WINTER 2021
Health, Science & Wellness COVER STORY
A tough fight every day, every hour PAGE 8
Two years after being injured by gunfire, Dionte Tate focuses on walking again ALSO IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 5
How to wear a mask PAGE 7
Help for COVID-19 ‘long haulers’ PAGE 16
A male breast cancer patient’s road to recovery PAGE 19
Do blue light-blocking glasses help?
Insights from the President Tom Jackiewicz
A message to our readers and patients It is a great honor to reach out to you as the new President of the University of Chicago Medical Center and Chief Operating Officer of the broader UChicago Medicine health system. Changing jobs and making a cross-country move from Los Angeles to Chicago isn’t what most people envision for their lives during a worldwide pandemic. But when the opportunity arose to join UChicago Medicine, I knew it was one I did not want to miss. I’ve been on the job since late August, and I can already tell there is much greatness and strength here. I am surrounded by passionate researchers, physicians, nurses and support staff who are taking on the greatest challenges in medicine and healthcare. That’s the kind of organization I’m excited to help lead — one with talented people, a storied history and vast potential to push even further to provide the very best in personalized, leadingedge care. In a year when the frequent use of the word unprecedented is, well, unprecedented, I want you to know that we are committed to being here for you and your family.
When challenged by unknowns such as those that COVID-19 has presented to us, our communities and patients look to us for answers. At UChicago Medicine, the answers we provide will rely on science. That is not a statement I typically would feel is necessary to make. But it is important to note in a year where politics and science have commingled in ways that negatively impact public health. With the new year upon us, I have two specific requests. Please continue to secure routine medical care for yourself and your family. Do not delay seeking out urgent or emergency care, if needed. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention estimates that through June 2020, approximately 41% of U.S. adults have avoided medical care. The long-term impact of delaying routine care and testing as well as emergency care is profound, especially for patients facing cancer, heart disease and diabetes. At UChicago Medicine, we understand your concerns about seeking safe and timely medical care during the COVID-19 crisis. I want to assure you that we have
implemented extraordinary measures to care for you safely during the pandemic. Our physicians and care teams are here for you, so please continue to secure the medical care you need. My second request: When connecting with family and friends, please wear a mask and practice safe social distancing. Science has confirmed that masks are the most efficient way to limit COVID-19 transmission for now. It’s a necessary action to keep ourselves and others safe. While 2020 has challenged us in ways we could never have imagined, we at UChicago Medicine are prepared to find new, better and more equitable ways to care for our patients and improve the health of our communities in 2021. I thank you for trusting us to be your healthcare provider and look forward to connecting again with you in the future. Stay safe, and Happy New Year!
We have implemented extraordinary measures to care for you safely during the pandemic.” NELSON MANDELA Senior Vice President, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer: William “Skip” Hidlay The Forefront magazine features stories about life-changing care and breakthroughs in medical research at the University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences. Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD Dean of the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Medicine and Executive Vice President for Biology and Medicine Thomas E. Jackiewicz President of the University of Chicago Medical Center
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Editor: Anna Madrzyk
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Contributing writers
Science, health and wellness news
Emily Ayshford, Jamie Bartosch, Venus Brady,
UChicagoMedicine.org/forefront Main number 1-773-702-1000 Appointments 1-888-824-0200
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Contributing photographers Taylor Glascock, Jean Lachat, Sandro Miller
This publication does not provide medical advice or treatment
and Nancy Wong
suggestions. If you have medical problems or concerns, contact a physician, who will determine your treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice because of something you read here. For urgent needs, call 911 right away.
The Forefront
Winter 2021 IN THIS ISSUE
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ON THE COVER
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Cover photo by Sandro Miller
UChicago Medicine’s trauma care team saved Dionte Tate’s life. Two years after being partially paralyzed, he’s starting to walk
PARENTING IN A PANDEMIC Tips for helping your tweens and teens cope with COVID-19 fears and restrictions.
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again, thanks in part to his resiliency and fierce determination.
UNEXPECTED DIAGNOSIS
Milbert Kennedy was shocked when a “knot” in his chest turned out to be breast cancer.
READ ONLINE COVID-19 UPDATES
Roderick Tung, MD
Get the latest advice on how to stay safe. Learn about vaccine trials, treatments and research.
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MORE NEWS FROM THE FOREFRONT
ALLEVIATING ARRHYTHMIAS An electrophysiologist’s quest to cure heart rhythm disorders.
TIME FOR YOUR MAMMOGRAM? UChicago Medicine opens two new breast health centers.
Sign up for our Health & Science e-newsletter.
UChicagoMedicine.org/ enewsletter
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EASY ON THE EYES
Do blue light-blocking glasses reduce eye strain? Our ophthalmologist weighs in on the trend.
Access world-class care faster. Our urgent aid outpatient centers are open 24/7. Schedule online UChicagoMedicine.org/Ingalls
Calumet City
Flossmoor
Tinley Park
NIGHTTIME SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT LOWERS DAYTIME HEART RATE
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment overnight can lower the daytime resting heart rate in patients with prediabetes who have obstructive sleep apnea, reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease. In a randomized controlled study, patients who had optimal CPAP treatment for two weeks had a drop in their resting heart rate of four to five beats per minute, as compared to a placebo. “That’s significant,” said Esra Tasali, MD, Director of the Sleep Research Center at UChicago Medicine and senior author of the study. “A drop of even one beat per minute can lower the mortality rate and future risk of cardiovascular disease.” The discovery could help 1 billion people worldwide with sleep apnea, the majority of whom remain undiagnosed. It’s especially timely given that people with diabetes or cardiovascular problems are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19. The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
RAPID RELIEF FROM PTSD
For military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), symptoms such as anxiety, anger and depression can have a devastating impact on overall quality of life. A recent pilot study suggests veterans suffering from PTSD could benefit from a simple, inexpensive treatment: nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. Within three hours of inhaling a single dose of nitrous oxide and oxygen, two of the three veterans in the study reported a marked improvement in their symptoms. “While the research sample was small, the treatment showed early promise for quickly relieving symptoms of PTSD,” said UChicago Medicine anesthesiologist Peter Nagele, MD, a co-author on the paper published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. “If replicated in a larger controlled study, nitrous oxide may be used for rapid symptom reduction, while allowing long-term PTSD treatments to take effect. Nagele also did pioneering work in successfully treating severely depressed patients with nitrous oxide.
