By Julia Sandvoss • March 24, 2025 What is Passover? Passover, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is among the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays. It commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, as recounted in the biblical book of Exodus. Lasting for seven or eight days (depending on tradition), Passover is a time of […]
By Jennifer Mosher, MA • March 24, 2025 Autism Acceptance Month takes place in April each year and is a time dedicated to promoting acceptance, understanding, and celebrating the diversity of people on the autism spectrum. The history of Autism Acceptance Month can be traced back to Autism Awareness Month, which was first designated in the 1970s to […]
By Jennifer Mosher, MA • March 24, 2025 April celebrates both Diversity Month and National Minority Health Month, providing an opportunity to recognize and honor the diversity of the world around us while also addressing the disproportionate burden of premature death and illness in racial and ethnic minority groups. Diversity Month acknowledges and embraces the diverse cultures, perspectives, […]
By Julia Sandvoss • March 24, 2025 The month of April is IBS Awareness Month, designed to raise awareness about this common but often misunderstood disorder. IBS affects millions of people worldwide, impacting daily life and causing significant discomfort. During this month, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and individuals come together to educate the public, promote early detection, and […]
Patricia Litkowski, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and the Medical Director of Patient Experience at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Additionally, she holds the position of Director of Hospitalist Services for the Inpatient Medical Oncology department. Since Dr. Litkowski started with the Division of Hospital Medicine, she has made an incredible impact on its faculty and […]
On April 1, 2024, Ankita Kapoor, MD, and Samuel Reuter, PA-C, spearheaded the Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Program for the Division of Hospital Medicine. The goal of this program is to offer specialized training for PAs and NPs, preparing them to deliver outstanding patient care, and facilitating a seamless transition from the academic environment into […]
“While this is just the beginning of the diagnostic learning journey, it has taken a true commitment by your faculty to implement our case review process—including ensuring approval by IRB, building and training their case review team, implementing workflows embedded into local culture/safety programs, and developing alliances with leaders in quality and safety at your […]
Devin Odom, MD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine within the Divisions of Hospital Medicine and Palliative Medicine at WashU. Dr. Odom has dedicated his career to enhancing communication skills education beyond residency training. He established and oversees the BJC Communication Skills Academy, which offers experiential learning opportunities for providers across the School of Medicine […]
Each month, the Patient Experience Team at Barnes-Jewish Hospital collects feedback from discharged patients about their experience during their hospital stay. In January of 2025, several hospitalists received excellent feedback from their patients. Dr. Andrew Alter’s patient mentioned him by name, saying, “My hospitalist doctor, Dr. Alter, was extraordinary and so was the nursing staff […]
In 2023, division hospitalists Dennis Chang, MD, Eileen Lee, MD, and Alex Thomas, MD organized the inaugural Roads to Success workshop with the goal of providing a comprehensive faculty development opportunity for hospitalists. After its initial success, Abby Spencer, MD, Professor and Vice Chair for Education and Director of the Academy of Educators, suggested a […]
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 WashU Minority Medical Association (WUMMA) is an organization of residents and fellows across different departments that work to empower minorities in the medical community through fostering an inclusive environment and supporting the professional and personal development of under-represented minority (URM) medical trainees. IDEAS Committee members Natalia Brito Rivera, MD, Jaime Flores-Ruiz, MD, and Corey […]
Dennis Chang, MD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine, Interprofessional Education (IPE) MD Thread Director, and Co-Director of the Inpatient Clinical Immersion at WashU. Dr. Chang is involved in numerous education endeavors throughout the division, as well as the Department of Medicine. He plays a vital role in organizing […]
By Julia Sandvoss • February 18, 2025 Holi is a vibrant and colorful Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in India and Nepal but also observed by communities around the world. Also known as the “Festival of Colors” or “Festival of Love,” Holi typically takes place in March, marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. […]
By Jennifer Mosher, MA • February 18, 2025 National Deaf History Month is celebrated March 13th to April 15th each year to commemorate the achievements of people who are deaf and hard of hearing. This timeframe was chosen to signify significant milestones in deaf education history, including: The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) introduced National Deaf History […]
By Jennifer Mosher, MA and Takisha Jethroe • February 18, 2025 March offers us an opportunity to celebrate Women’s History Month. This annual event honors women’s achievements and contributions throughout history. The theme for the 2025 Women’s History Month is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” The theme recognizes the powerful influence of women who have dedicated their lives […]
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 […]
By Julia Sandvoss • February 18, 2025 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is an annual observance held in March to increase public awareness about developmental disabilities and promote inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding for individuals with these conditions. The month-long campaign aims to educate the public, challenge stereotypes, and highlight the unique abilities and accomplishments of people with developmental disabilities. […]
This year, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday, Feb. 28, or Saturday, March 1, 2025. The exact timing is based on the sighting of the moon. 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 […]
I want to be able to look back someday and say, “I did make a difference.” Whether it was to open the minds of people to think that a woman can do a good job, or whether it’s the fact that so many kids out there think that they could be like me.” Dr. Antonia […]
At Barnes-Jewish Hospital, patient feedback is a priority. The Patient Experience Team reaches out to patients post-discharge to gather comments on their hospital stay. In December of 2024, three hospitalists received outstanding recognition from their patients. Monique Bruinsma, MD and Thomas Hoyt, MD were mentioned by their patient, along with Dr. MaeMae Huang from Internal […]
As the Division of Hospital Medicine continues to expand, Division Chief Mark Williams, MD, has placed emphasis on the importance of continued education and training for its physicians to increase overall impact and effectiveness. Since Dr. Williams started with the division in October 2021, he has helped transform the division into one of the premier […]
The POCUS (Point of Care Ultrasound) Journal is a free, open-access, peer-reviewed publication featuring original research, case reports, and protocols on point-of-care ultrasound. Published by CINQUILL Medical Publishers Inc., the journal releases issues online twice a year in April and November. They receive submissions from clinicians, researchers, and educators in the field of POCUS. Editor-in-Chief […]
The Department of Medicine hosts Grand Rounds every Thursday during the academic year from 8 am – 9 am CST. Grand Rounds features School of Medicine faculty and regional, national, and international leaders in their fields who present on a variety of current topics in medicine. On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Dennis Chang, MD, will […]
Every year, the Division of Hospital Medicine unites for our eagerly awaited holiday party. In 2025, the Social and Wellness Committee decided on Puttshack STL for our venue. Our hospitalists, APCs, and staff enjoyed an evening filled with fun and friendly competition, featuring mini-golf, delectable food, and an entertaining photobooth.
