Sept2025 | Code Blue and Gold

Trivia N’At

K B — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:20:40 +0000

From phantom brides to ghoul-ish graveyards, our haunted Pittsburgh quiz is a spooktacular test of your eerie expertise. Will you rise to the occasion—or stay six feet under in the trivia rankings?

Enter… if you dare

Hover over (or tap if on mobile) the empty space below each question to reveal the correct answer. Let’s go!

•••

1. Which Pittsburgh landmark is said to be haunted by the ghost of a bride who died on her wedding day?

A) Pittsburgh Playhouse
B) Heinz Chapel
C) Carnegie Library
D) Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall

A) Pittsburgh Playhouse. Legend tells of a spectral Woman in White, the restless ghost of a bride whose wedding day ended in tragedy. Preparing to wed at the theatre, she discovered her fiancé’s betrayal moments before the ceremony. In a fit of anguish, she shot both her unfaithful groom and his lover, then hurled herself from an upper-floor window. To this day, her mournful figure is said to linger within the theatre’s walls.

2. Which area of the William Pitt Union is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Russian prima ballerina?

A) The Grand Ballroom
B) Tansky Family Lounge (Red Room)
C) The Terrace Café
D) The Oak Room

B) Tansky Family Lounge (Red Room). The Tansky Family Lounge, also known as the Red Room, is reportedly haunted by a Russian prima ballerina who stayed at the Schenley Hotel decades ago. After missing the opening performance of her US tour in Pittsburgh, she was replaced by her understudy and tragically took her own life that night. Today, legend holds that anyone who naps in the lounge will wake up in time for whatever they need to do, her ghost ensuring no one suffers the same fate of missing an important moment.

3. Which Pittsburgh cemetery is said to be haunted by the Weeping Woman?

A) Allegheny Cemetery
B) Homewood Cemetery
C) Calvary Catholic Cemetery
D) Union Dale Cemetery

A) Allegheny Cemetery. Founded in 1844, Allegheny Cemetery one of the largest and oldest cemeteries in the U.S., with numerous ghost tales. The Weeping Woman is said to be kneeling at the grave of Lillian Stevens, as she sobs uncontrollably.

4. The National Aviary is rumored to be haunted because it was built on the grounds of what former institution?

A) A Civil War field hospital
B) Western Penitentiary
C) A convent orphanage
D) Allegheny General’s first morgue

B) Western Penitentiary. The Aviary occupies land that once held Western Penitentiary, where countless inmates lived and died. Staff report phantom footsteps, shadow figures, and eerie presences that seem far older than the bird sanctuary itself.

5. What ghost is most often associated at Hartwood Acres outside Pittsburgh?

A) A woman in white walking the grounds
B) The original owner’s dog still roaming the halls
C) A phantom carriage pulling up to the estate
D) A woman watching from a window at Hartwood Mansion

D) A woman watching from a window at Hartwood Mansion. Visitors frequently spot the silhouette of Mary Flinn Lawrence, the estate’s former owner, gazing out from upstairs windows, long after her death.

6. Which area of the Cathedral of Learning is said to be haunted by restless spirits, with a chandelier that swings on its own?

A) Croghan-Schenley Ballroom
B) Commons Room
C) Austrian Nationality Room
D) Humanities Center

A) Croghan-Schenley Ballroom. The Croghan-Schenley Ballroom, located on the first floor of the Cathedral, is said to be haunted by spirits that never rest. Visitors and staff have reported the hand-cut glass chandelier swinging inexplicably, and morning crews often find heavy furniture mysteriously rearranged.

7. The Cathedral of Learning has reports of ghostly activity connected to which of its Nationality Rooms?

A) Scottish Nationality Room
B) Romanian Nationality Room
C) Early American Nationality Room
D) Polish Nationality Room

C) Early American Nationality Room. This room is believed to be haunted by the spirit of Martha Jane Poe McDaniel, a relative of Edgar Allen Poe. Her spirit is said to be attached to the wedding quilt she donated to the room, and visitors have reported phenomena like a rocking cradle, shifting objects, cold spots, and unexplained noises.

8. Which unusual ghost is said to appear at the Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh?

A) A headless groom
B) A black cat
C) A panda bear
D) A bellhop with no face

C) A panda bear. Opened in 1916, the historic Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh is said to be home to several restless spirits. Guests and staff have reported everything from disembodied voices and phantom arguments on the 18th floor to the apparition of a panda, linked to author Ruth Harkness, who died there in 1947. These eerie encounters make the hotel one of the city’s most famously haunted landmarks.

9. Which Chatham University dormitory is said to be haunted by a mischievous ghost boy named Billy?

A) Shadyside Hall
B) Fickes Hall
C) Berry Hall
D) Woodland Hall

B) Fickes Hall. Fickes Hall, a freshman dormitory at Chatham, is rumored to be haunted by Billy, a little boy who bounces a ball down the halls and startles newcomers. Students have also reported seeing his handprint on a second-floor door, a mark that mysteriously reappears no matter how many times it is painted over. Built in 1927 as the home of aluminum pioneer Edwin Stanton Fickes, the building has carried its spectral residents since it became part of Chatham University in 1943, shortly after Fickes’ death.

10. What paranormal activity is linked to Clayton House, the former home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick?

A) A rocking chair that moves on its own
B) Unexplained depressions on Adelaide Frick’s bed
C) A ghostly butler who greets visitors at the door
D) Portraits whose eyes seem to follow guests

B) Unexplained depressions on Adelaide Frick’s bed. While no formal paranormal investigations have been conducted or publicized, there have been numerous reports that Clayton House built in the 1860s, is haunted by the spirits of two women, likely the daughter, Helen, and mother, Adelaide Frick. Visitors and staff have reported hearing footsteps on the third floor and seeing unexplained depressions on Adelaide’s bed.