TOP HONORS FOR STROKE AND RESUSCITATION CARE
The American Heart Association has recognized the University of Chicago Medicine for stroke care and Comer Children’s Hospital for resuscitation care in newborns and children. UChicago Medicine received the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. “As the field of stroke care continues to evolve and improve, we remain dedicated to staying ahead of the curve and providing the most advanced treatments for our patients,” said Shyam Prabhakaran, MD, MS, chair of the Department of Neurology. Comer Children’s was recognized with the Get With The Guidelines–Resuscitation Gold Plus Award for neonatal and pediatric patients. “The award reflects our commitment to achieving high-quality resuscitation performance for every patient, every single time,” said Priti Jani, MD, MPH, a specialist in pediatric critical care medicine.
READ MORE AT
UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA AFTER STROKE
As many as 70% of stroke survivors experience changes to memory, thinking and behavior. UChicago Medicine has been selected as one of 30 clinical sites for a National Institutes of Health study on the causes of post-stroke dementia and impairment. Researchers plan to enroll 8,000 stroke survivors with an emphasis on recruitment from diverse populations. Patients in the study will undergo cognitive assessments, brain imaging, genetic analysis and fluid biomarker testing for at least two years following their hospital admission for a stroke. Study leaders, including UChicago Medicine neurologists Elisheva Coleman, MD, and Shyam Prabhakaran, MD, MS, hope to shed light on early stroke recovery and the risk factors that lead to dementia and impairment.
UChicagoMedicine.org/forefront
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ACCESS WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE FROM HOME Your family’s health doesn’t stop being a priority when leaving the house is a challenge. For your convenience and safety, UChicago Medicine offers secure and easy-to-conduct virtual visits by video or phone for most of your healthcare needs — including primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, oncology, cardiology and surgery consultations. Additionally, video visits are now covered by most insurance plans.
UChicagoMedicine.org/Video-Visits Call 1-888-824-0200 to make an appointment.
COVID-19 is stressing our children, too. Here’s what parents can do. Childhood and adolescence can be more stressful than adults realize — hours of nightly homework, endless worry about grades, and juggling sports practice, band rehearsals and weekends filled with family obligations. Now, as we continue to face the COVID-19 health crisis, the younger generation faces even more fears about safety, stability and the unknown. Felicia Houston, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor who sees patients in the UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Behavioral Health department. In the last six months, there has been an increase in adolescents (age 12 and up) experiencing anxiety and depression as a result of the pandemic, social and racial turmoil, and the political climate. “The high level of uncertainty is affecting adolescents differently than adults,” Houston said. “Physical distancing and the inability for friends to spend time together is negatively impacting social development and causing psychological trouble like worry, sadness and fear.” Many teens and young adults have had to mourn the loss of important milestone events like prom and graduation; some have had to deal with the loss of a family member during or due to COVID-19.
Students also are concerned about their safety at school, Houston said. And, with the economic instability caused by the pandemic, adolescents may be wondering if their families can make ends meet. As the country has faced civil unrest and an increasing political divide, many teenagers have become more involved in these movements, which may cause disagreements with family members. “As stress levels grow, medical evidence suggests that adolescents are at risk for a host of problems, even into adulthood — from anxiety and depression to poor physical health,” Houston said. “Parents should pay attention to any behavioral changes that could indicate a child’s need for professional mental health care.” Although a lot is on children’s plates, there is hope. Here are a few steps that adults can take to provide stability and support for children and teens: »M aintain a normal routine and structured day for children. »T alk less and listen more in conversations, encouraging adolescents to express themselves. »B e honest and don’t shield tweens and teens from information. Acknowledge that you may be scared, too, but you can get through the difficult times together. »T each them simple steps to stay healthy. In addition to the COVID-19 guidelines of social distancing, masking and good hand hygiene, be sure to include coping mechanisms such as family walks, yoga or journaling.
FELICIA HOUSTON, LCPC
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UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Behavioral Health offers an outpatient treatment program designed specifically for adolescents. Virtual and in-person appointments are now available. Ingalls adult outpatient services are also available throughout the Southland, with programming now offered in Calumet City. Call for a no-cost, confidential assessment and referral for adolescents and adults with a trained mental health professional available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information or immediate assistance, please call 708-915-6411 or visit UChicagoMedicine.org/ mental-health.
BUILD SAFETY AGAINST COVID-19 BY LEVELING UP YOUR INTERVENTIONS The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Anyone can have COVID-19, even those who feel completely fine. You could be contagious right now! Act like everyone outside of your “quarantine family” has COVID-19 and take precautions.
Work rooms and break rooms are often small or underventilated. Workers may overestimate how many people can be in them. HOW FAR IS 6 FEET?
Lunch is the riskiest time of the work day because you have to remove your mask. Eating alone is the safest option. Consider eating outside.
If both people can stretch their arms out and their fingers still don’t touch, it’s about 6 feet.
Follow occupancy recommendations and work at least 6 feet apart.
COVID-19 is mostly droplet spread and can get into a susceptible person’s mouth, nose or eyes. Some smaller droplets called aerosols can stay in the air for a longer time and spread farther than 6 feet.
Wear a mask when in a building that isn’t your home and anytime you are going to be within 6 feet of someone outside.
If those around you don’t have a mask on, their respiratory droplets could get into your eyes. Use goggles or, better yet, a face shield that can protect your mask from contamination as well. If you can’t wear a mask for a medical reason, wear a face shield. Clean your shield right away so you don’t contaminate where you store it.
They hold in respiratory droplets so there are fewer in the air. And they help filter any virus that might be in the air. Some masks are better than others at filtering out the virus. Use the right mask for the right scenario.
Other safety measures: Practice good hand hygiene. Clean shared surfaces before and after using them. Stay home if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. Inform work about outside exposures.
SOURCE: DR. EMILY LANDON, INFECTIOUS DISEASE EXPERT U C M C O N N E C T 1 - 8 8 8 - 8 2 4 - 0 2 0 0 | UCHICAGOMEDICINE.ORG » 5
ASK T HE E XPE R TS
Coping with COVID-19 TIPS FOR FLU SEASON Influenza and COVID-19 are serious illnesses that can make you feel miserable. At their worst, both can be fatal. This winter, we face a double whammy: Flu season in North America peaking in the middle of a pandemic. Allison Bartlett, MD, infectious diseases expert and associate director of the Infection Control Program at the University of Chicago Medicine, explains more about the two viruses, what to expect this season and what to do if you have symptoms. WILL OUR FLU SEASON BE MILD?
