Excitement stirred amongst the latest group of Future Healers as they waited to receive their white coats in a replicated white coat ceremony. With scrubs, a medical supplies kit, and medical textbooks in hand, the participants in their new white coats were more than ready to begin the fourth year of the program.

Future Healers began as a collaboration between students from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and the UofL Health – Trauma Institute. Designed to address the impact of gun violence on Jefferson County, the Future Healers program bridges Louisville’s health care organizations and local youth that have been impacted by gun violence.

While creating a safe space for local youth to navigate their emotional trauma, the program introduces the children to the field of medicine through free, interactive lessons. Topics covered in the program include nutrition, mental health, anatomy, first aid, and more. Mentorships and participation in field trips, medical school tours, hospital tours, and community events are popular additions to the program.

With each year of the program, Future Healers has been able to offer new and exciting opportunities to promote growth and learning. Since its initiation in 2021, the Future Healers program has grown exponentially, even providing participants with free books and medical supplies to take back to their homes, in addition to offering authentic hands-on models and dissections.

More than 200 children have experienced the power of the monthly educational curriculum, mentorship opportunities, and local events of Future Healers. Children between the ages of four and 13 are invited to participate in monthly sessions held at the Galt House or UofL Health – UofL Hospital. Starting with a wellness portion and transitioning into medical stations, students are introduced to many unique, impactful topics. The fan favorite, of course, has been the pig eye dissection station! Simplified monthly sessions are held for the preschoolers at the Chestnut Street YMCA. Mentorship opportunities are available for children outside of the specified age range.

The participants have had an overwhelming response to the experience. Most of the participants felt they were capable of becoming health care providers, and more than half shared they planned to enter the medical/STEM field when they grow up.

“We hope that even if they do not wish to pursue a career in medicine, that this environment can serve as a place to explore their interest, find positive role models, and discover that they are deserving of a strong future,” said Baylee Polzin, former Future Healers Co-Executive Director and current ULSOM student.

The UofL Health – Trauma Institute, including Keith Miller, M.D. and Christopher Jones, M.D. work with community partner Christopher 2X and his organization 2X Game Changers to support the mission created by the ULSOM students. ULSOM students are the primary creators of the medical curriculum that is presented to Future Healers participants, in addition to fundraising and running social media sites. Approximately 200 medical students volunteer with Future Healers, allowing the monthly programming to be almost exclusively run by students.

“The medical students have truly made an immense impact on children affected by gun violence as they pour hours into the program, while also pursuing their medical degrees. Their dedication to making a difference is nothing short of remarkable, and all of us in the UofL Health – Trauma Institute are truly honored to contribute to their mission,” said Dr. Miller.

Volunteers from medical professions, including medical and dental students, nurses, physicians, or other health care professionals are welcomed, as well as undergraduate students at the University of Louisville. All volunteers must have a background check and may require specific training. For more information, email futurehealersky@gmail.com. 

Interested families can get involved with the Future Healers organization by reaching out to stefanie.upton@uoflhealth.org.

The University of Louisville School of Medicine mourns the loss of alumnus James (Jim) Heins, who passed March 15, 2024. Following his Celebration of Life on July 13, ULSOM took some time to reflect on Jim’s legacy at the University of Louisville.

After an undergraduate career in basketball at the University of Louisville that ended with a 1956 National (Invitation) Tournament championship win, Jim Heins was offered a full scholarship to the School of Medicine. Jim finished first in his class and went on to complete training in Internal Medicine at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, where he practiced and taught for the remainder of his career. He did the compulsory two years at NIH and earned a unique tenured professorship in teaching at Washington University Medical School.

Hiram C. Polk Jr., M.D., who completed residency with Jim Heins at Barnes Hospital, remembers him as not just a colleague, but a friend: “Jim was a remarkable example of the lasting impression that the University of Louisville School of Medicine leaves on its alumni. The years Jim spent practicing and teaching medicine barely brush the surface of the impact he had on the medical field. He is greatly missed.” Jim’s wife, Joan McDonogh Heins, is a proud alumna of Sacred Heart Academy.

The University of Louisville School of Medicine fondly remembers Jim Heins and the many years he spent as a physician and professor of internal medicine.

The University of Louisville, UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center and the Gibbs Foundation will continue their partnership in finding a cure for cancer through a new $3-million investment. Thanks to the success of their prior funding, the Gibbs Foundation has committed $1.5 million to continue support for Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes cell therapy (TILs) which led to the therapy’s FDA approval in Feb. 2024. In addition, the Gibbs Foundation has committed $1.5 million over three years to create the Gibbs Pancreatic Cancer Research Center which will support innovative research to reduce deaths caused by this incurable cancer.

Support of TILs cell therapy

Half of this incredible investment in the Brown Cancer Center, $1.5 million, supports the TILs program by providing funding for research staff, supplies and faculty time dedicated to clinical trials. The goal is to increase capacity and access for participants in clinical trials for TILs and other immunotherapies.

The Brown Cancer Center is a lead enrolling center in TILs trials and has had patients travel to Louisville from all over the United States. The success of the program is directly related to the Gibbs Foundation initial investment of $1.5 million in 2022.

This philanthropic investment follows FDA approval of the cell product AMTAGVI™ (lifileucel), developed by Iovance Biotherapeutics for the treatment of melanoma patients. The Brown Cancer Center participated in these clinical trials leading to this FDA approval and is one of the first authorized treatment centers.

Although the initial FDA approval is specific to metastatic melanoma, the expansion of this cellular therapy to other cancers is being tested at Brown Cancer Center and elsewhere with a goal to obtain FDA approval in several solid tumor types in the future. Read more on the FDA approval in the UofL Health press release.

Creation of Gibbs Pancreatic Cancer Research Program

Through $1.5 million over three years, the Gibbs Pancreatic Cancer Research Program will be created at the University of Louisville to support efforts in testing novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Five $50,000 pilot grants will be awarded to researchers each year for the development of novel therapeutics to treat pancreatic cancer and increase clinical trials dedicated to treating pancreatic cancer. This center will also provide funding for trial research staff and faculty time dedicated to these projects.

Executive Director of the Gibbs Foundation Hannah Roquet said, “The Gibbs Foundation is thrilled to be continuing our partnership with the Brown Cancer Center and the fight against cancer. Based on the positive outcomes of so many patients who have been through the TILs program, it is a battle we are winning.  The creation of the Gibbs Pancreatic Cancer Research Program is especially meaningful as it continues the legacy of our founder, George Gibbs, who fought his own battle valiantly, and provides the opportunity for groundbreaking research in a cancer that has taken the lives of many too quickly and without warning.  We are looking forward to the future of this very special program.”

The Gibbs Foundation, Inc. was established in 2014 by George Gibbs of Louisville who died in 2022 of pancreatic cancer at age 87. The Gibbs Foundation previously supported health research at UofL through gifts of more than $2.5 million to create and expand the Gibbs Lung Research Program.

“The Brown Cancer Center has one goal – to end cancer,” said Jason Chesney, chief administrative officer and director of the Brown Cancer Center, who also serves as chief of the Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology at the UofL School of Medicine. “As more cancer centers across the country begin to implement TILs programs, we will be saving more lives. Through the philanthropy of the Gibbs Foundation, we continue to be one step closer to achieving this goal. Their dedication to finding a cure and increasing access to novel therapeutics is astounding.”

More information on TILs therapy and UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center is available at UofLHealth.org/BCC.

Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease are not generally thought to be related, but University of Louisville researcher Levi Beverly, Ph.D. has noted that there are more similarities than we may have previously thought.

While studying a gene family called Ubiquilins, Beverly noticed that while the gene family is lost in human lung cancers, Ubiquilin2 is mutated and is a driving gene in familial early-onset ALS. With this fact in mind, Beverly found that the Ubiquilin gene family was primarily studied in relation to neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease and ALS. Hence, Beverly decided to delve into this inverse relationship between cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

So, does this indicate that cancer survivors are less likely to develop neurodegenerative disorders? Current research suggests that the treatment of cancer patients with chemotherapies may decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease later in life. Many studies have used cancer drugs in mouse models of Alzheimer’s Disease, with some delaying progression of the disease. However, much more research must be done before any conclusion can be drawn as to why cancer survivors may be less likely to have Alzheimer’s Disease.

As for a drug that could treat both conditions, Beverly explains that this may be possible: “While a drug to treat both cancer and neurodegenerative disorders does not currently exist, it could be a possibility. Cancer is a disease of too much growth and cell survival, whereas neurodegeneration is too much cell death. Such a drug would need to restore Ubiquilin function in order to effectively treat the two conditions, which are at two opposite ends of the spectrum,” Beverly explains.

Currently, there are not many scientists researching the similarities between the two diseases. This is due, in part, to the fact that it is not common to be an expert in both cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Beverly, for instance, has worked in cancer biology for 25 years. Only recently has he started to research neurodegenerative disorders. This, Beverly explains, is why collaborations are so important.

“Collaborations between experts in both areas are the key to bridging the gap between the two very different conditions. However, there also arises a difficulty in receiving funding. Because cancer and neurodegeneration are very different, funding for researching this inverse relationship can be very hard to come by,” Beverly explains, “Moving forward, despite these obstacles, it is my hope that scientists from both fields keep their eyes open and don’t discount the similarities of these two diseases.”

In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the ULSOM commends Dr. Levi Beverly and his dedication to researching the inverse relationship between cancer and neurodegeneration. We remain excited to learn more about Beverly’s research and the future of these two conditions.

Researchers in the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute have secured $11.27 million in new grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense to fund projects related to cardiovascular health. The new funding will support work related to aging, peripheral artery disease, the impact of greening on health and Gulf War Illness.

• $2.4 million from the National Institute on Aging will support work by Bradford Hill and Matthew Nystoriak to investigate how aging leads to reduced blood flow to the heart in older individuals. Hill and Nystoriak will study these changes and how this dysfunction could be prevented or corrected. The work may lead to opportunities to prevent age-dependent decline in exercise capacity and promote healthy aging.
• $3.4 million from the National Heart Blood and Lung Institute was awarded for a clinical trial to test whether treatment with the nutritional supplement carnosine improves symptoms and progression in peripheral artery disease in which narrowing of arteries reduces blood flow to arms or legs. Aruni Bhatnagar, Shahid Baba and Amit Dwivedi will conduct the trial.
• $4.67 million from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will support the Green Heart Louisville Project, which studies how an increase in the number of trees and shrubs affects heart health. The team, led by Bhatnagar, recently reported results from their work that began in 2018 in South Louisville. The new award will allow the team to continue to gather data on community health for the next five years as the planted trees continue to grow.
• $ 0.8 million from the Department of Defense was awarded to Daniel Conklin for a two-year project to investigate the role of inhaled agents in Gulf War Illness (GWI), a chronic condition affecting 25-32% of Gulf War veterans. GWI involves chronic pain, muscle fatigue, cognitive impairment, migraines and stroke. Conklin will investigate whether inhalation of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter from burning oil wells, burn pits, contaminated sand and chemical and biological weapons may have led to repeated local and systemic inflammation, causing the condition.

This most recent funding adds to the $11.6 in grants awarded to institute researchers announced earlier this year.

There is no doubt that the University of Louisville School of Medicine has unparalleled faculty that are not only at the forefront of education and research, but also remain involved in a variety of organizations. One such faculty member is Jiapeng Huang, MD, PhD, who was recently named president-elect of the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA). Dr. Huang currently serves as Deputy Director, Louisville Clinical and Translational Research Center and Deputy Director, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, among other ULSOM roles.

ULSOM: What is the mission of KMA and how does it impact health care?

Huang: KMA works to make Kentucky a better place to practice medicine, while also working to improve public health. We were the first organization to come out with public service announcements during COVID-19, and our push for lung cancer screenings a few years ago moved the needle to increase lung screenings around the state. This focus on public health has become a mainstay of the organization and I am most proud of that work.

ULSOM: How did you get involved in KMA and what has your involvement looked like up to this point?

Huang: I started as a Resident member in 2003 and have been a member ever since. I have always tried to take advantage of opportunities over the years, but my leadership engagement really began when I attended and graduated from the KMA’s Kentucky Physicians Leadership Institute (KPLI) in 2018. That experience opened my eyes to so much that KMA does, most notably public and legislative advocacy, and it provided me with the opportunity to get to know others involved in the organization. In 2020, I was elected KMA Secretary/Treasurer, which made me part of the KMA board and executive committee. That opportunity let me see up close the operational side of the organization, as well as helping to plan and execute the KMA’s political and public advocacy agenda.

ULSOM: As Kentucky Medical Association President-Elect, what does your role entail for the organization?

Huang: I will remain on both the board and executive committee for the coming year. But one of the exciting parts of the role is planning for the future. For instance, the new KMA President, Dr. Evelyn Montgomery Jones, is planning a public health initiative regarding overall wellness. She and I worked together this past year to develop it, and I plan to carry it forward when I become KMA President, making it a two-year initiative to promote healthy behaviors in Kentucky. We are also exploring some organizational updates and looking at ways to expand our advocacy efforts.

ULSOM: How do you see your new role influencing your work with the University of Louisville School of Medicine?

Huang: I hope to accomplish a few things. First, I want to encourage all the attending physicians, residents/fellows, and medical students within the ULSOM to become KMA members and take the opportunity – like I did – to engage with other physicians and physician leaders. Being actively engaged makes you a better physician. Second, I’d like to find ways for KMA and ULSOM to work together, likely through KMA’s public health initiatives. To really move the needle in public health, we all have to work together. Third, KMA provides free online CME to KMA members, and I’d like to work with physicians at UL to present on issues of mutual interests. And finally, I’d like to focus on our medical students. KMA has a wonderful Medical Student Outreach and Leadership Program (MOSL), and I think it will help them all become better physicians if they complete it. The program opens their eyes to issues outside the clinical setting and provides a great opportunity for them to get involved.

Just as Dr. Huang is anticipating the opportunity to bring his experience as KMA president-elect back to the School of Medicine, ULSOM is looking forward to all that will be accomplished throughout Dr. Huang’s term with KMA. Congratulations, Dr. Huang!

The University of Louisville’s groundbreaking Green Heart Louisville Project has found that people living in neighborhoods where the number of trees and shrubs was more than doubled showed lower levels of a blood marker of inflammation than those living outside the planted areas. General inflammation is an important risk indicator for heart disease and other chronic diseases.

The Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute launched the first-of-its-kind project in 2018 in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, Washington University in St. Louis, Hyphae Design Laboratory and others to study whether and how living among more densely greened surroundings contributes to better heart health. The design of the study closely mirrors clinical trials which test whether medical treatments are effective. The team applied the treatment – the addition of large trees and shrubs – to some participants’ neighborhoods but not to others. They then compared residents’ health data to see how the addition of the trees affected their health.