11. What Pitt dormitory hall is supposedly haunted by a friendly ghost named Harriet?

A) Tower C
B) Holland Hall
C) Bruce Hall
D) Brackenridge Hall

C) Bruce Hall. Bruce Hall, formerly the Schenley Hotel, is said to be haunted by Harriet, who died tragically in Room 1201 along with her husband’s mistress. Staff and event workers report ghostly footsteps, moving objects, strange noises, and even a log in the fireplace re-igniting on its own. Today, Harriet is remembered as a friendly, if eerie, presence in the hall’s banquet room.

12. What ghostly event is said to occur at the Carnegie Library’s Oakland branch?

A) A librarian whispering “quiet” from the stacks
B) Staff finding the message, “Sentio Est Hic,” written on walls.
C) Andrew Carnegie’s apparition reviewing books
D) Phantom footsteps on marble staircases

B) Staff finding the message, “Sentio Est Hic,” written on walls. Questionable reports link the appearance of “Sentio Est Hic,” (incorrect) Latin for “The judge is here,” to a city judge who reportedly hung himself in the library’s stacks in the early 1900s. Some accounts claim the judge’s apparition is still seen wandering the stacks, and that the words periodically reappear.

13. Which University of Pittsburgh building is rumored to be haunted by a dapper ghost dressed in a black tuxedo?

A) William Pitt Union
B) Alumni Hall
C) Bellefield Hall
D) Music Building

B) Alumni Hall. Originally the Masonic Temple before acquired by Pitt in 1993, Alumni Hall is said to be haunted by the spirit of a lone mason who never left. Witnesses describe a figure in a black tuxedo silently walking the corridors and stairwells, lingering in shadows long after the building passed into university hands.

Events

K B — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:19:55 +0000

Want to learn about the latest approaches in clinical care during UIM 2025? Wondering when Pitt Homecoming is? 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.

Local and Regional Events

Kennywood Phantom Fall Fest
Now – November 1
Kennywood

The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore
Now – January 11
The Frick Pittsburgh Museum and Gardens

Fault Lines: Art, Imperialism, and the Atlantic World
Now – January 25
Carnegie Museum of Art

Oktoberfest Pittsburgh
October 2 – 12
Downtown Pittsburgh (Ft. Duquesne Blvd & Sixth Street Bridge)

Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza
October 2 – November 2
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Pitt Panthers vs Boston College Eagles Football Game
October 4
Acrisure Stadium

Fall Flower Show: Visions of Japan
October 4 – October 26
Phipps Conservatory

Freedom Farms Fall Fest
October 4 – 26
Freedom Farms

Evidence to Impact: Integrating Research on Aging into Health Systems
October 6 – 8
UPMC Herberman Conference Center

University of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
October 8
Bellefield Hall Auditorium

Magic Pumpkin Trolley
October 10
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Zelienople Fall Festival
October 10 – 11
Downtown Zelienople

Outdoor Yoga
October 17
Cathedral of Learning, Lawn

Pittsburgh Opera: La Bohème
October 18, 21, 24, & 26
Benedum Center

Pitt Homecoming
October 20-26
Oakland

I Love Pitt Day
October 22
William Pitt Union

Pitt Panthers vs NC State Wolfpack Football Game
October 25
Acrisure Stadium

Pittsburgh Coffee & Chocolate Festival
October 25 – 26
Monroeville Convention Center

Heinz Chapel Halloween Concert
October 31
Heinz Memorial Chapel

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre: Dracula
October 31 – November 2
Benedum Center

Aging Institute Research Day
November 5
University Club

Phipps Holiday Magic
November 14 – January 4
Phipps Conservatory

Pitt Panthers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Game
November 15
Acrisure Stadium

Pittsburgh Light Up Night 2025
November 22
Downtown Pittsburgh

The Complete Brandenburg Concertos
November 24
Carnegie Music Hall

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: Les Misérables
November 25 – November 30
Benedum Center

Pitt Panthers vs Louisville Cardinals Women’s Volleyball Game
November 26
Petersen Events Center

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
December 9
Heinz Hall

Calendars

Medicine Grand Rounds

DOM Events Calendar

Pitt Events Calendar

UIM 2025 Info

DOM-O Arigato

K B — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:18:53 +0000

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

Thank you to…

Will Bain, MD, and Ron Poropatich, MD, for their years of service to our country and for their enthusiasm in expanding research that will benefit the well-being of Veterans.

Charles Dela Cruz, MD, PhD, and Walid Gellad, MD, MPH, for their commitment to research and patient care that improves Veteran health outcomes.

Anita Leon-Jhong, MD, for sharing the profound impact that Second Avenue Commons has on the Pittsburgh community.

Michael Jurczak, PhD, and Brett Kaufman, PhD, for preventing our mitochondrial research from undergoing apoptosis.

Ann-Marie Rosland, MD, MS, Kathleen McTigue, MD, MPH, MS, Denise Deverts, PhD, and Autumn Boyer, PhD, for building a resource that strengthens and connects our metabolic disorders research community at Pitt

Charles Dela Cruz, MD, PhD, for championing opportunities that inspire residents on their path to becoming physician–scientists.

Matt Steinhauser, MD, for building a program that empowers mid-career faculty to reach the next stage of their professional journey.

Kathy Brickett, for over 25 years of dedicated service, including the past 8 years strengthening our department.

