College of Medicine and Life Sciences

Points of Pride 2022

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Research

 

 

 

 

 

 

Researchers Identify Biomarker to Help Diagnose Thyroid Cancer

Dr. Juan Jaume and Dr. Shahnawaz Imam, faculty in the Department of Medicine, demonstrated a new, highly accurate way to rule out thyroid cancer in otherwise inconclusive biopsies and eliminate unnecessary diagnostic surgeries. Read more.

Research: Low-dose lithium may slow kidney aging

Research by Dr. Rujun Gong, professor in the Department of Medicine, found that low-dose lithium acts as a powerful anti-aging agent in the kidneys. Read more.

Research: Study finds gut bacteria can make blood pressure medication less effective

A new study has shown gut bacteria can reduce the effectiveness of certain blood pressure drugs. The research, published in May in the journal Hypertension, offers the first clues to what has been an elusive mystery — why do some people not respond well to medication? Read more.

Researchers receive grant to study pandemic’s psychological impact in psychiatric patients 

Our researchers recently received an NIH R21 grant, the first federal research grant in the Toledo area that focuses on the psychological impact of the COVID pandemic on psychiatric patients using advanced neuroimaging technology to study brain changes before-and-during the pandemic. Led by Dr. Hong Xie, assistant professor in the Department of Neurosciences, the research team includes a co-principal investigator, Dr. Xin Wang, professor in the Department of Psychiatry, two co-investigators, Dr. Chia-Hao (James) Shih, research assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, and Dr. Jon Elhai, professor in the College of Arts and Letters' Department of Psychology, and clinical consultants from the departments of Radiology, Psychiatry and Neurosciences. 

Researcher awarded $800,000 grant from National Science Foundation

Dr. Jyl Matson, associate professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, was awarded an $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The title of her proposal is "Stress response mechanisms in Vibrio."

Researcher awarded $250,000 grant from National Science Foundation

Dr. Ritu Chakravarti, assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, obtained $250,000 in grant funding from the National Science Foundation as Co-PI to Dr. Dong Shik-Kim from the UToledo College of Engineering. The title of the two-year grant is "A hand-held device for rapid and accurate determination of cancerous tumor margins during surgical resections."

Researcher receives R21 grant from the National Cancer Institute

Dr. Dayanidhi Raman, assistant professor in the Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, was awarded an R21 grant from the National Cancer Institute in NIH. The grant award amount is $333,561 over 2 years. This grant received a 4th percentile. The title of his proposal is "Targeting eIF4A along with immunotherapy to overcome chemoresistance."

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Stories of Note

Nationally ranked by U.S. News

We were notified by U.S. News and World Report that the College of Medicine & Sciences is now a nationally ranked program. This result is in response to a diligent effort by many to improve the program. Some of these have direct impact, such as the expansion of our research, educational, and clinical faculty, which importantly includes our partners at ProMedica. This has markedly improved our faculty-to-student ratio and has broadened the experiences available to our students.  In addition, the innovations in the curriculum, which provides our students with early clinical experiences in primary care, undoubtedly help. Furthermore, the team in Admissions have broadened and deepened our outreach to excellent candidates which contributes to this success.

 

UToledo Ranked One of World’s Best Universities

The University of Toledo is ranked among the top universities in the world by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Global Universities rankings. Read more.

 

 

 

APLU Awards UToledo Public Impact Research Award for Water Task Force

Out of its 250 public research and land-grant universities, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities selected The University of Toledo as the 2022 recipient of its Public Impact Research Award in recognition of the work by the Water Task Force to improve lives and serve the community. Read more.

 

Neurosciences undergraduate major approved by Ohio Department of Education

A new Neurosciences major is a step closer for undergraduate students. The joint effort between the College of Medicine and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics was approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education in October. The UToledo Board of Trustees approved the major in April. Previously, there was only a neurosciences concentration for students. The new major will better equip candidates for UToledo’s professional programs, as well as meeting a need in the state and nationally for neuroscientists of all levels.

 

Affiliate of the Year 

Our college’s Alumni Affiliate Board of Trustees were selected as the University’s Affiliate of the Year for the second year in a row. Special recognition goes to Dr. Patricia Metting who has helped lead this effort on behalf of her fellow alumni.

 

Ohio Medical Education Day held on campus

The College of Medicine and Life Sciences Office of M.D. Program Admissions was the proud sponsor of the 2022 Ohio Medical Education Day (OMED) on Oct. 15. This was the first in-person OMED in three years and the second time the event has been hosted by The University of Toledo. Dr. Mohamad Moussa, Emergency Medicine Residency program director, delivered the keynote speech to more than 230 prospective medical and pre-health students. The students and pre-health advisors joined us from colleges and universities all over the state.

 

Faculty and staff honored with Dean’s Awards

We were honored to present the 2022 College of Medicine & Life Sciences Faculty and Staff Recognition Awards. See the full list.

 

Interactive simulation module developed with OSU

UToledo and Ohio State University have developed an interactive simulation module for healthcare disparities and diversity/ inclusion, through a Medicare grant. This can be added as part of the residency and fellowship curriculum, especially for those programs looking to increase resident and fellows’ knowledge or develop a curriculum on health care disparities and diversity.

