Emory Family & Preventive Medicine Department News
2023: Volume 6, issue 4
55 Words from the Chair
The good news keeps coming! Our Emory PA program climbed a notch in the national US News and World Report rankings to #4. Our faculty continue to knock it out of the park in their research, education, and service endeavors. Keep scrolling for all the news of awesomeness plus upcoming opportunities for faculty and staff.
2023 Doctors' Day Recognition
More than 200 Emory faculty members were nominated by their peers and colleagues for their dedication to improving the health and well-being of our patients and community through the care they provide, the research they conduct, and their efforts to teach and inspire learners. The following faculty from the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine were recognized this year - congratulations to all! Click here for the full list of SOM faculty who were recognized.
Dr. Susana Alfonso is an exceptional clinician. She is very caring and knowledgeable. These traits have made her one of the most sought-after physicians in the family medicine clinic. She is routinely booked for months in advance and has very low 'no-show' rates. Her patients make comments that she is the best doctor they have ever had, that she cares for their problems as if they were hers, and that she had made a huge difference in their lives. Dr. Alfonso is perhaps the best I have met at offering thorough and holistic care to her patients. Her patience and attention in managing challenging issues, including psychosocial issues, is one that makes her someone I would recommend to any family member. These characteristics are also central to her leadership skills, which are exceptional.
Dr. Bernadette Baker is an engaging and passionate physician. Her patients appreciate the joy she brings to their encounters and the connection that she forms with them. Dr. Baker is a true family physician, caring for patients in the hospital, in the clinic, and in the delivery room. Her patients value her well-rounded perspective.
Dr. Kimberly Curseen is one of the kindest, most compassionate and inclusive providers and educators I have come across in my career. She is insightful, perceptive, and is one of the best communicators. She is an amazing human.
Dr. Nupur Dalal is a palliative medicine physician at EUHM who demonstrates caring and deep compassion in his work with patients with serious illnesses and their families. He is able to provide the emotional support needed by patients and families and also the guidance that they often are seeking in a difficult situation, ensuring that any recommendations are based on the patient's goals and values. He also is a tremendous resource for the many learners who rotate on the Palliative Care Service at EUHM. Dr. Dalal has been with Palliative Care at EUHM for just over 2 years, and in that time has become known for his ability to help patients and families in very challenging and emotional situations. Dr. Dalal carries this load without changing his kind, open, and approachable demeanor, and is willing to lend a hand whenever asked. He has helped so many of the patients and families (and care teams!) at EUHM cope with difficult decisions associated with severe illnesses. Thank you, Dr. Dalal!
Dr. Susan Kunihiro was a key member of the planning committee for the joint Emory and UAB regional palliative care conference. This conference was well attended and important to the field of palliative medicine. It is one of the few palliative conferences that serve the southeast. She is an excellent clinician and has been honored by patient experience. She assists with quality improvement within the clinic. Dr. Kunihiro led us with patience and expertise through the Epic transition.
Dr. Oguchi Nwosu and I became colleagues in 2005. He has become one of the pillars of our Section and stands out for his commitment to excellence in patient care and citizenship both within the Department, the community and internationally. He provides expert clinical care and it is notable that he continues to provide full-scope family medicine including obstetrical care, inpatient care and procedures. His patients are fiercely loyal refusing to see anyone else.
Dr. Lynn O'Neill is exceptionally empathic and an outstanding communicator. She always goes above and beyond to provide the absolute best care to her patients. She is a true team player!
Dr. Michelle Park is an extraordinary clinician. She received written complement from a very ill patient that was forwarded to Dr. Lewin. She has been a positive force for change in the supportive care clinic. She identified and participated in several process improvement projects which has led us to have more effective workflows and improved patient care. She is highly respected and we are so lucky to have her as colleague.
Dr. Arin Swerlick has completely elevated our Eating Disorder Team and our Gender Affirming Care processes since her arrival in 2020. She is dedicated, evidence-based, and always improving the care of our patients. She oversees our weekly clinical pearls and presentations in addition to seeing a full panel of patients. She is the quintessential family physician providing a biopsychosocial approach to some of the most challenging issues facing young adults at this time.
Dr. Laura Waddle provides the bulk of our outpatient palliative care at the Atlanta VA. She is fastidious, always follows up, has amazing long-term relationships with her patients (such that they rarely want to work with anyone else!) and is a wonderful role model for rotating family medicine residents and our HPM fellows.
