A year of achievement marked the last year, with Feinberg reaching new heights of record-breaking research funding and nationwide recognition for the accomplishments of the medical school and its faculty. This year, Northwestern Medicine scientists advanced the understanding of disease and pioneered innovative solutions to improve the lives of patients everywhere. At the same time, the medical school’s educational leaders have continued to excel in training and fostering the growth of the next generation of physicians and scientists, providing innovative, top-quality training to for future leaders in the medical field.
From a year of record-breaking research funding, totaling $706 million in research funding and awards, to scientific breakthroughs that have pushed the boundaries of cancer treatment, artificial intelligence in medicine, and groundbreaking engineering of tiny medical devices, this last year’s achievements have solidified Feinberg’s reputation as a leader in the advancing human health.
Below, explore a selection of the most impactful and groundbreaking stories from the last year:
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Scientific Breakthroughs
AI May Spare Breast Cancer Patients Unnecessary Treatments
A new AI tool may make it possible to spare breast cancer patients unnecessary chemotherapy treatments by using a more precise method of predicting their outcomes.
Using Gene Expression to Predict if a Brain Tumor is Likely to Grow Back
Scientists have found a highly accurate way to predict the best cancer treatment for patients based on patterns of gene expression in their tumors.
Cut Salt, Cut Blood Pressure
Nearly everyone can lower their blood pressure, even people currently on blood pressure-reducing drugs, by lowering their sodium intake.
‘Super Melanin’ Heals Skin Injuries From Sunburn, Chemical Burns
A newly developed synthetic melanin, mimicking the natural melanin in human skin, can be applied topically to injured skin, where it accelerates wound healing.
Novel Therapy Extends Survival in Metastatic Cancer
Northwestern Medicine investigators have identified a novel therapeutic agent that is effective in treating metastatic cancer and brain metastases, according to a recent study.
First Device to Monitor Transplanted Organs, Detect Early Signs of Rejection
Northwestern University investigators have developed the first electronic device for continuously monitoring the health of transplanted organs in real time.
Powerful Chemotherapy Drug Reaches Brain Tumors in Humans Using Novel Ultrasound Technology
A Northwestern Medicine study used a novel ultrasound device to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier to deliver chemotherapy to treat glioblastoma.
Self-Powered Wireless Implant Delivers Medication, Then Dissolves
Northwestern Medicine scientists have developed a wireless, self-powered, bioresorbable implant for programmed drug delivery.
First Transient Electronic Bandage Speeds Healing by 30 Percent
Northwestern University scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind small, flexible, stretchable bandage that accelerates healing by delivering electrotherapy directly to the wound site.
New Therapeutic Strategies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Modulating the activity of a kinase in motor neurons may help mitigate mitochondrial defects and other symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy, offering a new therapeutic avenue for the devastating disease.
Novel Intercellular Signaling Mechanisms Promote Melanoma Growth
Investigators have discovered novel intercellular “crosstalk” between epidermal keratinocytes and melanoma cells that promotes cancer growth and metastasis, which could also serve as biomarkers for early cancer detection.
Newly Discovered Trigger of Parkinson’s Upends Common Beliefs
A new study suggests that a dysfunction in neurons’ synapses leads to deficits in dopamine and precedes the neurodegeneration previously thought to cause Parkinson’s disease.
Mitochondria Regulate Cellular Signaling for Proper Lung Development
Northwestern Medicine investigators have discovered that mitochondria regulate essential cellular signaling for the development of epithelial cells in the lungs, cells which are crucial for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to avoid respiratory failure.
Dissolving Cardiac Device Monitors, Treats Heart Disease
A newly developed wireless implant monitors and treats heart disease, then harmlessly dissolves inside the body, bypassing the need for extraction.
New Therapeutic Target for Parkinson’s Disease Discovered
Northwestern Medicine scientists have uncovered a new mechanism by which mutations in a specific gene contribute to familial forms of Parkinson’s disease, which opens an avenue for new therapeutics.
Scientists Uncover Why Some Cells Become Resistant to Cancer Therapies
Scientists have created a new synthetic biology approach to follow tumor cells over time, finding meaningful differences in why a cancer cell dies or survives in response to anti-cancer therapies.
Secondary Bacterial Pneumonia Drove Many COVID-19 Deaths
Secondary bacterial pneumonia that did not resolve was a key driver of death in patients with COVID-19, according to a recent study.
Potential Therapeutic Target for Blood Cancers Discovered
Investigators have discovered that a specific complex drives cell proliferation in mutated myeloproliferative neoplasms, suggesting this complex could serve as an ideal therapeutic target, according to a recent Northwestern medicine study.
New Human Gene Cluster Sequence Discovered
Investigators from the laboratory of Ali Shilatifard, PhD, have discovered a new repeat gene cluster sequence that is exclusively expressed in humans and non-human primates, according to new findings.
