College of Medicine and Life Sciences

Points of Pride 2024

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Stories of Note

UToledo awarded $3.85 million for hypertension research

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UToledo’s Medical Research Society announces latest grant recipients

Dr. Xiaohong Li, associate professor in the Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, and Dr. Srinivas V. Saladi, assistant professor in the Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, are the latest recipients of grant funding from UToledo's Medical Research Society. 

The funding of $55,000 each will support Dr. Li's project, "Novel selective allosteric modulators of PTHrP/PTH receptor to inhibit prostate cancer metastasis," and Dr. Saladi's project, "Transcriptomic and chemical approaches to elucidate molecular signatures in melanoma metastasis."

The Medical Research Society was created in 2014 by a group of community donors to support biomedical research at Toledo. Seed funding from the society has helped provide early data to leverage major grants from federal funding agencies. Over $675,000 has been awarded to researchers.

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Faculty member receives $3.2 million grant from NIH for ageing research

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Researcher leads ‘moonshot’ Alzheimer’s project

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Water research profiled by Associated Press

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Researcher secures $3.36M NIH grant to study autoimmune diseases

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UToledo, ProMedica finalize affiliation agreement

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Dr. Ali named interim dean in July

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Scholarship event highlights donor generosity and the impact on student success

The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences recently held its Scholarship and Donor Recognition Ceremony, where students, faculty, donors, and administration came together to celebrate the impact of scholarship support on medical education.

At the event, Dr. Imran Ali emphasized the College's mission to improve regional health by educating top-tier students. He highlighted the College's ongoing efforts to reduce student debt, sharing that this year, $2.2 million in scholarships was awarded to 145 students across 208 scholarships. "We are constantly striving to generate more scholarships and support for our students," he said.

Dr. Ali also recognized the generosity of the College’s donors, expressing gratitude for their vital role in supporting students through the challenges of medical education. "Without you, tonight would not be possible," he said, noting that many students depend on donor contributions to continue or complete their training.

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UToledo-led project aims to improve readiness of military medical personnel

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UToledo cited top allopathic school for producing the most PM&R residents

The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences has been recognized as a top allopathic medical school for producing graduates pursuing careers in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). In a study published in the journal PM&R, UToledo was ranked as the top allopathic medical school program in the nation and sixth overall when including osteopathic institutions.

The analysis, led by UToledo alumnus Dr. Devon T. Shannon, examined data from 2017 to 2021. The findings highlighted the impact of early exposure to PM&R through clinical rotations, interest group activities, lectures and career advising.

“The study underscores UToledo’s commitment to fostering interest in this growing medical specialty and supporting students as they prepare for impactful careers in PM&R,” Dr. Steven J. Farrell, professor and PM&R program director, shared with us. “We are proud to have our success recognized on a national level. This is a testament to the strong efforts of our faculty, resident physicians, students and coordinator. ”

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UToledo researchers awarded more than $72.2M in Fiscal Year 2024

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Faculty Accolades

Leader earns prestigious American Heart Association award

Researcher receives new investigator award from national group

Dr. Tao Yang, assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, was awarded the New Investigator Award from the American Physiological Society’s Water and Electrolyte Homeostasis (WEH) Section.
This award recognizes an outstanding investigator in the early stages of their career. Selection is made by the WEH Awards Committee based on evidence for independence and promise (grant funding, peer review activities, publications and letters of recommendation). Dr. Yang will receive $1,000 and a certificate. He was also recognized in the summer newsletter. 

Faculty member recognized for outstanding capstone project in Harvard training program

Dr. Caitlyn Hollingshead, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, was honored with an award of distinction for her capstone project as part of the Training to Teach in Medicine program at Harvard University.
The program recognizes the 10 participants with the best capstone projects upon completion of the program. 
Dr. Hollingshead's capstone project is titled "Viral Valor," an infectious disease (ID) didactic game that focuses on augmenting the learning of ID fellows by reinforcing didactic material and providing a platform for reflection, self-directed learning, and calibration via progression through game activities.  

Leader honored with national service award

Dr. Ellen Hagopian, Assistant Dean for Clinical Education and associate professor in the Departments of Medical Education and Surgery, was honored this spring with the Nonie Lowry Distinguished Service Award from Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA).

Faculty member selected for national leadership award

Dr. Noor Pirzada, professor and vice chair in the Department of Neurology, was selected as one of the recipients of the Faculty Leadership Award by the Association of University Professors of Neurology (AUPN). This prestigious award recognizes individual faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within their department.

Faculty member appointed to NIH study section for kidney disease research

Dr. Rujun Gong, Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Medicine, was appointed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center for Scientific Review to serve as a standing member of the NIH Pathobiology of Kidney Disease (PBKD) Study Section for a four-year term, starting July 1. 

Senior leader to serve on accreditation survey team

Dr. Lori DeShetler, associate professor in the Department of Medical Education and Assistant Dean for Assessment and Accreditation, was recently approved to serve as a Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) survey team member for 2024-25. The survey team reviews a school's submitted materials, conducts on-site assessments, and compiles an exit report detailing initial findings for LCME review.

Faculty member receives CHEST grant 

Dr. Tamer Said Ahmed, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and pulmonary and sleep physician at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, was among recipients of grants by the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) for quality improvement in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The CHEST grants are aimed to deploy quality improvement (QI) demonstration projects in biomarker testing for patients with suspected non-small cell lung cancer.

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Learner Accolades

Student honored with national Public Health Award

Students awarded highly competitive summer research scholarship in Neurosurgery

Student awarded prize, presents poster at national Neuroscience conference in Chicago

Nilanjana Saferin, a Ph.D. graduate student in the Department of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, was awarded the Noldus Poster Award for her poster she recently presented at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting 2024 in Chicago. This competitive $500 award is given for excellence in research using Noldus technologies. The poster, entitled "Effect of developmental pyrethroid exposure in prairie voles as a model of neurodevelopmental disorders," showcases her research in the laboratory of Dr. James Burkett. 

Student awarded at Urologic Society for Transplantation and Renal Surgery meeting

Third-year medical student Matthew Wainstein won the 2024 Novick Award at the recent Urologic Society for Transplantation and Renal Surgery (USTRS) Annual Meeting – held during the American Urological Association Annual Meeting – in May in San Antonio, Texas. His presentation was titled “Comparative Evaluation of AI Chatbots in Disseminating Donor Nephrectomy Information,” and he received a $1,000 award. This is the highest award you can receive for the most outstanding urologic presentation by a student. The Novick Award is named after Dr. Andrew C. Novick from the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Novick was one of the founders of the USTRS and a world-renowned kidney surgeon. 

Students to attend Hypertension Summer School

Three Ph.D. students in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology received travel grants to attend the Hypertension Summer School 2024 organized by the American Journal of Hypertension. This summer school will be held at the Loyola University in Chicago July 25-29. It is a great opportunity for trainees from all over the world to meet and learn together to lead the next generation of hypertension scientists and educators. Congratulations to:

• Ishan Manandhar (Mentor: Dr. Bina Joe)
• Mrunmayee R. Kandalgaonkar (Mentor: Dr. Matam Vijay-Kumar)
• Sachin Aryal (Mentor: Dr. Bina Joe)

Students awarded with prestigious American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowships

Kesha Dalal and Ishan Manandhar, Ph.D. candidates from the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, and Saroj Khadka, doctoral student in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, were recently awarded with American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowships. This fellowship will support the research of these trainees for the next two years.

Student selected as finalist for national award

Graduate student Sachin Aryal, on behalf of the APS Cell and Molecular Physiology Section, was selected as a finalist for the 2024 Robert Gunn Student Award to be presented at the American Physiology Society Summit in April. 

Resident takes first place at regional symposium

Family Medicine resident Karlie Waldeck took first place at the ProMedica Monroe Research Symposium for her QI project presentation on “growing osteopathic manipulation clinic within a majority allopathic ACGME dual accreditation Residency.”

Student presents at national 3MT showcase

Student receives research award in Columbus

Recent graduate Dr. Mohamad Nawras received the Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Foundation (OPPF) Research Award in the Medical Student category this spring. The award was presented at the annual conference this spring in Columbus.

Student honored for presentation at symposium

Sachin Aryal, Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Sciences in the Molecular Medicine Track, was awarded Best Seminar Presentation at the recent 15th Annual Midwest Graduate Research Symposium. Seventeen students from four different universities participated in this seminar symposium. 

Student presentation wins at national meeting

M.D./Ph.D. student Caroline Swain won the prestigious best graduate student presentation award at the 2024 American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR) Annual Meeting. ASNTR is top scientific organization in the field of stem cell and gene therapy for neurological diseases.

Student awarded national neurology scholarship

Alexa Shin, a second-year medical student, is the recipient of a 2024 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Medical Student Research Scholarship. This is a competitive peer reviewed scholarship of $3,000 that is awarded each year to the top 15 medical student applicants from the U.S. and Canada to conduct neuroscience research.

Resident awarded prestigious Neurology elective

Awardee announced for MMI Earl H. Freimer Award for Outstanding M.D./Ph.D. Student

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) has announced the 2024 recipient of the Earl H. Freimer, M.D., Ph.D., Award for Outstanding M.D./Ph.D. Student in Medical Microbiology and Immunology: Justin Franco.  The Earl H. Freimer award is issued from an endowed fund established in the name of Earl H. Freimer, founding chair of the MMI Department.