“The Green Heart Louisville Project is an excellent example of how our university’s innovative and collaborative researchers are working to improve lives in our community and far beyond,” UofL President Kim Schatzel said. “Trees are beautiful, but these results show that the trees around us are also beneficial to individual and community health. Through this and many other projects, the Envirome Institute is improving health at the community level, not just for individuals, but for everyone living in a neighborhood.”

To understand the state of community’s health at the start of the study, researchers took blood, urine, hair and nail samples and documented health data from 745 people living in a four-square-mile area of south Louisville. The researchers also took detailed measurements of tree coverage and levels of air pollution in the area.

Following this baseline data collection, the Envirome Institute worked with The Nature Conservancy and a host of local partners and contractors to plant more than 8,000 large trees and shrubs in designated neighborhoods within the project area. Those living in the greened area were considered the treated population and the results obtained from this population were compared with residents of adjacent neighborhoods, where the project team did not plant any trees.

After the plantings, the research team reassessed residents’ health. They found that those living in the greened area had 13-20% lower levels of a biomarker of general inflammation, a measure called high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) than those living in the areas that did not receive any new trees or shrubs. Higher levels of hsCRP are strongly associated with a risk of cardiovascular disease and are an even stronger indicator of heart attack than cholesterol levels. Higher CRP levels also indicate a higher risk of diabetes and certain cancers.

A reduction of hsCRP by this percentage corresponds to nearly 10-15% reduction in the risk of heart attacks, cancer or dying from any disease.

“These results from the Green Heart Louisville Project indicate that trees contribute more to our lives than beauty and shade. They can improve the health of the people living around them,” said Aruni Bhatnagar, director of the Envirome Institute and UofL professor of medicine. “Although several previous studies have found an association between living in areas of high surrounding greenness and health, this is the first study to show that a deliberate increase in greenness in the neighborhood can improve health. With these results and additional studies that we hope to report soon, we are closer to understanding the impact of local tree cover on residents’ health. This finding will bolster the push to increase urban greenspaces.”

As more is known about the health impacts of increased tree cover, increased greening in cities may emerge as a key method to improve public health.

“Most of us intuitively understand that nature is good for our health. But scientific research testing, verifying and evaluating this connection is rare,” said Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist of The Nature Conservancy. “These recent findings from the Green Heart Project build the scientific case for the powerful connections between the health of our planet and the health of all of us.”

Earlier in August, the Green Heart Louisville Project was awarded an additional $4.6 million in funding from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to support continued research over the next five years.

These findings were presented by Daniel Riggs, UofL assistant professor of environmental medicine, at the 36th Annual Conference of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology in Santiago, Chile on Aug. 26.

STUDY DETAILS

This study is part of the Green Heart Louisville Project, ongoing research to discover how trees and shrubs affect people’s health.

The neighborhood

The project involved a four-square-mile area of South Louisville straddling the Watterson Expressway, including the Taylor-Berry, Jacobs, Hazelwood, Oakdale, Wilder Park and Beechmont neighborhoods. The project team planted trees and shrubs in a central portion of the project area that included Wyandotte Park, which served as the treated area. They planted no trees in the outer areas of the project area. [SEE MAP]

The people

Researchers enlisted 745 people living in the project area to participate in the project’s ongoing health study. At enrollment, participants were between 25 and 75 years old, 60% female, 77% white and 50% had household income below $50,000 per year. They live in the planted intervention area as well as outside it.

Researchers collected participants’ blood, urine, nail and hair samples and health information before and after planting the trees and shrubs in the “treatment” area.

The trees

Between 2019 and 2022, the Green Heart Project planted 8,425 evergreen trees and shrubs of 42 different species from five different families and 630 deciduous trees. Evergreens were pine, cypress, yew, holly and magnolia. Deciduous trees were mainly dogwood, oak and serviceberry.

Project team members and BrightView Landscape maintain the trees to promote their survival, growth and sustained impact.

The data

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a blood test that measures general inflammation in the body. After the planting, people living in the areas where trees and shrubs were added had 13-20% lower hsCRP levels compared with those living in the areas that did not receive greening from the project.

Inflammation as measured by hsCRP is an important risk indicator for heart disease, including stroke, heart attack and coronary artery disease. Previous studies have shown that hsCRP increases with age. The change in hsCRP seen in individuals living in the planted areas was similar to the difference between typical levels in a 42-year-old compared with a 33-year-old.

This difference also is similar to the difference between people who exercise regularly and those who do not. Finally, the decrease in hsCRP levels with planting corresponds to a nearly 10-15% reduction in the risk of heart attacks, cancer or dying from any disease.

Funding

A $3 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences supported the health evaluation of community participants and an additional $4.6 million was recently awarded for continuing this research. These grants bring the total investment by the institute to more than $8 million. The Nature Conservancy provided over $8.7 million in funding to support tree planting and maintenance, project management and other key project needs. The project has had an additional $3 million in support from local donors. Recently, $4.6 million in funding was awarded from the NIEHS for continued research over the next five years.

Collaborators and community partners

Collaborators for this project include the University of Louisville, Washington University in St. Louis, The Nature Conservancy, Hyphae Design Laboratory, the United States Forest Service, Louisville Grows and other partners.

Community organizations and resident involvement are vital to the success of this ongoing work to learn the health effects of urban greening. The team is grateful to the residents participating in the health study and those who have allowed tree planting on their property.

As the newly appointed Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine, Jeffrey Bumpous, MD addressed his commitment to advancing the school’s mission in teaching, patient care, research, and community engagement. Plans were presented by Dean Bumpous in two addresses, one to ULSOM faculty, staff, students and trainees, and one to ULSOM alumni.

In addition to spending a year as interim dean before his permanent appointment, Bumpous is an alumnus of the School of Medicine, allowing him over thirty years of institutional knowledge. 

During his time as interim dean, Bumpous was instrumental in numerous advancements for the School of Medicine, including the renewal of a $25 million grant to support bioinformatics and environmental health research, securing a $16 million Urban and Rural Undergraduate Medical Education Grant to address Kentucky’s primary care physician shortage, being awarded a $11.5 million Clinical and Translational Research grant to enhance community-engaged research, and launching the Aging Innovation Venture Studio with support from the Trager family.

Bumpous also collaborated during his interim appointment to secure $280 million from the Kentucky legislature to establish a new collaboration hub and simulation center, marking the first new building on the UofL Health Sciences Center campus in 15 years.

Bumpous continues to work toward his 2024 initiatives as he transitions into his more permanent role, including collaborating with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to encourage educational opportunities within the advanced health sciences realm, partnering with Puerto Rican medical school Ponce University to offer experiential rotations for students affected by hurricanes, working to increase nursing scholarships and training capacity through the HB 200 program, implementing an AI task force, and developing service line boards in cancer, neurosciences, behavioral health, and cardiovascular care.

Looking ahead, Bumpous has developed a strategic plan that focuses on four pillars: learning, research and innovation, community engagement, and workforce development.

“Each of these pillars bring forth their own unique set of plans for the future of the School of Medicine. As a diverse institution dedicated to changing the future of healthcare, we will work each day to make the School of Medicine the best place to Learn, Discover, Connect, and Work,” Bumpous remarked.