Ronald Buckanovich, MD, PhD, for advancing ovarian and uterine cancer research as the newly named Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy, driving innovation and hope in the field.

Michael Fine, MD, MSc, for a legacy of leadership and commitment that will continue to guide our department long after your retirement.

James McGee, MD, for your tireless contributions to discovery, education, and service.

Matthew Muldoon, MD, MPH, for your unwavering dedication to teaching, research, and the many lives you’ve impacted along the way

Stephen O’Keefe, MD, MSc, for a career advancing nutritional gastroenterology and providing exceptional clinical care, mentorship, and advocacy that have left a lasting impact at Pitt and UPMC.

Kenneth Smith, MD, for decades of scholarship, mentorship, and service that have strengthened our community in countless ways.

New PGY-1 Residents

K B — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:17:02 +0000

Meet the incoming class of Interns.

Traditional Categorical

Amrit Ahluwalia, MD
Medical School: Tufts University of Medical School

Chloe Amsterdam, MD
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine

Alexandra “Alex” Belfi, MD
Medical School: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Dylan Bertovich, MD
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Gagana Borra, MD
Medical School: Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Simon Cao, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Maximilian “Max” Casey, MD
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Jeffrey Chen, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Anne Clinton, MD
Medical School: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Christopher “Chris” Curran, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Michael Daidone, MD
Medical School: Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Samuel “Sam” Dyer, MD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Soukaina “Souki” Eljamri, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Laura Gerrick, MD
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine

Cameron Hunter, MD
Medical School: Yale School of Medicine

Dasam Jeong, MD
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Travis Josephs, MD
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine

Elizabeth “Liz” Kairis, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Dean Kim, MD
Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Nikhil Maheshwari, MD
Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Cara Michael, MD
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine

Elizabeth Moss, MD
Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine

Vaishnavi Nara, MD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Reema Patel, MD
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine

Havisha Pedamallu, MD
Medical School: Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine

Kathryn “Katie” Platt, MD
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Amy Qin, MD
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Michelle Qiu, MD
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

Srikar Rapaka, MD
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine

Ilan Schwell, MD
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Amanda Shaw, MD
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Christina Tran, MD
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine

Tianyi Wang, MD
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School

Jack Zhao, MD
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Geriatric Medicine

Elizabeth Bolt, MD
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

Michelle Falconi, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Global Health

Matthew Cali, MD
Medical School: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

Andres Chavez Barragan, MD
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Kate Luo, MD
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine

Makala Wang, MD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Women’s Health

Haley Cirka, MD
Medical School: University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine

Mehar Hora, MD
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine

Swetha Jasti, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Erica “Jaiyeola” Odukoya, MD
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School

Halle Thannickal, MD
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine

Research Pathway

Kevin Thomas, MD, PhD
Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Jeffrey “Jeff” Zhou, MD, PhD
Medical School: University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine

International Scholars

Ali Ayla, MD
Medical School: İstanbul Üniversitesi Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi

Lars Bjoernebo, MD
Medical School: Karolinska Institute Faculty of Medicine

Diego Chamorro Ortiz, MD
Medical School: Universidad de Los Andes Facultad de Medicina (Colombia)

Marianna Daibes Rachid de Andrade, MD
Medical School: Universidade do Grande Rio Professor José de Souza Herdy Escola de Medicina Barra de Tijuca

Tulio Loyola Correa, MD
Medical School: Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) Faculdade de Medicina

Elile Okoka, MBBS
Medical School: Lagos State University College of Medicine

Ozge “Sila” Ozgur, MD
Medical School: Istanbul Aydin University Faculty of Medicine

Meds-Peds

Caitlin Cahill, MD
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine

Sierra Cowan, MD
Medical School: University of Houston Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine

Daniel McLoughlin, MD
Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Klaudia Wojciechowska, MD
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

Meds-Peds

Caitlin Cahill, MD
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine

Sierra Cowan, MD
Medical School: University of Houston Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine

Daniel McLoughlin, MD
Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Klaudia Wojciechowska, MD
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

Preliminary

Alexandre Bourcier, MD
Medical School: University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

Khushnood Faraz, MD
Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine

Brandon Foster, MD
Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine

Emily Keenan, MD
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Alice Lin, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Santosh Nori, MD
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School

Robert Scherer, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Neurology Preliminary

Roshini Chandrasekhar, MBBS
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College Manipal

Khai Du, MD
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Mital Joshi, DO
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Adi Kadosh, MD
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Karl Kamanousa, MD
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine

Nathan Kindja, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Daniel Soto, MD
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine

Kathryn Weiss, DO
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hanxin Zhang, DO
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Transitional Year

Dionna Bidny, MD
Medical School: University of Illinois School of Medicine

Annika Chang, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Owen Clinger, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Sean Ghiam, MD
Medical School: Sackler School of Medicine

Jacob Popple, MD
Medical School: Drexel University School of Medicine

Robert Porter, MD
Medical School: University of Cincinnati School of Medicine

Pooja Puttigampala, MD
Medical School: Drexel University School of Medicine

Paula Sepulveda Beltran, MD
Medical School: Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Senora del Rosario Facultad de Medicina

Ashani Shah, MD
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine

Arman Zarnegar, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Chief Residents 2025-2026

K B — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:16:18 +0000

Drs. Ilias Christodoulou, Alexandra Adegoke, Sarah Soniwala, Georgia Vasilakis, and Cole Hansell.

Get to know this year’s Chief Residents.