We base our flu predictions on influenza activity in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed. Their 2020 flu season was more mild than usual, likely due to such coronavirus precautions as masking, washing hands and staying at least 6 feet apart from other people. Most children were home from school, which helped minimize flu transmission. Still, we’re very concerned about the potential effect of these two viruses together. A bad influenza season can have a major impact on our hospitals and hospital bed capacity in any year. Layer in a sharp uptick in coronavirus cases and there could be a severe problem. WHICH VIRUS POSES A GREATER RISK?
Both COVID-19 and influenza can make you very sick or lead to death. Elderly
patients and those with chronic underlying conditions seem to be much more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19. Kids, especially infants under 1, and pregnant women are more susceptible to severe infections with influenza.
once — whether from the flu or from COVID-19 — the better things are on a community level.
DOES A COVID-19 INFECTION
If you have any respiratory symptoms, stay home and isolate yourself from others to prevent the spread. Try to get tested within 48 hours. If it’s influenza, your healthcare provider can prescribe medication to help your symptoms improve faster. It’s also helpful to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible to expedite contact tracing.
PROTECT ME AGAINST OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES?
Unfortunately, there is no antibody-level cross-protection between the flu and COVID-19. And we don’t know what will happen if you’re exposed to COVID-19 or influenza after your lungs/airways have already been damaged by a recent infection. HOW DO I KNOW WHICH VIRUS I HAVE?
Symptoms of the two viruses are virtually indistinguishable, with the notable exception that some people with COVID-19 lose their sense of taste and smell. The best way to tell whether you have influenza or COVID-19 is to get tested. Testing determines the best treatment and whether there needs to be contact tracing. WILL THE FLU SHOT PROTECT ME AGAINST THE CORONAVIRUS?
The flu vaccine can prevent people from becoming sick from influenza but does not provide protection against COVID-19. However, the fewer people who are sick at
Many of the steps we take to protect ourselves from the coronavirus are the same things we need to do to keep us safe from influenza.” ALLISON BARTLETT, MD
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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DEVELOP SYMPTOMS?
HELP FOR ‘LONG HAULERS’ Some people who had less severe cases of COVID-19 suffer from debilitating symptoms long after they contract the infection. COVID-19 patients who were not hospitalized — or hospitalized only briefly — are reporting persistent fatigue, loss of concentration, shortness of breath and other ongoing concerns. Internist Lisa Vinci, MD, answers questions about post-COVID-19 syndrome and UChicago Medicine’s new clinic for patients who have one or more symptoms potentially related to a mild or moderate case of the virus. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO HAVE LONG-TERM EFFECTS AFTER A MILD CASE OF COVID-19?
Doctors are working to find out why a small percentage of COVID-19 patients become “long haulers” — people who have not recovered weeks or months after their first symptoms of a moderate case of COVID-19. For the most part, these patients got really sick from the virus but not sick enough to be treated in a hospital. It’s not surprising that it takes some time for older patients, who may have underlying conditions, to return to their baseline health after contracting the virus. But doctors don’t yet understand why a number of younger patients, ages 18 to 34, are also reporting symptoms that affect their quality of life, long after battling COVID-19. It seems that women may be more susceptible to postviral symptoms. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS?
Fatigue and fatigue-related symptoms, such as brain fog and lightheadedness, are the most prevalent symptoms reported by long haulers. Other classic COVID-19 complaints — cough, shortness of breath and loss of taste or smell — can also persist. Findings from scientific studies and online surveys by post-COVID-19 support groups also suggest joint pain, chest pain, chills and sweats, headaches, body aches and gastrointestinal issues can continue. Some patients report feeling better for days or weeks and then start feeling sick again, with both old and new symptoms.
LISA VINCI, MD HOW IS UCHICAGO MEDICINE HELPING PATIENTS WITH THIS POSTVIRAL SYNDROME?
The goal of our Post-COVID Recovery Clinic is to evaluate patients for complications of COVID-19 infection, support them through the recovery process, and connect them with available resources, including specialty care if needed. Patients will have the opportunity to participate in research studies and to enroll in a registry, allowing us to offer treatments should they become available in the future. DO PATIENTS NEED DOCUMENTATION (POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST RESULT) TO GET CARE?
We welcome patients whether or not they were tested for the virus. An initial telehealth visit will start with an assessment of the likelihood that a patient had COVID-19. This visit will include a review of symptoms, tests and previously completed treatments. In addition, we will assess behavioral health needs, quality of life, and impact on work and family. Recommendations for further evaluation and/or referral to relevant specialty care will be provided. A follow-up visit will be scheduled to discuss test results and next steps.