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Research

Marking 10 years since the Toledo water crisis

UToledo partners with University of Michigan to lead Great Lakes research project

The University of Toledo and the University of Michigan are partnering to lead a federally funded research center dedicated to studying harmful algal blooms in and around the Great Lakes. Driven by climate change and pollution, large algal blooms have become a regular phenomenon across the Great Lakes, and specifically problematic in Lake Erie's shallow western basin. "These algal blooms are not just a cosmetic problem. It's not just green water," said Dr. David Kennedy, associate professor in the Department of Medicine. "They are a threat to the environment, a threat to the economy and a threat to human health. It is critical that we as a region step up to meet this challenge."

Dr. Kennedy will serve as co-director of the Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, which has been funded with $6.5 million from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Read more in UToledo News. 

New autism research examines interaction of genetics, environmental toxins

UToledo to evaluate effects of airborne algal toxins in 200 Northwest Ohioans

A team of clinical and academic researchers at The University of Toledo are embarking on a first-of-its kind study to identify the health effects of airborne microcystin exposure in individuals who spend significant time near Lake Erie.

The Great Lakes Aerosol Monitoring Research Study, which launched this month, will follow 200 individuals from Lucas, Ottawa and Sandusky counties over the next five years. Read more in UToledo News.

UToledo study finds diabetes increases the risk of failure in spinal fusion procedures

A new study from UToledo orthopaedic researchers has found lumbar spinal fusion procedures are far more likely to fail in individuals with diabetes. In a study of more than 500 patients who underwent lumbar spinal fusion surgery at UTMC between 2009 and 2017, researchers found individuals with diabetes were nearly three times more likely than those without diabetes to experience non-union complications. Diabetic patients also were more than two times more likely to experience additional degeneration in adjacent segments of the spine after a spinal fusion procedure — another complication that usually requires extensive revision surgery. The results of the study were published in the peer-reviewed journal JBMR Plus and were recently presented at the Lumbar Spine Research Society’s annual meeting in Chicago. Read more in UToledo News.

Researchers featured in UToledo spotlight

Researchers awarded grants from U.S. Department of Defense to study prostate cancer

Dr. Xiaohong Li, associate professor in the Department of Cell and Cancer Biology and director of the Biomedical Sciences Program Cancer Biology track, has been awarded two significant grants to advance her research in prostate cancer. These awards, granted by the U.S. Department of Defense, will support her pioneering work over the coming years.

• Dormancy Mimicking to Inhibit Prostate Cancer Metastasis and Recurrence
  One of the awarded projects, titled “Dormancy Mimicking to Inhibit Prostate Cancer Metastasis and Recurrence,” has received a budget of $1.3 million for a three-year period. The major goals of this project include determining how treatments, i.e., surgical tumor removal and enzalutamide therapy, affect prostate cancer dissemination and dormancy (latency) and how to harness dormancy, which can impede PCa progression and recurrence. The novel delayed bone marrow dissemination and dormancy mimicking will be tested in preclinical models for the first time. Dr. Li will be collaborating with Dr. Bin Chen from Michigan State University and Dr. Xuefeng Liu from The Ohio State University on this innovative project. 
• Developing PTH1R PROTAC Degraders for Lethal Prostate Cancer
  The second project, “Developing PTH1R PROTAC Degraders for Lethal Prostate Cancer,” has been awarded $154,439 for a two-year period from the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command. The primary goal of this project is to develop a novel protein degrader, PTH1R PROTAC, for a driver of prostate cancer bone metastasis and test its effects. This is the first degrader to be developed for PTH1R. Dr. Li is also collaborating with  Shang Su, research assistant professor in the department, and Dr. Tim (Qingbin) Cui, research assistant professor in the department. 

Dr. Shang Su, research assistant professor in the Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, received a two-year, $154,412 grant from U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for his project titled “Dabber: D-Type Peptide Grabber for Degradation of Undruggable Transcription Factors in Lethal Prostate Cancer.”
The project aims to provide the proof-of-concept for a universal workflow in designing peptide-based PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) molecules, especially for undruggable proteins such as transcription factors.
Dr. Su is working in collaboration with Dr. Jasmine JingYuan Liu, professor in the departments of Medicine and Cell and Cancer Biology.

Vascular research achieves national recognition

Dr. Ahmed Abdelwahab (Research Fellow) and Matt Leverich (J.D./M.D. student) were invited faculty to give oral presentations and serve as panelists for the inaugural Venous Health Inequities Session at the American Venous Forum's annual VENOUS2024 meeting held in Tampa, Florida. 

UToledo partners to enhance International Simulation Data Registry

University of Toledo and Society for Simulation in Healthcare have strategically partnered with the Society of Simulation in Healthcare to evolve the International Simulation Data Registry (ISDR) via making the PREPARE platform  (developed at the University of Toledo out of Dr. Pappada’s lab) the primary data acquisition software for ISDR. This partnership was highlighted in a high profile international simulation periodical SimZINE.

UToledo Participating in Statewide Mental Health and Resiliency Study

Scientists at UToledo will conduct advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological tests as part of a broad effort to improve mental health in Ohio. Dr. Xin Wang, professor and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Psychiatry, is the study’s lead scientist at UToledo. Read more in UToledo News.

UToledo receives $1.2 million from state’s Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative

The latest round of funding from the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative includes $1.2 million for five new projects at The University of Toledo. In total, the initiative is providing $5 million for 17 projects from seven Ohio public universities. The Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative is co-led by UToledo and Ohio State University and is funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education with matching funds from participating universities. Read more in UToledo News.

Researcher presents on clinical trial findings

Dr. Fazal Zaidi, associate professor in the Department of Neurology, recently presented early findings of the ALLY pilot study at the annual Society for Vascular Interventional Neurology conference in Florida. The ALLY pilot study found that tenecteplase, a clot-busting drug, was not associated with any major complications. Additionally, there were signs that the drug might be connected to better blood flow in smaller vessels, as shown in the angiographic images taken during the study. This was the first report in the U.S. Dr. Zaidi shared that future randomized studies will be required to assess the efficacy of tenecteplase in these patient populations.

Research cited in American College of Gastroenterology guidelines

The Division of Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Hepatology recently had research cited in the guidelines of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), a globally recognized authority in the field of gastroenterology. The cited research paper has Gastroenterology Fellow Dr. Zohaib Ahmed as the lead author. This paper was cited in ACG guidelines on alcohol-associated liver disease. 

Researcher publishes case report linking processed fiber to colon cancer

Dr. Matam Vijay-Kumar, professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, recently detailed the case of a patient who developed metastatic colon cancer after prolonged daily consumption of inulin. Read more in UToledo News.

UTCOMLS Scholarly Activity

Department of Physiology and Pharmacology hosts 50th Research Colloquium on campus

Our Department of Physiology and Pharmacology recently hosted the 50th Annual Pharmacology Research Colloquium on campus. 
This daylong event brought together faculty, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students from The University of Toledo, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. For 50 years, this meeting has served as a vital platform for sharing new research in pharmacology and fostering collaboration among these institutions.

Dr. Hemal Patel, a professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, delivered the keynote address. His talk focused on his research into how meditation may slow the progression of serious terminal and chronic illnesses, providing valuable insights to all attendees.

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Events

Match Day 2024

From anesthesiology to surgery, our students matched into nearly 20 highly competitive specialties at top ranked programs across the country, including Yale, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt and Case Western; 163 UToledo students matched in 19 medical specialties across 33 states. Ohio programs led the way with 64 students, followed by Michigan, California, Pennsylvania and Illinois. This year, 23 of our UToledo graduates are going to join our residency programs and will join their new intern classes who come from medical schools across the U.S. and some from across the world. See the 2024 Match Results.

Congratulations to our Military Match students!

• Lyndsey Matus: Operational Family Medicine at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada (Air Force)
• Alex Best: Operational Family Medicine at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada (Air Force)
• Caleb Gerber: Orthopedic Surgery at Madigan Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington (Army)
• Tyler Reid: Emergency Medicine at Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia (Army)

Welcome, M.D. Class of 2028!

Students in our 56th entering class are coming to the university from more than 20 different states, representing undergraduate universities from Brown University to Stanford University to Yale University. More than 65 percent of the new students are Ohio residents, and approximately 28 percent are from northwest Ohio. Our new class of medical students who represent 21 states and 61 colleges, including 14 Ohio colleges. See the class profile.

Our 53rd Commencement Exercises

A total of 215 degrees/certificates were awarded at our 53rd Commencement Exercises on May 17: 163 doctor of medicine degrees, eight doctor of philosophy degrees, 41 master’s degrees and three certificates. Watch our Tribute to the Class of 2024, played before the ceremony.

2024 Commencement speaker served as 174th President of the American Medical Association

Dr. Patrice A. Harris served as the commencement speaker for the COMLS ceremony on May 17. She also received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa. Dr. Harris served as the 174th President of the American Medical Association, the first African American woman to hold the position. During her tenure, she led efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

Commencement video part of AAMC film festival

Our celebratory video for the Class of 2024 has been accepted to the “Hollywood of the South” Film Festival. This special event, part of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Learn Serve Lead annual meeting in Atlanta, will highlight artistic presentations from academic institutions across the country, each showcasing the journey and accomplishments of tomorrow’s doctors and scientists.

Graduation Profile: UToledo couple finds love in graduate school, starts family

William and Alivia Sparrow met in the physician’s assistant program and each graduated Dec. 14, with a master of science degree in biomedical sciences. The couple is thankful to UToledo for bringing them together.

“I am extremely grateful for everything that UToledo has given me in the 27 months that I have spent here,” Alivia said. “Not only was I given an excellent education, but it was where I met my best friend and now husband. I will miss all the memories that we created at the Health Science Campus, recreation center, football field and so on.” Read more in UToledo News.