Alexandra Adegoke, MD, PhD

Hometown: Buzau, Romania
Undergraduate: Smith College
Medical School: University of Pennsylvania
Career Plans: Endocrinology

Alexandra grew up in Romania just after the fall of the communist regime, in a world of academic rigor focused strongly on the sciences. She had a hard time deciding between engineering and medicine, and ultimately left home for a more diverse college experience studying engineering at Smith College and a MSc in biomedical engineering at University of Oxford. She soon realized combining engineering and medicine was possible and pursued an MD-PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. Fascinated with complex physiology, she completed a year of OB-GYN residency prior to deciding that medicine would better suit her long term interests.

She chose the UPMC internal medicine program for its strong Women’s Health track and individualized learning, emphasis on autonomy from the early stages of training, and overall sense of community. In her current role as a chief resident, Alexandra has a focus on quality improvement and patient safety. Alexandra plans to leverage her multi-disciplinary training to become an academic endocrinologist.

Outside of medicine, Alexandra has traveled the world and pursued her passion for hiking and travel photography, always returning to Romania as her home and bringing a corner of it to her daily life by cooking and hosting. She shares her love of traveling and exploring with her husband, pup, and now twins who bring joy and laughter (and unexpected adventures) to every day.

Ilias Christodoulou, MD, PhD

Hometown: Olympia, Greece
Medical School: University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Greece
Career Plans: Physician-Scientist in Hematology/Oncology

Ilias grew up in Olympia, Greece – the birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games – where he developed a deep appreciation for science, history, and sports. From a young age, he was inspired to help people facing cancer, a calling that shaped his decision to become an oncologist. He earned both his MD and PhD at the University of Patras and began his medical career as a rural physician, providing care to remote villages in southwestern Greece. His drive to contribute to cancer research brought him to Baltimore, where he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins, developing novel CAR-NK cell therapies for acute myeloid leukemia.

Ilias chose UPMC for residency because of its dedication to attracting talented physicians from around the world, through the International Scholars Track, and its strong culture of academic rigor and clinical autonomy. As a Chief Resident, he now leads initiatives in recruitment, research, wellness, and medical education.

He plans to pursue a career in academic oncology, focusing clinically on hematologic malignancies and bone marrow transplant, with the long-term goal of running his own cellular immunotherapy lab to bring discoveries from the bench to the bedside. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, working out, playing soccer, and cooking – always with his family’s own olive oil from their fields in Greece.

Cole Hansell, MD

Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Medical School: University of Washington
Career Plans: Medical Educator in Pulmonary & Critical Care

Cole grew up just outside of Portland, Oregon, where he explored his interests in photography and videography. He began a career in adventure videography while simultaneously studying the sciences at the University of Washington. Ultimately, he chose to pursue medicine, continuing to dabble in videography during medical school before pausing his professional creative pursuits during residency – though he still enjoys it as a hobby.

His interest in medical education began in medical school and deepened during residency, where he completed a medical education certificate. Cole chose UPMC for internal medicine residency because of its strong medical education focus, emphasis on autonomy, and excellent pediatric program – he couple’s matched with his now-wife, who entered pediatrics.

Cole plans to continue his passion for medical education as a pulmonary and critical care physician in academic medicine. Outside of work, he enjoys biking along the GAP trail, exploring parks around Pittsburgh, and visiting his favorite craft breweries in Shadyside, Lawrenceville, the Strip District, and Bloomfield.

Sarah Soniwala, MD

Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Undergraduate: University of Rochester
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Career plans: Academic General Medicine

Sarah grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo and stayed close to home for college, attending the University of Rochester where she majored in molecular genetics. It was there that she first discovered her passion for both medicine and education—a combination that led her to spend a gap year in Boston with AmeriCorps City Year before returning to Buffalo for medical school. She chose UPMC for residency because of its strong emphasis on medical education, dedicated women’s health track, and meaningful representation of women in GME leadership. Outside of medicine, Sarah enjoys exploring new restaurants, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Georgia Vasilakis, MD

Hometown: Beaver, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: West Virginia University School of Medicine
Career Plans: Cardiology – Cardiac Imaging, Medical Education

Georgia was born in Morgantown, WV, but moved to Beaver, PA a few years later and is proud to call this Pittsburgh suburb her home. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and earned a Bachelor of Philosophy Degree in Neuroscience, demonstrating her commitment to a breadth and depth of academic rigor as well as her scholarly work in the Seney Lab. Georgia moved back to Morgantown, WV to attend the West Virginia University School of Medicine, where she put her love of patient care into a mode of practice at the bedside, while also serving in roles impacting medical education at both the institutional and national levels.

Georgia is a graduate of both the UPMC Internal Medicine Residency’s Clinical Scientist Track and Medical Education Certificate Program. She is also a recent graduate of the Pitt-UPMC Senior Resident and Fellowship Leadership Academy and currently serves as a Fellow of the CardioNerds Academy. Georgia is privileged to serve as a Chief Medical Resident in a program where, above all, everyone has a primary responsibility of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. She will be leading residency recruitment, projects involving undergraduate and graduate medical education, and efforts to incorporate digital medical education.

Georgia plans to become an academic cardiologist with a special interest in multimodality cardiac imaging. Outside of medicine, Georgia enjoys playing and writing music (piano and violin), Hellenic Dancing, and continues to serve as a choir member at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Ambridge, PA.

New Clinical Fellows

K B — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:15:48 +0000

Summertime means new Clinical Fellows! The following fellows entered their respective programs in July 2025.

