Code Blue and Gold

The quarterly newsletter of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Medicine

Spring 2025

Dear fellow members of our Department,

We are happy and proud to provide you with some positive and inspiring stories from our Department in our most recent Code Blue and Gold. While we are facing a number of challenges and uncertainties at this time that affect both our professional and personal livelihoods, we remain focused on maintaining our core mission: to provide outstanding clinical care to our patients while serving our communities, educating our trainees, and engaging in excellent and robust research leading to significant advances in our understanding of disease origins and pathogenesis.

We are committed to supporting all of you, as you exercise your role as a valued member of the Department in the best possible way. As we adapt and modify our approaches and operations to reflect this new funding environment, we are positive and hopeful that, with our combined ingenuity and determination, we will continue to excel in this sacred mission of ours.

Please join us in celebrating some recent achievements made by the incredible talent that this Department is honored to host.

Anne Marie Lennon, MD, PhD
Jack D. Myers Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine

Features

Improving Outcomes for Lung Transplant Recipients

New research by faculty in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine suggests a new therapeutic target to reduce chronic lung allograft dysfunction, which could increase survival rates for lung transplant recipients.
read more

Pouneh K. Fazeli, MD, MPH, Named New Endocrinology Chief

In this recent QnA, Dr. Pouneh Fazeli discusses her current research, the importance of a good training environment, and her vision for the future of the division.
read more

New Center Created for Inflammation Research in the VMI

Led by Dr. Partha Dutta, the new Center for Cardiovascular Inflammation will unite experts across disciplines to advance scientific discovery and improve patient care.
read more

Latest in Research

Grants

The Appalachian Node UG1, directed by Drs. Jane Liebschutz and Erin Winstanley, was recently renewed with the aim of improving patient outcomes for those with a substance use disorder.
more recent grants

Publications

Dr. Charles Geyer found that treatment with trastuzumab emtansine in patients with high-risk HER2-positive breast cancer improved survival in a recent New England Journal of Medicine study.
more new publications

Resources

The Preclinical Phenotyping Core, directed by Dr. Stacey Rizzo, facilitates the characterization of behavioral phenotypes of mouse and rat models. Read more to see how their services may advance your research aims.
read more

Training the Future

ABIM Research Pathway

Developed to support residents interested in academic careers, the ABIM Research Pathway Physician Scientist Development Program integrates clinical training with unparalleled research opportunities.
read more

Cancer Prevention T32

The Translational Research Training in Cancer Prevention and Control T32, which supports pre- and post-doctoral trainees at the Hillman Cancer Center, was recently renewed led by Dr. Kathryn Schmitz.
read more

Accolades

Promotions and Tenure

Read about all the latest faculty promotions, appointments, and tenure conferred across the DOM.
read more

Honors

Whether it’s in patient care, innovative approaches to education, or new scientific discoveries, the DOM is being awarded. Read about all the latest honors across the department.
read more

In the News

The Department of Medicine is making headlines. Read more about how our experts are leading the charge on the global stage.
read more

Why, Hello!

Introducing your newest DOM faculty, postdocs, and staff colleagues.
read more

Philanthropy Spotlight

Last year, the Frank Calandra Jr. Foundation made a generous donation to the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism for diabetes research. Now, Dr. Margaret Zupa is developing ways to improve access to care for those living in rural areas by examining telemedicine approaches through a grant from the foundation.
read more

DOM-O Arigato

The DOM would be nothing without the amazing sacrifices of our faculty, trainees, and staff. Here are a few contributions that deserve special shoutouts.
read more

Upcoming Events

Still need to register for DOM Research Day? Wondering who’s presenting this May during Medicine Grand Rounds? Or are you just looking for something to do around town this weekend? We’ve got you covered in this list of upcoming events across the Department of Medicine and Pittsburgh.
view events

Trivia N’At

From zombies to ice hockey, the Pittsburgh region has served as an idyllic backdrop for countless movies, so grab your popcorn and test your knowledge of movies filmed in and around the Steel City.
take the quiz