Message from the Chair Dear colleagues and friends, As we step into a new year, I’m proud to reflect on the extraordinary strength, scope, and impact of the Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine. Together, we are advancing discovery, shaping the future of patient care, and training the next generation of physicians and scientists at […]
The Patient Experience Team at Barnes-Jewish Hospital prioritizes patient feedback. They reach out to patients post-discharge to collect valuable feedback about their stay and ask them to identify any exceptional individuals who significantly impacted their experience. In November and December of 2025, several hospitalists were mentioned by patients for their excellent care. A record number […]
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent. This day is marked by Mass, where ashes are placed on the foreheads of Christians in the shape of crosses by the priest. This act symbolizes repentance and a commitment to God. Lent is a season of penance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, lasting for 40 […]
This year, the holy month of Ramadan is to begin on Tuesday, February 17 – Thursday, March 19, 2026. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds great significance in the Islamic faith. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and increased devotion to Allah. Historically, […]
Chinese New Year in 2026 is the Year of the Horse and is scheduled to start on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and last until the Lantern Festival on March 3, the date of the next full moon. It is the most important traditional festival in China. It marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional […]
February, a month traditionally associated with love, also brings attention to something equally vital: heart health. Recognized as Heart Health Awareness Month, February is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which continue to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Join us in highlighting the importance of heart health and taking steps to […]
During Black History month, we hope you have time to reflect on the many historical sacrifices and important contributions of Black Americans to our American way of life. We do this in the spirit of sharing: Please see below for Black History Month events/activities being held at WashU and in the St. Louis community. We […]
Welcome from the Chair Dear colleagues and friends,As we begin the new year, I am filled with gratitude for the enormous contributions our faculty, staff and trainees have made, providing outstanding care for patients, performing groundbreaking research and delivering exceptional educational programs. This has not been an easy year. We have dealt with many challenges […]
The Department of Medicine hosts Medicine CPC every Friday during the academic year from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm CST. Clinicopathological conference (CPC) is a case-based method of learning medicine by a problem-solving approach and has been in practice for more than 100 years now. A CPC is an outstanding presentation of a challenging case to […]
Martin Luther King Jr. Day ((January 19, 2026) serves as a reminder to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by engaging in acts of service and promoting inclusivity within our communities. It is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together, reflect on the progress made, and strive for a more […]
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. January marks Blood Donor Awareness Month, a time to recognize the life-saving impact of blood donors and raise awareness about the constant need for blood and platelet donations. Donating blood is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to help those in need. Whether it’s […]
Congratulations to Radha Devi, MD, SFHM, FACP, on her promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine effective January 1, 2026. Radha Devi, MD, SFHM, FACP, did her residency in Chicago and worked as a hospitalist in one of the Mayo Clinic satellite locations prior to joining WashU Hospital Medicine in 2017. Dr. Devi is the Director […]
Congratulations to Dennis Chang, MD, on his promotion to Professor of Medicine effective January 1, 2026. Dennis Chang, MD, joined WashU Hospital Medicine in 2018. Previously, he was affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, where he served as the 3rd-year Medicine Clerkship Director and the Director of […]
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, Chief of the Divisions of General Medicine, Geriatrics and Hospital Medicine, Dr. Molly McNairy, conducted a keynote address in the Connor Auditorium of the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center. When Molly McNairy, MD, MSc, joined WashU Medicine, she took on the unique challenge of re-imaging the structure of general medicine, […]
The Department of Medicine hosts Medicine CPC every Friday during the academic year from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm CST. Clinicopathological conference (CPC) is a case-based method of learning medicine by a problem-solving approach and has been in practice for more than 100 years now. A CPC is an outstanding presentation of a challenging case to […]
The Social and Wellness Committee organized the Second Annual Hospital Medicine Awards on November 19, 2025. Hospitalists, APCs, and staff came together to enjoy ‘WashU-Giving’ and celebrate their colleagues in the Holden Auditorium in the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center. We shared a delicious Thanksgiving meal, complete with all the traditional fixings, to help reward […]
Kwanzaa is a secular festival observed from December 26th through January 1st as part of a celebration of African American cultural heritage and traditional values. Historical background and significance The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza” or first fruits, referring to First fruits or Harvest festivals that are found throughout Africa. […]