How to register for a COVID-19 vaccine trial UChicago Medicine is the first site in the Chicago area to start Janssen Pharmaceuticals’ phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial. The double-blind, placebocontrolled trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single dose of Janssen’s vaccine in 60,000 adults worldwide. UChicago Medicine, led by Habibul Ahsan, MD, will be enrolling up to 2,000 volunteers age 18 and older from the Chicago community. Our research teams hope to increase the representation of people of color and certain groups of at-risk individuals, including older adults and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Individuals may join UChicago Medicine’s registry to participate in the Janssen trial and in future COVID-19 prevention research. If you have any questions about this trial or joining the registry: covidvaccinestudies. uchicago.edu
VISIT
MAKE A TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT WITH THE POST-COVID RECOVERY CLINIC
773-702-7826
EMAIL covidvaccine@bsd. uchicago.edu CALL
773-834-3313
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DETERMINED TO WALK AGAIN After being injured by gunfire, Dionte Tate was saved by UChicago Medicine trauma care teams. Nearly two years later, he’s beginning to walk again, thanks in part to his resilient attitude and fierce determination to survive. If 20-year-old Dionte Tate had his way, he’d be training to become a diesel mechanic, mowing his parents’ lawn and beating his cousins on the basketball court. Instead, he’s focused on a single goal: to walk again. On a frigid afternoon in January 2019, Tate had a meeting with his new manager prior to starting a job at an automotive shop in the south suburbs of Chicago. Still saving up for a car of his own, he got a ride from a friend. The two were stopped at a red light when an unknown car pulled up alongside their vehicle and gunfire suddenly surrounded them. Tate’s friend was shot once, and two bullets struck Tate, tearing through his lower back, spinal cord and stomach. He quickly realized that he had been paralyzed from the waist down. “After it happened, I tried to crawl out of the car,” he said. “But I couldn’t. On the way to the hospital I was already telling myself, ‘It is what it is, and you just have to work to get back to where you want to be.’” Emergency crews rushed Tate to a nearby suburban hospital where he was resuscitated and stabilized. Upon recognizing he needed more specialized care, the team summoned Chicago’s only hospital-based air ambulance
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to transport him to the University of Chicago Medicine. Within minutes, two UChicago Medicine Aeromedical Network (UCAN) flight nurses arrived and whisked Tate off in a helicopter. Satrice Tate, his mother, received a call instructing her to go to UChicago Medicine’s Level 1 trauma center to meet her son. “They told me, ‘The damage is so bad. We don’t know if he’s going to make it,’” she said. Tate’s family members — including his father, Darius, his twin brother, DeAndre, and his aunt Michelle Foster — rushed to the hospital, and waited for news. “I’ve never felt that level of fear or anxiety in my life, ever,” Satrice said. “It was almost as if I could feel my blood going through my body. My thoughts were so loud; the fear was screaming.” A FIGHTING ADVANTAGE
UChicago Medicine is the only health system in the region with a hospital-based flight team like UCAN. Specialized trauma and critical care nurses, EMS pilots and communication specialists transport between 700 and 800 gravely ill or injured patients each year, either by helicopter or by ground transport when a flight is impossible.
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In addition to providing transportation, UCAN is equipped for performing ultrasounds, blood transfusions and life-saving treatments during travel to increase survival. Additionally, UCAN works closely with the trauma surgery team at UChicago Medicine to provide a seamless transition from transport to treatment. Flight nurses Kristen Smith, BSN, RN, CFRN, and Jannie White, BSN, RN, CFRN, kept Tate’s heart pumping and his body from losing too much blood, setting the trauma team up for success. COORDINATED CARE
When the helicopter landed at UChicago Medicine, a trauma care team met Tate on the helipad to rapidly assess his condition. Although critically ill, he was stable enough to undergo several tests to prepare the operating surgeon for exactly what lay ahead, thanks in part to the care provided by the UCAN team. One of the many benefits of a Level 1 trauma center like UChicago Medicine’s is the collaboration among physicians and specialists to get each patient the exact treatment needed. Since traumatic injuries vary vastly, from penetrating wounds to car accidents, the teams have to be prepared for anything. Based on Tate’s condition, it was clear he needed to get to the operating room immediately.
Dionte Tate is learning to walk again after a shooting left him paralyzed from the waist down.
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Trauma surgeon Priya Prakash, MD, spent more than six hours meticulously tending to Tate’s wounds, including controlling liver and kidney bleeding. When it became evident Tate was not moving his lower limbs, she called the neurosurgery team to evaluate his spinal cord injury. Additionally, Prakash coordinated with specialists in radiology, interventional radiology, neurology, urology and, eventually, physical and occupational therapy to treat the full spectrum of Tate’s needs.
Trauma surgeon Priya Prakash, MD
Amid the chaos and urgency, Prakash and her team saved Tate’s life and prepared him for the long recovery ahead. “It’s incredibly hard to have a young patient and talk to him about an injury that is life-changing,” she said. “But I made sure he knows he’s not alone and that he can live a full, productive, normal life; he’s just going to have to learn a different way of doing things.” A TWIN CONNECTION
With soft brown eyes and an easy smile, Tate is Satrice and Darius’ third child, older than his fraternal twin brother by just six minutes. The family is tight-knit, including with their many relatives in the Chicagoland area. But the twins’ bond is special. When Tate was shot, his twin was acutely aware of his fight.
“DeAndre was picking up on everything Dionte was going through,” Satrice said. “He told us, ‘Dionte is struggling. He is fighting for his life.’ DeAndre is also how we knew Dionte would make it through the incident alive before he came out of surgery. His twin sensed it.” The shooting took place just five days before the twins’ 19th birthday. Dionte and DeAndre spent the day together in the ICU, and DeAndre remained by his brother’s side for the majority of the 25-day inpatient hospital stay. RESILIENCE AND RESULTS
Tate has always been focused and driven. His resilient attitude and strong work ethic translated to his recovery process from the start. Just days after the shooting, the former high school athlete was trying to sit up, determined to get out of bed.
I made sure he knows he’s not alone and that he can live a full, productive, normal life.” PRIYA PR AK ASH , M D
Upon release from the hospital, Tate started rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in downtown Chicago, where he worked with therapists to strengthen his muscles and regain mobility. He has approached every challenge with the determination to walk again. “He was a great patient,” said Shirley Ryan AbilityLab physical therapist Matt McGuire, PT, DPT, who worked with Tate for more than a year. “He never came in with a surly mood or unwilling to work. He always wanted to get moving.” His team at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab identified Tate as a potential candidate for a clinical trial they are conducting with a type of knee-ankle-foot-orthosis (KAFO), Ottobock’s C-Brace. Unlike traditional KAFOs that fully lock the knee joint to provide stability for people who cannot control their knee or ankle joints, the C-Brace is a computerized, hydraulic unit that allows the knee to bend naturally during the gait cycle. This type of brace is traditionally used for patients who are much further into their
recoveries than Tate, in part because it requires a high level of strength and muscle control. However, for the study, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab investigators are looking to see if introducing a C-Brace earlier in the recovery process can help a person with an acute spinal cord injury get stronger, faster and avoid detrimental compensations. So far, 16 people have qualified for the study. Researchers are looking to enroll 30 by the trial’s end; half will have traditional KAFO support and the other half will use C-Braces. When Tate first tried C-Braces about five months after his accident, he could take only a few steps without tiring. In the year since, Tate has made extraordinary strides. He can put on both C-Braces himself and walk with them with only the support of a walker. He can change his walking speed and pattern, indoors and outdoors. Tate’s therapy has now ended, and he will continue recovering on his own. In addition to the progress he’s made with C-Braces, he also taught himself how to swim and to climb stairs unassisted. Still, he dreams
about running up and down the basketball court once more. “It’s a tough fight, every day, every hour,” Tate said of his recovery. “But if I want to walk again, I have to fight for it.” Though focused on his recovery, Tate’s life is not defined solely by his injury. He is looking for the meaning within his struggle and hopes his story might inspire others to not give up, even after having life upended by tragedy: “One of the ways I motivate myself on a daily basis is to tell myself, ‘You’ve made it this far; you can do it. You’ve made it, so you’ve got to do something with it.’”