Transplantation and Donation Sciences Program celebrates newest alumni

Transplantation and Donation Sciences recently celebrated its 21st Capstone Graduation with the newest alumni. It was a successful event over two days. The Nationwide Organ Recovery Transport Alliance (NORA), one of the event sponsors, generously donated two professional photographers to capture the occasion.

Our Transplantation and Donation Sciences, Master of Science in Biomedical Science (MSBS) – Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Program is the only one of its kind in the U.S. It trains individuals to become Procurement Transplant Coordinators (PTCs) through two distinct tracks: a full-time, in-person track for those new to the field and an all-online track for experienced professionals seeking career advancement. The in-person track is completed in under a year, with 100% job placement after clinical internships. The online track offers flexibility for working professionals to complete the degree at their own pace. Learn more about the program.

Graduate students hold annual Career Forum

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P.A. White Coat Ceremony

We officially welcomed our next class of students into our Physician Assistant Program at their White Coat Ceremony. 
Students will spend the next 27 months earning their Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) degree with a Physician Assistant concentration. The highly competitive program was the first graduate level P.A. Program in the State of Ohio. 
Thank you to The University of Toledo Alumni Association for providing the white coats for our students. Join us in welcoming the P.A. Class of 2026 to The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. See photos on Facebook.

New graduate students welcomed in annual Biomedical Science Lab Coat Ceremony 

In October, we officially welcomed our new graduate students at the recent Biomedical Science Graduate Program’s Lab Coat Ceremony. We presented them with new lab coats courtesy of The University of Toledo Alumni Association, which paid for the white coats given out. Beginning their journey, students seek Master’s, Ph.D. and dual degrees in research tracks that include cancer biology, molecular medicine and bioinformatics. This year, five Ph.D., four M.D./Ph.D. and two M.S. students received their lab coats. If you are interested in contributing to this tradition, please visit our website for more information.

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Community Engagement

UToledo hosts hands-on camps in neuroscience and bioinformatics for high school students

UToledo’s Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry and Biological Sciences hosted a series of dynamic camps over the summer, offering high school students a unique opportunity to dive into the world of neuroscience and bioinformatics. These camps, designed to spark curiosity and build foundational skills, provided participants with a hands-on introduction to the cutting-edge research taking place at UToledo.

The Rocket Neurosciences Laboratory Summer Camp welcomed high school students entering grades 10 through 12. During two weeks in July, students engaged in interactive tutorials and laboratory activities on both the Health Science and Main campuses. Students learned how the brain influences behavior and even built their own microscopes. They also explored the intricate world of neuronal communication and behavior. They recorded electrical activity of neurons, manipulated signaling between neurons and muscles, and gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge optical techniques.
Both weeks offered students a chance to interact with UToledo faculty and current neuroscience students, providing invaluable insights into the life of a neuroscientist.

In addition to the on-campus camps, the Department of Neurosciences and Psychiatry hosted a Virtual Summer Biomedical Science Program in Bioinformatics. Aimed at students entering grades 11 and 12, this camp bridged the gap between medicine and computer science. Participants explored biomedical research, learning from experts and honing their research writing skills through virtual collaboration. Campers attending from seven different states worked together in teams to analyze, write and publish peer-reviewed scientific papers.

REACH Program inspires future health professionals

Our Research Experience and Awareness of Clinical Health (REACH) pipeline program recently concluded its two-week summer immersion for high school students. The clinical and research experience program exposes high school students, particularly those of low socioeconomic status or disadvantaged backgrounds, to clinical research and clinical experiences. The nationally recognized program offers students a meaningful experience in various health-related clinical settings, stimulating an interest in careers in the health sciences. 

Twenty-six students from local high schools participated in the program, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings. Students spent time in the Simulation Center with Dr. Carolina Wishner, learning intubation, suturing, splinting, and casting. Students met with medical and physician assistant students for a Q&A session. Lectures were given by Dr. Mohamad Moussa on emergency medicine, Dr. Obi Ekwenna on transplants, Dr. David Pearson on radiology and Dr. Kimberly Jenkins on anesthesia. A team of nurses significantly impacted the program by setting up different stations for the students to have hands-on experiences. Students also had the help of medical students with their scholarly projects for graduation.
The highly anticipated REACH Program was a transformative experience for the students, offering a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of clinical health.

Incoming high school freshmen get inside look at medicine with UToledo CampMed

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, CampMed recently hosted students entering ninth grade for a two-day immersive experience at UToledo, offering a behind-the-scenes look at medicine. This year, 26 students from 13 area high schools participated.

Under the guidance of UToledo faculty members and clinicians, campers learn how to use common tools like stethoscopes and otoscopes, try their hand at suturing and applying a cast, and interview simulated patients in the Hillebrand Clinical Skills Center. They also received tours of campus. Read more in UToledo News.

Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts inaugural STEAM-H Career Summit at UToledo

Big Brothers Big Sisters Northwestern Ohio's Empowering Future Leaders Program recently launched its inaugural STEAM-H Career Summit at Fetterman Field House at The University of Toledo. This one-day event included 30 different local and national organizations collaborating with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio to give 5th-12th grade students exposure to professional career paths in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Healthcare (STEAM-H). 

Medicine Ball 2024: Record-breaking funds raised for free healthcare in Toledo and beyond

Medicine Ball 2024 was a great success! It was a wonderful evening of good food, great company, and dancing at the Glass City Center downtown while raising money for free healthcare in Toledo and around the globe.

"I am proud to announce that this event was our most successful Medicine Ball to date with 605 guests and over $20,700 raised," student and Planning Committee member Sarah Bon shares with us. "At the CommunityCare Clinics, $1 donated provides $81 in free healthcare with dignity, so this money is going to go incredibly far!"

This great annual event raises funds for patient care efforts at CommunityCare Clinics, global health outreach through Students for Medical Missions, and student mentorship and development programs through the American Medical Student Association.

Faculty members bring scientific research experience to high school students

Since the start of the school year, Drs. Jyl Matson and Bob Blumenthal from the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology have been spending time in the AP Biology class of Mr. Marty Perlaky, at nearby Springfield High School. Drs. Matson and Blumenthal are funded by the National Science Foundation, and the grant includes an outreach component. 

College represented at Midwest Regional Latino Medical Student Association Conference

Members from the College of Medicine and Life Sciences recently attended the 34th Annual Midwest Regional Latino Medical Student Association Conference. The event was held at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. The students that represented us at this conference were Paola N. Pedraza Cruz and Vincent M. Smith.

UToledo partners with Toledo Lucas County Public Library for lecture series on death

The University of Toledo and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library collaborated this spring to present a thought-provoking and enlightening lecture series – titled "The Great Mystery: A Lecture Series on Death" – that explored the multifaceted aspects of death, and its significance in human existence and fosters a deeper understanding of death’s impact on individuals, families, and society.

Memorial service honors individuals who donated their bodies to UToledo

This fall, the second-year medical students held the 2024 Donor Memorial Service at the Stranahan Theater and Great Hall to honor the 176 amazing individuals who donated their bodies to the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences in 2023.  The memorial service is a meaningful gesture to the families as it allows them to better understand the impact their loved ones have made.  Learn more about the program.

M.D. Admissions Office participates in Ohio Medical Education Day (OMED)

Our College of Medicine and Life Sciences Office of M.D. Program Admissions was proud to participate in the 2024 Ohio Medical Education Day (OMED) in October. This year's OMED brought together nearly 200 pre-med students from across Ohio. Pre-Health advisors and presenters from various institutions also attended. Notably, Dr. David Pearson, Associate Dean for Admissions and Strategic Enrollment, and Danielle Dougherty, Director of Admissions for COMLS Programs, played key roles in the event. They delivered two presentations offering valuable insights on application preparation, considerations for taking a gap year, and more.
In addition, first-year medical student Vivek Aslot participated in a medical student panel. Dr. Pearson, Danielle, and Paige McVay also represented UToledo COMLS at the recruiting fair during the event.

UToledo engages with pre-health advisors at national conference in Cincinnati

Danielle Dougherty, our Director of Admissions, recently participated in the exhibitor fair at the 50th-anniversary conference of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The University of Toledo was among over 120 exhibitors, engaging with hundreds of Pre-Health advisors from across the country.

Type 1 Diabetes walk

Dr. Jennifer Hill leads the CeDER Team. Left to right: Dr. Shahnawaz Imam (Assistant Professor of Medicine), Shahan Imam, Rayyan Imam, Alsayed, Dr. Saira Saeed Khan (Fulbright post-doctoral fellow), Jennifer Hill (Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology), Dr. Yara Tovar (Assistant Professor of Medicine), Dr. Shafiya Imtiaz Rafiqi (post-doctoral fellow).

Members from the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology Research (CeDER) and the Division of Endocrinology Team participated in the recent Type 1 Diabetes Walk organized by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) at Glass City Metroparks.
"I am grateful for our team's active participation," Dr. Shahnawaz Imam, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, shares with us. "Their involvement was truly appreciated and made a significant impact. I look forward to more such events in the future."

Golfers raise $6,000 for CommunityCare Clinics

The 10th Annual CommunityCare Clinics (CCC) golf outing recently took place at Heatherdowns Country Club. It was a beautiful day on the course with 78 total golfers. Because of the generosity of the players, sponsors, and donors, CCC was able to raise nearly $6,000, all of which will go directly to caring for the underserved in our community. Congratulation to the winning team: Courtney Gorrell, Doug Gorrell, Andrew Bruns and Gary Ross. Hope to see you all next year!

New bus shelter boosts healthcare access in Toledo

CommunityCare Clinics (CCC), a student-run free clinic by University of Toledo students, recently celebrated the completion of new bus shelter in Toledo, with a ribbon-cutting event attended by local leaders and community members. Made possible by the AARP Community Challenge Grant, the bus shelter on S. Byrne Road improves transportation and healthcare access for hundreds of Toledo residents.