Dr. David Wilkerson routinely goes above and beyond to support patients and families during inpatient stays and addresses psychological and social distress during prolonged hospitalizations. His precise approach to symptom management consistently benefits patients dealing with complex illnesses.
Screens and well-being, part 2
Although we suspect it’s not great for us, we all sit in front of screens A LOT, both for work and for entertainment: television, computers, smartphones, and gaming devices to name a few. And we know that digital technology is here to stay. How can we inculcate healthy digital habits? Starting in issue #3 and continuing through issue #5 of the FPM newsletter, you'll find further reading and some tips on how to manage your screen time in a healthier way.
What about social media? We hear a lot about the negative effects of social media on mental health, especially for adolescents. This research is more complex than often portrayed. Although there are some cross-sectional studies that find an alarming link between social media use and depressive symptoms (for example, here), this association is not always evident, especially in longitudinal studies (for example, here).
It may not come as a surprise, but the research indicates that the potential for harm from social media likely depends on lots of factors, such as the type of social media, the reason for use (passive scrolling vs. seeking support), and one’s sociodemographic identity.
One healthy way to use social media is to celebrate family and friends. Here, Syracuse Basketball gives a shout-out to their fans on Instagram, including our own Ms. Pat Woodard taking a selfie with her nephew Maliq Brown, a freshman who wears #1 for the team. Syracuse was in town to play Georgia Tech.
Transformative Research
Research News
New Funding
Dr. Ali Zarrabi was awarded a highly competitive Kornfeld Scholar Award, which is a 2yr mentored research career development award from the National Palliative Care Research Center. Dr. Zarrabi's project is Characterizing Biopsychosocial Complexity in Outpatient Palliative Care, which will describe the prevalence and associations of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual sources of distress among people living with serious illnesses. Dr. Zarrabi is also a co-investigator on an I3 Wow! Research Award for the project, “Is psilocybin a geroprotective or anti-inflammatory agent?”
Dr. Jane Lowers has been invited to submit a full proposal for the Cambia Foundation’s Sojourns Scholar Award.
Each Sojourns Scholar receives a two-year grant to conduct an innovative and impactful project tied to a leadership development plan that positions the scholar for growth as a national leader in the field of palliative care.
Dr. Sathish Thirunavukkarasu's project, Incidence and Risk of New-Onset Diabetes in Long COVID: A Systematic Review & Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis, has been selected for the 2023 Emory Global Health Institute Field Scholar award funding cycle.
Research Opportunities
Emory Imagine, Innovate, and Impact (I³)
SOM/Atlanta VA Research Awards
Due June 5
The Dean of the Emory School of Medicine (SOM) and the Assistant Dean for VA Research at the Atlanta VA Medical Center are soliciting proposals that will enhance collaboration among existing VA and Emory scientists. These collaborative awards are intended to spark synergistic interactions among investigators, at least one from Emory SOM and Atlanta VA each. Read more.
Recent Presentations
Dr. Leslie Johnson recently presented "The Impact of COVID-19 on Women’s Mental Health during Pregnancy and into the First Postpartum Year" at the Society for Behavioral Medicine's 44th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions in Phoenix, AZ. These are findings from a pilot award funded by the Maternal and Child Health Center of Excellence at Emory.
Educational Investments for our future
Education News
FM Team Promotes Family Medicine
On April 25, Dr. Neena Ghose, Dr. Ryan Smith, and Dr. Allison Choi represented Emory Family Medicine at the Emory SOM Specialty Fair. They got to share their experiences and enthusiasm for family medicine with the M1 students!
New PM Resident Selected for HEAP
Eric Johnson, MD, who will join our Public Health / General Preventive Medicine training program in July, has been accepted into the SOM’s Health Equity, Advocacy, and Policy (HEAP) Track cohort. Eric joins the ranks of several of our trainees who have participated in this track, including four current 5 residents/fellows (Radhika Agarwal, MD, Candidate; Siri Chirumamilla, DO, MPH Candidate; Kunal Doshi, MD, MPH; and Annie Rouza, MD, MPH). Details about the HEAP Track, as well as profiles of all Emory SOM residents/fellows participating in the track, are available here.