 

New Clinical Curriculum launches

The redesign of the third-year clerkship structure and assessment paradigm was guided by the clinical curriculum reform steering committee’s charge to ensure that we are preparing our students to be facile master adaptive learners who are equipped to provide humane, compassionate care for their patients with a focus on the values necessary to care for all patients – equity, honesty, integrity, respect, ethics.

 

Neurosciences undergraduate major approved by UToledo Board of Trustees

A new Neurosciences major could be available for undergraduate students as soon as this fall. The joint effort between the College of Medicine and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics was approved by the Board of Trustees in April. Previously, there was only a neurosciences concentration for students.

 

Commencement 2022

A total of 280 degrees/certificates were awarded at our 51st Commencement Exercises on May 20 at Savage Arena: 180 doctor of medicine degrees, five doctor of philosophy degrees, 81 master’s degrees and 14 certificates.

 

Commencement speaker helped uncover the Flint water crisis, lead recovery efforts

Dr. Hanna-Attisha was selected by a committee of medical students and faculty from a national pool in recognition of her role in uncovering the Flint water crisis and leading recovery efforts. 

 

Celebrating 50 Years: The Charter Class of 1972

Drs. Donna Woodson and Lurley Archambeau, members of our
Charter Class of 1972, reflect on medical school and our school's first graduation in this special video. They also share words of wisdom for the Class of 2022. They will be in attendance for our 51st Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 20.  Including the class of 2022, we have conferred more than 5,500 doctor of medicine degrees.

 

Annual camp gives high school students hands-on look at medical profession

Nearly three dozen teenagers entering their first year of high school recently received a glimpse of what it’s like working as a physician during The University of Toledo’s annual CampMed program. This year’s camp — which returned after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic — included 35 students from 18 high schools in 11 northwest Ohio counties. Most of the students who attend CampMed are underrepresented minorities in medicine, from underserved rural or urban communities, or the first in their family planning to attend college. Read more.

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Faculty Accolades

Faculty member earns lifetime achievement award for educational work in pathology

Dr. Amira Gohara, professor and chair in the Department of Pathology, was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the College of American Pathologists. She has inspired and mentored thousands of medical students and fellow faculty members over the past half-century. The award, presented during the organization’s annual meeting in New Orleans, recognizes individuals who have made a broad and positive impact on pathology over many years of work.

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Student Accolades

 

 

Student receives funding for summer research

Second-year medical student Makoto Ibaraki is the recipient of an award from the Grants for Emerging Researchers/Clinicians Mentorship (G.E.R.M.) Program of the Infectious Diseases Society of America Foundation. Makoto's grant is being used in support of his summertime Medical Student Research Program project, titled "Impact of an Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy Clinic on Patient Outcomes." His mentors are Drs. Jennifer Hanrahan and Joel A. Kammeyer.

Student appointed to LCME as representative

Third-year medical student Juliana Lippus Colvin, was appointed to the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) as the medical student member by the American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees. Student members of the LCME participate fully in LCME activities, including serving on one survey team during the year, and have full voting privileges.

 

 

Student awarded presidential grant from American Society of Transplant Surgeons

Fourth-year medical student Rochell Issa was awarded the Presidential Student Mentorship Grant from the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. The grant is for Rochell's project: Assessing the Role for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device Implantation in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients with Atrial Fibrillation prior to Transplantation: An Evaluation of Demographic and Regional Trends in Morbidity and Mortality, and Cost Effectiveness.

Student awarded young scientist research grant

Rachel Golonka, a 5th-year Ph.D. student and trainee in Dr. Vijay-Kumar’s laboratory, was awarded the QIAGEN Young Scientist Research Grant 2022 in the Cancer Research category. Rachel received this award based on her proposed research to study the pathological role of gut microbiota in liver cancer.

Student selected for young investigator award

Emily J. Crowe, Molecular Medicine graduate student, was selected for the 2022 Young Investigator Award from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). She receives the award for her abstract presentation, "Osteocytic PPARG supports prostate cancer growth in bone."

Student places second for national poem contest

First-year medical student Kaylee Fredrickson won Second Place in the 2022 Alpha Omega Alpha Pharos Student Poetry Competition. Kaylee's poem, "Blissful Ignorance of Chronic Disability," will be published in the Autumn edition of The Pharos later this year.

Match Day 2022

We celebrated our fourth-year medical students at Match Day. From anesthesiology to urology, our students matched into more than 20 highly competitive specialties at top ranked programs across the country, including Harvard, Yale, Duke, the Cleveland Clinic, Texas Southwestern and Emory. UToledo students matched in 24 medical specialties across 30 states. Ohio programs led the way with 70 students, followed by Illinois, California and Michigan. This year, 24 of our UToledo graduates are going to our residency program and will join their new intern classes who come from medical schools across the U.S. and some from across the world. 

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Community Impact

 

 

UToledo receives grant for health clinic

Dr. Luisa Corpuz, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine, and medical student Makoto Ibaraki received a grant award from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation for the local Saints Peter and Paul Health Clinic for more than $7,000. Makoto is the director of the Saints Peter and Paul Clinics.