As Bumpous works to encourage learning, he aims to align admissions strategy with the mission of the School of Medicine, enhance learning tracks and academic support services, and provide leadership development opportunities for all leaders. Plans are also in place to expand the use of AI in medical education and practice and to establish the Health Administration Leadership in Medicine (HALM) Fellowship.

When it comes to research and innovation, initiatives are in place to strengthen institutional infrastructure for research and creative activities and increase grant funding for both cancer research and the support of junior investigators. Plans to expand the Clinical Trials Unit and research in neurosciences, cardiometabolic, and environmental health will help drive innovation at ULSOM.

Moving forward, improving engagement with the community will be a primary focus, with emphasis on raising the visibility of the School of Medicine’s impact in and around Louisville, advancing health equity, expanding partnerships with health systems, and enhancing IT infrastructure to support the tracking of engagement within the community.

Bumpous indicated that workforce development will be a priority as the School of Medicine works on improving onboarding and supervisor training, prioritizing faculty and staff recruitment, retention, and engagement, and expanding the SMART Staff program and comprehensive wellness initiatives.

With deep gratitude, Bumpous reaffirmed his commitment to his role as Dean and emphasized the teamwork between faculty, staff, students, and alumni in achieving the aforementioned goals.

For more information, view Dr. Bumpous’ addresses here:

Address to ULSOM

Address to Alumni

Second-year medical student Ally Render took a non-traditional path to medical school, with her undergraduate expertise being in Quantitative Sciences with an English minor. Now, Render is dedicated to assisting incoming students with their transition into the medical school environment through the University of Louisville School of Medicine Pre-Matriculation Program.

ULSOM: What motivated your pursuit of medical school at the University of Louisville School of Medicine?

Render: After interviewing at multiple medical schools, I found it challenging with virtual interviews to decide which medical school was the best fit for me. It was not until Second Look Day at the UofL School of Medicine that I realized I found my home for the next four years. I enjoyed all my conversations with faculty, admissions, and students. I vividly remember speaking with Alexis Harris, a current fourth-year medical student at UofL. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm for the school was instrumental in my decision to attend UofL School of Medicine. Ultimately, the culture of the medical school emphasizing collaboration, student and faculty well-being, early clinical experiences, and multiple student academic support services solidified my decision of attendance. Additionally, as an African American, it was very important that I found a medical school that prioritized diversity and inclusion along with excellent academics to ensure my success throughout medical school and beyond. I am blessed and honored to be a medical student at the UofL School of Medicine.

ULSOM: How did the University of Louisville School of Medicine Pre-Matriculation Program contribute to your transition into medical school?

Render: The Pre-Matriculation Program afforded me the opportunity to gain confidence to overcome challenges first-year medical students encounter during their transition into medical school. As a non-traditional medical student majoring in Quantitative Sciences and minoring in English at Emory University, I took two gap years to prepare for the MCAT and further my exposure to healthcare to confirm my desire of becoming a physician. I remember being anxious before participating in the program because I had not been in school for two years. The structure of the program ensured my success and reduced stress during my first-year of medical school by focusing on three key areas which included: learning adaptability by emphasizing utilization of different study strategies, self-efficacy through didactic lectures, anatomy dissection labs, quizzes, and exams which were similar to content seen during the first-year of medical school, and relationships in which I was able to meet peers and faculty. I am a great believer and advocate of the Pre-Matriculation Program because I have seen first-hand its benefit in giving students the fundamental skills to succeed, become confident in their academic abilities, and stay motivated to continue their path as they pursue careers in medicine.

ULSOM: In what ways did serving as a Pre-Matriculation Program instructor enhance your experience as a second-year medical student?

Render: After serving as an instructor for the Pre-Matriculation Program, I began to have an even greater appreciation for education and support staff. I was accepted into the Medical Education Track prior to becoming a Pre-Matriculation Program instructor. Knowledge gained from the Medical Education Track placed me in a unique position because I was able to work further with Dr. Jennifer Brueckner-Collins and Ms. Sharon Gordon to assist in designing a curriculum that differed from previous Pre-Matriculation Programs. The focus of the program was on Self-Regulated Learning. Students were exposed to didactic lectures, quizzes and exams, anatomy dissection labs, standardized patient encounters, and guest speakers alongside a series of study method workshops, mental toughness lectures, and self-reflection sessions on goals, motivation, and professionalism. The accumulation of all aspects of the program potentially increased self-efficacy, academic adaptability, self-guided reflection, and resilience in incoming first year medical students. At the end of the program, many students expressed feeling confident to succeed in medical school and immense gratitude. The lessons learned from participating and then teaching the Pre-Matriculation Program enhanced my ability to tailor teaching material to meet the needs of students while increasing my ability to gain mastery of past academic material and developed my pursuit of student success. It is important to note with any change there are unforeseen challenges, and strategies learned to persevere through transitions will only continue to benefit me during my second year of medical school. I believe all first-year students could benefit from lessons learned during the Pre-Matriculation Program.

ULSOM: What is your best advice for incoming medical students at the University of Louisville School of Medicine?

Render: I would advise students during their first semester of medical school to focus on academics and their mental wellbeing before overcommitting to extracurricular activities, leadership, research, and community service. Specifically, before their first exam, students could benefit from utilizing different study methods promoting critical thinking, meeting with CADE faculty, utilizing academic support services, and establishing strategies to stay motivated to ensure early success and reduce burnout. As Dr. Jennifer Brueckner-Collins always says, “Medical school is a marathon, not a sprint.”

ULSOM: What are your aspirations as a future physician?

Render: As a future physician, I aspire to continue to approach medicine holistically, primarily focusing on patient centered care and medical education initiatives highlighted by the AAMC. I envision a career in academia as a physician to further address research and learning gaps in clinical medicine and medical education. Through future clinical and educational research by collaborating with pre-med students, medical students, residents, fellows, colleagues, and support staff, I hope to make innovative changes to benefit outcomes of patients and the educational acumen of those pursuing a career in medicine.

Render assisted in curriculum design, led lectures and dissection labs, and hosted weekly review sessions. She helped prepare the class of 2028 for the journey ahead of them. The University of Louisville School of Medicine recognizes and appreciates the hard work that Render put into the Pre-Matriculation Program as both a second year medical student and an instructor.

The University of Louisville proudly celebrates Graduate Medical Education (GME) Professionals’ Day on August 16. This day honors the important contributions of our GME professionals who work diligently each day to contribute to the field of healthcare as they provide top-notch training to physicians. 

At ULSOM, the GME community includes the faculty members, attending physicians and other medical specialists who are dedicated to guiding our trainees through their clinical and didactic education. The GME community also extends to the University of Louisville staff that serve as GME program coordinators, program managers, and office administrators. It is the hard work of these faculty and staff that shapes the academic environment and culture of the training programs at ULSOM.

Murali Ankem, MD, vice dean of Graduate Medical Education emphasized the significance of the GME community. “Graduate Medical Education is about more than advancing clinical training and hands-on experience across medical specialties. GME is what drives the development of skills, knowledge, and experience that physicians need to provide high-quality patient care, one of the many things at which our GME community excels.”

Extended leadership roles within the GME community allow for faculty members to provide oversight and uphold high training standards that foster a rich educational experience for the trainees who pursue their clinical training at ULSOM.

