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December 16, 2024
What you will learn in this week's Research edition of the Bulletin:
- DOM Clinical trial reveals injection effective in HIV prevention
- Dr. Khosroshahi's IgG4 research published in the NEJM
- DOM educators published in JGIM
- New publications from DOM researchers
- New funding opportunities
- Upcoming Research events
- New Researcher Spotlight
- Welcome Brandon Darrington, VP of Internal Medicine and Executive Administrator
- 2024 Annual Alumni Newsletter
- Emory News Center spotlights Dr. Jonathan Kim
- Dr. Ogunniyi joins National Forum's Board of Directors
- Call for Applications: Emory Impact Circles
Scroll down to read more!
RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Clinical trial at Emory University reveals twice-yearly injection to be 96% effective in HIV prevention
Results from a recent clinical trial led by physicians at Emory University and Grady Health System indicate that a twice-yearly injection of Lenacapavir offers a 96% reduced risk of HIV infection overall, significantly more effective than the daily oral PrEP. To learn more about this trial led by DOM researchers. In this article, Colleen Kelley, MD, lead author of the study and professor in the School of Medicine at Emory University, Valeria Cantos, MD, associate professor in the School of Medicine at Emory University, a physician at Grady Memorial Hospital and the principal investigator for the clinical trial at the Grady research site, and Carlos del Rio, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, explain the significance of this breakthrough. In fact, last week, Science Magazine called Lenecapavir the "Breakthrough of the Year."
New IgG4-related disease therapy research by Dr. Arezou Khosroshahi published in the NEJM
Congratulations to Arezou Khosroshahi, MD, who was recently published in the NEJM for her research on immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), a systemic condition that can affect multiple organs, leading to significant damage if misdiagnosed. IgG4-related disease currently has no approved therapy. Most patients are treated with systemic corticosteroids/glucocorticoids, which have significant side effects. It is a relatively new disease for which Dr. Khosroshahi was involved in the initial description and diagnostic criteria. Many patients travel from throughout the southeast for diagnosis and treatment with her for this rare but important disease. The study used a novel therapy to target the B cells of the immune system and showed that this therapy was well tolerated and effective for reducing disease flares and promoting disease remission. This new therapy paves the way for targeted treatment for this disease, which previously did not exist, and will potentially reduce their reliance on corticosteroids/glucocorticoids. The study mentioned in this article, Inebilizumab for Treatment of IgG4-Related Disease, was also the topic of her recent presentation at the IgG4-RD Symposium during the 2024 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Converge Annual Meeting.
Congratulations to DOM educators whose review of residency programs exam preparation was published in the JGIM
Congratulations to Dustin T. Smith, MD, Alexander T. Matelski, MD, Mary Ann Kirkconnell Hall, MPH, Varun K. Phadke, MD, Theresa Vettese, MD, Karen Law, MD, and Reena Hemrajani, MD, who were recently published for their narrative review of residency programs exam preparations. As described in their abstract, "Recent declines in initial ABIM-CE pass rates may prompt residency programs to examine strategies to improve learner performance." This group of DOM educators reviewed recently published literature on associations between the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), in-training examination (ITE), and board preparation to support residents for ABIM-CE and searched MEDLINE for test performance and preparation strategies for IM board certification during training. They concluded that "IM residency programs should consider adopting learning augmentation strategies targeted to at-risk residents to support CE passage." Congratulations to this group on this impactful article!
Smith, D.T., Matelski, A.T., Hall, M.A.K. et al. USMLE Performance, Subsequent Standardized Testing, and ABIM Certification Exam Preparation for Internal Medicine Residency Programs: A Narrative Review. J GEN INTERN MED (2024).
Research Compliance:
Use of Controlled Substances & Dangerous Drugs Researchers and Principal Investigators (PIs), please ensure you have applied and/or received your Georgia Board of Pharmacy (GBP) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) licenses if using dangerous drugs (DD) or controlled substances (CS) in your research protocols. PIs are required to have a DEA and GBP researcher license to order these drugs for project use and keep accurate records of the receipt, use, and disposition of the drugs. PIs are required by law to obtain licenses for each location they store controlled substances in. Get started HERE. Contact the Office of Research Compliance and Regulatory Affairs (RCRA)
at oric@emory.edu for assistance.
Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (SciENcv)
SciENcv is a new electronic system that helps researchers assemble the professional information needed for participation in federally funded research in one universal platform. Researchers can use this tool to create and maintain biosketches that are submitted with grant applications and annual reports. Investigators must use SciENcv to format NIH and NSF key personnel documents by May 2025. Learn more. Contact the Research Security Office (RCRA) with questions.
UPCOMING RESEARCH EVENTS
Thank you for attending our 2024 Ease of Research Initiative Town Halls! We will not meet in January, but we hope you will join us when we resume in February. Find more details about that session below.
February DOM Ease of Research Initiative Town Hall
When: Friday, February 7, 2025, noon–1 p.m.
Where: Hybrid: SOM 178P, Zoom
Guests: Robin Ginn, Associate Vice President in the Office for Clinical Research (OCR), and
Donald Harvey, Executive Director, Woodruff Industry-Sponsored Clinical Trials (WISC)
2025 Southeast Regional Clinical & Translational Science Conference
March 5-7, 2025 | Callaway Resort and Gardens
Meet cross-disciplinary researchers and clinicians from across the southeast region to present the best new health-related preclinical, clinical, implementation, and population-based research and build collaborative relationships. Learn more here.
Contact Lauren James for more information.
HIGHLIGHTED RESOURCE
iThenticate
This online software checks academic and professional writing for potential plagiarism. Faculty submitting publications, grant proposals, or sharing data are recommended the use of this tool to ensure the highest integrity in their scholarly work.
View the video for a tutorial on how to use the tool.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Terry Jacobson (General Medicine)
Maki et al. “Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms: Identification and Recommendations for Management.” Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2024 Nov 18;27(1):5. Read more.
Katia Faliti, Trinh Van, Matthew Woodruff, Midushi Ghimire, Eliver Ghosn, Ignacio Sanz (Rheumatology); Narayanaiah Cheedarla, Shuya Kyu, Andrew Neish, John Roback (Pathology); Sabeena Usman (Endocrinology); Martin Runnstrom, Natalie Haddad, Weirong Chen, Frances Lee (Pulmonary); Arezou Khosroshahi (Rheumatology)
Faliti et al. “Disease-associated B cells and immune endotypes shape adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in human SLE.” Nat Immunol. 2024 Nov 12. Read more.
Raymond Givens (Cardiology)
Givens RC. “Racial disparities across multiple stages of the deceased organ donation process.” Am J Transplant. 2024 Nov;24(11):2034-2044. Read more.
Paula Ramos (Rheumatology)
Ventresca et al. “The methodological and ethical concerns of genetic studies of same-sex sexual behavior.” Am J Hum Genet. 2024 Oct 3;111(10):2107-2116. Read more.
Paula Ramos (Rheumatology) and Sam Lim (Rheumatology)
Ramos P, Lim S. “Clarity for the language of race, ethnicity, and genetic ancestry in rheumatology.” Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2024 Aug;20(8):453-454. Read more.
Imran Iftikhar (Pulmonary)
Iftikhar et al. “Aerobic exercise training and obstructive sleep apnea: dose-response meta-analyses.” Sleep Breath. 2024 Dec;28(6):2355-2366. Read more.
Have you or a colleague recently published an article? Let us know below!
CONGRATULATORY CORNER
Terry Jacobson (General Medicine) received the “Highly Cited Researcher in the field of Pharmacology and Toxicology – 2024” award from the Web of Science.
Frances Lee (Pulmonary) received the “Highly Cited Researcher in the Field of Immunology – 2024” award from the Web of Science.
Kunal Bhatt (Cardiology) received funding from Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. for a study entitled “A Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of NTLA-2001 in Patients With Transthyretin Amyloidosis With Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM).” Read more.
