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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 various individuals and organizations who […]
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 […]
The WashU School of Medicine Academy of Educators is a collaborative group of educators dedicated to promoting a culture of educational excellence and cultivating a respected community of leaders in health science education. Directors include Abby Spencer, MD, Steve Taff, PhD, Leslie Blaylock, MEd, and Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine, […]
The WashU Med Supporting a Fair Environment (SAFE) Initiative was created for individuals to have an avenue to provide feedback about their experiences with educators. Individuals can submit ‘accolades’ for educators to report positive experiences in their learning environments. In October 2024, both Lyndon Lee, MD, and Rob Young, MD, received accolades detailing their hard […]
The Society of Hospital Medicine has a monthly publication entitled, ‘The Hospitalist’ in which they share helpful information about a variety of topics that are relevant to hospital medicine. The October 2024 issue featured an article about substance use disorder in physicians written by Dennis Chang, MD, Tony Dao, MD, Carol Faulk, MD, and Kieran […]
Congratulations to Patricia Litkowski, MD, who was selected as a recipient of the Barnes- Jewish Hospital Medical Staff Association Career Award. This award aims to honor physicians who have done outstanding work in patient care or teaching. Its recipients show exceptional promise in leading the next generation of physicians at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. They display strong […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
October 2-4 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 […]
Oktoberfest is a world-renowned festival held annually in Munich, Germany, typically from late September to the first weekend in October Oktoberfest dates back to October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to join the festivities held over five days on […]
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 2024, NDEAM will continue its mission to promote inclusive work environments and highlight the importance of ensuring equal opportunity for all […]
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Rehabilitations Department has an annual Rehab Week Celebration, which occurred this year on the week of September 16th-20th. Dr. Safa Farrag, Dr. Rob Young, and Kristin Knobloch, DNP, APRN were nominated for the Friends of Rehab award by Rehabilitation Supervisor for Neurology and Orthopedic Program, Erin Grady, MPT. This award is given to […]
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 […]
Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University prioritize patient feedback and make an effort to consistently reach out to patients after their discharge to gain insight on their hospital stay. For the months of July and August, several patients expressed that members of the Division of Hospital Medicine provided them with outstanding care and made a significant […]
The Patient Experience Team at Barnes-Jewish Hospital gathers feedback from patients after their discharge about their time at the hospital, and any clinicians that made a significant impact on their experience. Several hospitalists were mentioned by patients in July. Dr. Filson and Dr. Kerrigan’s patient stated that both doctors were outstanding. Dr. Ji’s patient said, […]