Developing Custom AI Language Models to Interpret Chest X-Rays
Northwestern Medicine scientists have developed an artificial intelligence tool able to interpret chest X-rays with accuracy rivalling that of a human radiologist.
Understanding Drivers of Egg Cell Development
Northwestern Medicine scientists have identified how cytoskeletal proteins contribute to the growth of developing eggs in fruit flies, findings which further the understanding of how egg cells form and differentiate themselves from other cells.
Study Explores How Endocannabinoids Regulate Brain’s Response to Stress
Investigators have identified new signaling mechanisms utilized by endocannabinoids to regulate a subset of neurons in response to stress.
Dopamine Controls Movement, Not Just Rewards
A new Northwestern University-led study has discovered that dopamine neurons are more diverse than previously thought, opening new research directions for further understanding and potentially even treating Parkinson’s disease.
Marijuana Use Linked to Epigenetic Changes
Recent and long-term marijuana use is linked to changes in the human genome, a new Northwestern Medicine study has found.
Combining Epigenetic and Metabolic Approaches for Targeted Cancer Treatment
Northwestern Medicine scientists have identified a novel vulnerability in a subset of genes commonly mutated in cancer.
Understanding the Role of Octopamine in Neurodegeneration
Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered how octopamine, the major “fight-or-flight” neurotransmitter in invertebrates, communicates with other cells to prevent cell death in mammalian brains.
Calcium Channels Regulate Neuroinflammation and Neuropathic Pain
Northwestern Medicine investigators have discovered that specific calcium channels help regulate sex differences in the functioning of immune cells for neuroinflammation and overall neuropathic pain.
Mature ‘Lab Grown’ Neurons Hold Promise for Neurodegenerative Disease
Northwestern scientists have created the first highly mature neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells, a feat that opens new opportunities for medical research and potential transplantation therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Academics
Honoring the MD Class of 2023
Feinberg honored the MD Class of 2023 during the medical school’s 164th commencement ceremony in the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier.
Celebrating Feinberg’s 2023 Match Day
Years of anticipation erupted in a flurry of torn envelopes on Friday as fourth-year Feinberg medical students found out about their residency matches during this year’s Match Day celebration.
RISE Program Empowers Medical Students Pursuing Research
Now in its second year, Feinberg’s Research Intensive Scholarly Emphasis (RISE) program supports medical students engaging in an additional year of research during their medical school career.
Medical Education Day Celebrates Mentorship and Equity
Faculty, staff, trainees and students gathered to share knowledge and participate in workshops examining the future of medical education during Feinberg’s 13th annual Medical Education Day, held September 27.
Medical Students Named Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows
Kai Holder, a fourth-year medical student, and Sydney Love Cush, a second-year medical student, have been named 2023-2024 Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows.
PA Program Celebrates White Coat Ceremony
On Friday, June 23, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program’s class of 2025 celebrated the beginning of their medical journey with a white coat ceremony.
Honors Day Celebrates Student and Faculty Excellence
Faculty members and fourth-year medical students were recognized for their academic and clinical excellence during Feinberg’s Honors Day, held May 12 in the Hughes auditorium.
Medical Student Receives Soros Fellowship for New Americans
Zhanlin Chen, a first-year medical student at Feinberg, has been awarded the 2023 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, a prestigious scholarship granted to immigrants or children of immigrants.
Admitted Students Take a Second Look at Feinberg
On April 13 and 14, more than 200 prospective medical students visited Feinberg for a “Second Look” at the medical school. The two-day event allowed admitted students to get a feel for life at Feinberg by attending seminars, touring campus and meeting with current students and faculty.
Medical Student Event Encourages Aspiring Doctors
Feinberg medical students came together on March 12 to organize a one-day interactive workshop for community high schoolers with an interest in pursuing a career in medicine.
Medical Student Honored with Public Health Service Award
Precious Akanyirige, a fourth-year student in the MD/MPH degree program, has been awarded the 2023 Excellence in Public Health Award, given by the U.S. Public Health Service.
Students Investigate the Value of Free and Charitable Health Clinics
In partnership with the Illinois and Wisconsin Associations of Free and Charitable Clinics, third-year medical students Raj Dalal, Melissa Bak and their peers have created a data tool that estimates the value free and charitable clinics provide to patients and the healthcare sector.
Northwestern Simulation’s In Situ Training Tests Cardiac Arrest Response Teams
Northwestern Simulation has introduced a new curricular experience to help internal medicine residents improve skills needed for the high-acuity, high-intensity scenario of leading and managing cardiac arrests in the hospital.
PA Student Competes in Olympic Trials for Race Walking
Anali Cisneros, a first-year student in Feinberg’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program, is an Olympic-level athlete in race walking and recently competed at the Olympic trials for the Tokyo Summer Olympic games.