Emily Eichenberger (Infectious Disease) received funding from NIAID for a new K23, entitled “Immune biomarkers to predict outcomes in solid organ transplant patients with bloodstream infections.” Read more.
Dr. Eliver Ghosn (Immunology) and Dr. Grace Gombolay (Pediatrics) received funding from NIAID for a study entitled “Serological and Cellular Immune Response to SARS-Cov-2 Vaccination
In Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis on Immunotherapy.” Read more.
Have you or a colleague recently received an award or grant funding? Let us know.
FUNDING AND AWARD OPPORTUNITIES
Learn about the latest funding opportunities below and check the monthly Research bulletin for new funding and awards. In the meantime, visit the School of Medicine's Funding Opportunities webpage for more information.
University Research Committee (URC) Annual Request for Proposals
Deadline for Internal Proposals: Tuesday, January 17, 2025
The URC promotes rigorous and innovative scholarship in all academic disciplines to benefit the Emory community and beyond. The URC supports early-career faculty on their path toward research independence, more advanced faculty who wish to engage novel questions that enhance their expertise, and teams of faculty who seek to transcend the boundaries of their respective disciplines and undertake transformative research. Read more.
2025 Young Faculty Award Program
Full Proposals Due: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Young Faculty Award (YFA) program aims to identify and engage rising stars in junior research positions in academia and equivalent positions at non-profit research institutions, particularly those without prior DARPA funding, to expose them to Department of Defense (DoD) needs and DARPA’s mission to create and prevent technological surprise for national security. The YFA program funds researchers early in their careers to develop innovative new research to enable transformative DoD capabilities. Read more.
Emory Center for Faculty Development and Excellence: Public Scholarship Advancement (PSA) Fund
This fund is now accepting applications for 2024–2025. Applications are due Monday, August 25, 2025, or until the fund is exhausted.
The CFDE offers the PSA fund, a grant program designed to help faculty advance public scholarship-related activities. All full-time Emory faculty, including tenure-track and tenured faculty, as well as teaching, clinical, and other faculty with long-term appointments, are eligible applicants. Please email all application materials to Allison Adams.
Emory at Grady Dean’s Office Requests for Research Infrastructure Support Deadline: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
The Emory at Grady Dean’s Office is now accepting requests for financial support to enhance Grady-based research programs. Funds may be requested in $25,000 increments up to $75,000 annually for a period of two years (total maximum commitment of $150,000*). Request for support letters and budget with justification should be emailed to Emory at Grady Dean’s Office by the deadline, January 1, 2025. Questions about the process and/or eligibility should be directed to Colleen Kelley, MD, MPH.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Georgia CTSA KL2 Clinical and Translational Research Career Development Program
Deadline: Monday, 2/3/2025
The KL2 Program aims to support and enhance career development for junior faculty (MD, PhD, MD/PhD, PharmD) to become independent, established, and ethical clinical and translational research and science investigators. Learn more.
Georgia CTSA TL1 (T32-like) Clinical and Translational Research Training Grant
Predoc due Monday 2/17/2025, Postdoc due Monday, 3/17/2025
The TL1 Program provides didactic and mentored clinical and translational research training to predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees (medical, PharmD, PhD students; residents, fellow physicians; PhD postdocs; and PharmD residents). Learn more.
RESEARCHER SPOTLIGHT
Swati Zaveri, PhD
Associate Academic Research Scientist
Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipids
Department of Medicine
In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
In 2023, I joined the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipids. My PI and Lead Mentor is Jessica A. Alvarez, PhD, RD, and my co-mentor is Thomas R. Ziegler, MD.
What is your professional background?
My clinical background is in Nutrition and Dietetics. I earned my PhD in Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Sciences from the Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK). After my PhD, I acquired my Registered Dietitian credentials in Scotland, served as a Clinical Dietitian in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, and held several post-doctoral research positions in UK institutions, including University College London. I have acquired extensive experience in managing public health projects (working with the Scottish Government), conducting nutrition research, and contributing to the scientific community in Scotland through numerous publications, presentations, and active membership with clinical research interest groups, including the Mental Health Group and the British Dietetic Association. After 20 years of my work career in the UK, I moved to the US
to gain another global experience in clinical nutrition research and embrace new opportunities.
