[domweek] DOM Week, February 23-27, 2026

[Department of Medicine weekly newsletter via domweek]

DOM Week
February 20, 2026
News, information, and events of interest from the Department of Medicine

(if you have items for DOM Week, please email amyf at uw.edu<mailto:amyf at uw.edu>)


Awards
David B. Thorud Leadership Award nominations
Congratulations to Dr. Robin Bennett, professor (Medical Genetics), Dr. Geoffrey Gottlieb, professor (Allergy and Infectious Diseases), Jackie Monroe, AHR director and interim vice chair for administration and finance, Dr. Demetrio Sharp Demitri, fellow (Cardiology), and Kelly Uçkun, administrator (Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition) who have been nominated for 2026 David B. Thorud Leadership Awards.

[Robin Bennett, Geoffrey Gottlieb, Jackie Monroe, Demetrio Sharp Demitri, Kelly Uckun.]

Recognizing outstanding leadership since 2006, the Thorud Leadership Award is the highest leadership honor at the University of Washington.


Faculty news
Elizabeth Blue president-elect of the International Genetic Epidemiology Society
[Elizabeth Blue]Dr. Elizabeth Blue, professor (Medical Genetics) and associate director of the Institute for Public Health Genetics, has been elected president-elect of the International Genetic Epidemiology Society<https://www.geneticepi.org> (IGES). IGES was formed in 1991 as the only international genetic society devoted to promoting the study of genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics. Members include geneticists, epidemiologists, statisticians, mathematicians, biologists, and biomedical researchers investigating the genetic basis of disease, complex traits and their risk factors.


Clinical news
Madison Clinic recognized as Age-Friendly Ambulatory Care Site
The Madison Clinic<https://www.uwmedicine.org/locations/madison-harborview> at Harborview has been nationally recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) as an Age-Friendly Ambulatory Care Site. IHI recognizes clinical care settings that are working toward reliable practice of evidence-based interventions for all older adults in their care known as the 4Ms (4Ms: What Matters, Medications, Mentation, Mobility).
The Madison Clinic provides medical care and social services for men and women with HIV regardless of sexual orientation, race, or ability to pay.

[Reema Navalurkar]“This designation reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for older adults living with HIV,” said Dr. Reema Navalurkar, assistant professor of clinical practice (Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine), who led the effort. “Because people living with HIV are now living longer and experience aging-related syndromes earlier than adults without HIV (so-called “accelerated aging”), integrating geriatric principles into routine primary care is essential. We are very proud of this achievement.”

Learn more on our news site<https://bit.ly/4s0ot8N>.


Research news
Scientists develop first-of-its-kind antibody to block Epstein Barr virus
Scientists have reached a crucial milestone in blocking Epstein Barr virus (EBV), a pathogen estimated to infect 95% of the global population that is linked to multiple types of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other chronic health conditions.

Hope for patients at the highest risk of Epstein Barr virus
More than 128,000 people in the U.S. undergo solid organ and bone marrow transplant annually. However, there are no specific therapies to prevent EBV from infecting or reactivating in patients undergoing immunosuppression for transplant procedures. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are an aggressive and sometimes life-threatening lymphoma that can develop after immune suppression and is most often caused by unchecked EBV infection.

[Rachel Bender Ignacio]“Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD), most of which are EBV-associated lymphomas, are a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality after organ transplantation,” noted Dr. Rachel Bender Ignacio, associate professor (Allergy and Infectious Diseases). “Preventing EBV viremia has strong potential to reduce the incidence of PTLD and limit the need to reduce immunosuppression, thereby helping preserve graft function while improving overall patient outcomes. Effective prevention of EBV viremia remains a significant unmet need in transplant medicine.”

Read the full story from Hutch News<https://bit.ly/3ZLtXrY>.

________________________________

Applications open for NCOR-KUH
The NIDDK-Funded U2C/TL1 Northwest Comprehensive Research Training in Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Sciences (NCOR-KUH) Program is currently accepting applications from pre- and postdoctoral trainees.