"This project started from a patient who expressed a need, and you listened," said Toledo City Council Member At-Large Nick Komives at the event. "It's an important step in ensuring that all Toledo residents have access to essential healthcare driven by compassion, empathy, and heart."

"This is the beginning of a new chapter in our journey toward greater accessibility, equity, and well-being," said medical student Zachary Schreckenberger, a representative from CommunityCare Clinics. "This bus shelter is more than just a structure, it symbolizes opportunity, hope, and the power of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision for a better tomorrow."

Since 2011, CCC has provided free comprehensive healthcare services. Recognizing transportation as a barrier to healthcare, CCC secured the grant to construct the ADA-compliant shelter adjacent to the CCC Main Clinic, establish a patient ridesharing program with Uber Health, and develop a Community Transportation Resource Toolkit. 

Junior Achievement Inspire

The College of Medicine and Life Sciences recently took part in the Junior Achievement (JA) Inspire annual career event, which drew over 3,000 middle and high school students from across Northwest Ohio. This event allows 8th-12th grade students to explore various career paths through hands-on, experiential exhibits. Dr. Carolina Wishner guided attendees through intubation demonstrations, Jeffrey Schneiderman and Ione Kampfer-Treen from the EMS Program provide an overview of CPR skills, Cristina Alvarado along with Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center staff not pictured, Kerri Rahman, Dawn Green, Jodi Mell, and Elliott Oberneder, led students through several interactive activities including VR demos, and Danielle Dougherty, Paige McVay, and Jonathan Snyder (not pictured) discussed COMLS programs with the event attendees.  

Faculty members speak at patient education event on deep brain stimulation

UToledo recently hosted a community discussion on deep brain stimulation therapy, an advanced treatment option to address movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Dr. Jennifer Amsdell, assistant professor in the Department of Neurology and a neurologist and movement disorder specialist at UTMC, and Dr. Alastair Hoyt, Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology and a neurosurgeon at UTMC, spoke at the patient educational event. The event was held in a hybrid in person and virtual format; 49 people in total attended. UTMC is the first in the region to offer deep brain stimulation therapy.

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Media:

Washington Post:

A mystery illness stole their kids’ personalities. These moms fought for answers.
The article by Richard Sima details Dr. Eileen Quinn's fight to address a mysterious regression disorder in children with Down syndrome, including her daughter, Sara. After Sara's dramatic decline, Dr. Quinn, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, advocated for recognition of the condition, now known as Down syndrome regression disorder (DSRD). Her efforts, alongside other parents, led to increased awareness and research into treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Dr. Quinn's work has connected families and researchers, providing hope and support for those affected by DSRD.

Men’s Health:

How Exercise Really Affects Your Testosterone, According to Doctors
Dr. Ahmed El-Zawahry, associate professor in the Department of Urology and a UToledo Health urologist, explains that working out is good for overall health, but doesn’t significantly change testosterone level.

6 Ways to Lose Water Weight, According to Experts
Dr. Justin Hsu, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery and a bariatric surgeon at UTMC, explains how water weight can cause small fluctuations in your overall body weight and discusses when excess water weight might signal a problem.

Fox News:

What is POTS, the Disease Affecting Olympic Swimmer Katie Ledecky?
Dr. Blair Grubb, a UToledo Health cardiologist and Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Medicine, explains the symptoms of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and discusses how the disease can be treated.

Becker’s Spine Review:

Lumbar Spine Fusions More Likely to Fail in Patients with Diabetes: Study
A study of more than 500 patients at The University of Toledo Medical Center has found individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of failed lumbar spinal fusion procedures than those without diabetes.

U.S. News and World Report:

Having Diabetes Raises Risk of Failure With Spinal Fusion Surgery
Diabetes can make lumbar spinal fusion surgery much more likely to fail, a new study says. People with diabetes are nearly three times more likely to have their vertebrae fail to properly heal and fuse together, what surgeons call a non-union complication, according to results recently published in the journal JBMR Plus.

Self:

How to Safely Exercise With POTS, According to Experts
Dr. Blair Grubb, Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Medicine and program director of UTMC’s Syncope and Autonomic Disorders Center, explains what causes postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, more commonly known as POTS, and recommends strategies for safely exercising with the condition. 

Michigan Public:

Toxic blooms on Lake Erie still a problem 10 years after Toledo issued a 'do not drink' order
Dr. Steven Haller, associate professor in the Department of Medicine, told Michigan Public that research on exposure through ingestion, dermal exposure, and lung exposure to airborne toxins are underway.

The Naked Scientists:

How the Microbiome Affects Blood Pressure
Dr. Bina Joe, a Distinguished University Professor and chair of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, explains the link between gut bacteria and hypertension and how her ongoing research could lead to new ways of controlling high blood pressure.

Water Conditioning and Purification Magazine:

A Decade of Water Quality Research at The University of Toledo
Since a harmful algal bloom forced the city of Toledo to issue a “Do Not Drink” water advisory in 2014, UToledo has been working to protect water quality and the health of Lake Erie for the half-million people in the region who depend on it for drinking water.

Juice House:

A Life in Harmony: Blending Science and Music
Profile of Dr. Robert Blumenthal, Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology.

Knowledge Stream:

In October, Dr. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta presented “An intrepid journey through the past, present and future of global child health” as part of the 15th Annual S. Amjad Hussain, M.D. Visiting Lecture in Medical Humanities. The recording is now available on WGTE's Knowledge Stream website.

Toledo City Paper:

Heart and Soul Hosts 21st Annual Inspiring Insightful Conversations
Dr. Victoria Kelly, assistant professor and vice chair for education in the Department of Psychiatry and a UToledo Health psychiatrist, will be the featured speaker at a Sept. 19 event that raises money to support local mental health initiatives. The event is free to attend.

The Press:

Lecture to Address Healthcare Needs of the Elderly
Dr. Ammar Kayyali, a geriatric medicine and specialist and associate professor in the Department of Medicine, will present Hospice of Northwest Ohio’s 2024 Dr. Sharon Erel Lecture Series at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library on Thursday, Aug. 8.

Bridge Michigan:

Toxic Great Lakes Algae Makes Michigan Sick. But Remedy May be Near
Dr. Steven Haller and Dr. David Kennedy, both associate professors in the Department of Medicine, discuss their research of a naturally occurring bacteria in Lake Erie that could be leveraged to prevent illness from exposure to cyanotoxins.

Healio:

Mycophenolate ‘Comparable, if not Better’ Than Azathioprine for Autoimmune Hepatitis
Dr. Bisher Sawaf, an internal medicine resident, talks about his research that looked at how well a pair of immunosuppressive drugs can treat patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

‘There aren’t many of us’: The challenges of delivering rural ID care
Dr. Caitlyn Hollingshead, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and board-certified infectious disease specialist, discusses the challenges of getting infectious disease coverage in rural hospitals. “The singular challenge is to get a physician to rural areas," she said, "and there are many, many places that don't have any access to [ID care] whatsoever and are kind of just left to their own devices.”

Galveston Daily News

An RA Vaccine
Researchers at The University of Toledo are continuing to study a promising experimental vaccine for rheumatoid arthritis, a painful autoimmune disease for which there is currently no cure.

Everyday Health

What You Need to Know About Migraine and Stroke
Dr. Anum Riaz, assistant professor in the Department of Neurology, was featured in Everyday Health as a viable and professional source to discuss migraine and stroke.

13abc:

• VIDEO: Victoria Kelly, assistant professor and Vice Chair for Education in the Department of Psychiatry and a UToledo Health psychiatrist, discusses how election results can cause spikes in anxiety and stress, and how people can deal with negative emotions postelection.
• VIDEO: Robert Smith, professor and chair in the Department of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, talks about the cutting-edge, federally funded research he is leading to learn more about the origins and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
• VIDEO: Richard Paat, a clinical professor of medicine,
  and UToledo medical and pharmaceutical students are supporting
  an effort to provide medical help to victims of Hurricane Helene.
• VIDEO: Danae Hamouda, associate professor in the Department of Medicine and a UToledo Health oncologist, explains why women with dense breast tissue may need additional breast cancer screenings and discusses a new federal rule that requires healthcare providers to notify women if they have dense breast tissue.
• UToledo to Study Effects of Airborne Algal Toxins
  A team of clinical and academic researchers at UToledo recently launched the Great Lakes Aerosol Monitoring Research Study, which is a first-of-its kind study to identify the health effects of airborne microcystin exposure in individuals who spend significant time near Lake Erie.
• VIDEO: Bina Joe, a Distinguished University Professor and chair in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, has received a nearly $4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue her study of a potential new way to lower blood pressure.
• VIDEO: Steven Haller, associate professor in the Department of Medicine, explains how toxins from harmful algal blooms are persisting longer into the fall and early winter.
• VIDEO: Luisa Corpuz, a UToledo family medicine specialist, discusses the importance of getting young kids interested in potential careers in medicine.
• UTMC Offers Comprehensive Approach to Weight Management
  Justin Hsu, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery and a UTMC bariatric surgeon, and Dr. Yara Tovar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine and a UToledo endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist, discuss weight management options available at UTMC.
• VIDEO: UToledo and ProMedica signed a new, 10-year Academic Affiliation Agreement to support medical education and access to high-quality healthcare in the greater Toledo community.
• VIDEO: Steven Haller, associate professor in the Department of Medicine, talks about his research aimed at better understanding how PFAS — also known as forever chemicals — affect human health.
• VIDEO: Jeff Schneiderman, director of UToledo’s EMS education program, discusses the benefit of providing training that mimics real-life emergency situations.
• UToledo Healthcare Symposium: Dr. Michael Ellis, professor in the Department of Medicine and chief medical officer at UTMC, talks about UToledo’s role in fostering connections that can help improve the health of the Toledo region.
• VIDEO: Dr. Joan Duggan, a professor in the Department of Medicine and a candidate for a master of public health degree at Yale University, discusses her capstone research into the health effects of cyanotoxins before a monthly meeting of Lake Erie Advocates.
• VIDEO: Adam Girmann, one of 163 fourth-year medical students who learned their residency match on Friday, March 15, talks about the next steps on his path to becoming an attending physician.
• VIDEO: Dr. Jumaa and Dr. Zaidi in the Department of Neurology served as PI for the EMBOLISE clinical trial which provides breakthrough brain treatment
• VIDEO: Danae Hamouda, associate professor in the Department of Medicine and an oncologist at UTMC, discusses with 13abc possible reasons for the increasing rate of cancer diagnoses among young adults. The trend was reported in a recent study by the American Cancer Society.