DOM ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome to Brandon Darrington, the new Vice President of Internal Medicine and Executive Administrator
The Department of Medicine is pleased to welcome the DOM's new Vice President for Internal Medicine/ Executive Administrator for Clinical Affairs and Administration, Brandon Darrington, MPH, MHA, CLSSGB, CCM, FACHE, who begins his role today.
Brandon comes to Emory with a long history of healthcare administrative experience and is recognized nationally as a healthcare leader with a proven track record in operational excellence, strategic development, and effective team building. Brandon will provide overall operational, strategic, and financial leadership for all internal medicine specialties within Emory Healthcare (EHC), Emory Clinic, and Emory Specialty Associates (ESA) with a focus on developing departmental strategic goals and objectives to ensure that the Department of Medicine operates effectively and efficiently.
Brandon replaces Melissa Schuermann, who previously held this role since 2022 and who, this past summer, was named Senior Vice President of Physician Services on the EHC Physician Division leadership team. We are incredibly thankful for her leadership in the Department of Medicine.
Please join me in congratulating Brandon on his new role in the Department of Medicine and Emory Healthcare. We look forward to seeing how his leadership will continue to advance the department’s clinical operations and strategic vision.
DOM Annual Alumni Newsletter: 2024 Year in Review
The Department of Medicine is nearing the end of another successful year. There is much to be proud of, and we are very grateful for your efforts and ongoing dedication. The stories in the 2024 Annual Alumni Newsletter encompass the extraordinary successes of our department and all we have achieved over the last year. Included in this DOM Year in Review are numerous national and international accolades, several departmental accomplishments, clinical updates from all ten of our divisions, and highlights from our various mission areas, including our research, education, faculty development, and RYSE teams.
We encourage you to read and share the good news with your colleagues.
Emory News Center spotlights Jonathan Kim, MD
Emory News Center recently spotlighted research conducted by Jonathan Kim MD, (Cardiology) in the article, "Emory-led Lancet review highlights racial disparities in sudden cardiac arrest among athletes." Read an except of the story below.
"A recent major review of data published by the Lancet and led by Emory sports cardiologist Jonathan Kim, MD, shows that Black athletes are approximately five times more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared to White athletes, despite some evidence of a decline in rates of SCD overall. SCA and SCD have historically been a leading cause of mortality among athletes, particularly those involved in high-intensity sports.
Social determinants of health, such as economic stability, proximity to healthcare facilities, access to health information, and experiences with discrimination, can significantly contribute to disparities in health outcomes, even among young athletes. By incorporating social determinants of health factors into future research, Kim says we may be better poised to understand how to mitigate the impacts on young athletes.
Modele Ogunniyi, MD, joins National Forum's Board of Directors
Modele O. Ogunniyi, MD, MPH, (Cardiology) was recently appointed to the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Board of Directors. She brings to this role her knowledge and expertise as an educator in the Division of Cardiology and her experience as the Associate Medical Director of the Heart Failure Program at Grady.
The National Forum was co-founded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Heart Association, and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. This organization brings together the most dynamic and diverse organizations in cardiovascular health to develop and advance strategies to prevent heart disease and stroke in all populations.
DOM's Admin Team Rings in the Season
Earlier this month our administration team gathered at Wild Heaven Brewery for their annual holiday party! This event is always special each year, because our administrative team across many functions—clinical affairs, communications, finance, faculty development, human resources, and RYSE. Many of them work across different locations and remotely, so its one of the few times a year they get to gather as a group.
Our admin team was also excited to have Chair Carlos del Rio join in on the fun and the gift exchange.
From all of us at the DOM, thank you to our admin team for their part in supporting the critical work that takes place across all of our divisions!