The NCOR-KUH Program is one of several programs nationwide dedicated to training the next generation of scientists in Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic (KUH) diseases—scientists who drive new innovations and improve the lives of patients.
The NCOR-KUH Program supports predoctoral PhD students, MDs, and postdoctoral PhD scientists who pursue cutting-edge research with one of 60+ faculty mentors across five leading Seattle research institutions. The program offers successful applicants up to two years of research training support.

Deadline is April 1. More information may be found on the NCOR-KUH website<https://ncorkuh.uw.edu/>.


Recent publications
Dr. Rachel Bender Ignacio, associate professor (Allergy and Infectious Diseases) is co-author of “Impact of COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy on Subsequent Vaccine-elicited SARS-CoV-2 Immune Responses<https://bit.ly/4aYf8Zj>” in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Dr. Jim Boonyaratanakornkit, assistant professor (Allergy and Infectious Diseases) is senior author of “Development of a potent monoclonal antibody for treatment of human metapneumovirus infections<https://bit.ly/4s18Y0u>” in Nature Communications.

Dr. Paul Cornia, professor, is lead author and Dr. Benjamin Lipsky, professor emeritus (General Internal Medicine) is senior author of “Pertussis Infection in Adults<https://bit.ly/4rm7Btf>” in JAMA Insights.

Dr. Paul Crane, professor (General Internal Medicine) is senior author of “Angiotensin II–Stimulating Antihypertensive Medications and Dementia-Related Neuropathology<https://bit.ly/40hH2tf>” in JAMA Network Open. DOM co-author is Eric Larson.

Dr. Kiran Dhillon, CVI executive director (Hematology and Oncology) is lead author of “The Time for Cancer Vaccines Is Now: Advancing Toward Lasting Cancer Immunity<https://bit.ly/3OrhtU8>” in JAMA Oncology.

Dr. Sheela Damle, assistant professor (Hematology and Oncology) is co-author “Overcoming CXCR4-Mediated T-Cell Exclusion Potentiates Antitumor Cytotoxicity in Fibrolamellar Carcinoma<https://bit.ly/3MjWvWz>” in Gastroenterology.

Dr. Marina Hanna, fellow, is lead author and Dr. Rachel Issaka, associate professor (Gastroenterology) is senior author of “Colorectal Cancer Test Completion Among Adults Aged 45–75 in an Integrated Healthcare System: A Retrospective Analysis<https://bit.ly/40cdj4W>” in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Dr. Issaka is also co-author of “CRC-SPIN version 3.0: an updated policy model for colorectal cancer screening that includes the serrated pathway<https://bit.ly/4bWKQr3>” in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Drs. R. Scott McClelland, professor, and Jared Baeten, affiliate professor (Allergy and Infectious Diseases) are co-authors of “Trichomonas vaginalis Among Cisgender Women Taking Doxycycline Postexposure Prophylaxis<https://bit.ly/4aN1Cqo>” in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Dr. Bruce Psaty, professor emeritus (General Internal Medicine) is co-author of “Novel Plasma Proteomic Markers and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism<https://bit.ly/4kQD6cE>” and “Prospective Associations of Obesity and Obesity Severity With 9 Cardiovascular Outcomes: The Cross-Cohort Collaboration<https://bit.ly/4aX37n0>” in Circulation.

Dr. Ashok Reddy, associate professor (General Internal Medicine) is senior author of “Primary Care by Telehealth and Care Quality in the Veterans Health Administration<https://bit.ly/40oIDxi>” in JAMA Network Open. DOM co-author is Karin Nelson.