Division of Cardiology

Cardiovascular Fellowship Training Program

Michael Brett Bowling, MD
Medical School: University of Mississippi
Residency: Vanderbilt University

Sean Dooley, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Residency: Beth Israel Deaconess

Anamaria Dragan, MD
Medical School: McGovern Medical School University of Texas
Residency: Emory University

Sarah Falta, MD
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Liyan Fan, MD
Medical School: Case Western Reserve
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

James Johnston, MD
Medical School: Yale School of Medicine
Residency: Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Shafik Mutaawe, MD
Medical School: University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Anisha Reddy, MD
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Interventional Fellowship

Francheska Castro, MD
Medical School: Ross University
Residency: UCF/HCA GME Consortium of Greater Orlando
Fellowship: University of South Florida

Sebastian Estrada, MD
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine
Residency: Duke University Hospital
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Electrophysiology Fellowship

Shalini Allam, MD
Medical School: University of Central Florida
Residency: Georgetown University
Cardiology Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Ashish Patel, MD
Medical School: Northwestern University
Residency: University of Pittsburgh
Cardiology Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Aakash Sheth, MD
Medical School: Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College
Residency: Louisiana State University
Cardiology Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Harrisburg

Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship PUH

Tracy-Ann Poyser, MD
Medical School: Windsor University COM
Residency: Unity Health White County Medical Center

Advanced Cardiac Imaging Fellowship

Sharanya Mohanty, MD
Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS)
Residency: Tufts Medical Center
Fellowship: Tufts Medical Center

Amyloidosis Fellowship

Timothy Kim, MD
Medical School: Weill Cornell Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Division of Classical Hematology

ASH-Hematology Fellowship

Junaid Wali, MD
Medical School: King Edward Medical College
Residency: Mayo-Rochester

Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism

Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Fellowship

Sneha Ajit, MD
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College Manipal, India
Residency: Houston Methodist Hospital

Sad Alquadan, MD
Medical School: Hashemite University Faculty of Medicine, Jordan
Residency: University of Central Florida

Avica Atri, MD
Medical School: Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
Residency: Jefferson Einstein Hospital

Pamela Henriquez Feliz, MD
Medical School: Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), Santo Domingo
Residency: Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center

Anjani Patel, DO
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Obesity Medicine Fellowship

Thiago Bosco Mendes, MD
Medical School: Santa Casa de Sao Paulo Medical School
Residency: University of Sao Paulo and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Gastroenterology Fellowship

Olufunso Agbalajobi, MD
Medical School: University of Laos
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Yen Nan Lin, MD, PhD
Medical School: Texas A&M University
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Sarah Mann, MD
Medical School: University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Samarth Shrivastava, MD
Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern
Residency: University of Texas Southwestern

Jordan Villars, MD, MPA
Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Austin Von Axelson, MD
Medical School: University of Louisville
Residency: University of Cincinnati

Advanced Transplant Hepatology Fellowship

Cierra Smith, DO
Medical School: Oklahoma State University
Residency: Riverside Methodist Hospital

Division of General Internal Medicine

Academic Clinician-Educator Scholars (ACES) Fellows

Joanna Kilbane Myers, MD
Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical School

Vanessa Murray, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Residency: University of Pennsylvania Health System

Rujuta Patil, MD
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Washington

Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Molly Mack, MD
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pediatrics Chief
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology

Hayley Malkin, MD
Medical School: University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill
Residency: Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Maryland Medical Center and Children’s Hospital

Christopher Marino, MD
Medical School: University of Toledo
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Ashley McLenithan, DO
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Albany Medical Center Emergency Medicine Chief

Jordana Yahr, DO
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Cleveland Clinic Internal Medicine
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Renal-Electrolyte Chief

Addiction Medicine Fellowship

Mark Bucsek, MD, PhD
Medical School: SUNY University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Residency: Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital Family Medicine

Reed Nerness, MD, MA
Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Residency: Oregon Health & Science University Internal Medicine

Jonathan Weinhold, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Residency: UPMC McKeesport Family Medicine

Clinical Informatics Fellowship

Carlie Hoffman, DO, MS
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: UPMC McKeesport Family Medicine

Christine Wang, MD
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Residency: Nationwide Children’s Hospital Pediatric Residency

Division of Geriatric Medicine

Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program

Kelley Bellia, DO
Medical School: Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi
Residency: VA – Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Celestine Christensen, MD
Medical School: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Mary Connolly, MD
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Minjie (Jessica) Guo, MD
Medical School: He Bei Medical University of Internal Medicine in Peking University Health Science Center
Residency: United Family Healthcare, Peking University Health Science Center

Angela Heysel, MD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Residency: Mountain Area Health Education Center Internal Medicine

Division of Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases Fellowship

Robert Bortz, III, MD, PhD
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Cetner

Daniel Goetschius, MD, PhD
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Jessica Hua, MD
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine – Rockford
Residency: University of Illinois Chicago

Division of Malignant Hematology and Medical Oncology

Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program

Sean Doerfler, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Residency: Duke
Combined Palliative Care and Hematology/Oncology Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

John Flickinger, Jr, MD, PhD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Research Pathway)

Allison Gradone, MD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Residency: University of Michigan

Padma Katikaneni, MD
Medical School: MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Ishara Lareef, MD
Medical School: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
Residency: Temple

Mariah Ondeck, MD
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Residency: Cleveland Clinic

Combined Palliative Care and Hematology/Oncology Fellow

Chris Marino, MD
Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Hospitalist: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellowship

Kristina Collins, MBBS
Medical School: University of the West Indies, Mona
Residency: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Cindy Xinxin Du, MD
Medical School: Yale University
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Joey Hebert, MD
Medical School: Indiana university School of Medicine – Rural Medical Education Program
Residency: University of Louisville

Ramya Kaushik, MD
Medical School: University of Rochester
Residency: Yale University

