University of Arizona Health Sciences

Michael D.L. Johnson, PhD, an associate professor of immunobiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, recently received a $1.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue his research into why bacterial cells are vulnerable to copper, which could lead to potential applications for the development of new next-generation antibiotics. More: https://bit.ly/3WkiRbY

The results of a clinical trial led by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that chemotherapy combining three different types of drugs did not improve overall survival for patients with advanced stage, inoperable biliary tract cancers. “Biliary tract cancer is comparatively rare, but it’s aggressive and spreads fast. Our accrual of more than 450 patients in a little more than two years really shows there is a need for new ways to help people with biliary tract cancer,” said Rachna Shroff, MD, the associate director of clinical investigations at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and leader of the clinical trial that included researchers from 17 other cancer centers. More: https://bit.ly/4fWUx6Z

Dr. Marvin Slepian, a distinguished Regents Professor at the University of Arizona, is playing a pivotal role in shaping the national artificial intelligence strategy. As the USPTO marks its 25th anniversary, the committee has declared 2025 a "year of action" aimed at establishing the agency as the nation's primary innovation body! Dr. Slepian's expertise is instrumental in guiding policy and strategic initiatives that enhance the U.S.'s global leadership in innovation and intellectual property. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gmfZ4JsQ

We are thrilled President Garimella joined us to break ground on the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies during his first 100 days!

Congratulations to the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health fall 2024 graduates. The convocation ceremony, held on December 21, celebrated the achievements of 51 public health graduates. “It is important that we stay true to our core mission of advancing health equity, health promotion and wellness,” said Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH, dean of the college. “Public health is not just about addressing the diseases of today but ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the resources, care and opportunities needed to live a healthy life. Whether you're working in environmental health, advocating for maternal and child health, or leading health initiatives in underserved communities, always remember that equity is the foundation of all public health work.” More photos: https://bit.ly/4g1Nudg

Shakaib 'Shak' Rehman, MD, was honored with a teaching award at this year’s International Conference on Communication in Healthcare. He received the tEACH Award 2024, which recognizes significant contributions to health care communication education. Rehman, the interim chair and professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, has been with the college for 11 years. More: https://bit.ly/3C9N46S

The top 10 Health Sciences Connect stories of 2024. From the integration of AI into health science research to in-depth profiles of our faculty and leaders, these were among your favorite stories. More: https://bit.ly/4gRYXNU

Meet Hope Wollen, a genetic counseling graduate student at the University of Arizona College of Health Sciences. Inspired by her late aunt’s cancer experience, she is focused on helping patients navigate the complexities of genetic testing and health care decisions. Her work spans clinical rotations, patient advocacy, and leadership training, including a Newborn Screening Ambassadorship and the ArizonaLEND program. More: https://bit.ly/4ikoyjz

Sairam Parthasarathy, MD, director of the U of A Health Sciences Center for Sleep, Circadian and Neuroscience Research and chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, is working on patient-driven solutions to help CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device users. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke. While CPAP devices are highly effective, only 43% of patients adhere to their treatment regimen. Parthasarathy hopes to improve CPAP adherence by focusing on peer support and health literacy to help patients connect the dots between treatment and better health outcomes. Watch: https://lnkd.in/gMfiYYbs

From navigating Antarctica’s icy terrain to battling pancreatic cancer, Silver Darmer has always lived his life with resilience and hope. When Silver was initially diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his treatment went well. Two years later, however, despite defying the odds, his cancer metastasized and resisted standard treatments. In 2022, Silver met Rachna Shroff, MD, interim clinical affairs director at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and professor and chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s, to discuss participating in a clinical trial. Shroff is studying the effectiveness of a combination therapy that pairs a checkpoint inhibitor with a targeted therapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Today, Silver is continuing the trial with no new cancer development or serious side effects. “My attitude was, I have a little problem and I have to stay ahead of it. I did not want to let cancer determine the story of my life,” Darmer said. He is living life to the fullest, including embarking on cross-country road trips with his daughters. Read about Silver’s life before cancer and how a clinical trial has given him the gift of time. https://bit.ly/3Wa46sx