBH 15132; or Zoom
Lunch is provided in person; register here.
Emory Research Development Community Forum
Thursday, February 27, and Thursday, April 14 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Lunch will be provided. Contact Erica Pitre with questions.
2025 Southeast Regional Clinical & Translational Science Conference
Wednesday–Friday, March 5–March 7 |Callaway Resort and Gardens
Register here.
Emory Physician Scientist Symposium
Friday, April 4 | HSRB I and II | 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Read more.
The Public Scholarship Academy at Emory University
Emory Sponsorship Consideration Deadline: Wednesday, February 26 at 5 p.m.
Tuesday–Friday, May 13–May 16 | The Forth Hotel, Atlanta, GA
Learn more here.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES & AWARDS
Center for AIDS Research-Series Pilot Grant Program
Letter of Intent Due: Monday, March 3 | Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 1
Attend a virtual intro session on Monday, February 24 at 11 a.m. | Register here
Learn more here. Contact Jenny Anderson for more information.
RFP: Samuel and Nancy Gordon GCRC Research Program
Proposals Due Monday, March 3 at 5 p.m. Learn more.
Emory National Primate Research Center (ENPRC): Pilot Research Program
Proposal Deadline: Friday, March 7 at 5 p.m. Learn more.
2026 American Thoracic Society (ATS) Research Program Grants (LOIs & Applications) Letters of Intent (LOI) for Unrestricted Grants and Diversity Grants due: Wednesday, March 12 | Applications for Partner Grants due: Tuesday, July 1
- Unrestricted Grants award up to $40,000 for one year to early-career investigators working in basic, translational, or clinical research; projects must relate to pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.
- Diversity Grants award up to $40,000 for one year in 2026 to early-career investigators from underrepresented populations.
- Partner Grant award values vary by grant, four will be awarded in 2026. It aims to support targeted, disease-specific, and collaborative research.
- Eligibility: the PI must be a full ATS member at the time the grant is awarded. Eligibility here.
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute: Engagement Award: Capacity Building – Spring 2025 Cycle LOI Deadline: Tuesday, April 1 at 5 p.m.
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 10 at 5 p.m. Learn more.
Request for Proposals: GA CTSA Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) Grants, Proposal Deadline: Friday, April 4 at 5 p.m.
Learn more. Contact Bekeela Davila with questions.
Georgia Center for Diabetes Translation Research: Micro Grant Rapid Funding Mechanism, Rolling deadline Learn more. Contact Jeff Mills for more information.
CONGRATULATORY CORNER
Cecile Lahiri, MD, (Infectious Diseases) received funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for a project entitled “Mentoring in Sex and Gender-informed Multidisciplinary Research on Cardiometabolic Comorbidities in Persons with HIV.” Read more.
Arshed Quyyumi, MD, (Cardiology) received funding from BioCardia, Inc. for a clinical trial entitled “Randomized Controlled Pivotal Trial of Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Using the CardiAMP System in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure II (CardiAMP Heart Failure Trial II).” Read more.
Madeleine Hackney, PhD, (Geriatrics and Gerantology) received funding from The Ohio State University/NIH National Institute on Aging for a study entitled “Dance-based Avenues to Advance Nonpharmacologic treatment of Chemotherapy Effects (DAANCE): a multicenter trial.” Read more.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Sam Lim, MD (Rheumatology)
Garg S et al. “Renal Arteriosclerosis in kidney biopsies associated with higher 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in lupus nephritis.” Rheumatology (Oxford). 2024 Dec 19. pii: keae699. [Online ahead of print.] Read more.
Igho Ofotokun, MD, (Infectious Diseases)
Shahid A et al. “A simple phylogenetic approach to analyze hypermutated HIV proviruses reveals insights into their dynamics and persistence during antiretroviral therapy.” Virus Evol. 2024 Nov 11;11(1):veae094. Read more.
Byrom Au-Yeung, PhD (Rheumatology)
Nielsen HV et al. “Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 redundantly control clonal deletion and contribute to an anergy-like transcriptome in auto-reactive thymocytes to impose tolerance in mice.” Nat Commun. 2025 Jan 17;16(1):784. Read more.
RESEARCHER SPOTLIGHT
DOM Researcher Spotlight: Michael Hughes
Hear from one of DOM's new researchers, Michael Hughes, MD, Assistant Professor, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Lipids. Read an excerpt below and click the button to read his full spotlight!
Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
Managing insulin in diabetes is a significant challenge for both patients and their providers. Over the past decade, automated insulin delivery (AID) systems (insulin pumps integrated with continuous glucose monitors) have transformed insulin management, particularly in type 1 diabetes. However, these systems still have quite a few limitations and are only accessible to a narrow subset of users. My focus is on improving the personalization of AID systems and expanding their use to more individuals who require insulin.