Erica Talbot, MD
Medical School: Eastern Virgina Medical School
Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Ashwatha “Ash” Thenappan, MD
Medical School: Wright State University
Residency: The University of Michigan

Ben Zuchelkowski, MD
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Sleep Medicine Fellowship

Shruthi Kumar, MD
Medical School: Bangalore Medical College
Residency: East Carolina University
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship: Cook County Health, Chicago

Catie Tarantine, MD, MSc
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Residency: The University of Michigan
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Allergy & Immunology Fellowship

Ailaura Donahoe, MD
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Ashna Jain, MD
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Residency: University of Michigan

Renal-Electrolyte Division

Nephrology Fellowship

Keerthana Gangadharan, MD
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore
Residency: Saint Peter’s University Hospital

Mike Haas, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education

Firas Kadurei, MD
Medical School: Kuwait University
Residency: NYC H&H/South Brooklyn Health

Khushboo Lakhatariya, MD
Medical School: G.C.S. Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre
Residency: Insight Memorial Hospital

Vinay Pulusu, MD
Medical School: Mamata Medical College
Residency: Weiss Memorial Hospital

Heather Rowe, MD
Medical School: Ross University, Barbados
Residency: Springfield Memorial Hospital

Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology

Rheumatology Fellowship

Amira Elgogary, MD, MSc
Medical School: Cairo University
Residency: Cairo University and the National Research Center & NCH Healthcare

Sneha Gupta, MBBS
Medical School: Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center McKeesport

Jonathan Li, MD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Alexandre (Alex) Matar, MD
Medical School: American University of Beirut Medical School
Residency: American University of Beirut & The MetroHealth System/Case Western University

Inflammatory Muscle Disease Fellowship

Alsayed Osman, MD
Medical School: University of Gezira
Residency: AdventHealth Orlando
Rheumatology Fellowship: University of South Florida

Mehmet Hocaoglu, MD
Medical School: Istanbul University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
Rheumatology Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

New Faculty, Postdocs, and Staff

K B — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:14:07 +0000

Introducing your newest DOM faculty, postdocs, and staff colleagues hired or appointed June 1, 2025, through September 1, 2025.

Faculty

Mauz Aijazi, MD // Clinical Instructor // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Jennifer Alvarez, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // General Internal Medicine

Kate Amodei, MD // Assistant Professor // General Internal Medicine

Suveen Angraal, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // Cardiology

Ali Atoui, MD // Assistant Professor // Classical Hematology

Clare Cene-Kush, MD // Assistant Professor // Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Irada Choudhuri, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // General Internal Medicine

Nicole Curtis, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // General Internal Medicine

Claire Durkin, MD // Assistant Professor // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Gitouf Elnema, MD // Assistant Professor // Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Cyndi Gonzalez, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // General Internal Medicine

Joanne Hyunjung Huang, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // General Internal Medicine

Sonya John, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // Cardiology

Sullafa Kadura, MD // Visiting Associate Professor // Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Neil Kelly, MD // Assistant Professor // Cardiology

Timothy Kim, MD // Clinical Instructor // Cardiology

Fei-Pi (Phoebe) Lin, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Zhexi “Jersey” Lu, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // General Internal Medicine

Almut McDermott, MD // Assistant Professor // General Internal Medicine

Matthew Metzinger, MD // Assistant Professor // General Internal Medicine

Sharanya Mohanty, MD // Clinical Instructor // Cardiology

Anne Richardson, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // General Internal Medicine

Ruby Sangha, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // Infectious Diseases

Brigitte Senechal, PhD // Visiting Research Associate Professor // Malignant Hematology and Medical Oncology

Daniel Sinden, MD // Clinical Instructor // Cardiology

Karim Soliman, MD, PhD // Visiting Associate Professor // Renal-Electrolyte

Yujie (Richie) Sun, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Eleana Vasileiadi, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // Infectious Diseases

Caitlin Visek, MD // Clinical Assistant Professor // Infectious Diseases

Courtney Wagner, MD // Assistant Professor // General Internal Medicine

Susan Wright, DO // Assistant Professor of Medicine // Renal-Electrolyte

Postdocs

Syed Afroz Ali, PhD // Postdoctoral Associate // Aging Institute

Catherine Corey, MD // Postdoctoral Scholar // Endocrinology and Metabolism

Veronica Hong, PhD, MS // Postdoctoral Associate // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Laurel Dieckhaus, PhD // Postdoctoral Scholar // Cardiology

Md Asmaul Hoque, PhD // Postdoctoral Associate // Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Andzoa Jamus, PhD // Postdoctoral Scholar // Cardiology

Shuang Li, MD, PhD // Postdoctoral Associate // Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition

Justin Massey, MD // Postdoctoral Associate // Infectious Diseases

Julia McDonald, MD // Postdoctoral Scholar // Renal-Electrolyte

Lee Ohayon Steckel, PhD // Postdoctoral Scholar // Cardiology

Zachary Resko, PhD // Postdoctoral Associate // Infectious Diseases

Mary Rossillo, MD, PhD // Postdoctoral Scholar // Endocrinology and Metabolism

Laura Seese, MD // Postdoctoral Scholar // Vascular Medicine Institute

Emil Smith, PhD // Postdoctoral Scholar // General Internal Medicine

Yonne Tenorio de Menezes, PhD // Postdoctoral Associate // Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Staff

Linda Banks // Executive Assistant // Chair’s Office

Jennifer Boag // Post Award Grants Specialist // Research Administration

Ashley Burns, CRNP // Nurse Practitioner // General Internal Medicine

Kelly Bynum // Medical Assistant // Geriatric Medicine

Charlotte Cuff // Laboratory Research Technician // Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology

Julia Duken, MS // Data Scientist // General Internal Medicine

Luis Duran // Senior Regulatory Specialist // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Jack Francisco // Laboratory Technician // Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Kylie Gedman // Patient Service Representative // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Charlize George // Laboratory Research Technician // Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Molly Hundertmark // Clinical Research Coordinator // Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Muhammad Ishfaq, DSc // Senior Research Scientist // Vascular Medicine Institute

Anna Labiner // Laboratory Technician // Infectious Diseases

Collin Layton // Laboratory Research Specialist // Cardiology

Roberto Lopez // Surgery Scheduler // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Austen Markus // Research Coordinator // General Internal Medicine

Brittany McKay // Post Award Administrator // Research Administration

John Meehan // Research Assistant // General Internal Medicine

Dana Remisovsky // Medical Assistant // Endocrinology and Metabolism

Kyle Ross, MPH // Clinical Research Coordinator // Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Alexandra Santini // Administrative Assistant // Endocrinology and Metabolism

Nandinii Sekar // Laboratory Research Technician // Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Aris Shultz // Executive Assistant // Geriatric Medicine

Linda Smalley // Patient Access Specialist // Geriatric Medicine

Surahbi Srinivas, MS // Laboratory Technician // Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Betsy Stein, MSEd // Manager – Grants & Contracts // Research Administration

Capresia Stone // Medical Assistant // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Hunter Strait // Physician Assistant-Certified // Endocrinology and Metabolism

Annie Walters // OP Nurse Coordinator // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Lorena Ye // Laboratory Research Technician // Renal-Electrolyte

In the News

K B — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:13:51 +0000

From The New York Times to the local news, the Department of Medicine is making headlines. Read more about how our experts are leading the charge on the global stage.

June 2025 – September 2025

CBQM‘s contribution in the development of the University Data Coordinating Centers (UNICORN) Network, a consortium of new & established academic data coordinating centers across the U.S., was highlighted by PittWire, with Kaleab Abebe, PhD, Cristina Murray-Krezan, PhD, and Michelle Lancet playing key roles. >> Read the article

Newsweek was among many outlets that reported on recent research by Diwakar Davar, MD, on how the artificial sweetener sucralose can impede cancer immunotherapy by modifying the gut microbiome. >> Read the coverage

PittMed highlighted the CALMER curriculum, developed by Anna Donovan, MD, MS, Reed Van Deusen, MD, MS, and Jordan See, MD, which helps medical students build confidence in de-escalating tough patient interactions before they face them in real life. >> Read the article

Raagini Jawa, MD, MPH, discussed xylazine wounds on an episode of Behind the Evidence, an addiction medicine podcast from Grayken Center for Addiction. >> Listen to the podcast

Paul Joudrey, MD, MPH, and Travis Donahoe, recently created a video abstract for Health Affairs on how state regulations governing opioid treatment programs affect geographic access to methadone maintenance treatment. >> Watch the video

Casey McQuade, MD, MSEd, contributed to Core IM’s Hoofbeats podcast focused on clinical reasoning. >> Listen to the podcast

Jason Ng, MD, contributed to a MedicalNews Today story about how the keto diet may affect aging speed differently in males and females >> Read the article

MedicalNews Today also reached out to Jason Ng, MD, on recent research showing an association between cannabis use and an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes. >> Read the article

The New York Times reported on a recent clinical trial of a pill for sleep apnea led by Sanjay Patel, MD, MS. >> Read the article

Gina Piscitello, MD, MS, spoke with MedPage Today about her recent review in JAMA Health Forum that found a lack of uniformity surrounding U.S. laws guiding clinician decision-making for initiating or maintaining life-sustaining treatment. >> Read the interview

Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH, was quoted by ABC News regarding the leading causes of death for a recent story covering the death rate in the United States. >> Read the article

Jesus Tejero, PhD, and collaborators developed a promising intravenous protein therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning, which was recently featured in numerous outlets including Scientific American, Science News, and Chemical & Engineering News. >> Read the coverage in Scientific American

Holly Thomas, MD, MS, contributed to this First for Women article highlighting seven important questions women should ask their physician during their annual checkup. >> Read the questions

Adele Towers, MD, recently assisted UPMC in adopting BrainCheck to offer quicker, more accessible cognitive health assessments for patients in primary care settings. >> Read the story

Honors

K B — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:12:48 +0000

June 2025 – September 2025

Thiago Bosco Mendes, MD, Margaret Bove, MD, Joshua DeJoya, MD, Chihun (Jim) Han, MD, Kevin Liao, MD, Matthew McCabe, MD, Amy Paul, MD, and Isabel Trejo Zambrano, MD, were recently named Pitt Med Professionalism Accolade Awardees.

Rutvi Chahal, MBBS, received a Presidential Poster Award from the American Geriatric Society for her poster with mentor, Shachi Tyagi, MD, MS, in Geriatric Syndromes.

Cardiology fellow Alyssa Chang, MD, received a 2025 ASE Travel Award

Anna Donovan, MD, MS, was awarded the ADME Steven Kanter Exemplary Educator Award, which recognizes an early or mid-career faculty member who is an emerging leader in the field of medical education.

Sae Jang, MD, a Cardiology T32 postdoctoral scholar, was a finalist at the ASE 2025 Young Investigator Award Competition.

