Baylor College of Medicine Department of Medicine

Baylor Medicine clinical departments were recently recognized for achieving their quality measures. They enjoyed breakfast and time with colleagues! 🤩💪

Congratulations to our Chair, Dr. Hashem El-Serag, and Associate Professor, Dr. Aaron Thrift, on receiving a P01 grant from the National Cancer Institute! 🌟

Exciting news in cancer treatment! Dr. Benjamin Musher and Dr. Pavan Reddy are leading the charge at BCM's new Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation Center for Experimental Therapeutics. This innovative center offers patients access to cutting-edge Phase 1 clinical trials, bringing hope and advanced therapies to our community. 🌟

Read more: https://buff.ly/47mJVvz

Congratulations to Dr. Salma Kaochar on receiving the Cancer Research Early Career Award! 👏 This award recognizes outstanding early career investigators who have authored peer-reviewed, original articles published in Cancer Research.

Dr. Sean Hartig breaks down the complexities of fat in this episode of Mind & Matter. 🥼

Listen here: https://buff.ly/3z3RIlm

The Texas Collaborative Center for Hepatocellular Cancer (TeCH) hosted its 4th Annual HCC Symposium at our McNair campus, focusing on "HCC: From Prevention to Treatment." BCM faculty, including Drs. Hashem El-Serag, Fasiha Kanwal, and others, shared insights on HCC prevention, screening, and treatment. Special thanks to keynote speaker Dr. Sudhir Srivastava and the dedicated team who made the event a success! 🤩

Congratulations to Dr. Yanhong Liu on receiving an NIH R03 Award for her project, "Identifying Germline Pathogenic Variants in Familial Lung Cancer among African Americans." 🎉

Celebrating the dedication and hard work of every worker this ! Today, we honor the contributions that build our communities and drive our progress. Enjoy a well-deserved break! 🥼🤝

Congratulations to Dr. Bhavika Kaul on being named an inaugural Oscar Auerbach Visiting Scholar! Her research on post-deployment lung disease among Veterans, supported by this prestigious award, will advance our understanding of military environmental exposures and their long-term health impacts. 👏

Obesity is more than just overeating—it's complex. Dr. Olubunmi Oladunjoye explains how GLP-1 medications are changing the game by boosting satiety and aiding in effective weight loss. A comprehensive approach to obesity management is key! 🥼🤝

Read more: https://buff.ly/3MlcEHv

Exciting news! BCM and the University of Houston are launching the Consortium for Translational and Precision Health with a game-changing $39.9 million grant from the NIH! 👏

This new research hub will bridge the gap between lab discoveries and real-world medical treatments. By addressing local health challenges and reducing the time it takes for innovations to reach our communities, the consortium aims to improve health outcomes across Houston.

With a focus on combating health disparities and tackling issues like high uninsured rates, obesity, and cancer, this initiative is set to make a profound impact. Additionally, our CTSA K12 Program, funded by $4.3 million, will foster the next generation of translational science experts. Here’s to a healthier future and a transformative breakthrough in medical research! Congratulations to our Principle Investigators, Drs. Fasiha Kanwal, Chris Amos, and Rolando Rumbaut, and ALL involved! 🌟

Congratulations to Dr. Fasiha Kanwal on being awarded the Nancy Chang, Ph.D. Endowed Professorship II. A true leader in hepatology, Dr. Kanwal's groundbreaking research and dedication continue to inspire and elevate the field. 👏🤩

The section of Health Services Research and Dr. Laura Petersen hosted a popsicle party with Popfancy Pops to celebrate IQuESt, which has received five years of continued funding! 🍭

Dr. Nicola Hanania highlights the critical need to prioritize Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a leading yet under-recognized cause of death. With a new outlook on this old disease, it's time to challenge misconceptions and push for deeper research to better support patients. 🔬

Read more: https://buff.ly/3AsNMLi

Dr. Laura Petersen recently hosted the Section of Health Services Research All Staff Meeting at IQuESt. The meeting consisted of faculty and staff accomplishments, center-wide updates, and group brainstorming! 🤩

Congratulations to Dr. Hoda Badr on her invitation to attend the NCI Communication Evolving Cancer Information Ideas Lab where her team was selected to receive a cash prize award based on the innovation of their idea. 👏😊

Dr. Maya Balakrishnan emphasizes the need for patients to discuss botanical supplements with their doctors, as many use them without medical advice which can be potentially harmful. 🥼🍃

Read more:https://buff.ly/3ytVpk1

Our Department recently held its Grand Rounds where Dr. Hashem El-Serag gave his presentation: “Tips on Giving a “Great” Presentation.” It was an exceptional turn out with more than 200 attendees online and in person. 👏😊

Congratulations to Dr. Prasun Jalal on receiving R21 funding from the National Cancer Institute for his study titled, “Crosstalk Between Gut Microbiota and Hepatocellular Carcinoma induced by Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease.” 👏🏆

Discover the benefits of dawn-to-dusk dry fasting! 🌅✨ Dr. Ayse Mindikoglu's study reveals how it reduces inflammation and aids those with higher BMI.

Read more: https://buff.ly/4fu4t9j

Our department recently hosted our Admin 101 Workshop where we hosted 3 courses focused on communication, operations, and human resources. It was a great day full of collaboration and connection! 🤝📚

Congratulations to Dr. Muhammad Adrish on being named a 2024 Distinguished CHEST Educator! This distinction places him within the top 3% of CHEST faculty worldwide. 👏

Dr. David Corry's research highlights the potential link between common pathogens like Candida albicans and Alzheimer's disease. Discover how infections might play a role in dementia. 🧠🔬

Read more: https://buff.ly/4ceah3M

The Texas Heart Institute, BiVACOR, Baylor St. Luke’s, and Baylor College of Medicine celebrate the first human implantation of the Total Artificial Heart! This device offers new hope for patients with severe heart failure. Members of the BCM Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology team, including Drs. Ajith Nair, Andrew Civitello, Leo Simpson, Selby Oberton, and Lola Xie, are coinvestigators in the study and were each instrumental to the success of this project. 🌟🤝

Read more: https://buff.ly/3YvsAOS

The Section of Cardiology recently held its Annual Fellowship Meet and Greet to help welcome the newest cardiology fellows! Everyone enjoyed food and drinks while mingling and getting to know each other. 🤝

Dr. Chad Creighton explains how using AI and multi-omics data gives us a complete picture of cancer and leads to better treatments. Exciting times for cancer research! 🔬👏

Read more: https://buff.ly/3yd6o17

Congratulations to Dennis Pledger for receiving the FY24 OSIP & BIG Partnership for Excellence Award! This honor recognizes his significant contributions to Baylor’s strategic goals through exceptional planning and performance. 🎉

Recently, the Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program held its 3rd Annual Boot Camp for incoming PGY4 fellows! Big thanks to Dr. Aparna Jotwani, Dr. Courtney Miller-Chism, and all faculty who participated. It was a huge success! 🌟

Get the scoop on gut health, featuring Dr. Jared Sninsky! Discover how your gut microbiome impacts IBD and boosts your immune system. Learn top lifestyle tips for a thriving gut. 🌱 Read more: https://buff.ly/3WBX5kN