DETERMINED TO WALK AGAIN Dionte Tate and his family talk about his determination to recover after a devastating injury. UChicagoMedicine.org/Dionte
One of the ways I motivate myself on a daily basis is to tell myself, ‘You’ve made it this far; you can do it.’” DIO NTE TATE
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Roderick Tung, MD: Undaunted by the challenges of arrhythmias
Roderick Tung, MD, directs the Center for Arrhythmia Care at UChicago Medicine.
Many doctors can pinpoint key life experiences that drove them toward the calling to heal. For cardiologist Roderick Tung, MD, watching doctors save his father’s life and undergoing his own cardiac procedure sparked his passion for medicine and his keen interest in the heart and its electrical impulses. It was 1994, his freshman year in college, when Tung felt something odd while hanging out with friends in his dorm. He’d been laughing at a joke when his heart started to beat extremely fast, as if it were trying to jump out of his chest. He checked his pulse: 230 beats per minute — two to three times faster than a normal heart rate. In the emergency room, doctors found Tung’s blood pressure to be abnormally low. But as they were starting an IV, Tung’s arrhythmia abruptly stopped. He was admitted for observation. It wasn’t his first experience with hospitals. When Tung was 13, his father was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He recalled how the physicians helped his father through a health crisis and admired their command of knowledge about the human body and how to heal it when things went wrong. Now, as a hospitalized patient, he waited for answers about his own health. A cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology came to his room, sat on his bed and drew
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a picture of a heart and its electrical system. He explained that Tung likely had paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), a condition in which the heart suddenly gets thrown into a short circuit. Later, during his final year of medical school, Tung underwent a catheter ablation to stop the PSVT from recurring. The minimally invasive procedure involved threading a catheter into the heart to apply heat that destroys the tissue causing the irregular activity. Today, Tung is an internationally respected cardiac electrophysiologist and Medical Director of the Center for Arrhythmia Care at the University of Chicago Medicine’s Heart and Vascular Center. His team cares for people from across the country who need treatment for heart rhythm disorders — when their heart beats too quickly, too slowly or erratically. The study of cardiac electrophysiology is still young, and arrhythmias are a complex phenomenon. Irregular heartbeats can be caused by a myriad of internal and external factors — from obesity, stress and alcohol to genetic conditions passed on from parent to child. “You really need to holistically know your patient and understand their lifestyle and other health conditions to get to the bottom of what’s triggering the arrhythmic events,” said Kay Rogien, BSN, MSN, one of the center’s advanced practice nurses. Cardiologists treat heart rhythm disorders with medications, pacemakers and
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defibrillators. When these interventions are not enough, catheter ablation is often the next step. Tung is one of only a handful of electrophysiologists in the world who routinely use epicardial mapping — a procedure that allows him to reach the heart’s outer surface through a small needle-assisted puncture of the heart sac — to conduct ablation procedures for ventricular tachycardia, a dangerous arrhythmia that can lead to sudden death. A FIRST IN CARDIAC ABLATION
When he was growing up, Tung’s mother, an entrepreneur who co-owned an upscale Chinese restaurant in New York City, often remarked on the little things easily overlooked by others. “Whether it was in a picture, certain colors, gardening or interior design,” recalled Tung, “she taught me to be very attuned to details.” Attention to detail was critical when Tung and his team performed the first ablation in the country for a woman experiencing recurrent fainting episodes. Called vasovagal
LIVE AT T H E F O R E F R O N T
Cardiac electrophysiologists Andrew Beaser, MD, and Roderick Tung, MD, discuss the diagnosis and management of heart rhythm disorders. UChicagoMedicine.org/ heart-rhythm-live
“The disadvantage is that pacing from the heart muscle bypasses the heart’s own natural wiring system,” Tung said. HBP holds promise because the pacemaker lead is placed at the beginning of the heart’s wiring system. The pacemaker’s pulse is then able to physiologically stimulate both of the heart’s lower chambers, the way nature intended, for a more natural, synchronized heartbeat. syncope, the incidents can occur when a person’s heart suddenly slows or their blood pressure drops. Tung’s patient had experienced fainting most of her life, and a pacemaker wasn’t effective. So, she sought out Tung and his team to ablate the problematic nerves that were slowing down her heart — a procedure that had not yet been performed in this country. “We try to understand the mechanism, the why of something happening, and then use technology to treat it in new ways,” said cardiac electrophysiologist Gaurav Upadhyay, MD, who performed the ablation with Tung. “As technology improves, we’re excited to use new techniques and a deeper understanding to tackle disease states that were previously considered untreatable by electrophysiologists.” The woman has been symptom-free for more than a year, and the team plans to further study the effectiveness of ablation on patients with vasovagal syncope who do not respond to other treatments.
USE OF ‘HIS BUNDLE’
Under Tung’s leadership, the Center for Arrhythmia Care continues to break ground on understanding and treating arrhythmia. Last year, it drew attention for research that probed the effectiveness of His bundle pacing (HBP) — implanting a pacemaker’s lead in an area of the heart that naturally taps into the muscle’s electrical wiring. (The His bundle refers to specialized heart cells for electrical conduction discovered by Swiss scientist Wilhelm His, Jr.) Pacemakers have been used for decades to treat patients with abnormal heart rhythms. Usually, doctors implant the leads in the easily accessible top and bottom chambers of the heart.
The center’s study found that for many patients with heart failure and abnormal heartbeats, HBP may be equally or more effective than a traditional biventricular pacemaker. Tung said the data support the need for more studies to gain a better, fundamental understanding of the mechanisms at play. Hemal Nayak, MD, Associate Director of the Center for Arrhythmia Care and an expert on lead and device management who worked on the study, said the team is planning additional research. “I would put UChicago Medicine as one of the leading sites globally for championing new approaches that try to pace the heart’s conduction system and for catheter ablation of complex arrhythmias,” Nayak said.