Theora Hudson, a program manager in the OB/GYN department, recently celebrated her 31^st year as a program coordinator. “As program coordinators, we have the unique role of acting as liaisons between residents and fellows and the faculty, staff, and administrators. While we work to support both the educational and administrative needs of the residents and fellows, we are able to ensure that the GME programs operate effectively while meeting those high standards we strive for as an institution.”

With over 800 trainees throughout the organization, the GME office provides oversight, support, and services, while acting as a central hub for nearly 100 programs to ensure the success of trainees. All members of the GME community, including trainees, faculty, and staff, can benefit from the guidance provided by the GME office for accreditation, certification, visas, licensing, GME finance, recruitment, advocacy and representation, training and development, wellness, support, onboarding, orientation, and contracts.

GME requires a full community of individuals and organizations working together to enhance the future of healthcare. While the professionals within the GME community are experts in the training of physicians, this could not be accomplished without the local healthcare systems that provide state-of-the-art training sites, including UofL Health, Norton Healthcare, and the VA Louisville Healthcare System. Furthermore, the research and academic support that is promoted by the University of Louisville, as well as diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives that support the overall wellbeing of trainees during their tenure at ULSOM, allow for the opportunity to mold well-rounded, inclusive, patient-centered physicians.

“Our GME professionals are not only educators but are leaders who influence the quality of healthcare in our community,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, MD, dean of the School of Medicine. “Their commitment to excellence in training ensures that our physicians are equipped to provide the highest quality of care and advance the field of medicine. We are extremely thankful for their dedication to our trainees under their purview.”

As our GME professionals continue to work to foster a positive learning environment, serving as professional role models and providing rich educational experiences, be sure to thank them for their diligence in developing future physicians and enthusiasm for strengthening healthcare in the community, the country, and across the world.

Happy Graduate Medical Education Professionals Day!

UofL medical students Paul Brown and Andrea Ballinger conducted a study to decrease health disparities for Black patients by helping educate physicians about potential barriers to an important heart health test as part of a summer research program.

Black patients have been shown to receive coronary artery calcium scoring (CAC) tests eight times less frequently than white patients. The test reveals whether people at moderate risk for developing heart disease have calcium deposits in their heart arteries and physicians should recommend preventative medications for them, such as statins.

This summer, second-year medical students Brown and Ballenger created a video and questionnaire to help physicians understand and overcome potential barriers Black patients have experienced in obtaining the CAC test. With the help of Dinesh Kalra, chief of cardiology, and other physicians in the UofL School of Medicine, the video and survey were sent to physicians in the UofL Department of Medicine and other UofL providers.

“It reminds physicians about when this preventive test should be ordered, much like screening for blood glucose, cholesterol or cancers. Hopefully after that, we will be able to show that the gap we were seeing in African Americans getting tested less often will be eliminated,” Kalra said.

The survey revealed that the study increased physicians’ confidence in CAC testing and understanding of its role in predicting the risk of future heart attacks. After providers watched the educational video and reviewed guidelines for the test, they reported a greater willingness to order the test and understanding of implicit bias in medicine, which may drive such disparities in health care between Blacks and whites. Kalra’s team hopes to apply these findings in other diseases affected by such disparities, such as heart failure or blood pressure control.

Brown and Ballinger worked on the study as part of the UofL cohort of the national Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP). Winn CIPP offers a six-week summer service-learning experience for medical students who are underrepresented in medicine and committed to a career path that addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical trial studies.

Brown and Ballinger both have a personal or family history of heart disease, so they understand the need for preventative care delivered through the calcium scoring test. They see this summer’s project as a chance to improve their research skills to benefit their future patients.

“As medical students, we don’t get a lot of instruction on research in our classes,” Brown said. “This program has provided a great opportunity for me to learn as much as I can about research and how to ask questions and how to think and how to analyze data.”

Ballinger believes her experience in Winn CIPP will help her increase trust in research among Black and other underrepresented patients.

“The community aspect of reaching back and providing education and offering education to the community and creating trust in clinical research in general is really important to us moving forward in our career,” Ballinger said.

Seven medical students participated in four mentored projects with Winn CIPP at UofL for 2024, five of whom are UofL students. UofL first hosted the Winn CIPP program in 2023 and is one of nine sites for 2024.

Jenny McGowan, M.D, associate residency program director for the UofL School of Medicine, was recently named the Health Sciences Center (HSC) Educator Bright Spot for July due to her commitment to impacting the learning of HSC students and trainees. McGowan’s commitment extends beyond the confines of traditional medical courses as she ventures into the realm of wilderness medicine education on an international scale.

Teaming up with fellow Emergency Medicine faculty Raymond Orthober, M.D., the two embarked on a unique educational journey, teaching an annual course in Chamonix, France titled “Wilderness Medicine in the Alps.” The two share the teaching experience in partnership with University of Utah School of Medicine.

Reflecting on the experience, McGowan shared her delight for applying innovative teaching strategies in exotic settings. “It’s been really fun to try out some of the teaching strategies we’ve learned on such a broad scale. It’s been a unique challenge to find ways to make the learning more interactive and engaging for the group, and to add more hands-on skills and practical sessions to allow the students the opportunity to apply their knowledge.”

McGowan, an experienced member of the ULSOM Emergency Medicine faculty, is currently pursing her Master of Science in Health Professions Education (HPE) at the University of Louisville. Her passion for global education is evident, having now taken courses on five continents.

This year, McGowan brought two ULSOM students, Brittney Duffy and Amelia Franxman, with her to France for the wilderness medicine course. The students, both previous Wilderness Medicine Interest Group leaders, enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to develop essential skills in treating patients outside of traditional hospital settings.

While participating in this course, students learn how to be what McGowan describes as a “useful physician,” which means having a strong understanding of how to treat patients outside of a hospital. Various learning scenarios are showcased to demonstrate care in the case of environmental exposures including lightning strikes and drowning.

“Exploring the wilderness of France while learning essential skills that will lead me to be a better physician was even more exciting than it sounds,” said Amelia Franxman, “I feel confident now in my abilities to treat someone outside of the hospital, even in a wilderness setting, which was Dr. McGowan’s goal for us throughout the course.”

The University of Louisville School of Medicine takes pride in faculty members like McGowan, whose unwavering commitment to fostering unique learning opportunities for students exemplifies the school’s dedication to excellence in medical education.

A new stem cell therapy for heart failure is being tested in patients at the University of Louisville and UofL Health.

The trial is the first in the U.S. to test umbilical cord-derived stem cells in patients for heart failure and the first to use intravenous (IV) delivery of cell therapy for heart failure. It is the first trial in the world to test multiple doses of stem cell therapy for chronic heart failure.

Roberto Bolli, UofL professor of medicine, director of the UofL Institute of Molecular Cardiology and a UofL Health cardiologist, leads the study, which is enrolling patient participants at UofL, the University of Miami and the Texas Heart Institute. UofL Health is the only health system in Kentucky providing cell therapies for heart failure as part of clinical trials.

The Phase II clinical trial, dubbed the CATO trial, involves patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, those who have had a heart attack resulting in scarring and heart failure. An $8 million grant to UofL from the Department of Defense is funding the four-year, multicenter trial, which aims to determine whether one or multiple doses of stem cells improve health and quality of life for heart failure patients.

“If these cells are shown to be effective, the implications would be enormous. They would have significant potential to improve quality of life for heart failure patients and result in a paradigm shift in the treatment of heart failure,” Bolli said.

