By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation Research evolves quickly and does not always follow a grand plan. For Aadra Bhatt, this flexibility led to finding her career passion. An assistant professor in UNC School of Medicine’s Division of Gastroenterology and … Continued
Six years ago, Beth Silverstein took charge of her destiny. After consulting with an interdisciplinary team from UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Charlotte resident decided to have a bilateral mastectomy on Feb. 3, 2015, and a Salpingo-oophorectomy to remove … Continued
For Debra Bynum, MD, her position as director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at UNC School of Medicine is deeply personal. Originally hailing from Jacksonville, North Carolina, and being the first in her family to finish high school, lifelong … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation Celia Mizelle has never experienced “normal” medical school. The first-year Lucius Blanchard Carolina Family Scholarship recipient from Chapel Hill came to the UNC School of Medicine last fall after spending a year working and … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, as increasing numbers of patients dealing with acute infections were being treated across the UNC Health system, doctors in the UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Physical Medicine and … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation Thanks to the advocacy of a Carolina alumnus, UNC Health Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund has surpassed $2 million in gifts less than one year after its introduction. UnitedHealthcare has donated $50,000 to support UNC … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine’s top physicians and researchers have worked tirelessly to find answers, notably through vaccine research and therapeutic development. While these discoveries have brought … Continued
By Claudis Polk, O’Rese Knight, Neva Howard and Beat Steiner We want to share with you an exciting and powerful innovation centered on social justice and aimed at narrowing persistent and severe health disparities in our state and in … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation It was a happy coincidence in the midst of tragedy that brought Dr. Tracy Manuck and her team into the lives of Mike and Holly Overman. Born and raised in Virginia, the Overmans found … Continued
Blossom Damania, PhD, is Vice Dean for Research in the UNC School of Medicine and the Boshamer Distinguished Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. How did the Moderna trials come to be at UNC Health? UNC School … Continued
Grateful is an understatement for how we feel after the generosity we witnessed on Tar Heal Tuesday. We called you to come together and you did, raising over $200,000 for initiatives across UNC Health! From COVID-19 relief to cancer care and … Continued
By Bobby Hundley, UNC Health Foundation In the midst of a public health crisis centered around a virus that attacks the lungs, asthma continues to be of great concern to Stephen Tilley, MD, and his team. A life-long Tar Heel … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation “Healing doesn’t start with your hands in the clinic or your head in the classroom – it starts with your heart in the community.” Claudis Polk, Director of Scholastic Enrichment and Equity at UNC … Continued
UNC football head coach Mack Brown and his wife Sally hosted the 2020 Ladies Virtual Football Clinic online this August, raising more than $12,000 for the “Say Yes” fund, benefitting the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. Coach Brown spoke about … Continued
The UNC Children’s fundraising campaign for the UNC Hospital School’s reached its goal of raising more than $25,000 to purchase iPads and school project kits, which have become essential in continuing the school’s mission of educating patients during the pandemic. … Continued
Game Changers is back and better than ever! Game Changers is a virtual series of conversations with the expert physicians, researchers and faculty who make UNC Health a global leader in the fight to keep us all healthy and safe. … Continued
By Bobby Hundley Christian Lawrence, MD, is a difference maker. A former chief resident who now serves as a pediatric hospitalist at the UNC Medical Center, Lawrence spent his formative years as a doctor taking on a critical problem for … Continued
UNC Health has promoted Crystal Wiley Cené, MD, MPH, FAHA, into a new role as System Executive Director for Health Equity. With funding from UNC Health Foundation, Dr. Cené will lead a multidisciplinary and collaborative effort to address the structures, … Continued
By Katie Nash, UNC Health Foundation For millions across the nation, summer means sunshine, cookouts and outdoor activities (from a safe distance, of course). However, increased time spent outdoors means potential exposure to bites from harmful insects such as ticks. … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering health care philanthropy UNC Health Foundation Newsletter | MARCH 2020 A Community Effort: Bringing Maternity Care Back to Chatham County Maternity care units in rural hospitals are closing at unprecedented rates, placing thousands of mothers … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | February 2020 UNC Medicine Annual Report Fiscal year 2019 was a record-shattering year for UNC Medicine thanks to supporters like you. Check out our annual report to learn more … Continued
By Bobby Hundley Ian Ferguson has never lived a conventional life. The oldest of five children, Ferguson was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 15, well beyond the usual time frame for identifying the disease. Despite this potentially … Continued
By Katie Nash Each year, approximately 500,000 births involve mothers living in rural areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, maternity care units in rural hospitals across the United States are closing at unprecedented rates. These … Continued
An accomplished physician himself, UNC School of Medicine alumnus Dr. William Nebel knows a good doctor when he sees one. And he says Dr. Amy Shaheen, his internist of more than a decade, fits the bill as “what a real … Continued
On February 22, 2020, Dr. Paula Miller, UNC School of Medicine professor and director of the UNC Women’s Heart Program, will lead UNC’s sixth annual Women’s Heart Symposium. This free event provides hundreds of women with knowledge and resources designed … Continued
Fiscal Year 2019 was a record-shattering year for UNC Medicine thanks to supporters like you. Click here to check out our annual report and learn more about the transformational philanthropy that made it all possible!