The Blade:

• The power struggle in our brain: Energy imbalance in mental health
  Smita Sahay, an M.D./Ph.D. candidate in the Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders Track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Blade discussing her research into how disruptions of an energy-carrying molecule called ATP contribute to mental health disorders. Smita is conducting her research with  Robert Smith(M.D., Ph.D.).
• UT researcher examines the link between the herbicide glyphosate and high blood pressure
  Ishan Manandhar, a Ph.D. candidate in the Molecular Medicine Track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Bladediscussing his research into links between a common weedkiller and hypertension. He is conducting his research in the laboratory of  Bina Joe in the department of Physiology and Pharmacology. 
• Casting Out Demons: Parsing the Intersection of Possession and Mental Illness
  Victoria Kelly, assistant professor and Vice Chair for Education in the Department of Psychiatry and a UToledo Health psychiatrist, explains how certain mental health conditions can commonly present with religious themes.
• UToledo Health Adding Robotic Knee, Hip Replacement Surgery
  Maged Hanna and Dr. Vithal Shendge, both associate professors in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and UToledo Health orthopaedic surgeons, discuss a new state-of-the-art robotic surgery platform that will help UToledo Health patients undergoing knee or hip replacement procedures get back on their feet sooner with less pain during recovery.
• Can your asthma medication be the answer to skin cancer?
  Emma Elizabeth Sabu Kattuman, a Ph.D. student in the Molecular Medicine Track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Bladediscussing her research on melanoma. She is conducting her research in the laboratory of  Sailaja Paruchuri in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology.
• Study Underscores Low Risk to Kidney Donors as Toledo Prepares for Annual Walk
  Obi Ekwenna, associate professor and vice chair in the Department of Urology and a UToledo Health kidney transplant surgeon, discusses the process of living kidney donation and recent developments that have made the procedure even safer.
• Don’t be Surprised if Your Primary Care Physician Asks About Your Mental Health
  Victoria Kelly, assistant professor and Vice Chair for Education in the Department of Psychiatry and UToledo Health psychiatrist, discusses mental health screenings administered by healthcare professionals and the ways that mental healthcare has changed since the coronavirus pandemic.
• Toledo Hospital takes lead in robot-assisted surgery
  Tahir Jamil, clinical associate professor in the Department of Surgery and a general surgeon for ProMedica Toledo Hospital, talks about the hospital's da Vinci 5 robotic systems.
• UToledo Health Launches New Mobile Health Unit, Partners With Library
  Hoda Shabpiray, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and medical director of the UToledo Health mobile health unit, and Kim Steele, the mobile unit’s lead nurse, talk about the mobile clinic’s partnership with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library.
• Multitude of Issues Affecting Lake Erie Discussed at Annual Workshop
  David Kennedy, associate professor in the Department of Medicine, and Dr. Christine Mayer, professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences, discuss their research into harmful algal blooms and invasive grass carp.
• How a common amino acid supercharges sliminess in a deadly bacteria
  Brooke Ring, a Ph.D. candidate in the Medical Microbiology and Immunology Track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Bladediscussing deadly bacteria Klebsiella. Brooke has been conducting her research with  Laura Mike. 
• Urinary Stones: The 'Infinity' Stones You Don’t Want to Collect
  Ahmed El-Zawahry, associate professor in the Department of Urology and a UToledo Health urologist, discusses the prevalence of kidney stones and recommends drinking 70 to 80 fluid ounces each day, primarily of water, to prevent them.
• 50 Years of Tommy John Surgery Impacts Baseball at All Levels
  David Sohn, professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and a UToledo Health orthopaedic surgeon, explains how a procedure to replace a damaged elbow ligament with a graft from elsewhere in the body has advanced over the last half-century.
• UToledo Receives Federal Grant to Fund Research on Algal Blooms and Cyanobacteria
  The National Institutes of Health has awarded UToledo more than $450,000 to identify and study new cyanotoxins produced during harmful algal blooms like those found in Lake Erie.
• At UT, a look at 'drug discovery' and how that might lead to new treatments in humans
  Jennifer Nguyen, a Ph.D. candidate in the Bioinformatics Track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Bladediscussing the drug discovery process. Jennifer is conducting her research with  James Burkett.
• 1st-of-its-Kind Study Into Airborne Algal Toxins Being Led by UToledo Researchers
  David Kennedy and Steven Haller, associate professors of medicine, discuss the knowledge gap that catalyzed the launch of the Great Lakes Aerosol Monitoring Research Study under the Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health.
• UToledo to Receive $3.85 Million for Hypertension Research
  Bina Joe, a Distinguished University Professor and chair in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, will lead research into a potential new way to lower blood pressure through dietary interventions targeting bile acid pathways.
• UT researchers study the mysterious interplay between ticks, viruses, and immunity
  Matthew Hathaway, a Ph.D. candidate in the Medical Microbiology and Immunology Track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Bladediscussing his research on ticks, viruses and immunity. He is conducting his research in the laboratory of  Travis Taylor.
• A Common Malady: Migraines Plague a Significant Portion of the Population
  Anum Riaz, assistant professor in the Department of Neurology, discusses the auras that sometimes accompany migraines and encourages those who experience migraines regularly to seek medical attention.
• UToledo’s Lumen Magazine Combines the Humanities With Medicine
  Lumen is an arts and literary magazine founded by the College of Medicine and Life Sciences’ Medical Humanities Club in 2021. Dr. S. Amjad Hussain, professor emeritus, and Kanya Dayananth, a fourth-year medical student, discuss the publication that highlights the intersection between the art and science of medicine.
• CampMed Aims to Create Northwest Ohio Doctors
  Andrew Fickert, a third-year medical student who attended CampMed before his freshman year of high school, and Courtney K. Combs, director of the UToledo and Ohio Area Health Education Center programs, discuss the annual two-day immersive program that provides high school students a behind-the-scenes look at medical careers.
• UT lab studies how aerosol microcystins and microplastics affect the human body: Upasana Shrestha, a Ph.D. candidate in the Medical Microbiology and Immunology Track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Blade discussing her research on microcystins and microplastics. She is conducting her research in the laboratory of Drs. David Kennedy and Steven Haller. 
• Tremulous: Lacking a Cure, Researchers Give Hope to Those Suffering From Parkinson’s Disease: Dr. Jennifer Amsdell, assistant professor in the Department of Neurology and a neurologist and movement disorder specialist at UTMC, explains how deep brain stimulation therapy can relieve Parkinson’s symptoms.
• Protein sensors that guide the growth of blood vessels in good health can fail in disease: Kesha K. Dalal, a Ph.D. student in the Molecular Medicine track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Blade discussing her research on protein sensors that guide the growth of blood vessels. She is conducting her research in the laboratory of Dr. Charles Thodeti in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology.
• University of Toledo Hosts Inaugural Healthcare Symposium: President Gregory Postel, Dr. Michael Ellis and other UToledo experts discuss the wide focus of the inaugural community symposium.
• Spectrum of Possibilities Conference Assists Autistic Individuals in Northwest Ohio
  Elissar Andari, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry, and UToledo doctoral student Daniella Bamboa Pabon, discuss their research focused on earlier identification of and potential therapies for individuals with autism.
• UT researcher investigates link between liver disease and inflammatory bowel diseases
  Mrunmayee R. Kandalgaonkar, a Ph.D. student in the Molecular Medicine Track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Blade discussing her research on the liver and inflammatory bowel disease. She is conducting her research in the laboratory of Dr. Matam Vijay-Kumar in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. 
• First Alert: Doctors Wonder if Even Earlier Screening for Colon Cancer is Needed
  Stephanie Pannell, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery and a colorectal surgeon at UTMC, explains how colon cancer is treated and why early screening is so important.
• Medical Students Find Their Paths on Match Day
  Christopher Cooper, dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences, and several fourth-year medical students talk about the excitement of Match Day, when aspiring physicians learn where they’ll begin their residency training.
• Understanding Your Risk for Heart Disease Essential for All Adults
  Mohamad Alghothani, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and an interventional cardiologist at UTMC, explains how individuals can assess and reduce their risk for developing heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in America.
• UToledo investigates relationship between gut bacteria and blood pressure
  Hemaa Sree Kumar, a Ph.D. candidate in the Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders Track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Bladediscussing her research on gut bacteria and blood pressure. Hemaa is conducting her research in the laboratory of Dr. Jasenka Zubcevic.
• No Strain, No Gain: The Kidneys Filter Our Blood of Life’s Toxic Byproducts
  Obi Ekwenna, associate professor and vice chair in the Department of Urology and a transplant and urologic surgeon at UTMC, discusses the role of the kidneys and the impact of chronic kidney disease.
• Uncovering secrets of slimy bacteria a 'cloak' and dagger pursuit at UT
  Saroj Khadka, a Ph.D. candidate in the Medical Microbiology and Immunology Track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Blade discussing his research on bacteria Klebsiella and its attempts to evade our immune system.
• What is Strep Throat and When Should you Become Concerned by It?
  Svitlana Zhukivska, associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and a family medicine specialist with UTMC, explains what causes strep throat and the complications it can bring in some high-risk individuals.
• Patience, Planning and Self-Care Are Critical When Caring for Loved One With Dementia
  Dionis Kononov, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and a board-certified psychiatrist and medical director of senior behavioral health at UTMC, shares advice for those taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia.
• Toledo lab studying immune system of mosquitoes, world’s deadliest animals
  Jessica Jiron, a Ph.D. candidate in the Medical Microbiology and Immunology Track of our Biomedical Science Program, wrote a column in the Toledo Blade discussing her research on the immune system of mosquitoes.