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Honors and Campus News
Feinberg Again Ranks Among Top Medical Schools in the Nation
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine has again been recognized as one of the best medical schools in the nation, ranking 13th among research-oriented institutions, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Feinberg Receives Record-Breaking Research Funding in 2023
Feinberg principal investigators secured $706 million in research funding and awards during the 2022-23 fiscal year, which is a nearly nine percent increase over the previous year, and the largest amount in the school’s history.
New Leadership in the Department of Medicine
Douglas E. Vaughan, MD, announced his intention to step down as chair of the Department of Medicine, and Susan Quaggin, MD, was named as his successor.
Lloyd-Jones Announces He is Stepping Down as Chair of Preventive Medicine
Donald Lloyd-Jones, MD, ScM, the Eileen M. Foell Professor, announced that he was stepping down as chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the end of this academic year, after 15 years of service in the role.
Northwestern to Co-Lead New CZ Biohub Chicago
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has selected Northwestern University to co-lead its new biomedical research hub in Chicago, which will develop new technologies for studying human tissues with unprecedented resolution.
Research Day 2023 Celebrates Scientific Discoveries and Collaboration
Feinberg investigators, students, trainees and faculty celebrated discovery and presented scientific research at Feinberg’s 17th annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day on Sept. 14.
Northwestern Hospitals Rank Among the Best by U.S. News & World Report
In its annual Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized Northwestern Medicine hospitals as leaders in clinical excellence, and for the 12th consecutive year, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been named to the Best Hospitals Honor Roll.
Chandel Receives 2023 Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences
Navdeep Chandel, PhD, the David W. Cugell, MD, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care and of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, has been named a recipient of the 2023 Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.
Medical School Establishes New Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience
Feinberg has established the Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, a collaborative hub created to unite interdisciplinary scientists to understand neural mechanisms underlying mental illness, elucidate mechanisms of psychotropic drug action and develop novel therapeutics.
Duquette Named Director of Graduate Program in Genetic Medicine
Debra Duquette, ’92 MS, associate professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology, was named the new director of Feinberg’s Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling.
Hauser Named New Director of Medical Scientist Training Program
Alan Hauser, MD, PhD, vice chair of Microbiology-Immunology, was named the new director of Feinberg’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).
Holmes Named Associate Dean for Knowledge Management and Strategy
Kristi Holmes, PhD, professor of Preventive Medicine, director of Northwestern’s Galter Health Sciences Library and chief of knowledge management for the Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, has been named the new associate dean for knowledge management and strategy at Feinberg.
Changes in Medical School Leadership
Feinberg has named two new associate deans: Kathryn Hufmeyer, MD, has been named associate dean for curriculum, and Linda Suleiman, MD, has been promoted to associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Krainc, Kelley Elected to National Academy of Inventors
Dimitri Krainc, MD, PhD, the Aaron Montgomery Ward Professor and chair of the Davee Department of Neurology and Shana Kelley, PhD, the Neena B. Schwartz Professor of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, were elected to the National Academy of Inventors.
Pioneering Biochemist Craig Crews Named Winner of 2024 Kimberly Prize
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics announced that renowned biochemist Craig M. Crews, PhD, who pioneered the pharmaceutical field of targeted protein degradation, has been named the winner of the annual $250,000 Kimberly Prize in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics.
New Chicago Biopharma Hub Will Accelerate Timeline from Medical Discovery to Patient Delivery
A new partnership, the Chicago Biomedical Consortium Hub for Innovative Technology and Entrepreneurship in the Sciences, will help Chicago inventors transform their research into commercial products.
Clements Receives AAFP Family Medicine Award
Deborah Clements, MD, the chair and the Nancy and Warren Furey Professor of Family and Community Medicine, has been honored with the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Thomas W. Johnson Award for her significant contributions to family medicine education.
Bethany Ekesa, Associate Director of SPARC, Honored with Jean E. Shedd University Citizenship Award
Bethany Ekesa, associate director of Feinberg’s Sponsored Project and Research Catalysts (SPARC) team, was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Jean E. Shedd University Citizenship Award.
CARDIA Study Grant Renewed for 10 Years, $11 Million
The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study has received a 10-year $11 million grant renewal from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health.
Brain Tumor SPORE Receives $10.8 Million NCI Award Renewal
The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University has received a renewed five-year $10.8 million Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant from the National Cancer Institute for the Lurie Cancer Center to advance translational research and improve outcomes for patients with brain cancer.
Silverman Elected to National Academy of Sciences
Richard Silverman, PhD, along with two other Northwestern faculty members, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Feinberg Faculty Inducted into Prominent Medical Societies
Five Feinberg faculty members have been inducted into the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) and the Association of American Physicians (AAP), two of the oldest medical honor societies in the U.S.
Four Feinberg Faculty Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Four Feinberg faculty have been elected members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honorary societies.