Dr. Londyn Robinson, fellow (Rheumatology) is co-author of “Corticosteroid Therapy and Long-Term Outcomes of Post-Infectious Inflammatory Syndrome in Non-HIV Immunosuppressed Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Multicenter Case Series<https://bit.ly/4cCGvtc>” in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Dr. Katherine Tuttle, clinical professor (Nephrology) is lead author of “Kidney and Survival Outcomes with Semaglutide by Chronic Kidney Disease Severity in the FLOW Trial<https://bit.ly/40pQMS9>” in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology and co-author of “New drug therapies for hypertension<https://bit.ly/4c6DEJ4>” in The Lancet.

Dr. Eugene Yang is senior author of “Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors by Age Strata among Asian American Groups<https://bit.ly/4s4gCY0>” in the American Journal of Preventive Cadriology. DOM co-authors are Daniel Kim and James Floyd.


In the news
Dr. Paul Crane, professor (General Internal Medicine) is quoted in “Not All Blood Pressure Drugs Equal for Dementia<https://wb.md/40nESrX>” in Medscape.

Dr. Rachel Issaka, associate professor (Gastroenterology) is quoted in “Seattle NIH money was under attack. Now it’s at a record high<https://bit.ly/3OuQRRW>” in the Seattle Times. Dr. Issaka also talked to KUOW in “Ask a Doctor: All things colon cancer<https://bit.ly/4rMn3iJ>.”

Dr. Sandhya Panch, associate professor (Hematology and Oncology) participated in a Q&A with Hutch News to discuss “How your blood could help a cancer patient<https://bit.ly/4tIx8OZ>.”


Events of interest
Federal Policy Town Hall
The next Federal Policy Town Hall will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26, 4pm, via zoom<https://washington.zoom.us/j/98151483608>


. Please submit your questions in advance<https://tinyurl.com/5n98pkym>.


 Weekly Calendar, February 23-27, 2026
Our events calendar is posted on our website<https://medicine.uw.edu/news/trumba-calendar>.


Coming up
Eldercare for Women in Medicine & Science
The Women in Medicine & Science (WIMS) Reproductive Health & Family Support subcommittee is hosting a community conversation on eldercare, “A prescription for Caregivers: Take Care of Yourself” on March 3, 4pm. Learn more and register<https://uw.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=16661>.

UW Medicine Community Building Circles for Grief & Moral Injury
The Center for Restorative Practices is partnering with the Office of Well-Being to provide space for those in our community who are grieving and feeling challenged by professional, personal, national and world events. March 12, 3-4:30pm, South Campus Center. Please RSVP for this event<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.addevent.com/event/1bcmqjc5z7jr__;!!K-Hz7m0Vt54!i7VmAH79jdVP7VHcpgoxFpOtcWtLgwuJkRk4aWBJk687ozUFIcwu2btj03L1VfpGYIOjkJXy-NNlIxE$>.

Gender Equity Grand Rounds
Please save the date for our Gender Equity Grand Rounds on April 3 (via zoom). We are delighted to welcome Dr. Julie Silver as our presenter. Dr. Silver serves as senior associate dean for faculty experience and success at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She previously founded and directed Harvard’s CME‑accredited course, “Career Advancement and Leadership for Women in Healthcare,” which has trained thousands of physicians and healthcare leaders across the U.S. and around the world.

Navigating Conflict as a Leader
In this interactive workshop, Diana Cook, associate ombud for the School of Medicine, will share her experience and framework for conflict management in an academic medicine environment. Through scenario based discussion and skills practice participants will learn new tools for navigating conflict. April 21, 4pm. Learn more and register<https://uw.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=13495>.

Women Faculty Day
Save the date! The theme for Women Faculty Day this year is “Empowered to Thrive:
Well-Being for Women in Academic Medicine” and will feature Dr. Susan Reed, professor emeritus (Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology) as the Keynote Speaker. May 6, 9am-3:30pm, UW Center for Urban Horticulture Center. Please register for this event<https://bit.ly/3ZLnFbF>.


________________________________

Amy Fields, Editor
amyf at uw.edu<mailto:amyf at uw.edu>


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