John Kirkwood, MD, will receive the Martin “Mac” Cheever Distinguished Service Award for his work in promoting cancer immunotherapy and improving patient outcomes through advancing science at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) annual meeting in November. Dr. Kirkwood will also receive a Champion of SITC Award for his contribution to SITC’s mission through education, advocacy and leadership development. >> Read more

Jen Kliner, CRNP, was the 2025 recipient of the American College of Cardiology W. Proctor Harvey, MD, Young Teacher Award.

Alison Kohan, PhD, one of five University of Pittsburgh health sciences faculty honored with the 2025 Ascending Star Award, will present her research talk on uncovering chylomicrons’ role in disease and potential to improve human health and lifespan on October 3. >> Read more

Ashok Kumar, MD, is an invited speaker at the 2025 IRACON conference in New Delhi.

Jillian Kyle, MD, has been accepted into the Journal of General Internal Medicine Editorial Fellowship. In this program, Dr. Kyle will gain practical experience in peer review and publishing, learn from editorial mentors, and build skills to advance academic medicine.

Kathryn Leyens, MD, was presented the UPMC Med-Peds Residency Med-Peds Champion Award for Internal Medicine.

Lena Makaroun, MD, MS, received SOM recognition for student mentoring (Longitudinal Research Projects).

Yana Najjar, MD, was honored with the 2025 Sy Holzer Endowed Immunotherapy Research Award >> Read more

Cristina Padilla, MD, was selected to participate in the 2025 ACR-APLAR Research Exchange Program in Fukuoka, Japan.

Shari Rogal, MD, MPH, was recently honored with the prestigious 2025 Ascending Star Award and presented a lecture highlighting how innovative implementation science and data-driven strategies can overcome systemic barriers to advance equitable, high-quality care for complex patient populations. >> Read more

Shari Rogal, MD, MPH, has also recently been named the new Associate Director of the Center for Healthcare Evaluation, Research, and Promotion (CHERP).

Yael Schenker, MD, MAS, is this year’s recipient of the Hillman Cancer Center Outstanding Research Mentor Award for her exceptional support and guidance of the next generation of researchers.

Maggie Shang, MD, MS, received the UPMC Med-Peds Residency Special Recognition Award! Recipients are chosen by MedPeds residents to give special recognition to a faculty/staff member who they feel has gone above and beyond to add to their educational experience.

Prem Soman, MD, PhD, presented the Mario Verani Memorial Lecture at ASNC2025. Selection as a Mario Verani Memorial Lecturer is one of the highest honors bestowed by ASNC, recognizes qualities exemplified by the late Dr. Mario S. Verani, a founding member of ASNC known for his seminal contributions to nuclear cardiology, excellence as a teacher and a clinician, and for being a caring physician. >> Read more

Carla Spagnoletti, MD, MS, has been awarded the ADME Ann Thompson Award for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of her commitment to medical education.

Carla Spagnoletti, MD, MS, has also been appointed to the AAMC Group on Faculty Affairs Research and Scholarship Committee, which supports faculty by advancing research, scholarship, and initiatives that center around professional development.

Cynthia St. Hilaire, PhD, is the President Elect of the North American Vascular Biology Organization (NAVBO).

Katie Suda, PharmD, MS, has been selected to be the next Director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh site of the Center for Healthcare Evaluation, Research, and Promotion (CHERP) and, with Pete Groeneveld in Philadelphia, the next Co-Director of both CHERP sites.

Holly Thomas, MD, MS, was appointed secretary of the Menopause Society.

Kenta Yamamoto, MD, PhD, was one of eight oral presenters at this year’s MSTP Annual Scientific Retreat.

Yvette Yien, PhD, has been named the 2025 Chair of the Scientific Committee for Iron and Heme by the American Society of Hematology

Yvette Yien, PhD, also gave the 2025 Barry Paw Lectureship at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. The lectureship is awarded annually to an outstanding zebrafish investigator.

Promotions and Tenure

K B — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:11:30 +0000

Faculty Promotions, Appointments, and Tenure

July 2025 – September 2025

Appointed as Associate Vice Chair for Faculty Advancement

Congratulations to Gavin Arteel, PhD, who was appointed as Associate Vice Chair for Faculty Advancement, effective July 1. His research program focuses on extracellular matrix remodeling in liver disease. Currently, he is developing biomarkers for the clinical detection and monitoring of liver disease, as well as computational tools to identify liver disease mechanisms. In this new role, Dr. Arteel will oversee promotion and tenure processes, serve as a key resource for faculty and leaders, and help strengthen advancement across the department.

Promotion to Professor of Medicine

Marcelo Carattino, PhD // Renal-Electrolyte
Effective July 1, 2025

Chung-Chou Chang, PhD // General Internal Medicine
Effective September 1, 2025

René Claxton, MD, MS // General Internal Medicine
Effective September 1, 2025

Pouneh Fazeli, MD, MPH // Endocrinology and Metabolism
Effective July 1, 2025

Matthew Steinhauser, MD // Cardiology
Effective September 1, 2025

Richard Steinman, MD, PhD // Malignant Hematology and Medical Oncology
Effective September 1, 2025

Promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine

Aditi Gurkar, PhD // Geriatric Medicine
Effective September 1, 2025

Megan Hamm, PhD // General Internal Medicine
Effective July 1, 2025

Sadeesh Ramakrishnan, DVM, PhD // Endocrinology and Metabolism
Effective July 1, 2025

Jami Saloman, PhD // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Effective July 1, 2025

Promotion to Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine

Amy Hosmer, MD // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Effective July 1, 2025

Elyse Johnston, MD // Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Effective July 1, 2025

Promotion to Research Assistant Professor of Medicine

Muhammed Wahab Bin Amjad, PhD // Cardiology
Effective July 1, 2025