We come to work not only to practice medicine, but to change the practice of medicine. We push for that every day.” RO DE RICK TU NG , M D
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Understanding heart arrhythmias Heart arrhythmias occur when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. Sometimes, it’s just a single skipped beat. Sustained arrhythmias last more than 30 seconds and can take place for hours or days, even years. Occasionally, the heart’s electrical signals get caught in a short-circuit loop — little flutters called atrial flutter or ventricular tachycardia. Atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common abnormal sustained heart rhythm disturbance, is characterized by fast, irregular beats that start in the upper heart chambers. AFib can make the heart prone to blood clots and promote the development of, or exacerbate, heart failure. WHAT CAUSES ARRHYTHMIAS?
Pre-existing conditions like coronary artery disease, diabetes, heart failure or high blood pressure can bring on an arrhythmia. Lifestyle choices — smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or stress — can worsen a heart rhythm disorder. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
It depends on the arrhythmia. If your heart rate is too slow, you can feel tired, dizzy or even faint. If your heart rate is too fast, you may feel your heart racing or pounding in
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
RODERICK TUNG, MD
the chest. Some patients describe feeling their heart pound with every beat. Others become desensitized to abnormal heart rhythms. They’ll come in tired and say, “I just can’t walk as far as I used to.” HOW SERIOUS IS A HEART ARRHYTHMIA?
If you feel an occasional skip in your heart — a heart palpitation — it’s usually something innocent and benign. A real warning sign for an arrhythmia, however, is fainting. If you lose consciousness, you should be evaluated by a doctor. An irregular heartbeat can be a symptom of an underlying problem like heart disease. If untreated and sustained, an arrhythmia can lead to heart failure. Often, this is fully reversible by correcting the electrical problem.
Slow heartbeats are often treated with pacemakers. Cardioversion is frequently used to treat AFib. It involves delivering small pulses of electrical current to the heart through electrodes on the chest to re-establish the heart’s normal rhythm. Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves pinpointing, then destroying, the tissue causing the arrhythmia with extreme cold, laser technology or heat. Surgery also may be an option for some patients. CAN I EXERCISE IF I HAVE AN IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT?
We believe in preserving the quality of life and improving the longevity of our patients. Exercise — even something as simple as walking — is an important part of staying healthy and preserving a sense of well-being. Patients often develop a fear of exertion in order to prevent triggers; sometimes, this can be taken to an extreme that results in a decline of the person’s psychological and physiological health. If you have an arrhythmia, speak with your doctor about what amount and what type of exercise is right and safe for you.
Newsweek magazine ranked UChicago Medicine as one of the world’s best specialized hospitals for cardiology for 2021.
| L E F T | Heart and vascular team members Ann Nguyen, MD, left, Bryan
Smith, MD, Valluvan Jeevanandam, MD, and Chelsea Dorsey, MD
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The Forefront | W I N T E R 2 0 2 1
James Mastrianni, MD, PhD (left) and James Tao, MD, PhD
WELCOME TO THE FOREFRONT OF NEUROLOGICAL CARE With so many vital functions controlled by the brain and nervous system, it’s crucial to seek the finest care when problems arise. At the University of Chicago Medicine, our team of neuroscience experts are highly skilled in evaluating and treating even the most complex and challenging conditions, including epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and more. And our scientists are leading the way in research discoveries that will bring more effective treatments and — ultimately — cures.
UChicagoMedicine.org/neuro Call 1-888-824-0200 for more information.
Candy bars and chemo A male breast cancer survivor’s road to recovery
Milbert Kennedy works at one of the sweetest places in Chicago, a chocolate factory. When Kennedy found out he had locally advanced breast cancer in November 2018, he was shocked — and concerned about his ability to maintain his strength for work. “I hadn’t heard of any men that had breast cancer,” said Kennedy, 66, of south suburban Riverdale. Breast cancer in men is rare, with just one in 1,000 men diagnosed each year. Because it’s not top of mind, men with breast cancer are often diagnosed at a later stage. The risk of male breast cancer increases with age, obesity, a family history of breast cancer, radiation exposure and heavy drinking. Months before his diagnosis, Kennedy felt a knot in his chest. One day, he casually mentioned to his wife, Telise, that the knot sometimes felt sore, and she insisted he get it checked out. Kennedy’s primary care physician found swelling in his armpit and ordered a biopsy. Several lymph nodes in Kennedy’s armpit were positive for cancer, and a follow-up scan showed a cancerous tumor in his left breast. He was referred to James Wallace,
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MD, an oncologist at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial who specializes in the treatment of older patients with cancer. A genetic test revealed that Kennedy has a BRCA2 gene mutation, which increases risk for breast, prostate and other types of cancer. Men with a BRCA2 mutation have a lifetime risk of 6 in 100 of developing breast cancer. The tumor in Kennedy’s breast was also invading his chest muscle. Treatment began with chemotherapy to help preserve the muscle and reduce the risk of disability. “Milbert’s work is physical, and he really wanted to maintain strength and continue working,” Wallace said. During his treatment, Kennedy continued to work his shifts at the chocolate factory, which started at 2 a.m., and he’d often bring candy bars for his care team. “It is rare for a patient to bring chocolate bars every visit, but he quickly became the nursing and support staff’s hero,” Wallace said. After the chemotherapy, Nora Jaskowiak, MD, Surgical Director of the University of Chicago Medicine Breast Center, performed a modified radical mastectomy, which involves removal of the entire breast but keeps intact the pectoralis major muscle — the large muscle in the upper chest that
The Forefront | W I N T E R 2 0 2 1
Milbert Kennedy
spans from the shoulder to the breast bone. Kennedy took two months off from work to heal, finishing his treatment with radiation therapy to eliminate traces of cancer. He has been cancer-free since September 2019, and he and his wife are looking to retire in a few years. “I feel good. Even after going through this, I feel healthy,” Kennedy said.