Call for Applications: Emory Impact Circles
Emory Impact Circles raise money for their respective Impact Funds. Through a donor-guided grant-making process, funds support philanthropic priorities across the university that advance the causes important to each Emory Impact Circle.
Are you working on an Emory project that supports the causes of women, Black and/or LGBTQIA+ communities? Applications for Emory Impact Circle grants are now open through January 24, 2025. All student organizations are eligible to apply. Find out more and apply for funding online.
MEDICINE GRAND ROUNDS
Tomorrow is the final Medicine Grand Rounds for 2024
Tomorrow is the final Medicine Grand Rounds this year. We look forward to resuming in the new year on January 7 with General Internal Medicine faculty member, Mikhail Akbashev, MD, FACP, presenting, "An Audience-Guided Journey through Anticoagulation."
Tomorrow's Medicine Grand Rounds
#MedicineGrandRounds
Topic: Why Doesn’t the United States have National Health Insurance? The Role of the American Medical Association
Tuesday, December 17 | noon–1 p.m., Zoom
Zoom Link - Meeting ID: 941 8304 9108
Session ID # 18865
Speaker: Marcella Alsan, Angelopoulos Professor of Public Policy, HKS Professor Department of Health Policy and Management, HSPH Harvard University
For more information about Medicine Grand Rounds, visit bitly.com/grandround.
IN THE NEWS
Recent Department of Medicine News
- JAMA: The Urgent Case for Recommitting to Global HIV/AIDS Goals (authored by Carlos del Rio)
- Emory News Center: Emory-led Lancet review highlights racial disparities in sudden cardiac arrest among athletes (Jonathan Kim featured)
U.S. News & World Report | Experts: Implications of deadly Congo illness still unknown (Gavin Harris interviewed)
WAGA-TV 📺 | Injectable HIV preventative lenacapavir touted as breakthrough by Emory experts (Valeria Cantos interviewed)
Times Now | How having THIS much of blueberries per day can help in weight loss (Colleen Kelley quoted)
WANF-TV 📺 | Ossoff joins bipartisan push for nationwide diabetes awareness funding (Guillermo Umpierrez interviewed)
The Guardian (Nigeria) | Twice-yearly injection of Lenacapavir can reduce HIV risk
(Colleen Kelley and Valeria Cantos quoted)
STAFF NEWS
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. Be sure to follow the DOM LinkedIn page to stay up-to-date on the latest job openings!
Lead Research Specialist - School of Medicine, The Hope Clinic
- Advanced Practice Provider - Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant (NP/PA), Nocturnal - School of Medicine, Hospital Medicine
- Administrative Assistant - School of Medicine, Nephrology
- Bioinformatics Analyst - School of Medicine, Pulmonary
- Clinical Research Coordinator III - School of Medicine General Medicine
- Endocrinology & Rheumatology Fellowship Program Coordinator
EVENTS
Emory University Serious Communicable Diseases ECHO Program: Managing Lassa Fever
Thursday, December 19 | 11 a.m.–noon | Zoom
Learning to be Better Teachers Conference
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 | 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | James B. Williams Medical Education Building
Keynote (will also serve as MGR): noon–1 p.m.
Emory SCORE 5th Annual Workshop on How to Incorporate Sex and Gender as Variables in Your Research
Friday, January 17, 2025 | 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Zoom
DOM Mid-Career Workshop Series
Friday, January 31, and Friday, February 7, 2025 | 8 a.m.–1 p.m.| Woodruff Memorial Research Building, 1109
DOM Ease of Research Initiative Town Hall: Robin Ginn and Donald Harvey
Friday, February 7, 2025 | noon–1 p.m. | Zoom
DOM CV Review Session (DOM faculty only)
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 | 8–10 a.m. | Zoom
Faculty Education, Enrichment, and Development Conference (FEED)
Friday, March 28, 2025 | 8 a.m.–noon | Zoom
RYSE Health Equity Day
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | Hybrid: Grady Hospital Trauma Auditorium and Zoom
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.