Educational Events
6th Annual Southeast Review and Update
on Medical Care of Older Adults
July 14-15
Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Conference Center and Hotel
A course designed to provide basic and cutting-edge knowledge for optimizing the delivery of services to the expanding older adult population. The care of older adults requires a special approach and skill set for identifying and treating common problems in this demographic, and by 2030, an estimated 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65 years of age.
Service for our future
DeSandre Joins AAHPM Committee
Dr. Paul DeSandre has been invited by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Board of Directors to serve on the Communities Committee as Committee Member through the 2025 Annual Assembly.
RYSE Healthcare Advocacy Program Graduates
Dr. Kimberly Curseen, Dr. Vaishali Rathee, and Dr. Janelle Holder participated in the RYSE inaugural healthcare advocacy program. During the program, they learned valuable ways to advocate for patients through speaking, writing, social media use, and meeting with legislators. They were able to visit the Capital for Mental Health Day and completed an op-ed regarding Mental Health that they hope to have published soon. They highly recommend the RYSE Healthcare Advocacy Program and hope to see other faculty in the department participate in the future.
Thompson Discusses Pay Equity
for Women in Medicine
Dr. Tina-Ann Thompson was on a panel with Dr. Reshma Jagsi and Ms. Heather Hamby to discuss the critical issue of pay equity for women in medicine. They explored the challenges that women face in negotiating salaries and leadership positions in healthcare, and the ways in which gender bias and discrimination can affect their careers and well-being. We also highlighted the importance of transparency, accountability, and advocacy in achieving fair and equitable compensation for all healthcare professionals. If you missed this important session, you can view the recording here.
Farmworker Project Fundraiser!
The PA Program is raising funds for the Emory Farmworker Project! Please consider giving and/or sharing the fundraiser with friends, family, or anyone you think would support our efforts to provide free healthcare to farmworkers. All gifts are through Emory’s platform and will be official and tax deductible. If you have any questions you can contact etgrill@emory.edu. For an easy way to share the fundraiser, you can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook as The Emory Farmworker Project.
News from the FPM DEI Council
DEI Council Meets in-Person
The FPM DEI Council met in person in April for planning and camaraderie. Pictured below, left to right: Lynn O'Neill, Leigh Partington, Chariss Smith, Kimberly Curseen, Pat Woodard, Susan Kunihiro.
Register Now for Health Equity Day
May 16, 9 am - 2 pm
Emory Department of Medicine's Health Equity Day aims to raise awareness and encourage action around the systemic health disparities that exist across racial, ethnic, cultural, and social groups while also recognizing interventions and research centered on health equity and historically underrepresented groups in medicine. All members of the Emory DOM and SOM community are welcome to attend. J. Marshall Shepherd will be the keynote speaker for the day.
Diversity and Inclusion Week
May 15-19 | Hybrid
The school-wide event, which celebrates the broad range of identities and experiences that make up our diverse community, will include:
- Programming on anti-racism, implicit bias education on seeking to understand microaggressions, bystander-to-upstander training, and using history to guide medical learning
- Health Equity Day, a half-day conference hosted by the Department of Medicine, aims to raise awareness and encourage action around the systemic health disparities that exist across racial, ethnic, cultural, and social groups
- Cultural activities including a daily prayer/meditation and art gallery
- Community forum with updates on SOM diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and strategic priorities
- SOM Block Party with food trucks, music, live cultural performances, and a meet and greet with SOM affinity groups
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Deadline: June 1
The School of Medicine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council are seeking self-nominations and/or peer nominations of faculty members willing to share their stories. Submit a nomination by June 1. Contact somdei@emory.edu with questions.
News from the Office of Faculty Development
Citizenship Opportunities within Emory University and School of Medicine
Deadline: May 19
Faculty are encouraged to submit interest in serving on important School of Medicine Standing Committees and/or University governing bodies with open positions. Information regarding terms, eligibility and duties is available online. This is an excellent opportunity to become involved in institutional service. Submit your name for consideration by May 19.
Under-Represented in Medicine
Faculty Development Program
Deadline: May 31
The Under-Represented in Medicine (URiM) Faculty Development Program is a 5-month career development program for under-represented minority faculty. This longitudinal program will provide resources, information, and tools important for academic success and features didactic sessions from diverse speakers, experiential components, along with peer mentoring and networking. Participants will also be paired with organizational leaders as coaches during this process. Learn more and apply.