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Media:

Brighter Side of News:

Groundbreaking Research Develops First-ever Rheumatoid Arthritis Vaccine
Dr. Ritu Chakravarti, an assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, discusses her discovery that represents a major breakthrough in the study of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases in general.

Eat This, Not That:

Most People Who Get Colon Cancer Feel This Symptom First
Dr. Stephanie Pannell, a colorectal surgeon at UTMC and assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, discusses symptoms and risk factors for colon cancer.

Surprising Effects of Taking Vitamins Every Day, Says Physician
Dr. Azizullah Beran, an internal medicine resident, discusses his study that found taking vitamin C, vitamin D or zinc does not lessen the chance of death from COVID-19.

Glamour:

How Long Can You Live With Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Dr. Danae Hamouda, associate professor in the Department of Medicine and UTMC oncologist, explains treatments and lifestyle changes that can improve survival rates of metastatic breast cancer.

Health:

The 6 Best Thermometers of 2022, Tested and Reviewed
Dr. Srini K. Hejeebu, professor in the Department of Medicine and an internal medicine specialist at UTMC, discusses what to look for in a household thermometer.

Taking Vitamins and Supplements Won't Help Reduce Your Risk of Dying From COVID-19
Dr. Azizullah Beran, an internal medicine resident, and Dr. Ragheb Assaly, professor in the Department of Medicine and director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, discuss their study that found taking vitamin C, vitamin D or zinc does not lessen the chance of death from COVID-19.

Healthline:

Dementia Risk Linked to How Long Blood Pressure Stays In 'Target Range'
Dr. Rajesh Gupta, an interventional cardiologist and associate professor in the Department of Medicine, talks about healthy blood pressure levels.

Insider:

If You Have Diabetes, Don't Ignore Numbness and Tingling in Your Feet — It Could be a Sign of Nerve Damage
Dr. Sabeena Malik, a neurologist and assistant professor in the Department of Neurology, discusses diabetic neuropathy, one of the most common complications of diabetes.

How to Tell Whether You Have a Bruise or Hematoma and What You Can do to Treat Each
Dr. Mohamad Moussa, associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, explains the difference between a simple bruise and a more serious hematoma.

Shape:

How Float Therapy Can Benefit Your Mind and Body
Thomas Fine, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry, discusses the benefits of floatation therapy.

Philly Voice:

Gut Bacteria May Explain Why Hypertension Drugs Don't Work For Everyone With High Blood Pressure
Dr. Tao Yang, an assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, discusses his study that suggests one particular bacterium may reduce the effectiveness of a common blood pressure medication.

13abc:

Promising Early Results for Study Involving Breast Cancer Vaccine
Dr. Danae Hamouda, a UTMC oncologist and associate professor in the Department of Medicine, explains promising early-stage research of a vaccine that’s aimed at treating a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer.

UTMC Cancer Experts Advocate Annual Lung Cancer Screening for Current, Former Smokers
Dr. Mohamed Omballi, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and an interventional pulmonologist at UTMC, discusses how a cure can be possible with early diagnosis of lung cancer, the deadliest cancer in the U.S.

UToledo Welcomes New Medical Students
The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences welcomed a new class of medical students with a white coat ceremony on Friday, July 29. 

40 Years Later, Prevention and Treatment Have Made HIV a Chronic Disease
Dr. Joan Duggan, an infectious disease specialist, medical director of the UTMC Ryan White Program and professor in the Department of Medicine, discusses how HIV has become a chronic disease with treatment and prevention options.

 

 

UTMC to Offer Free, Confidential HIV Testing
Dr. Joan Duggan, an infectious disease specialist and medical director of the UTMC Ryan White Program, discusses the importance of HIV testing.

UTMC Offers Minimally Invasive Treatment for Heart Valve Disease
Dr. Rajesh Gupta, an interventional cardiologist at UTMC and associate professor in the Department of Medicine, discusses transcatheter aortic valve replacement, commonly known as TAVR.

Husband and Wife are Part of Region’s First Robotic-Assisted Kidney Transplant
Dr. Obi Ekwenna, a transplant surgeon at UTMC, talks about how robotic-assisted transplants help reduce the risk for infection, speed up healing times and often mean less pain.

HuffPost:

The Best Portable Stick Sunscreens to Reapply All Day Long
Dr. Nancy Parquet, a board-certified dermatologist at UTMC and an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, talks about sun damage.

Why Some Summer Fruits Make Your Tongue Itch, Even If You're Not Allergic
Dr. Svetlana Kriegel, an allergist at UTMC and assistant professor in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences, talks about oral allergy syndrome.

11 Surprising Causes of Butt Pain (And What to Do About Them)
Dr. Stephanie Pannell, a colorectal surgeon at UTMC and assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, discusses common causes of rectal pain and when people should seek medical care.

NBC 24:

University of Toledo Holds White Coat Ceremony
Dr. Christopher Cooper, dean and executive vice president for clinical affairs, discusses the incoming class of medical students.

Using Bacteria to Remove Microcystin From Drinking Water
Dr. Jason Huntley, professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, talks to NBC24 about his research on biologically active bacteria that break down microcystin toxins.

 

 

University of Toledo Sending Doctors and Nurses to Aid Ukraine
Cristina Alvarado, a registered nurse and director of immersive and simulation-based learning, talks about the mission to directly train physicians in Poland and Ukraine on the front lines of war.