UToledo News:

• Year in Review 2024
  From high-profile, federally funded research to on-campus celebrations, The University of Toledo was abuzz with activity in 2024.
• UToledo Receives More Than $3.8 Million for Novel Hypertension Research
  The project led by Dr. Bina Joe, a Distinguished University Professor and chair in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, will examine how bacteria-driven changes to bile acids in the gut affect blood pressure.
• Neuroscience student utilizes UToledo programs to get ahead
  UToledo junior Anagaa Nathan took advantage of the new neuroscience bachelor's degree to pursue her research interests in diseases of the brain. Anagaa was admitted to UToledo through the Baccalaurate 2 MD Pathway Program (BACC2MD), an early medical school pathway where participants can interview as soon as their junior year with UToledo’s College of Medicine and Life Sciences.
• Neuroscience sophomore seeks insights into autism in summer research
  Annie Lei is researching a gene associated with autism spectrum disorders. The sophomore studying neuroscience hopes to work even more directly with patients like these in the future, crediting her aspirations for a medical career with initially attracting her to The University of Toledo.
• UTMC Cancer Patient’s Complex Case Receives Highly Coordinated Care
  A broken arm led UTMC physicians to discover David Snyder had metastatic kidney cancer. After intensive treatment, he’s now 14 months in remission.
• UToledo Study of Kidney Transplant Recipients May Improve Future Vaccines: A study of post-transplant COVID-19 vaccination offers a new target for improving vaccine efficacy in immunosuppressed patients.
• Twin Sisters Preparing for Military Medical Careers After Graduation: Throughout athletics, high school, their undergraduate studies and medical school at The University of Toledo, twin sisters Lyndsey Matus and Alex Best have been side by side, serving as each other’s strongest supporter.
• A Neighbor’s Lifesaving Offer: When Dr. Rafat Ansari needed a kidney transplant, his close friend and former neighbor stepped forward. Four months after the transplant at UTMC, both are doing well. The only real obstacle to the procedure was that the friend's kidney was supplied by three arteries rather than the usual one. Dr. Puneet Sindhwani, chair of the Department of Urology and the surgeon who performed Dr. Ansari’s transplant, said the team knew in advance of the unusual anatomy and had planned out the challenging procedure.
• Living Kidney Donation Gives Sister New Lease on Life: Ansley Abrams-Frederick, director of alumni programming at UToledo, donated a kidney to her sister, Tori Abrams, through UTMC. Dr. Obi Ekwenna, the kidney transplant surgeon and associate professor in the Department of Urology, highlighted the utilization of robotic-assisted techniques at UTMC, which was employed in the procedure.
• College of Medicine Faculty Member Chosen to Lead Medical Research Society
  David Kennedy, an associate professor of medicine, will take the reins at the Central Society for Clinical and Translational Research in April.
• UTMC Adds New Minimally Invasive Option for Treating Enlarged Prostate
  UTMC is the first hospital in the region to offer Aquablation therapy, which uses a heat-free water jet to treat the urinary symptoms associated with enlarged prostate. “This is a huge step forward,” said Dr. Puneet Sindhwani, chair of the Department of Urology and Kenneth Kropp Endowed Professor of Urology. “By eliminating heat, lasers and electricity, there’s less chance for complications and by using robotics, it takes away human error. It’s a very, very precise treatment and can be tailored to the needs of an individual patient.”
• Novel Approach to Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Therapies Earns Federal Funding
  Dr. Shi-He Liu, an assistant professor of cell and cancer biology, received a $2.5 million grant to develop a new drug delivery method for pancreatic cancer.

WTOL:

• UToledo Awarded Money for Detailed Neurological Research
  The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has awarded UToledo a $421,074 grant to study a potential link between developmental exposure to pesticides and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
• VIDEO: Researchers in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences received a $421,074 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences grant for a new study of autism.
• VIDEO: Steven Haller, associate professor in the Department of Medicine, and Jennifer Gilmore, a clinical research manager in the Department of Medicine, discuss a new study aimed at determining the health effects of airborne algal toxins.
• UToledo celebrates next generation of healthcare workers with White Coat Ceremony
  The ceremony symbolizes students' entry into their first year of medical school. UToledo said the class has 176 students. "This is something I wanted to do because my father is a physician. Seeing him take care of patients is something that was very inspiring," incoming medical student Sarah Atallah told WTOL 11 on Friday. 
• VIDEO: William Saunders, assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and chief of emergency medicine at UTMC, discusses staying safe during the worst of the summer heat.
• VIDEO: UToledo medical students Samuel Steffen and Caitlin Murphytalk about how the student-run CommunityCare Clinics work to ensure local underserved populations have access to healthcare.
• University of Toledo Hosts CampMed
  UToledo’s annual CampMed program offers incoming high school freshmen an early look at potential careers in medicine with hands-on experiences.
• VIDEO: Dr. Aela Vely, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery and medical director for trauma and surgical critical care at UTMC, discusses how seat belts can reduce the chance of major injuries in a crash.
• VIDEO: WTOL 11 reporter Steve Iwanek joined us for the recent Run/Walk with the Dean. During the interview, Dr. Cooper reflected on his time as dean.
• VIDEO: UToledo celebrated more than 200 graduates from the College of Medicine and Life Sciences class of 2024.
• UToledo Hosting EMS Training Today: Paramedics and EMTs from across the region will gather at UToledo for continuing education training focused on difficult airway assessment and management strategies.
• VIDEO: UToledo medical students Aya Dakroub and Avery Lewis talk about the opportunity for community members to support the student-run CommunityCare Clinics, which provide free health care to local underserved populations.

WGTE:

• Business | Life 360: Prostate Health and Innovation
  Puneet Sindhwani, chair of the UTMC Department of Urology and Kenneth Kropp Endowed Professor of Urology, explains new treatment options available for treating enlarged prostate and prostate cancer.
• Business | Life 360: Innovation in Parkinson’s Treatment
  Jennifer Amsdell, a UToledo Health neurologist, and Dr. Alastair Hoyt, a UToledo Health neurosurgeon, discuss how deep brain stimulation surgery can improve the lives of patients with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor.
• Business | Life 360: Healthcare Innovation
  Michael Ellis, an infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at UTMC, talks about how UToledo Health has embraced cutting-edge technologies to benefit its patients.

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Faculty & Staff News:

David Theby, Director of Development for Health Sciences, who recently achieved a significant professional milestone by passing the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) exam. This prestigious certification recognizes his dedication, expertise and commitment to ethical and effective fundraising practices.

Cristina Alvarado, director of Immersive & Simulation-Based Learning, who was nominated and appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the Administration & Management Committee of the Consortium of American College of Surgeons (ACS)-Accredited Education Institutes (ACS-AEIs). In this two-year appointment, Cristina will contribute to guiding the global Consortium, offering valuable support, education, and the sharing of best practices among its members. The Committee strives to enhance the growth and development of all its AEIs and surgical simulation centers specifically through the development and dissemination of operational strategies and best practices to enhance the effectiveness of the surgical-based simulation education and training offered to all learners. 

Dr. Lori DeShetler, Associate Dean for Assessment and Accreditation, who was recently honored for her work on the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Curriculum Committee. Dr. DeShetler has now spent the last half-decade working with representatives from other medical schools across the country to advance medical education curriculum with the goal of improving patient care. Her efforts were recently recognized with a 2024 AAMC Curriculum Leader Award.

Dr. J.T. Zhang accepted the position of Senior Associate Dean for Research. Dr. Zhang had been serving as Interim Senior Associate Dean for Research since August 2023. Dr. Zhang completed his B.Sc. degree in Biochemistry from Nanjing University in China. He completed his Ph.D. degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from State University of New York. He joined The University of Toledo in February 2019 after 21 years of service at Indiana University School of Medicine, and is currently chair in our Department of Cell and Cancer Biology.

Dr. Coral Matus, Associate Dean for Clinical Undergraduate Medical Education, was invited to join the USMLE Step 3 Computer-based Case Simulation (CCS) Scoring Test Material Development Committee (TMDC) for a two-year term beginning in 2025. This prestigious committee, organized by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), plays a critical role in developing and reviewing cases and scoring for the Step 3 Examination, the final stage of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). 

Kristi Roberts Hoffman, Program Manager for Student Success in the Office of Student Affairs, who was recently honored with UTMC's iCARE Shining Star Award for her efforts during this year's M.D. White Coat Ceremony. Due to a production delay caused by a hurricane, the delivery of white coats was unexpectedly postponed. However, thanks to Kristi's quick thinking and collaboration with other departments, she managed to borrow and purchase over 60 temporary coats, ensuring that the students could still participate in the ceremony with white coats that day. Her dedication and resourcefulness helped make the ceremony a success. UTMC recognizes Shining Stars – employees who are committed to excellence in patient care and exemplify the iCARE standards of communication, access, respect and excellence. 