The new therapy uses mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), which are produced from donated umbilical cords and are considered adult stem cells. The stem cells are isolated from the donated cords and expanded at the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute cell production laboratory at the University of Miami. Each cord yields close to 4-5 billion MSCs, or 40-50 doses of 100 million cells each.

UC-MSCs are known to be anti-inflammatory and previously have been tested in ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, COVID-19, graft vs. host disease and other conditions. This is the first trial in the U.S. in which the cells will be assessed for the treatment of heart disease.

Less invasive and more cost-effective delivery

The new cell therapy features several innovations which may reduce cost and barriers that limit access to stem cell therapy treatment for heart failure.

In this trial, the cells are administered through an IV line, a significantly more cost-effective and less invasive procedure compared to catheterization, which is necessary for delivering other stem cell therapies. An IV procedure can be done on an outpatient basis in a doctor’s office, IV clinic or hospital, making the therapy more accessible for those in underserved areas or who cannot go to a tertiary care center for treatment. IV delivery also makes multiple doses of the therapy feasible, which is not the case with catheterization.

“Off the shelf” cell availability

In addition, the cells can be manufactured and stored frozen, readily available for patients when they need them. This is a significant advantage over other cell therapies, for which cells must be manufactured from the patient’s own tissues, which increases cost and lead time for the treatment.

Heart disease is a major health problem throughout the world, including the United States where heart failure affects more than 6 million Americans and accounts for 1 in every 5 deaths, according to the CDC. Treatment options for individuals with heart failure currently are limited to medications, lifestyle modifications and in extreme cases, heart transplant or assist devices.

“Five-year survival for patients admitted to the hospital with heart failure is 50%,” Bolli said. “There are a lot of drugs available for the treatment of heart disease, but because of the abysmal prognosis, we need to improve treatment. If these cells prove to be effective, I hope they will become an additional treatment option for heart failure to reduce the morbidity and mortality for this disease.”

Along with Bolli, researchers for the trial include Joshua M. Hare, Louis Lemberg Professor of Medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Aisha Khan, executive director of the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute cell production laboratory at the University of Miami, which will produce the cells from donor umbilical cord tissue, Emerson Perin, medical director of the Texas Heart Institute, and Joao Lima, director of cardiovascular imaging at Johns Hopkins Hospital, who will evaluate the MRI studies obtained from all participants.

Study details:

Study investigators for the CATO trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, plan to enroll 60 patients across the three centers: UofL, the University of Miami and Texas Heart Institute. Johns Hopkins will provide MRI evaluations of all trial participants.

Participants will receive four IV injections, approximately two months apart, in an outpatient clinic. Patients will be randomized to receive four cell treatments, one cell treatment and three placebo treatments or four placebo treatments.

Investigators will follow the patients for one year to evaluate their heart condition, exercise tolerance, quality of life, heart size and scarring via MRI and blood tests.

To learn more about enrolling in the study, go to Clinicaltrials.gov

Five undergraduate students joined UofL Center for Cardiometabolic Science efforts to advance cardiometabolic science research this summer, each working in a separate lab on individualized projects tailored to their own interests.

The students were selected for this opportunity after a national advertisement for the program was conducted. The American Heart Association funded this program and other similar national programs to address public health concerns.

“The Center for Cardiometabolic Science was very pleased to welcome these five interns to our research labs this summer. The interns are full members of their research teams while they are here; they are not technological tourists or scientific sightseers,” said Steven Jones, PhD, director of the Center for Cardiometabolic Science. “Each student exemplifies the enthusiasm and dedication that is required in the field of biomedical research, and we are proud to be a part of their undergraduate learning experiences.”

Pierce Bergin, a senior at the University of Kentucky, worked in the lab of Daniel Conklin, PhD, to research the impact of TRPA-1 and hypertension on the structural and functional changes in blood vessels. Pierce plans on pursuing a career in the medical field.

Sydney Calvin, a rising senior at Bellarmine University, worked in the lab of Helen Collins, PhD, to determine sex difference-specific changes in metabolism in the context of myocardial infarction. This is Sydney’s second year in the program and in Dr. Collins’ lab. Sydney aspires to be a pediatric cardiologist.

Peyton Kochert, rising Junior at Purdue University, worked in the lab of Jason Hellmann, PhD. In collaboration with Sean Heffron, MD, at New York University, Peyton investigated the prognostic association between major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). Peyton plans on pursuing an MD or MD/PhD.

Caroline Toler, a first-year student at Centre College, worked in the lab of Andrew Gibb, PhD, on a project to understand the mechanisms that link metabolism to the epigenome in fibroblast differentiation. Caroline is interested in becoming an MD with a specific interest in emergency medicine and orthopedics.

Lillian Watson, a senior at Vassar College, worked in the lab of Alex Carll, PhD, MSPH, to analyze postpartum echocardiogram-derived ECG data for changes in ECG morphology while comparing e-cigarette and filtered air-exposed dams and their adult offspring. Lillian intends to be a biomedical researcher.

“Joining the Center for Cardiometabolic Science for the summer provided me with the one-of-a-kind opportunity to be a part of the groundbreaking research of the University of Louisville. Joining forces with these talented researchers to make a real difference in heart health is the opportunity dreams are made of,” said Peyton Kochert.

The students presented their work at the American Heart Association Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences in Chicago and participated in the Health Sciences Center summer research poster session during their last week in the program.

The UofL School of Medicine commends the Center for Cardiometabolic Science and their dedication to inspiring the next generation of biomedical researchers.

The Louisville Medical & Education District (LOUMED) has announced plans for the creation of LOUMED Commons, an innovative urban park initiative designed to introduce much-needed green spaces and pedestrian-friendly areas to the heart of the downtown medical and education district.

Supported by $1.4 million in city funding, the project involves the demolition of the former community correctional center at 316 East Chestnut Street, which has been vacant since May 2020.

“LOUMED represents a transformative step for downtown Louisville, bringing together our medical and educational institutions to foster innovation and community growth. The addition of a communal green space is not just about beautification; it’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where residents, students and visitors can connect and relax. By enhancing our urban landscape, we will attract top talent from across the nation, making Louisville a premier destination for health care professionals and innovators alike,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.

The demolition of the existing structure should be complete by the end of this year and LOUMED anticipates acquiring the property at that time, marking a pivotal milestone in the project’s progression. JLL, Louisville Commercial Real Estate Services, is managing both the demolition of the community correctional center and the construction of LOUMED Commons, along with architecture, engineering and design firm Gresham Smith, who has spearheaded the conceptual design for the nearly one-acre parcel of land.

The vibrant public space will serve as a central hub for activity within LOUMED, which includes the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center and downtown facilities of UofL Health, as well as Jefferson Community and Technical College and Norton Healthcare.

The space will feature:

• An open, park-like setting with a lush tree canopy and native plants;
• Well-lit spaces to ensure a safe and welcoming environment;
• A dedicated area for food trucks;
• Seating areas for relaxation and eating;
• Shade structures to offer relief from the sun;
• A pavilion structure to host programming and events;
• And public art installations to showcase local artistry.

LOUMED Commons will be designed with the latest sustainability practices and built using modular construction methods, allowing for phased development to ensure flexibility and adaptability. The first phase is expected to be completed by late 2025.

“We look forward to transforming a previously underutilized space into a vibrant, green and pedestrian-friendly hub,” said Nadareca Thibeaux, executive director of LOUMED. “LOUMED Commons will not only provide a much-needed respite from the bustling medical and education district, but also foster a sense of community and enhance the overall well-being of those who work in and visit the district.”