PBS:

Algal Blooms Documentary Featuring UToledo Faculty to Air on PBS
A 60-minute cut of “The Erie Situation” will air on the PBS stations in Toledo, Cleveland, Detroit, Buffalo, Marquette and Erie at 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12. The film includes interviews with Dr. David Kennedy, Dr. Deepa Mukundan and Dr. Thomas Bridgeman.

 

WTOL 11:

 

University of Toledo Medical Team Headed to Poland to Train Ukrainian Physicians in Trauma Care
Cristina Alvarado, a registered nurse and director of immersive and simulation-based learning, talks about the mission to directly train physicians in Poland and Ukraine on the front lines of war.

Dr. Victoria Kelly, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and director of the General Psychiatry Residency program, discusses with WTOL 11 when a mental health issue becomes a disorder.

Dr. Svetlana Kriegel, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and an allergist at UTMC, discusses allergies.

Rising third-year medical student Tyler Canova talks to WTOL 11 about hands-on learning experience at Maumee’s Public Safety Training Center.

Viral TikTok:

A video posted by a family member of one of our graduating students went viral on TikTok, amassing more than 121,000 likes and 812,000 views. The 15-second video features a cardboard cutout of Dr. Adam Meisler being hooded at Commencement. Dr. Meisler was unable to attend the ceremony at the last minute. Fellow graduate and girlfriend Dr. Julia Berry created the cutout. Dr. Meisler is continuing at The University of Toledo for his residency training in Anesthesiology. Watch the video on TikTok.

Gut Bacteria:

Dr. Tao Yang had several media outlets are highlighting his research work that was accepted and presented as part of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) annual Experimental Biology.

• Philly Voice: Gut Bacteria May Explain Why Hypertension Drugs Don't Work For Everyone With High Blood Pressure
• Medical Dialogues: Gut Bacteria May Inactivate Certain BP Medicines Leading to Resistant Hypertension
• Medical Xpress: Study Finds Gut Bacteria Can Make Blood Pressure Medication Less Effective
• Eating Well: Your Gut Health Might be Making it Harder to Keep Your Blood Pressure in Check, New Science Says — Here’s What You Need to Know
• Medical News Today: High blood pressure: Gut bacteria may contribute to drug resistance
• SciTechDaily: Gut Bacteria May Be an Important Factor in Blood Pressure Medicine Resistance

UT:10 News:

Dr. Deepa Mukundan, professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Associate Dean for Student Affairs, was recently interviewed for a story on UT:10 News about the COVID outlook for the spring. 

AMA Podcast:

Dr Shaza Aouthmany, assistant dean for GME and CME, did a podcast interview recently with the American Medical Association's Chief Experience Officer for Doctor’s Day.

The DaVinci Hour:

Episode 26: How Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs is Transforming the Pharmaceutical Industry
Dr. Maxwell E. Cooper, UTCOMLS alumnus and currently a radiology resident at Emory University, recently interviewed Mark Cuban for his podcast to talk about his new low cost online pharmacy company called Cost Plus Drugs. The episode is educational about the pharmaceutical industry and some of the reasons behind the high prices of medications.

MedPage Today:

What If We Completely Overhauled the Structure of Medical Education?
Dr. Rafid Rahman, Internal Medicine resident, recently wrote an article about the structure of medical education.

News-Medical:

Low-dose Lithium Attenuates Kidney Aging in Mice

Dr. Rujun Gong, professor in the Department of Medicine, and Dr. Lance Dworkin, professor and chair of the Department of Medicine and a nephrologist, discuss how low-dose lithium acts as a powerful anti-aging agent in the kidneys.

Spirituality & Health:

Science & Spirit: Psychedelics, High Blood Pressure and Raw Chicken
Dr. Tao Yang, an assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, discusses his study that suggests one particular bacterium may reduce the effectiveness of a common blood pressure medication.

Renal and Urology News:

Prostate, Bladder Cancer Care Delays Common During Pandemic
Dr. Puneet Sindhwani, chair and Kenneth Kropp Endowed Professor in the Department of Urology, discusses his research about access to care and surgery rates during the initial period of the pandemic.

BBC World Service:

UToledo Researchers Have Developed an Experimental Vaccine for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Dr. Ritu Chakravarti, assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, explains why rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to treat and discusses her discovery of a vaccine that might one day be able to prevent the autoimmune disease. (Listen starting at the 08:24 mark.)

Knowridge Science Report:

How Your Gut Can Make Blood Pressure Meds Less Effective
Researchers at The University of Toledo have found certain bacteria in the gut may be partially responsible treatment-resistant hypertension.