NORA JASKOWIAK, MD
JAMES WALLACE, MD
Comprehensive breast care closer to you University of Chicago Medicine has enhanced its breast imaging services, adding state-of-the-art tools to improve accuracy, comfort and convenience. New mammography locations expand access to 3D imaging and the advanced diagnostic breast health procedures offered by the academic health center. UChicago Medicine partnered with Solis Mammography to open new mammography centers in the Orland Park and River East outpatient locations. Staffed with UChicago Medicine radiologists who specialize in comprehensive breast care and technologists with expertise in breast imaging, the two centers offer screening and diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy, ultrasoundguided biopsy, and bone density screenings in a spa-like environment. A physician’s order is not required to schedule a mammogram at the Orland Park and River East locations.
paddles shaped like a woman’s breast — to make the mammogram test more comfortable for many patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened safety procedures include: screening of all staff and patients at the time of arrival; requiring face masks for all patients; regular cleaning of all surfaces; and social distancing during appointments except at the point of care. Clinical staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including masks. “Now more than ever, it’s important for people to feel safe when they go to a medical appointment, so they continue to get important screenings and other preventive care,” said Hiroyuki Abe, MD, PhD, Chief of Breast Imaging. Patients can schedule a screening appointment online, enjoy quick in-center tablet registration, and receive emailed results within two business days for screening mammograms. To schedule a mammogram, call 1-888-824-0200.
All mammography locations in the UChicago Medicine health system offer high-tech 3D mammogram machines. Most are equipped with SmartCurve paddles — curved compression
Early detectio n is the sin g le most importa nt facto r to surviv ing breast c ancer
BREAST CANCER SCREENING LOCATIONS HYDE PARK Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine (DCAM) 5758 S. Maryland Ave. CALUMET CITY 1600 Torrence Ave.
In partnership with
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RIVER EAST
FLOSSMOOR 19550 Governors Hwy.
290
HARVEY UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial, 1 Ingalls Drive
HYDE PARK 55
TINLEY PARK 6701 W. 159th St. RIVER EAST — CHICAGO 355 E. Grand Ave.
55
Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine (DCAM)
294
57
355
ORLAND PARK TINLEY PARK
ORLAND PARK 14290 S. La Grange Road 80
90 94
HARVEY CALUMET CITY
FLOSSMOOR
To make an appointment, call: 888.824.0200
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What you can do about varicose veins Varicose veins — bulging veins near the surface of the skin — can be unsightly and painful. University of Chicago Medicine vascular surgeon Chelsea Dorsey, MD, talks about causes and treatments for this common problem. WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?
Our veins are designed to pump blood back to the heart, and the veins in the legs have valves that help this process. When these valves aren’t working properly, blood builds up in the veins. This increased pressure, called venous insufficiency, leads to the development of varicose veins. Some patients with varicose veins have no symptoms. Others experience aching, throbbing, itching, heaviness, swelling and/ or fatigue in the legs. Venous insufficiency is largely a benign condition (meaning it is not dangerous), but it can be quite frustrating as it starts to change the appearance of your legs and may limit your ability to stand for long periods.
IS CROSSING YOUR LEGS TO BLAME?
This is an old wives’ tale that has unfortunately persisted. Studies suggest that a family history of varicose veins puts you at increased risk. Other risk factors include obesity, advanced age, prolonged standing, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, a history of blood clots and pregnancy. ARE WOMEN MORE LIKELY TO GET VARICOSE VEINS?
Women are four times more likely than men to get varicose veins. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy — especially multiple pregnancies — and increased blood volume and pressure from a growing uterus can cause veins to enlarge. WHAT IS VEIN MAPPING?
Vein mapping is a noninvasive, painless ultrasound test performed to get a closer look at the veins in the legs. These studies tell us where the veins are malfunctioning,
how large they are, and whether or not a procedure is feasible. For most patients, a vein mapping study is necessary before a procedure can be recommended. HOW DO YOU TREAT VARICOSE VEINS?
Treatment for varicose veins typically starts with medical management, which includes regular use of graduated compression stockings and leg elevation. If conservative measures don’t work, sclerotherapy, thermal ablation and/or a phlebectomy may resolve symptoms. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into visible veins on the skin’s surface to improve the appearance of spider and varicose veins. Thermal ablation uses either radiofrequency or lasers to close off malfunctioning veins. A phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove varicose veins through small incisions. A combination of these procedures may be necessary to achieve the desired result. WILL VARICOSE VEINS COME BACK AFTER SURGERY OR TREATMENT?
Recurrence of varicose veins depends upon the type of procedure you have and the degree of venous insufficiency. It is important to be evaluated by an experienced vein specialist who will work with you to treat the underlying cause of your varicose veins.
Varicose veins can be treated with same-day, minimally invasive procedures that do not require general anesthesia or a trip to the operating room. Chelsea Dorsey, MD, sees patients at UChicago Medicine’s Hyde Park, South Loop and Orland Park locations.
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CHELSEA DORSEY, MD
Do you need blue light-blocking glasses? Now that COVID-19 has people spending more time at home on their computers and phones, blue light-blocking glasses — or blue light lenses as they’re sometimes called — have become a trendy accessory. Even though they’re advertised as tools for reducing eye strain, improving sleep and preventing retinal disease, blue light-blocking glasses are not regulated by the FDA because they’re not considered a medical device. University of Chicago Medicine ophthalmologist Asim V. Farooq, MD, a specialist in corneal transplant and cataract surgeries, answers questions about these lenses. WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT?
Blue light is part of the visual light spectrum. Much of the light that comes from TV, cellphones and laptops hits our eyes in the blue light spectrum. While there are some studies that show blue light might play a role in the regulation of the sleep cycle, there’s no evidence that blue light is a culprit in causing cataracts, macular degeneration or glaucoma. DO BLUE LIGHT-BLOCKING LENSES HELP YOUR EYES, OR IS IT ALL HYPE?
There’s really not a lot of evidence that shows they help. The science isn’t quite there, especially for the prevention of retinal disease.
then it’s OK to wear them. I do have some patients who have purchased blue lightblocking glasses and feel like they have less eye strain and eye fatigue, but others have told me they made no difference. Claiming they reduce eye strain is likely an overstatement. WHY DOES LOOKING AT A SCREEN FOR A LONG TIME MAKE YOUR EYES HURT?