LOUMED is also actively collaborating with Mayor Greenberg’s office, Louisville Metro Public Works and UofL’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute on the redevelopment of Chestnut Street, recognized as the “collective spine” of the district. With an estimated timeline of three to five years, this project is in its initial planning phase, bolstered by $1.75 million in city funding. Additionally, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly have allocated a $100 million one-time budget expenditure to Louisville Metro Government for the revitalization of downtown, which includes LOUMED.

These efforts contribute to a broader vision, complementing the significant redevelopment and revitalization initiatives spearheaded by LOUMED’s anchor institutions: Jefferson Community and Technical College, University of Louisville, UofL Health and Norton Healthcare.

The four anchor institutions have and will be contributing more than $560 million to projects and investments within the district over the next three to five years. JCTC is expanding and enhancing its campus through the ‘Jefferson Rising’ project. Thanks also to support of the Kentucky General Assembly and Gov. Andy Beshear, the University of Louisville is planning a transformative Health Sciences Simulation Center and Collaboration Hub. UofL Health is nearing completion on the expansion of UofL Hospital, and Norton Healthcare recently implemented a new state-of-the-art labor and delivery unit and expanded neonatal intensive care unit.

UofL’s Health Sciences Simulation Center and Collaboration Hub will be located just down the street from LOUMED Commons, at Chestnut and Preston streets.

“This state-of-the-art building will be a game-changer for UofL, our city and the entire commonwealth. The center will expand multidisciplinary research opportunities for the university and enhance the educational experience of students pursuing STEM+H degrees, including nursing and other critical health care professions,” said UofL President Kim Schatzel. “This project shows UofL’s commitment to academic and research excellence and its vital role in shaping the future of education and health care in Kentucky.”

For more information about LOUMED and its initiatives, visit louisvillemedicaleducationdistrict.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Excitement fills the halls once again as the University of Louisville School of Medicine welcomes its newest cohort of medical students, the class of 2028. Orientation began on July 22 and culminated with the ever-celebrated White Coat Ceremony on July 28. The week promised a blend of tradition, camaraderie, and invaluable introductions to their medical journey in Louisville.

“We are delighted to welcome the Class of 2028 to the School of Medicine,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine. “This cohort is filled with bright, inspired minds and we are excited to be a part of their journey to medicine.”

As the anticipation of the upcoming journey set in, the incoming first year medical students enjoyed a week of orientation events to not only familiarize themselves with the city of Louisville, but foster bonds among classmates that would endure throughout their medical education. Key events included Trivia Night at Ten20 Brewery and a cruise on the Belle of Louisville.

The incoming class was also able to get their first taste of the Advisory College Program, an essential aspect of learning designed to create relationships between students at varying levels of their journey within the School of Medicine.

“First year medical students are often in a new city with new people, and adjusting to their environment is crucial to their success. Advisory Colleges allow students to have Advisory Deans, College Advocates, and Student Mentors at their fingertips to allow for an easier transition,” said Ann Shaw, M.D., vice dean for Undergraduate Medical Education. “This year, we are proud to announce a new Advisory College, named after dean emeritus Toni Ganzel.”

Following a week of exploring their new home, the students gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House to recite the Hippocratic Oath and receive their white coats in the traditional White Coat Ceremony. The White Coat Ceremony emphasizes their responsibilities as future physicians and of the importance of providing only the highest quality care for patients.

Looking ahead, first-year students will further integrate into the ULSOM community through events and opportunities such as the Involvement Fair and the College Cup, where friendly competition and collaboration will be on full display.

Photos from the White Coat Ceremony are available here. 

The University of Louisville School of Medicine’s commitment to conducting community-engaged translational research has allowed for an exclusive opportunity to spend a second year hosting the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP). As one of just nine site partners nationwide, the objective of Winn CIPP is to establish a pathway for community-centered clinical researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Winn CIPP offers a unique approach to enhancing diversity in clinical trials. This is achieved by providing a six-week intensive and immersive summer service-learning experience to medical students. Candidates for this program must be underrepresented in medicine and have a commitment to a career path that addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical and translational research.

As a site partner from June 3-July 12, 2024, the UofL School of Medicine will provide a mentored clinical research experience in collaboration with clinical scientists for seven rising second-year medical students from the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, and University of Des Moines. The scholars will gain knowledge and expertise in community-engaged clinical research to aid in developing a more inclusive and equitable future for healthcare.

Each medical student scholar receives a $7,500 stipend to cover travel, living, and lodging expenses during the six-week service-learning period. This year, the scholars are funded by Robert A. Winn Diversity Clinical Trials Award or the UofL School of Medicine.

“Being chosen as a Winn CIPP site partner is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical and translational research, said Jeffrey Bumpous, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine. “We are excited to support and mentor these talented medical students, and we look forward to the positive impact their work will have on our community and beyond.”

The Winn CIPP scholars currently training at the University of Louisville School of Medicine are:

• Diane Appiasie, University of Louisville
• Izegboya Oyakhire, University of Louisville
• Jayce Clark, University of Des Moines
• Chisom Iloegbunam, University of Kentucky
• Andrea Ballinger, University of Louisville
• Paul Brown, University of Louisville
• Opeyemi Adelugba, University of Louisville

Scholars have the opportunity to gain exposure to clinical research, develop community engagement and leadership skills, and receive mentorship from early-stage clinical investigators involved in the Winn Career Development Award (CDA). During the six-week intensive, the scholars will work diligently on their respective translational research.

“The opportunity to participate in Winn CIPP at the UofL School of Medicine is a truly transformative experience,” said Diane Appiasie, “This experience not only enhances my skills as a future clinical investigator but also allows me to make meaningful impact in underserved communities. I am grateful to the University of Louisville and Winn CIPP for this invaluable opportunity.”

Visit diversityinclinicaltrials.org for eligibility criteria and otherinformation about the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program.  

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

• Administrative Support: Sonya Cary and Hannah Crawford, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
• Co-investigators: Chris Seals, Ph.D.; V. Faye Jones, M.D., Ph.D.
• Site Champions: Dwayne Compton, Ed.D., M.Ed.; Sharon Gordon; Susan Sawning, MSSW; Shorye Durrett, M.D.
• Faculty Mentors: Kalra Dinesh, M.D.; In Kim, M.D.; Adrianna Masters, M.D., Ph.D.; Dr. Choi, D.O.

Jonathon Lewis, a second-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine recently represented the ULSOM at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) RISE Conference: Developing Future Leaders in Academic Medicine & Science for 2nd-year Medical Students. Before joining ULSOM, Jonathon graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and the University of Michigan with a Master of Science in Physiology. Jonathon now serves as the Vice President of the Class of 2027 and Course Representative for Neuro Anatomy.

ULSOM: What has been your inspiration to pursue medical school?

Lewis: I had always been drawn towards science and math growing up, but in the fourth grade, I began to experience heel pain. The pain would only worsen, and it eventually reached the point where I had to consult an orthopedic doctor. He told me that I was diagnosed with Sever's disease, which is a common growth plate disease in active young people, and that I would need to sit out for the rest of my current football season. At the time, I was heartbroken, as I loved football more than anything, so I began to sob uncontrollably in his office. He comforted me by saying that if I kept my good grades, I could take over for him one day. To a sad 4th grader, his words did not mean much, but as I grew up and began researching all the cool things an orthopedic surgeon does, I became fascinated with the career. Finally, after shadowing doctors throughout high school, I decided to attend medical school. 