Vitamins and COVID:

Dr. Azizullah Beran, an internal medicine resident, and Dr. Ragheb Assaly, professor in the Department of Medicine and director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, discuss their study that found taking vitamin C, vitamin D or zinc does not lessen the chance of death from COVID-19: 

• Buffalo News: Vitamins, Supplements Don't Guard Against Severe COVID
• Business Insider: Vitamin D Isn't an Effective COVID-19 Treatment, But Scientists Haven't Ruled Out its Relationship to Severe Disease
• Cleveland.com: Coronavirus Update For Feb. 25, 2022
• Forbes: Study: No Covid-19 Mortality Benefit From Supplements, But Here’s What They Found About Vitamin D
• Health Day: Vitamins, Supplements Don't Guard Against Severe COVID
• Jerusalem Post: Vitamins Ineffective at Reducing COVID-19 Mortality
• Madison.com: Vitamins, Supplements Don't Guard Against Severe COVID
• New Atlas: Meta-analysis Finds Vitamin Supplements Don’t Prevent Death From COVID-19
• Study Finds: Taking Vitamins Won't Help Lower Risk of Dying From COVID-19
• WFMZ-TV: Vitamins, Supplements Don't Guard Against Severe COVID

Medical Xpress:

Reprogramming a Patient's Immune Cells to Heal the Pancreas and Restore the Ability to Make Insulin
Dr. Juan Jaume, an endocrinologist, professor in the Department of Medicine and director of UToledo's Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, discusses his project that could revolutionize management of a disease affecting an estimated 1.6 million Americans.

Woman’s World:

Exploding Head Syndrome: Here’s What To Do if You Have It 
Dr. Elisabeth James is a clinical instructor and board-certified psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine with The University of Toledo Physicians group. She will talk about people who hear factitious loud sounds while falling asleep, a form of parasomnia. 

Los Angeles Loyolan:

Western Wildfires: A Growing Threat Across the Country
Dr. Stephen Markowiak, assistant professor in the Department of surgery, discusses health hazards due to climate change.

KevinMD:

Individualism vs. the common good: It is time for the pendulum to swing back
Dr. Rafid Rahman, Internal Medicine resident, recently wrote an article about the COVID crisis and our cultural mindset.

Toledo City Paper:

Healthcare Team from UToledo Heads to Poland to Train Ukrainian Physicians
Cristina Alvarado, a registered nurse and director of immersive and simulation-based learning, and Dr. Stephen Markowiak, a general surgeon at UTMC, discuss the mission to directly train physicians in Poland and Ukraine.

Flint Water Crisis Whistleblower to Speak at College of Medicine Commencement
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a nationally acclaimed pediatrician and public health advocate who exposed the Flint water crisis, delivered the commencement address at graduation on Friday, May 20.

Mature Living News:

UToledo Community Care Clinics
The interdisciplinary, student-run organization was established to deliver quality healthcare to underserved populations in the Toledo community.

The Blade:

Researchers explore a new path to combat pancreatic cancer
Shruti Ghai, a Ph.D. student in the Cell and Cancer Biology track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Blade discussing her research on pancreatic cancer. Shruti is conducting her research in the laboratory of Dr. Kuo-hui (Jason) Su. 

Hard Knocks: Experts Break Down What You Should Know About Concussions
Dr. Mohamad Moussa, associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and residency program director, discusses the symptom-based approach to treatment of concussions and the dangers of experiencing repeated concussions.

Staying in Sync: November Time Change Focuses Attention on Proper Sleep Habit
Dr. Andre Aguillon, a sleep medicine specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, discusses the upcoming time change and offers tips for getting a good night’s sleep.

Researcher studies targeted treatment for pancreatic cancer
Deepti Gurung, a Ph.D. student in the Cell and Cancer Biology Track of the Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Blade discussing her research on pancreatic cancer. Deepti is conducting her research in the laboratory of Dr. Jasmine JingYuan Liu.  

City Funding Could Improve Community Healthcare Through Local Clinic
Addison Sparks, a medical student, and Dr. Susan Batten, an associate professor in the College of Nursing, discuss their work with UToledo’s Community Care Clinic, a student-run organization that provides free medical care to those with limited or no health insurance.

From Telehealth to Online Scoring Grades, What's the Best Way to Pick a Family Physician?
Dr. Kevin Phelps, associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and a family medicine specialist at UTMC, explains what to take into consideration when choosing a new primary care physician.

Incoming Med Student Class Full of Previous UToledo Students
Dr. Randall Worth, professor and senior associate dean for Student Affairs and Admissions, talks about preparing well-trained, well-qualified physicians to care for patients.

Abdul-Rizaq Hamoud, a Ph.D. student in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Blade discussing his research on the unusual cancer rates in schizophrenia patients.

Jackson Huang, a Ph.D. student in the Cell and Cancer Biology track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Blade discussing his research on cancer cells.

Toledo-area Medical Team Readying for Trip to Ukraine
Dr. Svitlana Zhukivska, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and a family medicine specialist at UTMC who is originally from Ukraine, is traveling to western Ukraine to deliver medications, surgical equipment and medical supplies.

Gut Reaction: Millions of Americans Learn to Cope, Live With Digestive Disease
Dr. Abdallah Kobeissy, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and a gastroenterologist at UTMC, talks about colitis.

Did the Ohio EPA Overreact When it Declared the 2014 Toledo Water Crisis?
Dr. Jason Huntley, associate professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, discusses water quality and protecting public health at the 12th International Conference on Toxic Cyanobacteria, which took place at UToledo.

278 Graduate from UToledo's College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a nationally acclaimed pediatrician and public health advocate who exposed the Flint water crisis, was the featured speaker at this year’s College of Medicine and Life Sciences Commencement.