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | January 2020 Helping Women and Children Thrive UNC Horizons’ unique model of care works to end the intergenerational effects of substance abuse, helping mothers build a new life for … Continued
As the oldest student-run free health clinic in the United States, UNC School of Medicine’s Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) exemplifies the great things that happen when students, faculty, and alumni come together to improve the health of the North … Continued
If one thing is clear from speaking with Steven Mozian’s parents and sister, it is that this son and brother made the most out of his short, 33-year life. Steven had a contagious laugh and a quick wit — two … Continued
On December 18, North Carolina First Lady Kristin Cooper and her daughter Natalie came to visit the NC Children’s Hospital. Patients and their families were thrilled to meet her and open presents. Being in the hospital during the holidays, even … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | DECEMBER 2019 An Evening Celebrating Philanthropy UNC Medicine held one of our largest events of the year to say “thank you” to our supporters. As we enter the holiday … Continued
On November 24th, Fly Guy Disc Golf sponsored a disc golf tournament that raised over $2,000 for the UNC Children’s NICU. 104 players showed up on a brisk morning to play and support the cause. Robert Leonard, an avid … Continued
On November 14, UNC Medicine held one of our largest events of the year to say “thank you” to our amazing supporters. As we enter the holiday season of gratitude, we are ever thankful for the philanthropic generosity from each … Continued
Tomma and Bob Hargraves started their UNC journey in 1996 as “parents of a Carolina boy.” It was that same Carolina boy, now a physician in Georgia, who sent Tomma back to UNC 10 years later when she was diagnosed … Continued
As director of the UNC Food Allergy Initiative and medical director of the UNC Allergy & Immunology Clinic, Dr. Edwin Kim treats children and adults living with a range of food allergies, and it is this hands-on work that informs … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | NOVEMBER 2019 Closing the Gap in Men’s Health Through one of the first comprehensive men’s health programs in the U.S., UNC Medicine supporters and physicians are working to change the … Continued
By Katie Nash Each November, men across the country grow out beards and mustaches for “Movember” to bring awareness to an issue not frequently receiving the attention it deserves: men’s health. Statistics show that men live an average of … Continued
Cynthia Powell, MD, Professor in the Division of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolism, has dedicated her career to the improvement and implementation of advanced newborn screenings to identify rare diseases. In the U.S., the term “rare disease” applies to treatable conditions … Continued
One in three Americans will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Or, UNC Diabetes Care Center founder and director John Buse puts it, “Anyone who is reading this article needs to look to the right and the left. One of those … Continued
Every year since 1963, UNC Hospitals Volunteer Association has sponsored a North Carolina High School Health Career Symposium in Carrington Hall, the School of Nursing. This year the focus was on Neonatology, the care of premature and ill infants. Over … Continued
10/14/2019 Thanks to a $25,000 grant from Prolacta Bioscience Foundation, the UNC Children’s NICU nurses are being provided more resources for breastfeeding mothers. On October 14th, a training session took place for our NICU nurses, funded by Prolacta Bioscience Foundation. … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | OCTOBER 2019 Anita’s Next Adventure: A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Inspiration October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We caught up with breast cancer survivor and world traveler Anita McAllister on … Continued
In February 2019, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center profiled inspirational breast cancer survivor Anita McAllister here. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we caught up with Anita to chat about her continued journey as a survivor and … Continued
In her 19 years at UNC, Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody has accomplished a lot. She is the founder and Director of the UNC Perinatal Psychiatry Program at the UNC Center for Women’s Mood Disorders. She is the Ray M. Hayworth and … Continued
Autoimmune diseases are the third most common category of disease in the United States after cancer and heart disease, although they do not receive as much attention or awareness. Autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to attack normal tissues in … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | SEPTEMBER 2019 Innovative Approaches: UNC’s Dementia-Friendly Hospital Initiative Nearly six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, and this number is growing. Learn how the UNC Center … Continued
When Dr. Beat Steiner, Senior Associate Dean for Medical Student Education at the UNC School of Medicine, welcomed students to campus this summer, he set the tone for their upcoming year of medical education. Dr. Steiner welcomed the MS1s and … Continued
When Dr. John Gilmore and his colleagues launched the UNC Early Brain Development Study 20 years ago, they were seeking to understand abnormalities of early brain development in children at high risk for schizophrenia. This focus on the brain development … Continued
North Carolina is not unlike the rest of the country when it comes to trends of increasing rates of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Nearly six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease; by 2050, the number will jump to … Continued