ULSOM: How would you describe your medical school experience up to this point? 

Lewis: My experience has been fantastic. I love my classmates and teachers here at Louisville. Everyone is so supportive, welcoming, and easy to talk to. Our class shares tons of materials that help digest the content. I feel that I have been able to keep up with the things I love, like going to the gym while maintaining a social life and heavy workload. 

ULSOM: What are your goals as a future physician?

Lewis: I have lofty goals for my future as a physician. One of my main drivers for getting through medical school is to help bridge the health inequity gap in underserved populations. In 2021, I worked as a scribe in South Side Chicago, where I witnessed the closing of Mercy Hospital. It was the community's only hospital that provided comprehensive specialty care. Due to Mercy's closing, patients who came to our medical clinic needed to be referred to hospitals that were referred to hospitals that were now 30–40-minute drives away from them. Since many relied on public transportation, their commutes to receive care lasted upwards of an hour. They also reported to me that their issues were not taken seriously once they went to these hospitals. Ultimately, I want to become an orthopedic surgeon and use my resources and network to help create medical infrastructure for those with limited access. 

ULSOM: How did your recent experience at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) RISE Conference: Developing Future Leaders in Academic Medicine & Science for 2nd-year Medical Students impact you as a future physician?

Lewis: My recent experience at the RISE conference was eye-opening. I got to meet so many outstanding students across the country who were very driven and inspirational. I tried my best to learn as much as possible from them. The program highlighted the importance of maintaining your purpose and meaning as a physician, which was refreshing. As a medical student, your academic workload can often consume you. I learned how to heighten my emotional intelligence to help better lead my staff and those around me as a future physician. This program also supplied me with a network of future leading physicians who are all eager to make a positive impact on this world. 

ULSOM: As you continue your progression through medical school, what other opportunities excite you?

Lewis: Through the RISE conference, I was able to connect with Dr. Geoffrey Young, who is working on implementing the AAMC's action plan to increase the diversity of medical school applicants and matriculants. I'm very excited at the possibility of working with him and helping to diversify the medical field. As a member of UofL SOM's Distinction in Business track, I'm excited to continue to learn more about the business side of medicine and continue to take part in projects that shape our community. I'm also happy to have the opportunity to continue networking with orthopedic surgeons and sports science physicians and to grow my research background.  

The University of Louisville School of Medicine proudly recognizes Lewis for his achievements and commends him for his dedication to learning and growth throughout his tenure in medical school.

University of Louisville researchers have received $3.6 million in new grant funding to study the role of arsenic exposure in causing cancer and other major health concerns. And, they think there’s a simple, off-the-shelf solution — zinc — that could help prevent some of its worst effects. 

Arsenic is highly poisonous and occurs naturally in some rocks and soil. As a result, the most common source of exposure is drinking contaminated water, particularly ground water from private wells. More than 43 million people in the U.S. alone get their water from private wells, including many in areas of Kentucky that may be contaminated from previous coal mining. 

“What people don’t realize is that private wells and even public water supplies serving smaller numbers of people are not regulated,” said Chris States, a UofL School of Medicine researcher who’s been studying arsenic’s role in cancer for more than 25 years. “People using private wells for their water are on their own to test for toxic chemicals.” 

Chronic exposure to low doses of arsenic, as from drinking water, can cause a host of serious health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and several cancers, including skin, lung and bladder cancer. In high doses, arsenic can also be fatal. 

States and collaborator, Mayukh Banerjee, backed by two new grants from the National Institutes of Health and American Cancer Society totaling $3.6 million, are working to discover what specifically about arsenic exposure can cause and accelerate the development of those conditions. Understanding this cause and effect could help researchers and public health officials find ways to keep people safe and healthy.

States and Banerjee believe it may all come down to how arsenic binds with proteins that help the body regulate the expression of genes. When gene expression isn’t properly regulated, your cells can begin to behave abnormally, mutating and multiplying out of control and not dying when they should. In other words, they become cancer cells. 

Many proteins need zinc to do their jobs properly. When arsenic binds with these proteins instead, it takes the place zinc would normally fill. This disables these regulatory proteins and accelerates dysregulation.

Even worse, Banerjee said, is that there’s significant overlap between the communities who drink potentially contaminated well water and those who are more likely to have a zinc deficiency. If the body doesn’t have enough zinc to bind with the regulatory proteins in the first place, it can increase your risk of some of the same health concerns as arsenic exposure — including heart disease and cancer. An estimated 17.3 percent of the global population is zinc deficient. 

“It’s a double whammy,” said Banerjee, an assistant professor of pharmacology. “The populations we’re talking about are largely impoverished and rural, who are already more likely to be zinc deficient because they don’t have access to healthy, nutritious foods. So, you have a lack of zinc in the diet exacerbated by arsenic preventing what zinc they have from doing its job in the body.” 

There isn’t currently any medication that treats chronic arsenic exposure. However, Banerjee said, there may be a simple, over-the-counter solution — if the problem is a lack of zinc, it may be treatable with a zinc supplement. His research has shown zinc supplementation can mitigate or even regress some of the worse effects of arsenic exposure. 

“Zinc is over-the-counter, which makes it cheaper and readily accessible,” Banerjee said. “But I don’t think a lot of people are even aware of the potential danger of well water or what it can cause. We really hope this work can help those people.”

Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute researcher and associate professor from the School of Medicine, Rochelle Holm Ph. D., is leading transformative research in wastewater-based epidemiology across both Kentucky and Malawi. This initiative is not only advancing scientific knowledge but is leading to a rewarding research experience in Malawi for eight students.

Holm, known for her extensive work in global health research in the areas of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH), has spent more than a decade in Malawi conducting research. She is currently working to cross the boundaries of research and innovative practice by collaborating with rural communities, government officials, and academia with a special focus on sanitation system data for better community monitoring of pathogens.

Eight University of Louisville and North Carolina State University students were selected for the opportunity to join Holm’s research in Malawi. Through the International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), these students participated in eight weeks of ground-breaking water, sanitation, and hygiene field work in Malawi this summer.

“My time in Malawi has been unforgettable as I have had the opportunity to research the public opinion of wastewater-based epidemiology in Malawi and how public health surveillance privacy concerns may differ from those in the United States,” said UofL Honors student, Dammy Jeboda. Jeboda’s project used both a respondent survey and a game-based theory with a board game she developed to investigate public health surveillance privacy concerns.

While in Malawi, the team also participated in a service-learning opportunity called Girls Science Day, which brought together 250 elementary-aged girls to educate them on wastewater, sanitation, and viruses with a strong emphasis in STEM education. Malawi has both a national water policy and national sanitation policy, but this is both a lack of enforcing and teaching the community these public health policies. Not only were the girls excited to learn about these policies and the research being conducted in their community, but their teachers and the student volunteers were proud to be able to foster the next generation of global health professionals.

“It has been a great honor to have these eight students join me in research in Malawi this summer,” says Holm, “Their dedication to being a part of groundbreaking public health improvements is inspiring and I am proud to be a part of their journeys.”

Upon completion of the program, the students are encouraged to co-author manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and to present their research at conferences. The University of Louisville School of Medicine is dedicated to providing the pathways towards innovative research experiences and commends Dr. Holm and the team for their dedication to international research.