For example, my K23 award through the NIDDK examines real-world use of these systems in the hospital setting, with the goal of optimizing their implementation and potentially developing systems tailored specifically for inpatient care. I am also particularly interested in leveraging AID technology to support insulin management during pregnancy and in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The hope is that insulin therapy can become safer, more effective, and less burdensome for all who rely on it.
DOM ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jose Navarrete, MD, named Medical Director of Emory Dialysis
Jose Navarrete, MD, has been named the Medical Director of Emory Dialysis. In this newly created role, he will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all Emory Dialysis medical directors and clinical operations. He will help ensure the highest patient care standards, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. Working in close partnership with the Emory Healthcare (EHC) Business Transformation team, Health Systems Management (HSM), and other healthcare professionals Dr. Navarrete will drive quality improvement initiatives and enhance patient-centered care.
As Medical Director, Dr. Navarrete will report directly to the Emory Nephrology Interim Division Director, Janice Lea, MD, and DOM Chair, Carlos del Rio, MD, to collaborate on dialysis initiatives to achieve the department's targeted goals and performance measures. Dr. Navarrete, an Associate Professor of Medicine, completed his internal medicine and nephrology training at Emory University and has been a faculty member since 2003. He has been involved with the planning and implementation of outpatient dialysis services at EHC since its inception in 2010, with special emphasis on home dialysis therapies. He currently serves as Nephrology Section Chief at Emory University Hospital Midtown and is a scientific advisor to the CDC National Health Safety Network agency, structuring and deploying national surveillance systems to monitor outcomes in dialysis populations.
Heart Month: Emory News Center spotlights
Division of Cardiology researchers
As we continue to spotlight our Division of Cardiology throughout February in recognition of Heart Month, we want to share an excellent article written by the Emory News Center, "New cardiovascular risk score uses stress test to predict heart disease more accurately."
This article spotlights new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA), led by senior author from the Division of Cardiology, Arshed Quyyumi, MD, and lead author Kasra Moazzami, MD.
Read an excerpt of the article below and click the button below to read the full article.
"Over the last few decades, Emory cardiovascular researchers have led groundbreaking work on how stress impacts patients’ hearts. Puja Mehta, MD, and Viola Vaccarino, MD, PhD, along with many others have shown how mental stress can be a significant risk factor for heart disease, the number one killer in the United States — especially for women. For this cohort of researchers at Emory, Moazzami says, it’s clear that addressing mental well-being is essential in preventing heart related issues, particularly in patients who are more vulnerable to its effects."
Call for Applications: DOM Vice Chair of Education
We are seeking applications for the Vice Chair of Education. The Vice Chair provides vision and leadership for the education mission of the department, including educational initiatives for students, residents, fellows, and faculty.
This role oversees the department's portfolio of nationally recognized programs in medical education. This is an exciting position for a motivated individual with leadership experience and a record of excellence in this area. The Vice Chair will report to the DOM Chair and will work in partnership with them, DOM education faculty and staff, UME and GME leadership, and administration to advance the education mission of the department.
Applications are due by Monday, March 3. Click the button to see the full job description and application details.
David Gromer, MD, receives IDCRC Pilot Award
Daniel Gromer, MD, MSc, (Infectious Diseases), was one of two researchers to receive a 2024–2025 Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Consortium (IDCRC) Pilot Award. Dr. Gromer received the award for the project titled, "The Immunogenicity-Reactogenicity Relationship Among Pandemic Influenza Vaccines"
The Pilot Grants program provides one year of funding to support research projects and career development activities that will enhance the applicant’s ability to compete successfully for an independent R- or K-series award. The projects can address a variety of topics, including vaccinology, therapeutics, laboratory studies, and statistics.
Ted Johnson, MD, honored by Atlanta Medical Association
Congratulations to Ted Johnson, MD, (General Internal Medicine) for receiving. the 2025 Trailblazer Award recipient by the Atlanta Medical Association.
The Trailblazer Award honors a physician or individual for implementing innovative changes that enhance their practice and community, showcasing exceptional leadership in medicine. This award recognizes contributions in various areas including patient care, education, research, innovation, management, and community service.
Emory SCDU: Clade I Mpox: Raising Awareness, Revisiting Progress
Check out Emory's Serious Communicable Diseases Program's recent lecture, "Clade I Mpox: Raising Awareness, Revisiting Progress."
This presentation gives an overview of the current domestic and global Mpox Clade I epidemiological state and explains why it matters.