Flint Doctor Who Inspired Push for Safer Drinking Water is UToledo Graduation Speaker
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a nationally acclaimed pediatrician and public health advocate who exposed the Flint water crisis, delivered the commencement address on May 20.

UToledo Professor Hopes Research Leads to One Drug for Diabetes, Osteoporosis
Dr. Beata Lecka-Czernik, a professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery with a joint appointment in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, discusses her work aimed at developing a single therapeutic that could normalize glucose levels and improve the mass and quality of bone.

Community Leaders, Health Experts Look to Future as Pandemic May Soon Become Endemic
Dr. Jennifer Hanrahan, an infectious disease specialist and associate professor in the Department of Medicine, discusses the transition to an endemic.

50 Million Americans Suffer From Allergies. What are Their Options?
Dr. Svetlana Kriegel, an allergist at UTMC and assistant professor in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences, discusses allergies.

Girl Power! Humanizing Women in STEM
Dr. Ngalula Sandrine Mubenga, assistant professor of electrical engineering technology, and Dr. Joan Duggan, an infectious disease specialist at UTMC and professor in the Department of Medicine, discuss what inspired them to choose a career in STEM.

Three Years Later, A Match Made In Person
Fourth-year medical students discuss residencies revealed on Match Day.

'Girl Power' Takes Over Imagination Station
Dr. Joan Duggan, an infectious disease specialist and professor in the Department of Medicine, discusses what inspired her to choose a career in STEM.

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Events:

• World AIDS Day film screening and panel discussion
• ‘How We Address Access To LGBTQIA+ Healthcare’ diversity seminar
• Hallow-Dean Run/Walk in Perrysburg
• Women's Mentoring Network breakfast and speaker panel
• Department of Cell and Cancer Biology holds annual Larry Gentry Forum
• Department of Medicine holds 2nd Annual Research Symposium
• ‘Dialogue for Empowerment’ Diversity Townhall: The first in a series of "Dialogues for Empowerment"
• Distinguished Alumni Recipient presents Grand Rounds: Ada D. Stewart  presented "The Road to Leadership through Service."
• Second-year medical students hold 2022 Donor Memorial Service  to honor the 193 individuals who donated their bodies to the College of Medicine and Life Sciences in 2021.
• Virtual GME Open House: Our Offices of Graduate Medical Education (GME) and Diversity and Inclusion hosted "Virtual GME Open House: Achieving a diverse, inclusive culture and high levels of wellbeing." This event provided current medical students with an overview of GME at UToledo.
• Marvin Whitfield, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio and the Founder of the Blue Force Mobile Training Team, presented "Cultural Competence In Healthcare," which examined the impact of cultural competence training on healthcare delivery and outcomes. 
• Run/Walk with the Dean on Main Campus
• Ally Day, associate professor and Graduate Program Chair of Disability Studies at The University of Toledo, presented "Queering Healthcare: Moving Beyond One-Axis of Oppression."
• Puneet Sindhwani presented "It’s all in the Mind: Mindfulness as Language of Diversity and Inclusion."
• Jacoba Wilhelmina Anneke Heinpresented a Language of Diversity lecture: "Disparities In LGBTQ+ Health Care – One Transgender Pastoral Counselor's Experience In Healing Justice Work"
• Badrinath R. Konety, M.B.B.S., M.B.A.,from Allina Health Cancer Institute, presented the first Dean's Lecture: “From Lab to Clinic – Close Encounters of the Translational Kind”
• Rachel Dudley, a UToledo assistant professor in Women's and Gender Studies and an affiliated faculty member in the Africana Studies Program, presented a Language of Diversity lecture: "Black Feminist Thought and Grassroots Health Organizing: Case Studies in Healing Justice Work."
• Our Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted "The Veterans Shadow: Understanding the Challenges of the U.S. Soldier,"  with Randy L. Cheadle, retired soldier/ emergency management / teaching professional, and Chris Loranger, Chief Warrant Officer Two and Assistant Detachment Commander, Special Forces.

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Faculty/Staff News:

 

A recently published article, “Neurocritical Care of the Pregnant Patient,” ( Current Treat Options Neurol 2021;23(7):22.doi: 10.1007/s11940-021-00676-2. Epub 2021 Jun 21 IF 9.901) authored by Dr. Deepa Malaiyandi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology, with contributions from Nicholas Henkel, M.D./Ph.D. student and Dr. Nurose Karim, former neurology resident was selected as 1 of 10 articles required for maintenance of board certification in Neurocritical Care for 2022.  It is also the first time that the care pregnant patients with neurological emergencies were highlighted in the goals and objectives for neurocritical care maintenance of certification.

Dr. Syed Zaidi, associate professor in the Department of Neurology, testified Nov 30, 2022, for house bill HB 431 sponsored by AHA. The bill is to require Health Departments to establish a stroke registry database.

Courtney K. Combs, J.D., director of the UToledo AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) Program and the Ohio Statewide AHEC Program, was appointed to the National AHEC Organization (NAO) Board of Directors as its secretary.