By Julia Sandvoss • January 24, 2025 In February, a month traditionally associated with love, people across the United States and around the world turn their attention to something equally vital: heart health. February is recognized as Heart Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which remain the leading cause of death […]
By Jennifer Mosher, MA • January 27, 2025 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 […]
Ethnic Equality Month, starting on February 1st, is a lively celebration that showcases our diverse world. It highlights the beauty of various cultures and backgrounds, encouraging us to recognize our similarities while cherishing the unique qualities that define each culture. History of Ethnic Equality Month Ethnic Equality Month was established in response to movements that […]
In 2023, several like-minded hospitalists noticed a gap in patient care, provider knowledge, and research within the division and hospital regarding the treatment of patients with addiction. These physicians—Benjamin Hoemann, MD; Thomas Hoyt, MD; Alex Lane, MD; Randy Laine, MD; Alyssa Moller, MD; and Corey Shy, MD—decided to come together to discuss these issues and […]
Message from the ChairDear colleagues and friends,As we wrap up the final DOM Insider for 2024, it’s a good time to reflect on what a productive and rewarding year this has been for the Department of Medicine. The first half of the year we welcomed new faculty, fellows and residents to the Department. We also moved our […]
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20, 2025) 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 […]
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional lunar calendar and usually falls between January 21 and February 20. The history of Chinese New Year dates back over 4,000 years, rooted […]
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 […]
The Patient Experience Team at Barnes-Jewish Hospital gathers feedback from patients after their discharge about their time at the hospital. In November 2024, three hospitalists were mentioned by patients, citing their exemplary care. Dr. Jaspur Coleman’s patient expressed, “The doctors who cared for me were outstanding- Dr. Coleman, Dr. Vorster, and Dr. Zenger. They were […]
Each year, many physicians wait in anticipation for ‘Match Day,’ when they find out if they matched into the fellowship programs they applied to. Congratulations to six hospitalists who matched into fellowship programs this year! Marwa Ahmed, MD, matched into Rheumatology at Saint Louis University. Dr. Ahmed joined the Division of Hospital Medicine in July […]
Congratulations to Martin Kerrigan, MD, on his promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Medicine, effective January 1, 2025. Dr. Kerrigan serves as Co-Director of the Internal Medicine Service in the Division of Hospital Medicine, as well as the Internal Medicine Associate Clerkship Director for the School of Medicine. His clinical interests include medical […]
Carol Faulk, MD, and Ian Ross, MD, are Medicine ACR Co-Directors, along with Scott Ragsdale, Medicine ACR Coordinator. Randy Laine, MD, assists with teaching and assessing students who are rotating on the medicine ACR. On December 9, 2024, Randy Laine, MD, was awarded with the “Golden Global” award. This award is in recognition of his […]
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, […]
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. 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 is a time for reflection, […]
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 […]
Division Chief Mark Williams, MD, along with the Social and Wellness Committee, spearheaded the inaugural Division of Hospital Medicine Awards Ceremony as an opportunity to recognize the hard work and efforts of our providers and staff. They worked together to create 12 award categories and sent out surveys for the division to nominate their colleagues […]
The Society of Hospital Medicine annual Converge conference will be taking place from April 22-25, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Each year, in preparation for the conference’s scientific abstract competition, the St. Louis branch of the SHM holds their own abstract competition in which the top poster is automatically accepted to the national conference. This […]
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 guide the audience to a preliminary final diagnosis. Please try to attend in-person. We really appreciate seeing you all at Medicine […]
The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) Leadership Academy is a yearly conference for hospitalists interested in developing their leadership skillset with several educational tracks to choose from. In 2024, the Leadership Academy took place from October 28-31 in beautiful Rancho Palos Verdes, California, with course tracks including ‘Strategic Essentials,’ ‘Influential Management,’ and ‘Mastering Teamwork.’ Mark […]
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 guide the audience to a preliminary final diagnosis. Please try to attend in-person. We really appreciate seeing you all at Medicine […]
The IDEAS and Wellness Committees collaborated to put together a ‘Celebrate Diversity Potluck’ for everyone in the division on Tuesday, October 29. Natalia Brito-Rivera, MD, Jaspur Coleman, MD, and Carol Faulk, MD encouraged everyone to bring a dish that represented their cultural heritage to share with their colleagues. Their goal was to create an opportunity […]
The “Promoting Professionalism” course was held by Vanderbilt University Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy in Nashville, Tennessee on October 28-29, 2024. The course focused on the appropriate steps an organization can take when individual or group behaviors hinder efforts to establish a safe and respectful environment. Safa Farrag, MD, and Patricia Litkowski, MD, were […]
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 […]