Dr. Steven Haller accepted the position of Director of the Jacobson Center for Clinical and Translational Research (JCCTR) in September. Dr. Haller earned his doctoral degree in Biomedical Sciences from UToledo and completed a postdoctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association. Currently an associate professor in the Department of Medicine, he co-directs the UToledo COMLS Thread 3 and Research Curriculum and has developed innovative courses that bridge undergraduate and graduate education. He has mentored over 70 students, many of whom have earned prestigious fellowships and awards.

Our Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) celebrated GME Professionals Day with a luncheon and awards ceremony.  
Designated by the Association of Hospital Medical Education, GME Professionals Day is an opportunity for Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Sponsoring Institutions and Residency and Fellowship programs to celebrate the important contributions made by the GME Professionals who staff their programs and central GME offices.

James A. Molnar, Supervisor of Web & Digital Media, who was invited to stay on the steering committee as the marketing chair for the Group on Institutional Advancement (GIA) of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The responsibilities that come with being a part of the GIA Steering Committee include biweekly meetings, participation in the AAMC Learn Serve Lead conference and contributing to the success of the spring conference. James joined the steering committee last year as the marketing representative. As part of his service on the committee, James recently traveled to Portland, Oregon, for a three-day planning meeting in preparation for the 2025 AAMC Conference for Institutional Advancement, which will be held in New Orleans. James has participated in several GIA conferences, including presenting or facilitating sessions along with serving on the awards committee and the marketing advisory group. In the spring, he also hosted the conference film festival.

Dr. Viviana Ferreira, Associate Professor in the Departments of Medical Education and of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, was invited by The American Association of Immunologists (AAI) to serve as a Faculty member during the Introductory Immunology Course in July at The UCLA Conference Center, in California. She gave the lecture on The Complement System to participants that traveled from within the US and from around the world to participate in this course. This is the 3rd year in a row she has been invited to give this lecture.

Dr. Lori DeShetler, Assistant Dean for Assessment and Accreditation and associate professor in the Department of Medical Education, was invited this spring by Gazi University, Turkey, as a distinguished speaker to present at its virtual International Higher Education Symposium, "The Present and Future of Education in Universities." The title of her presentation was "Exploring Current Trends in Medical Education," focusing on the current trends in medical education and accreditation. She discussed common challenges faced by educators with opportunities for continuous quality improvement and collaboration to apply best practices and advance the literature. The symposium attracted more than 2,000 participants. 

Dr. Catherine Van Hook will serve as the next Associate Dean for the Foundational Sciences Curriculum starting in August. Since 2017, Dr. Van Hook has served as the Clerkship Director for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Van Hook received her M.D. and completed her residency in OBGYN from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She is highly accomplished and recognized by her colleagues and students having received numerous awards that include the Robert T. Tidrick Golden Apple Award, Dean’s Teaching Award, and Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) to name a few.

Dr. Noor Pirzada accepted the position of Interim Chair for the Department of Neurology in August.  Dr. Pirzada earned his medical degree from government medical college in Kashmir, India. He completed a neurology residency at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a fellowship in EMG and neuromuscular medicine at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Pirzada joined our faculty in 1996 and is currently a professor and vice chair in the Department of neurology. He has been program director of the neurology residency since 1998. He is also director of the EMG lab and head of the neuromuscular section.  

Dr. Bindu Menon, associate professor in the Department of Medical Education, recently presented at the 2024 Annual Conference of International Association of Medical Science Educators, held in Minneapolis. The research work, titled "Implementation and Assessment of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) Grounded in Precision Medical Education in the Undergraduate Medical School Curriculum," was part of an oral presentation. Drs. Kathrynn Eisenmann and Coral Matus from the Department of Medical Education were collaborators on this research.  

Dr. James Kleshinski will serve in a new role in the Department of Medical Education as an Assistant Dean for Preparation for Clinical Practice. This position is strategic to strengthen the infrastructure and provide leadership over the Principles of Clinical Medicine curriculum, M4 clinical Skills assessments, and Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE program) for our pre-clerkship curriculum. 

Allison Spencer, administrator of Graduate Programs for the College of Medicine and Life Sciences, spent two weeks in China for the Young Global Leaders Cultural Experience in partnership with Yanshan University. She was asked by Dr. Sammy Spann, Vice President for Student Affairs, to be the lead staff representative. The program included cultural classes provided by Yanshan University, a visit to a local primary school in Qinhuangdao, a visit to Hebei Medical University, and historical sites such as the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and The Great Wall. "This was an experience of a lifetime and I was truly honored to have the opportunity to represent University of Toledo," Allison shares with us. "In total, 10 undergraduate students and four staff went on the trip."

Dr. Mohamad Moussa, associate professor and residency program director in the Department of Emergency Medicine, served as an oral examiner at the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) Virtual Oral Examination this spring. Being an ABEM oral examiner not only requires putting other responsibilities on hold and devotion of multiple days to the examination process, but also demands a high level of expertise and dedication to the specialty.

Dr. Jason Schroeder has accepted the opportunity to serve as Interim Chief Physician Executive (CPE). Schroeder has been a widely respected and thoughtful leader at UToledo for more than a decade and I am confident he will provide strong interim leadership. I remain committed to launching a search for an Executive Vice President of Health Affairs in the upcoming months and that individual will be responsible for selecting the next permanent CPE.

Dr. Basil Akpunonu accepted the position of Chair for the Department of Medicine. Dr. Akpunonu has been serving as Interim Chair since January 2024. 

Dr. Charles Thodeti, professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, presented an invited talk at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Hyderabad School of Life Sciences in India. His presentation was titled "A TRP (transient receptor potential) to Cardiac Remodeling and Heart Failure." Dr. Thodeti visited the University of Hyderabad as a part of the program SPARC (Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Cooperation), sponsored by Government of India. 

Courtney K. Combs, J.D., Director of the UToledo/Ohio AHEC programs, represented the National AHEC Organization (NAO) in Washington, D.C. She and her colleagues visited the offices of 21 key U.S. Senators and Representatives, educating them on the AHEC program, advocating for increased funding, and discussing the need for legislative champions for the upcoming AHEC program reauthorization process. Courtney has served as the Secretary on the National AHEC Organization Board of Directors since 2022 and became the Co-Chair of the NAO Public Policy Committee in 2024. 

Two clinical administrators garnered appointments within the Ohio Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) state chapter. Jeffrey Barton, from the Departments of Pediatrics and OBGYN, received a nomination to join the Ohio MGMA Board of Directors. Hesham Youssef, recognized for his expertise across the Emergency Medicine and Radiation Oncology departments, has been assigned with the vital position of legislative liaison for the Ohio MGMA chapter.

James A. Molnar, Supervisor of Web & Digital Media in the Dean's Office, joined institutional advancement colleagues within the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) community at their annual conference in Boston. At the conference, James hosted the annual film festival. James also co-presented a session on digital newsletters and led a panel discussion on admissions marketing. James played a significant role in organizing this national conference, serving as the marketing representative on the steering committee.

Dr. Hagopian: 

• Lecturer, “EPAs and the Surgery Clerk: Yes, no, indifferent?” during Troubleshooting your Clerkship Pre-Meeting Workshop, Association for Surgical Education, Annual Meeting, Orlando FL, 22 April 2024 
• Lecturer, “Contrast Enhanced-Ultrasound” during HPB Intraoperative Guidance using Advanced Imaging  Modalities, Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgery Annual Meeting, Cleveland OH, 17    April 2024
• Moderator, Beyond University Hospitals: Efficiencies in HPB Surgery, Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Annual Meeting, Miami FL, 6 April 2024
• Lecturer, “Case Presentation: Bile Duct Injury” during Benign Biliary Disease, Pre-Congress  Symposium/Technology and Innovation in HPB Surgery, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Annual  Meeting, Miami FL, 4 April 2024
• Course Director (CME/GME)
• Course Director, 12^th Annual HPB Ultrasound and Advanced Technology (Virtual pre-meeting format and in  person Hands-On Lab), Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Annual Meeting (Post Graduate  Course), Miami FL, 3 April 2024
• Course Director, 5^th Annual Advanced Tumor Ablation (Didactic and Hands-On Lab), Americas Hepato- Pancreato-Biliary Association, Annual Meeting (Post Graduate Course) Miami FL, 3 April 2024

Dr. Eisenmann: 

•  Planning committee board member for Association of Biochemistry Educators, Virtual Summit 2024, April 18
•  Facilitator of breakout session: Innovative Approaches to Teaching 
•  Biochemistry, ABE Virtual Summit, April 30, 2024

Dr. Ferreira: 

• Facilitator of breakout session: Innovative Approaches to Teaching Biochemistry, ABE Virtual Summit, April 30, 2024
• Dr. Ferreira was granted a 2024 USA Patent #11,913,960 titled: “ELISA Assay for Measuring Function of Properdin and Kits for Conducting ELISA Assays Using Anti-Properdin Antibodies"

Dr. Menon:

Dr. Menon’s M2 student Krissy Tarter was invited to present her work on "Impact of COVID-19 on student acquisition of content mastery in clinical clerkships- a cognitive diagnostic assessment of the NBME subject exam data” as a poster presentation at the 2024 AAMC Central Group on Educational Affairs (CGEA) Spring Meeting in Milwaukee.