Dr. Ellen Hagopian, assistant dean for Clinical Education and associate professor in the departments of Medical Education and Surgery, participated in the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Fellows Course in Charlotte, North Carolina, and directed the ultrasound training for the fellows, titled "Ultrasound and Minimally Invasive HPB Surgical Procedures and Techniques."

Drs. Jason Huntley and R. Mark Wooten, both professors in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, attended the 16th International Conference on Lyme Borreliosis and other Tick-Borne Diseases (ICLB) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Dr. Huntley gave an invited oral presentation on his lab’s research to understand how Francisella tularensis infects and replicates in different tick vectors and Dr. Wooten presented a poster on his lab’s research to develop a new vaccine against Lyme disease.

Dr. Rajesh Gupta, an interventional cardiologist and associate professor in the Department of Medicine, and Dr. Xiaoming Fan, a postdoctoral fellow, have identified a previously unrecognized factor that contributes to acute kidney injuries. A new study shows that the accumulation of a protein called hemopexin in the kidney is partly to blame — a finding that could have implications in a range of kidney injuries.

Dr. Matam Vijay-Kumar, a professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, and Dr. Beng San Yeoh, a postdoctoral fellow, recently published a study that found diets rich in highly refined fiber may increase the risk of liver cancer, particularly in individuals who have a vascular deformity. The discovery, detailed in a paper published in the journal Gastroenterology, builds on UToledo’s growing area of research expertise that our gut plays an underappreciated role in the origin of disease.

Dr. Charles Thodeti, professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, attended the Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2022 and gave an oral presentation, entitled "Endothelial TRPV4 Mechanotransduction in Cardiac Hypertrophy," in the Asian Cardiovascular Symposium/South Asian Heart Research session in Chicago.

Dr. Fahham Asghar, Research Assistant in Department of Neurology, presented a poster entitled “Cognition In Persons With Epilepsy: Differences Based On Disease Type And Therapy” and was recognized as a Poster of Distinction at the recent ANA annual meeting in Chicago.

Dr. Subramanian’s published article “Oral ENT-01 Targets Enteric Neurons to Treat Constipation in Parkinson Disease, Annals of Internal Medicine. Ann Intern Med 2022 Nov 8. doi: 10.7326/M22-1438. IF 51.98

Dr. Morgan Dynes and Dr. Jennifer DeLucia from the Department of Pediatrics participated in the TLCHD Childhood Wellness Conference on October 26. Dr. DeLucia spoke on ACEs and Drs. Dynes and DeLucia were both part of an expert panel. 

Dr. Viviana P. Ferreira, associate professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, was invited to give a lecture on the complement system and its regulation as part of a post-graduate Immunology course for the University of Chile School of Medicine, held virtually Nov. 22, 2022. Dr. Ferreira co-authored a review on the complement system, which has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Immunologyand the illustration in the review has been nominated to appear on the cover of the journal issue when it is published.

Dr. Mark Burket in the Department of Medicine has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2023!  This recognition only goes to the top 7% of all US board-certified physicians.   Congratulations Dr. Burket!

Dr. Piu Saha in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology was invited to deliver a lecture based on her research at the Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Dr. Tao Yang in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology has been accepted to participate in the Early Learning Reviewer (ECR) Program at the Center for Scientific Review (CSR), National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Lauren Koch in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology was selected as the recipient of a prize in the Catalyst Phase of the National Academy of Sciences Healthy Longevity Global Competition.

Congratulations to members of our faculty who were recently approved for tenure and promotion by The University of Toledo Board of Trustees. 

Cristina Alvarado, director of Immersive and Simulation-Based Learning, was appointed to the Administration and Management Committee of the Consortium of American College of Surgeons (ACS)-Accredited Education Institutes (ACS-AEIs) for a two-year term beginning in October.

Dr. Eileen Quinn recorded a podcast, "Reversing Course: Down Syndrome and Regression," with Dr Jon Santoro for the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation. This is part of DSRF's podcast series "The LowDOWN" and the episode will air on Sept. 14.

Dr. Ritu Chakravarti has been invited to speak at the 7th International Conference on Vaccines Research & Development to be held in Boston on November 7-9th.

Dr. Bina Joe was elected as the President of the Association of Medical School Pharmacology Chairs (AMSPC). This organization is comprised of members that are current and emeritus chairs of medical school pharmacology departments in Canada and the U.S.

Dr. Ritu Chakravarti, assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, has received an American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Career in Immunology Fellowship. This fellowship will support her post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Rathinam Ayyasamy, for a year.

Dr. Jason Huntley joined the senior leadership team of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences in the position of Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Development.

Dr. Paul Schaefer, associate professor and associate program director in the Department of Family Medicine, was selected as a recipient of one of the Dr. Stephen Turner Residency Director and Faculty Scholarships from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). This scholarship provides a full ride for lifestyle medicine certification to assist with adopting Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum.

Dr. Nagalakshmi Nadiminty, assistant professor in the departments of Urology and Cell and Cancer Biology, is the 2022 recipient of the Sudhir Gupta Young Scientist Award from the Association of Scientists of Indian Origin in America. This award is presented to those who have made significant contributions to the sciences.

Dr. Coral Matus, associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and associate dean for Foundational Sciences Curriculum, was named Student Organization Advisor of the Year through UToledo's Student Organization Leadership Awards.