UNC Medicine eNews powering healthcare philanthropy UNC Medicine Newsletter | AUGUST 2019 UNC Medicine: Who We Are Learn more about UNC Medicine and how we work together with UNC Hospitals, UNC School of Medicine, and your favorite areas across medicine like … Continued
As a pain physician, Dr. Brooke Chidgey is on the front lines of North Carolina’s opioid crisis. She sees the addiction and misuse that have defined these prescription drugs. At the same time, she sees patients who rely on opioid … Continued
At UNC Medicine, we get many questions about who we are and what exactly it is that we do. Between UNC Medicine, UNC Hospitals, and UNC School of Medicine, we know that this jumble of brands can quickly become confusing. … Continued
When PhD candidate Natalie Hewitt Valentin is not conducting research on G proteins in the Department of Pharmacology’s Dohlman Lab, she is running a K through 12 science education outreach program, teaching biology at Durham Technical Community College, and serving … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter July 2, 2019 FEATURED STORY: When Music Meets Medicine Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist Porter Robinson and UNC’s Dr. Kate Westmoreland teamed up in a major way to support pediatric cancer research in Malawi. Read more. In celebration … Continued
Grammy-nominated musician, record producer, and Chapel Hill native Porter Robinson first met pediatric oncologist Dr. Kate Westmoreland in November 2016, when Porter’s younger brother Mark came into Dr. Westmoreland’s care at UNC Hospitals. Three years later, they have raised more … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter June 5, 2019 Our Mission UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We power philanthropy to support the highest quality clinical care, life-changing research, and … Continued
In 2018 and 2019, UNC School of Medicine’s Dr. Ed Kernick received the highly distinguished “Professor Award” at graduation. This award, selected by the senior class, is given in recognition of a faculty member who, by his or her willingness, understanding … Continued
Bill and Nancy Graham of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, have donated $1 million to support breast cancer research and care at UNC Lineberger. The Grahams established the Bill and Nancy Graham Breast Cancer Research Fund to provide the cancer center’s … Continued
One of the first things you notice when meeting Dr. Deanna Sasaki-Adams is that she cares deeply about her patients. Her face lights up when she talks about aneurysm patients like Kaylan King, the young patient for whom she secured … Continued
MOREHEAD CITY, NC — The 11th annual Reelin’ for Research fishing tournament raised $605,000 for pediatric oncology research at UNC Children’s Hospital. The one-day event took place on Saturday, May 4, 2019, where fishing enthusiasts across North Carolina went fishing … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter May 2, 2019 Our Mission UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We power philanthropy to support the highest quality clinical care, life-changing research, … Continued
Listening to Samantha “Sam” Giugliano Robin and Dr. Ted Kerner talk with one another, you would think they have known each other for the better part of a decade. In fact, they met less than three years ago, when Sam received … Continued
Each year during National Nurses Week, we celebrate the important role nurses play in healthcare. We are particularly proud of and grateful for the team of nurses at UNC Hospitals. Whether through personal pursuit of professional development or collective efforts … Continued
Twelve hours after Jenna’s daughter was born, she learned her husband had a job opportunity that would move their family from Minnesota to Raleigh. Another 12 hours later, their daughter Colette did not pass her hearing test. The physicians said … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter April 3, 2019 Our Mission UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We raise critical funding to train the next generation of expert caregivers, … Continued
In 1972 when Dr. Eric Schopler launched the University of North Carolina TEACCH® Autism Program, he set UNC on a trajectory as a national and international leader in Autism Spectrum Disorder research and services. Forty-three years later, and now under … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter March 7, 2019 FEATURED STORY: New UNC Medicine Website! It is launch day! Visit our new website uncmedicine.org and be sure to enter our drawing for a Yeti cooler and two Southern Season gift baskets by participating … Continued
This is Ethan. He’s 19. About four and a half years ago, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He spent over 100 nights on the fifth floor of the NC Children’s Hospital before his leukemia went into remission. He … Continued
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease start gradually, typically around the age of 60. Mild tremors may evolve into slurred speech or the inability to move one’s arm while walking. There is no cure for the progressive neurodegenerative disorder, which affects … Continued
Former Tar Heel mascot Jason Ray enjoyed life to the fullest—he ran with the bulls in Pamplona, brought Tar Heel fans to their feet in the Dean Dome, and traveled to the developing world to help children and families in … Continued
The terms “clinical skills” and “patient simulation” might appear to only resonate with a narrow audience of medical professionals. However, both of these concepts play important roles in medical education by directly affecting patient care, making UNC’s educational mission relevant … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter February 6, 2019 UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We raise critical funding to train the next generation of expert caregivers, move our world-renowned … Continued