It’s something called computer vision syndrome. When we look at a screen, we don’t blink very often. The lack of blinking makes the eyes dry, causing eye strain and eye fatigue. In my practice, I’ve been seeing an increase in dry eye because people are on their computers all day at home. Wearing a mask may also be contributing because of exhaled air going up toward the eyes.
at something that’s 20 feet away. Give your eyes a short rest. If you’re on the computer a lot, you can lubricate your eyes with artificial tears from time to time. When wearing a mask, make sure there is a good seal across the top. Also, reduce the use of devices at bedtime. This is something a lot of people are aware of, but few really follow through on. Highperforming athletes, like LeBron James, won’t look at their phones an hour before bedtime because it interferes with their sleep. It takes some discipline, but it’s good for your eyes and your sleep.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT OR
CAN BLUE LIGHT-BLOCKING GLASSES
ALLEVIATE DIGITAL EYE STRAIN OR
BE BAD FOR THE EYES?
COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME?
I don’t think they’re harmful. If someone has tried them and swears they’re helpful,
One thing is the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look
ASIM V. FAROOQ, MD
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NEWS NEW PHYSICIANS Colon and Rectal Surgery KINGA SKOWRON OLORTEGUI, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology (continued) HILLARY MCLAREN, MD
Dermatology
SHASHWATI PRADHAN, MD Orthopaedic Surgery
HONORS OLUFUNMILAYO OLOPADE, MD,
Director of the Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health and an expert on breast cancer genetics, was named to this year’s list of Giants of Cancer Care by OncLive, a trade publication. JULIAN SOLWAY, MD, Dean for Translational Medicine and
Vice Chair for Research, received the 2020 American Thoracic Society’s Recognition Award for Scientific Accomplishments.
Maria Lucia Madariaga,
MD
ANGAD CHADHA, MD Endocrinology MONIKA DARJI, MD
CLARABELLE DEVRIES, MD LAURA LEWALLEN, MD
Family Medicine
NICHOLAS MAASSEN, MD
MIRAL PATEL, MD
JEFFREY STEPAN, MD, MSc
Gastroenterology
Otolaryngology
NINA GUPTA, MD
JACOB BRUNNER, MD
Geriatric and Palliative Medicine KIMBERLY BEITING, MD Hematology and Oncology
Pediatrics TOVAH SCHWARTZ, MD NICHOLAS WOOLF, MD
IVY ABRAHAM, MD
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
ADAM DUVALL, MD, MPH Internal Medicine
KATHERINE HARRIS, MD
RASIKA KARNIK, MD
Pediatric Neurology
HANNAH ROTH, MD
MONTIDA VEERAVIGROM, MD
Nephrology
Pediatric Rheumatology
SAMBHAVI KRISHNAMOORTHY, MBBS
JOSEPH MCDONALD, MD
NEVIN MURTHY, MD
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Neurology
Professor of Medicine, received the Nobility in Science Award from the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation at its Virtual Awareness Walk. ONCOLOGIST RICHARD LARSON, MD,
SUMMER HANSON, MD, PhD
TAREQ KASS-HOUT, MD
Psychiatry ALYSE BEDELL, PHD
Obstetrics and Gynecology AYMAN AL-HENDY, MD
Pulmonary Medicine
NIKOLINA DOCHEVA, MD
AJAY WAGH, MD Vascular Surgery LUKA POCIVAVSEK, MD, PHD
JOANA R. LOPES PERDIGAO, MD
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ANINDITA “ONI” BASU, PHD, Assistant
Professor of Genetic Medicine at the University of Chicago, received the prestigious National Institutes of Health Director’s New Innovator Award for her investigation of complex biological systems using single-cell genomics. The award is given to exceptionally creative scientists proposing high-risk, high-impact research at all career stages. DAVID T. RUBIN, MD, Co-Director of the Digestive Diseases
Center, is a recipient of the 2020 Sherman Prize, for his contributions in the fight to overcome Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
LEADERSHIP ROLF BARTH, MD, was
named Director of Liver Transplantation and Associate Director of the University of Chicago Medicine Transplant Institute.
AMY ROSS has
been promoted to Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and Service Lines. She will be responsible for the growth and management of the heart and vascular, digestive diseases, neurosciences, musculoskeletal and transplant service lines and will oversee the Office of Strategic Planning.
DEDICATED TO HELPING OTHERS Community member’s gift supports breast cancer research South Side resident Natalie Ford has established an endowment fund with a gift of $100,000 to support breast cancer research, education and training at the University of Chicago. The fund was created in memory of three women close to Ford who were affected by the disease. Ford’s gift was also inspired by her mother’s generous spirit. “My mother was a strong woman who led by example,” Ford said. “She always said, ‘Life isn’t about what you can do for yourself; it’s about what you can do to help society.’” Ford, who works for a nonprofit organization that helps with job training and placement, was able to make the gift by building on her inheritance from family members through personal investments and disciplined savings. She notes that, regardless of the amount, gifts made by people like her who have supported family and friends affected by cancer can add up and make a difference. “While I know I can’t solve all of the problems in the world today, I have found a way to focus on what’s most important to me to have the greatest impact,” Ford said. The youngest of 10, Ford recounts a happy childhood with parents who emphasized the importance of education and
The fund I’ve established represents my dedication and care for those who come behind me. I think if you look beyond yourself, you begin to see the world through a new lens and recognize the importance of helping others.” NATALIE FO R D
hard work, but also made time for fun activities. Ford earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, including completing a semester at Harvard. During and after college, she continued to follow her mother’s advice by volunteering with various organizations. Later in adulthood, however, Ford’s life took a turn, as she faced a series of family tragedies and loss. “Sometimes your life gets interrupted by events that are beyond your control,” Ford said. “Though difficult, these experiences can really help to shape you.” Ford hopes the fund she established will not only honor the memory of the three women close to her, but will lead to better treatment options for breast cancer and, ultimately, a cure. She also hopes the gift can help provide supportive services for patients and their family members. “When you first hear that a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, it can be isolating, and you can experience a range of emotions,” Ford said. “I’m hoping that this funding can help provide support because not everyone has someone they can call when they’re facing something like this.” Ford was motivated to make the gift to the University of Chicago because of personal ties to the University as a community member, as well as its reputation for groundbreaking medical and scientific discovery. She is confident in the University’s ability to drive cancer research forward. “If anyone can find a cure for cancer, I think the University of Chicago has the ability to because it attracts some of the brightest minds — people who are dedicated to finding a cure, who wake up every day ready to go into the laboratory to study the disease and build on prior research,” Ford said.
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