Dr. Joel Kammeyer, infectious disease specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, was installed as president of the Infectious Diseases Society of Ohio at the group’s annual spring meeting.

David Walczak joined the senior leadership in the position of Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees both from The University of Toledo. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration.

Brandy Brown, database specialist in the Department of Medical Education, was selected as a 2022 recipient for the University Women’s Commission's Alice H. Skeens Outstanding Woman Award.

Hesham Youssef, an administrator in the departments of Emergency Medicine and Radiation Oncology, obtained a Certificate In Academic Emergency Medicine Administration (CAEMA) through two well-known organizations in the Emergency Medicine world.

Faculty recognized with 2022 Awards for Creative and Scholarly Activity: Dr. Mark Boswell, Dr. Ritu Chakravarti, Dr. Blair Grubb and Dr. William Gunning.

Dr. Svitlana Zhukivska, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and a family medicine specialist at UTMC, returned to her home country of Ukraine on a mission trip.

Dr. Bina Joe, Distinguished University Professor and chair in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, for being honored by The University of Toledo with an Outstanding Advisor Award.

Dr. Mouhammad Jumaa, associate professor in the Department of Neurology, started his term on the only American Board of Medical Specialties certification entity for Neuroendovascular Surgery this spring, as one of the two nationally recognized leaders in the field.

Dr. Deepa Mukundan is featured in this documentary about Lake Erie Algal Blooms.

Dr. Charles Thodeti has been invited to speak at the 31st Ion Channels Meeting organized by French Ion channels Association in France in September 2022. Dr. Thodeti was also re-elected to continue as the President of Association of Scientists of Indian Origin in America for a second term (2022-2024). ASIOA is a 40-year-old nonprofit organization and every year honors eminent scientists of Indian origin in the USA at the banquet.

Dr. Bina Joe was elected to serve a three-year term as Councilor of the Association of Chairs of Departments of Physiology. Dr. Joe was also selected as the Association of Chairs of Departments of Physiology 2022 Guyton Award Lecturer, based on her contributions to the field of Physiology.

Dr. Sailaja Paruchuri is now a Review Editor on the editorial board of Cardiovascular Therapeutics (specialty section of Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine).

Dr. Kimberly Jenkins accepted the position of Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Jenkins served as the Interim Chair of the Department over the past year. Dr. Jenkins did her undergraduate work at the University of Michigan and obtained her M.D. degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. She also completed her residency in Anesthesiology at Wayne State University.

Dr. Joan Duggan, Senior Association Dean for Faculty Affairs and Development and professor in the Department of Medicine, was announced as a member of the YWCA’s Class of 2022 Milestones Honorees.

Dr. Lori DeShetler, assistant professor and Assistant Dean for Assessment and Accreditation in the Department of Medical Education, who has been invited by the Harvard Macy Institute to serve as faculty in their Systems Approach to Assessment in Health Professions Education course in October.

Dr. Matam Vijay-Kumar, professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, is the recipient of the Mario Toppo Distinguished Scientist Award from the Association of Scientists of Indian Origin in America. This award is presented to those who have made outstanding contributions to the sciences. Dr. Vijay-Kumar was awarded for his excellent contributions to Biomedical Research.

The Department of Medicine recently held its Fourth Annual Department of Medicine Faculty Teaching/Mentoring Awards at Medicine Grand Rounds. The faculty teaching/mentoring award was established to honor outstanding teaching/mentoring faculty in the Department of Medicine, including our community-based faculty and ProMedica practitioner faculty. This year’s recipients are: Dr. Claudiu Georgescu, Associate Professor in the Infectious Diseases Division; Dr. Steven Haller, Associate Professor in the Cardiovascular Medicine Division and Co-Director, Medical Student Research Programl; Dr. Joel Kammeyer, Assistant Professor in the Infectious Diseases Division; and Dr. George Moukarbel, Associate Professor in the Cardiovascular Medicine Division.

Dr. Paul Schaefer was selected as a recipient of one of the Dr. Stephen Turner Residency Director and Faculty Scholarships. This scholarship provides a full ride for lifestyle medicine certification with the hope that our site will adopt the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum soon.

Dr. Mahasin Osman in the Department of Medicine has been awarded an NIH Graduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (G-RISE) (T32) grant. The goal of the Graduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement program is to develop a diverse pool of scientists earning a Ph.D., who have the skills to successfully transition into careers in the biomedical research workforce. The total award is $2.7M over five years.

Dr. Jennifer Hanrahan was recognized for her tremendous contributions to patient safety with ProMedica's 2022 Kevin Webb Patient Safety Award.  She is the division chief for Infectious Diseases and the medical director for ProMedica Infection Prevention & Control, and consistently champions the cause for safe and reliable care for the patients.

Dr. Bina Joe was the recipient of the Ernest H. Starling Distinguished Lectureship. As presenter of this lecture she received an honorarium, complimentary registration to attend EB 2022 and travel expense reimbursement.

Dr. Matam Vijay-Kumar was invited to speak at a workshop, “Indo-US workshop on Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Disease: Translational Research from Bench to Bedside to the Field”, organized by JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), in association with Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII), Mysore, Karnataka, India; University of California Berkeley, University of Arizona and University of Toledo.

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