Congratulations to the following faculty and staff for achieving special distinction
this quarter:
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Dr. Suresh Alahari, Fred G. Brazda Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, was elected as a
Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Dr. Shyamal Desai, Associate Professor Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, was issued a U.S. utility
patent in March entitled “Compositions and Methods for Detecting Proteinopathies,”
as patent number 10,962,553.
Dr. Hari K Koul, Professor and Interim Head, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Professor
of Urology and Associate Director, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, served as Chairperson
of the National Institutes of Health/ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases Special Emphasis Panel ICs SEP's Meeting Rosters (nih.gov) for
the Review of O'Brien Urology Cooperative Research Centers (U54).
Dr. Koul also was awarded a $1 million, four-year (2021-2025) VA Merit Research Grant for
Prostate Cancer Research.
Dr. Rinku Majumder, Associate Professor Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, was awarded a $2.5 million
NIH-R01 over four years (2021-2025) to help reduce the high stroke risk to women with
obesity who take estrogen-containing birth control pills.
Family Medicine
Dr. Marilyn Marshall (Lafayette) was chosen as Member of the Month by the Louisiana Academy of Family
Physicians.
Internal Medicine
Angela McLean, MD, has been selected for membership into the Louisiana Beta Chapter of the Alpha Omega
Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Taniya de Silva MD, was awarded the Allen A. Copping Excellence In Teaching Award for Outstanding Teacher
in the Clinical Sciences.
Department of Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Alumni Jennifer Hart, MD has also been selected for membership into the Louisiana Beta Chapter of the Alpha
Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Ophthalmology
Assistant Professor Christine Connolly, MD was awarded the endowed Donald Edward Texada MD Professorship of Ophthalmology in
March 2021.
Dr. Maria Fernandez (co-chief resident) and Dr. Bruce Barron were both recognized as "Difference Makers" by UMC for their compassion and commitment
to patient care. The accolade read "We recognize your time and talent and we appreciate
your contributions to care and the role modeling you offer to your peers and learners."
Dr. DeBlieux also called Dr. Barron "a rock star."
Jeff Gidday, PhD, received NIH funding of his R21 grant “Reducing Vascular Cognitive Impairment Within
and Across Generations by Epigenetic Conditioning.”
Dr. Maria Reinoso was awarded the endowed Prince Abdulaziz Bin Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Saud Endowed Chair
of Ophthalmology in March 2021.
Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology
Joy Sturtevant PhD, was awarded the Allen A. Copping Excellence In Teaching Award for Outstanding Teacher
in the Basic Sciences.
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Dr. Laura Hetzler received the 2021 Favre Family Award for Innovation at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer
Center. Her innovative winning idea is the Understanding Smile Patterns and Enhancing
Smile Outcomes within Facial Nerve Recovery.
Pediatrics
Dr. Isa Ashoor has been selected to participate in a competitive two-year "advocacy" fellowship
program. The American Society of Pediatric Nephrology chose Dr. Ashoor, one of two
finalists, for their Advocacy Scholar's Program. He will have the opportunity to develop
his skills to become an effective advocate for children in nephrology and pediatrics
as a whole.
Dr. Bonnie Desselle recently appointed Dr. Amy Creel as Co-Director of Children's Hospital Faculty Development. Dr. Creel will implement
and oversee the Medical Education Research Committee.
Assistant Professor (Pediatric Hospitalist Division) Dr. Lauren Green Davis has been named Assistant Program Director of the LSU Pediatric Residency Program.
Ricardo Gomez, MD, has assumed leadership of the LSU Section of Pediatric Endocrinology as Acting Chief
of the Section, replacing Dr. Stuart Chalew. Dr. Gomez most recently served as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics. Since 2019,
Dr. Gomez has served as Service Line Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at Children's
Hospital of New Orleans. Dr. Chalew is stepping down as Pediatric Endocrinology Section
Head after 24 years of service to allow him to concentrate more time and energy on
his successful research initiatives. During his tenure, Dr. Chalew dedicated his career
to the children of Louisiana and the development of academic pediatric endocrinology
at LSU Health New Orleans and the Children's Hospital. He has agreed to continue as
a senior mentor for Dr. Gomez.
Dedrick Moulton, MD has assumed a new leadership role in the department as the first Vice Chair for Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion. The new role is in recognition of the transformational work
he was already performing as the go-to expert regarding DEI initiatives in the department
and at Children's Hospital. In addition, Dr. Moulton serves LSUHSC in a similar role
as Director of Faculty and Professional Development Programs, Office of Diversity
and Community Engagement.
Vice Chair for Pediatric Community Health and Advocacy Dr. Ryan Pasternak was elected to the Executive Committee of the AAP's Section on Adolescent Health for
a three-year term beginning this November. Dr. Pasternak will have the opportunity
to contribute to the Section's mission of providing an educational and networking
forum for pediatricians with the goal of improving and enhancing the care of the adolescent
population and their families.
Pediatric Residency Program Director Dr. Chelsey Sandlin was awarded the inaugural CHNOLA Best Clinical Teacher Award as part of CHNOLA's
Doctor's Day Celebration. Residents rotating at Children's Hospital voted on the award.