Dr. Matam Kumar:

Dr. Vijay-Kumar to attend International Congress of Mucosal Immunology (ISMI) Conference, July 5-10, 2024, Copenhagen, Denmark.  Dr. Vijay-Kumar selected as an invited speaker at the Trace Elements in Man and Animals (TEMA) Conference, Nov. 8-12, 2024, at M S Ramaiah University in Bengaluru, India.

Dr. Piu Saha:

Dr. Piu Saha’s abstract was selected for poster presentation at the AAI Annual Meeting – IMMUNOLOGY2024, May 3 -7, 2024 Chicago.

Dr. Jasenka Zubcevic:

Dr. Jasenka Zubcevic has been appointed the Chair of the Program Committee of the Water and Electrolyte Section of the American Physiological Society.

Dr. Tao Yang:

Dr. Tao Yang along with Dr. Bina Joe were invited speakers by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK) virtual workshop, May 28-30. “Gut Microbiota and Kidney Diseases: From basic research to translational science.”

Dr. Jennifer Hill:

Dr. Jennifer Hill presented poster on the work of former student Mengje Wang at the ENDO 2024 (Endocrinology) annual meeting June 1-4. 2024, in Boston, MA.

Dr. Bina Joe:

Dr. Bina Joe accepted invitation to speak at the International Society of Microbiota (ISM) meeting Targeting Microbiota, October 14-16, 2024, Corinthia Palace, Malta.             

For OBGYN:

• Dr. Maggie Wong presented a poster at the American Association for Bio analysts (AAB) Conference 
• Dr. Katherine Chen presented a poster at the Association for Medical Ultrasound (AIUM) Conference

Dr. Deepa Mukundan accepted the position of Chair for the Department of Pediatrics, effective April 1. Dr. Deepa Mukundan completed medical school in India and residency in pediatrics from the Medical College of Ohio, now the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences (UTCOMLS). Immediately following that she completed her fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases and immunology at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Coral Matus, associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Associate Dean for Clinical Undergraduate Medical Education, was selected as one of the recipients of The University of Toledo's 2023-2024 Outstanding Teacher Award. This award recognizes commitment to student success and significant contributions to the mission of our University.

Dr. Viviana Ferreira, associate professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Medical Education, was granted a 2024 USA Patent #11,913,960 titled: “ELISA Assay for Measuring Function of Properdin and Kits for Conducting ELISA Assays Using Anti-Properdin Antibodies"

Dr. Yara Tovar, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, started the obesity medical management clinic at UTMC bariatric surgery.

Geriatrics Medicine has been granted funding through CMS for patients diagnosed with Dementia.  The GUIDE Model will focus on dementia care management and aims to improve quality of life for people living with dementia, reduce strain on the unpaid caregivers, and enable people living with dementia to remain in their homes and communities, by achieving these goals through a comprehensive package of care coordination and care management, caregiver education and support, and respite services.  The lead physician for this program is Dr. Anu Garg and the model is for 8 years.

Dr. Rujun Gong, professor in the Department of Medicine, has been appointed by the NIH Center of Scientific Review as a standing member of the Pathobiology of Kidney Disease (PBKD) Study Section for four years starting July 1, 2024.  Additionally, Dr. Gong has been selected by the UToledo Outstanding Research and Scholarship Selection Committee as one of the three recipients of the 2023-2024 UToledo Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award.

Dr. Ritu Chakravarti with Dr. Bina Joe were panelists for the Inaugural University of Toledo Healthcare Symposium on April 12, 2024, discussing “Lifestyle Effects on the Aging Process” moderated by Dr. Cooper.

Dr. Charles Thodeti traveled to the University of Hyderabad, India, to give talks and present research as part of SPARC Grant (Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration) March 11 – 28, 2024. Dr. Thodeti also attended APS Summit, April 4-7, 2024, Long Beach, CA.

Dr. Mehmood Rashid was appointed a committee member of the Ohio Parkinson’s Disease Registry Advisory Committee (PDRAC).

In January, Dr. Basil Akpunonu accepted the position of Interim Chair for the Department of Medicine. He is the Chief of General Internal Medicine. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, a Diplomat of National Board of Medical Examiners and Fellow of American College of Physicians. 

Dr. Piu Saha, in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, received the 2024 Young Investigators Abstract Award at the 2024 Crohn’s & Colities Congress, held January 25-27, 2024, in Las Vegas.

Dr. Lauren Koch, in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, published a study as part of a Long-term international collaboration with a team of investigators from Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland. Additionally, published the first paper in collaboration with investigators at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas who added our exercise rat models as pre-clinical studies in a program supported by United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service.

Dr. Hind Moussa, in the Department of OBGYN, will be serving on the Society of Maternal Medicine Clinical Informatics Committee. OBGYN residents Dr. Katherine Chen and Dr. Nabila Azeem are presenting their poster at Society Maternal Fetal Medicine.

Drs. Justin Hsu and Maria Kenner, in the Department of Surgery, received kudos for the role they played in our GI Olympics event in December.  This is a full-day event in the Simulation Center, which involved 175 of our second-year medical students rotating through four stations, including a laparoscopic simulation. Drs. Hsu and Kenner spent the entire day teaching our students.

Dr. Thyagarajan Subramanian, from the Department of Neurology, was selected to serve on the prestigious ATLAS program of the CTSC at Cleveland. (March 7, 2024 – September 6, 2024). He served as president of the Association of Indian Neurologists in America (AINA). (July, 2023 – June, 2024). He was also selected to sit on the Special Emphasis Panel for the scientific evaluation of U01 Application “A Consortium for Gut-Brain Communication for Parkinson’s Disease.” He was selected as the host of the Biological Sciences Seminar, “A New Model to Study Role of Gut-Brain Interactions in Parkinsonism.” (February 9, 2024).

Dr. Shahnawaz Imam’s regional Pilot and Feasibility 9P/F) grant application entitled “Pancreatic islets rescue in Type 1 Diabetes using immunodoculators” will be funded by the University of Michigan Diabetes Research Center Grants Advisory Council for a period from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024. 

Dr. Prabir K. Chaudhuri retired from The University of Toledo. He was with the Department of Surgery for 37 years. Dr. Chaudhuri joined the University in 1986 as a professor and chief of surgical oncology and was instrumental in creating the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center as a specialized location where patients from across northwest Ohio could receive all their cancer care under one roof. He was named medical director in 2012, and saw more than 20,000 patient visits during his 12 years at the cancer center.

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Alumni

Homecoming Weekend

What a Homecoming to remember! 

On Oct. 4, our alumna Dr. Lisa Lattanza, Class of 1993, delivered our Distinguished Alumni Grand Rounds. She presented "Breaking Barriers and Embracing Authenticity: Transforming Surgical Culture to Foster Inclusive Excellence" to a packed HEB105. Dr. Lattanza is chair of orthopaedics and rehabilitation at Yale School of Medicine, previously practicing at University of California San Francisco for 20 years. She specializes in post-traumatic and congenital reconstruction of the upper extremity in children and adults and is a leader in 3D surgical planning.

Alumnus honored nationally with Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education

Alumus speaks to Pre-Health students

Rear Adm. Kevin J. Brown, a family medicine specialist and commander of Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, recently visited The University of Toledo to speak with students about health profession opportunities in the U.S. Navy. A northwest Ohio native, Dr. Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from UToledo and went on to study medicine at the former Medical College of Ohio via the Navy’s Health Professional Scholarship Program. The military scholarship program is open to students studying to be a physician, dentist, optometrist, physician assistant or clinical psychologist. Those accepted receive full support for up to four years of tuition and fees in return for a commitment to serve as a commissioned officer after graduation. The presentation was organized by the UToledo Pre-Health Advising Center.

Alumnus profiled in UToledo Alumni eMagazine

Dr. Amit “Bobby” Mahajan, class of 2006, was profiled in the winter edition of The University of Toledo Alumni Association's eMagazine. He was awarded the White House Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for his work in interventional pulmonology and his contributions to the COVID-19 pandemic response.

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In Memoriam:

Dr. John F. Brunner

Dr. John Francis Brunner, known affectionately as Jack, passed away peacefully in his home in Toledo on July 8, after a brief illness. He was 97. His passion for medical education was unwavering. When the then-Medical College of Ohio opened, Dr. Brunner joined the clinical faculty, actively contributing to the endocrine curriculum and eventually becoming a clinical professor of medicine in 1981. His dedication and excellence in teaching earned him The Golden Apple Award in 1972 and 1974, an annual recognition of an outstanding teacher selected by the graduating class. He will be remembered as a kind and compassionate physician who improved the lives of countless patients in Northwestern Ohio. Read the tribute.

Daniella Gamboa Pabon

One of our students, Daniella Gamboa Pabon, passed away unexpectedly in April. Daniella was a fourth-year Ph.D. student in our Biomedical Science Program studying neuroscience and neurological disorders. Daniella was an alumna of The University of Toledo, receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2020. Read the tribute. 

Dr. Patricia A. Hogue

Dr. Patricia A. Hogue served as a pioneering and distinguished faculty leader within the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences for 30 years. She was a trailblazer in medicine with a strong legacy of teaching, mentorship, patient care, and leadership in the Greater Toledo community and throughout the University. She passed away Nov. 2. She was 70. Learn more. 

Dr. William Anthony Sodeman, Jr.

Professor Emeritus William Anthony Sodeman, Jr., M.D., J.D., passed away peacefully on May 12, after a brief illness. He was 88. During his 50 years in academic medicine, he trained hundreds of medical students, law students, residents, and fellows and held faculty appointments at several institutions including The University of Toledo (1973-2004). In his sixties, Bill surprised everyone by enrolling in law school at The University of Toledo. Read the tribute.

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