December 25th is celebrated as both a religious holiday and a global cultural and commercial event. People around the world celebrate this holiday through a variety of religious and secular traditions. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their […]
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival (December 14 – 22, 2025). The central theme of Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. and the miracle of the oil. Hanukkah holds great cultural and religious significance for Jewish communities around the world, and the celebration of this festival […]
Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican celebration that takes place from December 16th to December 24th, marking the nine days before Christmas. This event holds significant cultural and religious importance in Mexico and other Latin American countries, as well as among Latino communities in the United States. Historical Background Religious Significance Cultural Significance Modern Celebrations […]
Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week takes place from December 1-7 each year, spotlighting the nearly 3 million Americans living with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These chronic, lifelong conditions cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, […]
At Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the Patient Experience team makes it a priority to gather important feedback from patients about their hospital stay after their discharge. Hospitalist Patricia Litkowski, MD, serves as the Medical Director of Patient Experience. Heather Lazarides is the Director of Patient Experience, and Roma Bordewick is the Executive Director of Patient Care Services […]
The Department of Medicine hosts Medicine CPC every Friday during the academic year from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm CST. Clinicopathological conference (CPC) is a case-based method of learning medicine by a problem-solving approach and has been in practice for more than 100 years now. A CPC is an outstanding presentation of a challenging case to […]
The official newsletter of the Department of Medicine. Message from the Chair Dear colleagues and friends, The start of a new school year is upon us, and we gratefully celebrate more than 50 new faculty, plus the outstanding new group of residents and fellows who have joined the Department of Medicine Divisions. Their expertise and dedication […]
The Academy of Educators at WashU Medicine is an institutional collaboration dedicated to fostering a culture of educational excellence and an institutionally valued community of leaders in health science education. The Academy supports educators’ continued skill development and educational growth through programs, workshops, grants, and awards. “What an inspiring day it was—welcoming new Academy members, honoring our […]
Raising Awareness and Supporting Health November marks National Diabetes Month, a time to bring attention to diabetes and the impact it has on millions worldwide. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diabetes, its risks, and ways to manage and prevent it. With more than 37 million Americas living with diabetes and nearly 96 million at […]
On November 11th, the United States observes Veterans Day to honor all veterans who have served during war and peace, whether living or deceased. However, it is primarily intended to thank those living who have served. First known as Armistice Day, President Woodrow Wilson set aside the day of November 11th (the first anniversary of […]
Thanksgiving is an official holiday celebrated on different dates in countries such as the United States, Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Liberia, and unofficially in Brazil and the Philippines. It is also observed in the Dutch town of Leiden and the Australian territory of Norfolk Island. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated by Americans on the fourth Thursday […]
By Jennifer Mosher, MA • October 21, 2025 Native American Heritage Month is observed during the month of November in celebration and recognition of the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, contributions, and history of Native American and Indigenous peoples in the United States. The origins of Native American Heritage Month can be traced back to the efforts of […]
Congratulations to Kieran Patel, MD, on his promotion to Assistant Professor of Medicine effective January 1, 2026. Kieran Patel, MD, joined Hospital Medicine in 2023, after previously serving as Chief Resident in the Internal Medicine Residency Program. In his current role, Dr. Patel is the Co-director of Education for Learners within the Division and also […]
In October of 2025, the Hospital Medicine Faculty Development Committee held its biannual Roads to Success Workshop, which provides tools for educators in medicine to develop their careers and goals. The course highlights four aspects of success: career, teaching, wellness, and quality improvement/patient safety, diving into how each aspect is important for faculty development and […]
As an initiative of the Patient Experience Team at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, patients are contacted post-discharge to provide feedback on their hospital stay. In August and September of 2025, multiple hospitalists were specifically mentioned by patients for their high-quality medical care. Dr. Saleh Alhalaseh and Leanna Mulholland, PA, were both recognized by their patient, who shared: […]
National Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week celebrates the contributions of Physician Assistants and Associates, Nurse Practitioners, and other certified providers. These professionals are authorized to diagnose, treat, and manage illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform clinical procedures. This week, held annually during the fourth week of September, underscores the value of a collaborative model in Advanced […]