Less than a week before their wedding, Dustin Riedesel and his fiancée Katie were debating whether they should cancel. Riedesel had just been diagnosed at UNC Medical Center with a rare form of blood cancer called acute promyelocytic leukemia. At … Continued
As a busy professional, Dr. Paula Miller has a personal understanding of how hard it can be for women to fit exercise and a healthy diet into days packed with meetings, clinic, research, and more. As Director of UNC Health … Continued
UNC Hospitals became the first hospital in the Southeast to receive the Joint Commission Advanced Certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center in 2012, solidifying strong leadership in stroke care. The excellence and quality that defines the UNC Hospitals Comprehensive Stroke … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter January 10, 2019 UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We raise critical funding to train the next generation of expert caregivers, move our world-renowned … Continued
Dr. John Foust, class of 1955, has always been a trailblazer: As the first resident in the Otolaryngology Division at UNC Hospitals, he laid the groundwork for future Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeons to hone their expertise at UNC. Under … Continued
It’s common to find twenty-seven-year-old Aisha Talley sitting at the organ during church every Sunday. Her fingers move effortlessly across the keys as a melody flows over the congregation. If she is not playing at church, she may be hitting … Continued
Whether it is a brief visit or a long-term stay, a child’s time at UNC Children’s affects the whole family. Parents with more than one child have to make difficult decisions on how they spend their time. Parents must decide … Continued
UNC is internationally known for its research on sports-related concussions, led by Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Jason Mihalik, Associate Professor of Athletic Training. However, the way this research has influenced hands-on … Continued
UNC Medicine e-newsletter December 6, 2018 UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We raise critical funding to train the next generation of expert caregivers, move our world-renowned … Continued
For nearly 10 years, the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health has supported North Carolinians recovering from mental illness. Dr. John Gilmore founded the Center in 2009 in response to challenges created by the privatization of the state’s … Continued
When Dr. Todd Cohen came to UNC in 2014, he was determined to understand what causes our brains to transform when we turn 40 or 50 years old. In just five years, he has built a lab that is paving … Continued
November 8, 2018 UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We raise critical funding to train the next generation of expert caregivers, move our world-renowned research from the … Continued
Commitment to patient care goes well beyond the clinic walls for Dr. Colin Orr and Dr. Christian Lawrence. Their passion to make a difference for the children and families they serve, and the staggering reality that many of these families … Continued
This November, you may see an increase in the number of men walking around with mustaches. This is because men seeking to “change the face of men’s health” will be growing mustaches in honor of “Movember,” the annual men’s health … Continued
UNC Medicine Development eNewsletter October 4, 2018 UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We raise critical funding to train the next generation of expert caregivers, move our … Continued
When Dr. Julie Byerley, Vice Dean for Education, saw how hard Hurricane Florence hit Wilmington, North Carolina, she immediately thought of the students and faculty at UNC School of Medicine’s branch campus at New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC). She … Continued
Debbi Clarke and Kara Simmons both have spent the majority of their careers at UNC —Debbi at the Business School and in the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and Kara in the Office of University Counsel. However, … Continued
Groesbeck Parham, MD, discusses his work in Zambia with gynecological oncology and increasing women’s access to cervical cancer screening and treatment, as well as elevating women to alleviate poverty. For more information on how to support our global … Continued
UNC Medicine Development eNewsletter September 5, 2018 UNC Medicine is the fundraising engine that powers philanthropic investment for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals. We raise critical funding to train the next generation of expert caregivers, move our … Continued
Mary Cress’s eldest son, David Richards, always had a penchant for science. She fondly remembers Dave returning home from a fourth grade science lesson to tell her with wonder that scientists had isolated DNA molecules and, a few years later, … Continued
Imagine knowing that your infant is on the autism spectrum before they could even sit-up on their own. The researchers at the UNC Autism Research Center are doing just that. It’s been long understood that children with autism spectrum disorder … Continued
UNC Medicine Development eNewsletter August 1, 2018 WELCOME Welcome to Now, New, Next, UNC Medicine’s signature e-newsletter. Here, we will celebrate the impact our donors have on research, education, and clinical care. We are so grateful for your continued support, … Continued
Drs. Daniel and Kathleen “Katchy” Clarke-Pearson speak with tenderness and humor towards each other, yet remain modest when discussing their noteworthy accomplishments. This engaging pair have always been true partners—supporting one another’s careers in obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics, respectively, … Continued
In her heart, Molly Russell knew something wasn’t right. The hospital staff in Texas told her not to worry when her daughter, Tate, failed a newborn hearing screening. An audiologist passed Tate at a follow-up appointment in North Carolina – … Continued
