News

Experimental, three-drug chemotherapy regimen didn’t improve survival rates for patients, but treatment might still prove helpful for a small subset of patients, according to Dr. Rachna Shroff, trial leader and Hematology & Oncology division chief.

Buoyed by research including retrieval of the largest asteroid sample ever brought to Earth, advancing a vaccine for Valley fever to human clinical trial – the world’s first against fungal infection to reach this stage – and mitigating effects of extreme heat, University of Arizona officials project research activity exceeded $1 billion in fiscal year 2024, which ended June 30, and are submitting this data to the National Science Foundation for review. 

Proving a stitch in time saves nine, the associate medical director for the Lung Transplant Program at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson spotted an incorrect measurement on a patient’s donor wait list information. A quick update got them a donor offer soon after.

The Division of Gastroenterology is reprising its Holiday Photo Booth, which made its debut last year as a way to add a lighter moment of joy during the end-of-year holiday season. All in the Department of Medicine are welcome to come shoot selfies and share them – or just keep them for personal pleasure. Sharing’s been made easier via a simple app accessible with a QR code.

Respiratory illnesses surge in winter months, aligning with colder weather, increased indoor gatherings and seasonal travel. This prompts health officials such as Dr. Mohanad Al-Obaidi, Division of Infectious Diseases associate professor, to urge people to adopt proactive measures to limit their spread.

The Annual Scientific Retreat of the University of Arizona Cancer Center on Nov. 15 drew 180 researchers and scientists. DOM’s Dr. Juanita Merchant, center interim director and GI division chief, offered welcoming remarks and Dermatology division chief Dr. Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski presented as well. The keynote was given by UT Health San Antonio’s Dr. Amelie Ramirez.

A story published online by the Lupus Research Alliance spotlights the Rheumatology division chief and U of A Arthritis Center director’s involvement with indigenous populations in Southern Arizona. Coming during Native American Heritage Month, this recognition serves as a wonderful tribute to the work being done to advance arthritis care throughout Native American populations.

The Division of Infectious Diseases and U of A GME office signed a 5-year letter of agreement with the Hospital Clínico Viedma in Cochabamba, Bolivia, for a four-week elective rotation there led by assistant professor Monica Jordan Hinestroza, MD, this February. Apply today!

The Division of Cardiology professor and Sarver Heart Center member whose research focuses on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young people – will give the Thomas Smith Memorial Lecture at the American Heart Association event Nov 18.