Halloween, the night of October 31st, is a holiday celebrated worldwide with costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations. But where did this tradition start from? The History of Halloween The roots of Halloween can be traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The Celts […]
Diwali is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Hindu communities around the world. Diwali is a festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It has deep-rooted religious and cultural significance and is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy, fostering unity […]
World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10th as a day to promote mental health awareness, education, and advocacy It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. World Mental Health Day is […]
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed every October in the United States to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. In 2025, NDEAM will continue its mission to promote inclusive work environments and highlight the importance of ensuring equal opportunity for all […]
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week is celebrated every year on the third week of September. In 2025, the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Rehabilitation Department celebrated National Rehabilitation Awareness Week from September 15-21, culminating in an awards luncheon recognizing those who made a difference in rehab. The “Friends of Rehab” award is given to a colleague outside of the […]
September 22-24 is Rosh Hashanah, or Jewish New Year. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah and it is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah is also known as the “Days of Renewed Responsibility,” and begins at sunset on day one and ends at nightfall the next. The Jewish New Year […]
Margo Girardi, MD, SFHM, and Gina LaRossa, MD, contributed to an abstract and article that were featured in the Society of Hospital Medicine’s Journal of Hospital Medicine. The article, titled “Putting SQuID on the menu: A subcutaneous insulin protocol for diabetic ketoacidosis,” demonstrates how using a subcutaneous insulin protocol on hospitalist units for low-to-moderate severity […]
Congratulations to Crystal Atwood, MD, Safa Farrag, MD, and Eric Johnson, MD, on their promotions to Associate Professor of Medicine retroactive to July of 2025. Crystal Atwood, MD, is highly experienced in multiple clinical service lines in Hospital Medicine, with expertise in managing complex inpatient care. As an active member of the QI and Patient […]
The Department of Medicine hosts Medicine CPC every Friday during the academic year from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm CST. Clinicopathological conference (CPC) is a case-based method of learning medicine by a problem-solving approach and has been in practice for more than 100 years now. A CPC is an outstanding presentation of a challenging case to […]
In this Issue: Message from the Chair, Grants, High Impact Research Publications, Spotlight, Clinical Programs, In Memoriam: Dr. Stuart A. Kornfeld, Awards/Fellowships/Honors/Accolades, Leadership/Appointments, Office of Faculty Development, IDEAS at DOM, Vice Chair for Career Advancement, Vice Chairs of Safety, Quality, and Operations, Faculty Presentations, Welcome to WashU Medicine, Call for Applications and Events.
It is my distinct pleasure to announce that Margaret L. (Molly) McNairy, MD, MSC will be the Chief of the Divisions of General Medicine, Geriatrics, and Hospital Medicine in the Department of Medicine and Professor of Medicine at WashU Medicine effective October 1, 2025. Dr. McNairy is currently Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division […]
Congratulations to hospitalist and long-time passionate educator, Anthony Dao, MD, on being selected to receive the Rising Star Award from the WashU Medicine Academy of Educators. Only two other WashU Medicine faculty were selected from a large pool of incredibly talented educators. Dr. Dao has joined the Division of Hospital Medicine after completing his Internal […]
Radha Devi, MD, Timothy Evans, MD, and Rob Young, MD, have been spearheading the ADEPT (Achieving Diagnostic Excellence Through Prevention and Teamwork) initiative at WashU in collaboration with Colorado’s Institute for Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Efficiency (IHQSE). Along with 14 other academic medical institutions across the United States, the WashU ADEPT team is leading the […]
The Division of Hospital Medicine is excited to announce that nine of our physicians have been selected for the 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctors® list. The Top Doctors® selection process is based solely on merit; physicians cannot purchase their inclusion. These doctors exemplify superior healthcare, demonstrating both outstanding clinical expertise and excellent interpersonal abilities. For […]
Medical Director of Patient Experience, and hospitalist Patricia Litkowski, MD, works closely with Heather Lazarides, Director of Patient Experience for BJH, and Roma Bordewick, Executive Director of Patient Care Services Operations, to collect feedback from patients post-discharge. This valuable feedback allows patients to share any individuals who made a significant impact on their hospital stay. […]
Congratulations to Doctors Timothy Ackerman and Tony Dao for receiving the Golden Globe Teaching Award. This award recognizes the time and effort Dr. Ackerman and Dr. Dao put towards teaching and assessing students rotating on the medicine ACR. Thank you to Timothy and Tony for their excellent and timely assessment during Block 4.
In the sophomore year of the APC Fellowship Program, two fellows are joining the Division of Hospital Medicine. We are delighted to welcome Amanda Airaghi, PA-S and Tabitha Gruskowski, NP. Amanda completed her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Mississippi State University in May of 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Science in […]