Speakers:
- Facilitator: Alexander Isakov, MD, MPH, FACEP, FAEMS (Emory Department of Emergency Medicine)
- Didactic Presenter: Boghuma K. Titanji, MD, MSc, DTM&H, PhD (Emory Division of Infectious Diseases)
- Case Presenter: Jonathan Grein, MD (Cedars‑Sinai Infectious Diseases Program)
Join us Wednesday for the Annual Hamilton E. Holmes Memorial Lecture
21st Annual Hamilton E. Holmes Memorial Lecture: AI For Equity
February 19, 5–6:30 p.m. via Zoom
Join the Emory SOM community on Wednesday, February 19, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for the 21st Annual Hamilton E. Holmes Memorial Lecture. This lecture series is hosted each year in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Holmes, who was the first African American to graduate from Emory School of Medicine.
This year's lecture, titled "AI for Equity: Shaping the Future of Healthcare," will be delivered by Anant Madabhushi, PhD, Director of AI Health at Emory University with moderator, Jeff Livingston, Founding Partner of EdSolutions Center for Education Market Dynamics.
Recap: Julius Wenger Memorial Lecture in GI Endoscopy
Congratulations to the Division of Digestive Diseases on a successful second annual Julius Wenger Memorial Lecture in GI Endoscopy!
They were pleased to have Douglas K. Rex, MD, from Indiana University School of Medicine deliver the lecture on "Defining and Performing High Quality." Of special note, Emory Division of Cardiology trailblazer, Nanette Wenger, MD, and her granddaughter joined this fantastic event!
MEDICINE GRAND ROUNDS
Tomorrow's Medicine Grand Rounds
#MedicineGrandRound
Tuesday, February 18 | noon–1 p.m. | Zoom
Zoom Link Meeting ID: 940 3699 7411
Passcode: MGR
Topic: Hoarseness: How to treat and when to refer
Speaker: Katie Marks, PhD, CCC-SLP
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
Assistant Professor
Emory University School of Medicine
For more information about Medicine Grand Rounds, visit bitly.com/grandround.
STAFF NEWS
We're hiring: DOM Staff Openings
Check out the latest list of open staff jobs within the DOM. See a job you are interested in or know someone who would be a good fit? Click the job title below to read the full description and apply.
IN THE NEWS
Recent Department of Medicine News
Brain & Life | How Dance Promotes Brain Health (Madeleine E. Hackney quoted)
Emory News Center | The chemistry of courtship: Emory’s scientific power couples (Carlos del Rio, Bryan Wells, Divya Gupta featured)
Healio | Heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death in women: Why? (Gina Lundberg quoted)
WABE-FM | Improv artists, health experts team up to help caregivers assisting people with memory loss (Ted Johnson interviewed)
EVENTS
21st Annual Hamilton E Holmes Memorial Lecture: AI For Equity
Wednesday, February 19 | 5–6:30 p.m. | Zoom
Emory Univerisity's Race and Difference Colloquium Series: Grandmothering While Black: A Twenty-First-Century Story of Love, Coercion, and Survival
Monday, February 24 | noon–1:30 p.m. | Robert W. Woodruff Library (Jones Room)
SCDP Echo Session: H5N1: How much time do we have?
Tuesday, February 25 | 11 a.m. | Zoom
DOM CV Review Session (Registration is closed)
Wednesday, February 26 | 8–10 a.m. | Zoom
Ease of Research Town Hall with Todd Sherer
Friday, March 7 | noon | Hybrid
Faculty Education, Enrichment, and Development Conference (FEED)
Friday, March 28 | 8 a.m.–noon | Zoom
2025 Emory Physician-Scientist Symposium
Friday, April 4 | HSRB I and II
11th Annual Health Services Research Day
Tuesday, May 6 | 8 a.m.–3 p.m. | Claudia Nance Rollings (CNR) Building (Rollins Auditorium)
RYSE Health Equity Day
Tuesday, May 20 | Hybrid: Grady Hospital Trauma Auditorium and Zoom
Atlanta Network for Training in Kidney, Urology, and Hematology (KUH) Scientific Research (ATLANTIS) Symposium *New*
Tuesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 24 | Wisteria Lanes at Emory Conference Center and Hotel
GIVE TO US
The Department of Medicine includes more than 800 faculty members across our ten divisions. Your support for our work can make a difference to health care locally and globally. Click the button below to learn more about making an impact through your support for the DOM. For general department giving inquiries, please contact Ashley Michaud, Executive Director of Development, at 404-778-1250.
STAY CONNECTED
Please send photos and news from your division to deptofmed@emory.edu and visit the Department of Medicine's blog, EmoryDailyPulse.com.
The Emory University Department of Medicine is a component of the Robert W. Woodruff Health Sciences Center of Emory University, which includes the Emory Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health; Yerkes National Primate Research Center; Winship Cancer Institute; and Emory Healthcare.