A WNCN news story reports on a real-world CDC vaccine study that raises questions about prioritizing single shots for more people. The study found the two-dose COVID-19 vaccines to be highly effective after the first shot. But if one dose works so well outside of clinical trials, should national and state leaders change their priorities … Read more

A new study will test the effectiveness of a community health testing initiative, led by Giselle Corbie-Smith, MD, Kenan Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Social Medicine, and director of the UNC Center for Health Equity Research (UNC CHER). Participating households in Greenville, Pitt County, NC will receive free month-long supplies of rapid tests aimed at reducing … Read more

The International Business Times reports on the drug molnupiravir, which has shown positive results in preliminary studies by significantly reducing infection of the virus in patients after five days of treatment. William Fischer, MD, associate professor of medicine in the division of pulmonary diseases and critical care medicine, and lead investigator of the study at … Read more

As the pollen count rises in North Carolina, some allergy symptoms have people questioning if they are experiencing COVID-19.  Onyinye Iweala, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the division of rheumatology, allergy and immunology, explained how people can decipher beween the two, in an ABC-11 news report. “There is some confusion now that environmental allergy season … Read more

Division of Hematology Patrick Ellsworth, MD, received a Research Restart Award from the American Society of Hematology, which helps ensure research continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nigel Mackman, PhD, received a grant award for “Tissue factor-dependent coagulation in thrombosis and immune responses” from the NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Division of Infectious Diseases … Read more

An anti-racism task force is working to create opportunities that will respond to the needs of staff in the division of general medicine following a series of anti-racism forums and surveys. “Hopefully, this can inspire others in the department of medicine to work toward similar activities and believe that it can be done, and done … Read more

The UNC Internal Medicine Residency Program welcomes the following chief residents who will serve during the 2021-2022 academic year. The administrative chief resident is a position of distinction, professionalism and leadership. These appointed physicians will lead and mentor residents, as they learn to recognize the needs of the department and hospital. Inpatient Chief: Michael Croglio, … Read more

Janet Rubin, MD, the Sarah Graham Kenan Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the division of endocrinology and metabolism, provides patient education in a new four-part video series produced by Margaret Martin, a physical therapist specializing in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis through exercise, safe movement and fall prevention. In “Bone Remodelling and Osteoporosis” (March … Read more

An article published in Science recognizes new concerns about the safety of the AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, as an explanation gains ground for the unusual strokes and clotting disorders recorded in at least 30 recipients. Nigel Key, MD, the Harold R. Roberts Distinguished Professor in the division of hematology commented on the need to alert doctors … Read more

“Match Day” was celebrated March 19, and it was recognized nationally as the largest in history based on the number of applicants and positions. At UNC, the Internal Medicine Residency Program matched 28 residents to categorical medicine, 6 to categorical medicine-pediatrics, 1 to the Physician Scientist Training Program, and 10 to preliminary medicine. This program … Read more

Amanda Nelson, MD, associate professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology, allergy and immunology, was featured in a USA Today article discussing the use of tanezumab as a treatment for osteoarthritis pain. Pfizer has tested the drug in more than 40 clinical trials and a long list of patients have reportedly gotten substantial relief. … Read more

A. Sidney Barritt, IV, MD, MSCR, associate professor and director of hepatology in the division of  gastroenterology and hepatology; and Andrew Moon, MD, MPH, a fellow in the division; are co-authors of a featured article published recently in Nature Reviews: Gastroenterology & Hepatology. The article, “COVID-19 and liver disease: mechanistic and clinical perspectives,” explores the … Read more