School of Medicine News

Fall 2026 Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Facilitator Training Scheduled

09/03/2026- The Saint Louis University Family Center for Healthy Aging invites professionals, providers, and community members to participate in the Fall 2026 Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Facilitator Training. The virtual training will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18.
Medical Center Library Open House, Resource Fair Sept. 16

09/01/2026- The Medical Center Library is hosting an open house and resource fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. The event will explore information resources, technologies, and services that support teaching, learning, research, and clinical practice across the health sciences.
Autism Diagnoses Rising Fastest Among Girls and Women, According to New JAMA Research

08/31/2026- A new Saint Louis University study of nearly a decade of health records finds that the recent rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses is being driven largely by girls and women, who are being identified at significantly higher rates than in years past, often years later than boys and men. The JAMA Network study is among the first to track sex-specific autism diagnosis trends across childhood, adolescence and adulthood within the same health system, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
2026–2027 Caregiver Series Kicks Off Sept. 14

08/27/2026- The Saint Louis University Family Center for Healthy Aging, in partnership with the University of Louisville Trager Institute and Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic, invites caregivers, professionals and members of the healthy aging community to participate in the 2026–2027 Caregiver Series. The series begins Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, and continues monthly through May 10, 2027.
Registration Deadline for Virtual Interprofessional Geriatric Case Competition Sept. 22

08/27/2026- Saint Louis University’s Family Center for Healthy Aging invites students, faculty and community experts to participate in the Fall 2026 Virtual Interprofessional Geriatric Case Competition. The registration deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 22.
School of Medicine Learning Communities Bring Cura Personalis Full Circle

08/26/2026- Discover how Saint Louis University School of Medicine uses learning communities to embody cura personalis, fostering whole-person growth and mentorship.
From Saint Louis to Kampala: Lily McMorrow Takes Cancer Research Global

08/24/2026- Lily McMorrow has earned an NIH LAUNCH Fellowship to advance cancer research at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Kampala. McMorrow, a fifth-year M.D./Ph.D. student at Saint Louis University, brings her research to an international stage, exploring the impact of international funding disruptions on cervical cancer prevention, the leading cause of cancer death among Ugandan women. Her work reveals SLU’s commitment to health equity and global service.
Planting Roots in Private Practice: Niki Saxena

08/14/2026- In 1989, Niki Saxena, M.D., (Med ’93), traded the coastline for the heartland. Drawn by service, social justice, and high-quality clinical training, the California native journeyed to Saint Louis University School of Medicine to pursue her medical degree.
Ray Vollmer: 1957-2026

07/31/2026- Ray Vollmer, former anatomy education specialist for the Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS) Program at Practical Anatomy and Surgical Education, died Tuesday, July 14, 2026. He was 69 years old.
SLU Hosts Annual White Coat Ceremony for New Medical Students

07/26/2026- About Saint Louis University School of Medicine's 2026 White Coat Ceremony, an annual tradition during which students don their first white coats and reflect on the medical profession.
From Program to Purpose: Summer Outreach at SLU School of Medicine

07/10/2026- About the Summer Scholars Program and Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS) programs offered by Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
AIMS Program Brings Adventures in Medicine and Science to Life for Students

07/07/2026- The Adventures in Medicine and Science Program (AIMS), the educational outreach component of Practical Anatomy and Surgical Education for the SLU School of Medicine, welcomed 42 high school students for its annual Medical and Surgical Procedures Summer Workshop. Campers participated in a week of medical presentations, comparative anatomy dissections and hands-on labs.
Lindbloom Named Chair of Family and Community Medicine

07/06/2026- Erik Lindbloom, M.D., has been named the chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine.
Jain Honored for Outstanding Contributions to Scientific Medicine

07/02/2026- Saint Louis University Professor of Pediatrics Ajay Jain, M.D., has earned the St. Louis Metropolitan Medicine Award of Merit. The St. Louis Metropolitan Medicine Society recognized Jain for his national leadership in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, excellence in research and clinical innovation, and advancing pediatric care, physician leadership, and organized medicine.
Finding Opportunity in Curiosity: Raymond J. Kreienkamp

07/01/2026- Long before he was a physician-scientist, Raymond J. Kreienkamp, M.D., Ph.D, (Med ’19), was a student brimming with questions. Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the M.D./Ph.D. program became an outlet for curiosity — empowering him to explore ideas, think critically, and build a network of support.
Older Adults Take the Stage: SLU Healthy Aging Conference Highlights Community Impact

06/05/2026- Saint Louis University recently hosted an annual two-day event featuring presentations from experts in healthcare, medicine and mental health, as well as older adults on the receiving end of services.
Mark A. Varvares, M.D.: 1958-2026

05/26/2026- Mark A. Varvares, M.D. (Med ’86), a nationally recognized leader in otolaryngology and former director of the Saint Louis University Cancer Center, died May 20, 2026.
School of Medicine Celebrates the Graduating Class of 2026

05/15/2026- School of Medicine students celebrated commencement in true Saint Louis University fashion: by embracing their calling with purpose and passion.
Advancing the Fight Against MPS

05/01/2026-
Tavis Honored With Distinguished Award in Hepatitis B Research

04/15/2026- The International HBV Meeting has recognized John Tavis, Ph.D., professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Saint Louis University, with the Distinguished Award in Hepatitis B Research. The award is given annually to honor researchers who have made seminal, long-lasting contributions to the study of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the Hepatitis D virus (HDV).
Five Women Honored at Mary A. Bruemmer Recognition Ceremony

04/07/2026- The 49th annual Mary A. Bruemmer Recognition ceremony recognized five women who have made an impact on Saint Louis University. Starting in 1977, SLU’s Women’s Commission has highlighted University community members to be honored at an annual springtime luncheon. The honorees include administrators, faculty, staff and students who are recognized for their contributions, commitment, and lives of service to the University and their community.
Reinforcing the Student Experience

04/01/2026-
SLU Medical Students Celebrate Match Day

03/25/2026- The School of Medicine’s Class of 2026 gathered in the grand ballroom of the Chase Park Plaza on March 20, as students eagerly awaited the results of the National Residency Match Program.
SLU Professor Receives Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Award

03/24/2026- Saint Louis University assistant professor Stephen Ferris, Ph.D., has been named one of eight recipients of the 2026 Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award. First-year recipients receive $400,000 over two years, and will have the opportunity to receive two additional years of funding (for a potential total of $800,000).
Two SLU Researchers Named Senior Members by the National Academy of Inventors

02/26/2026- Two Saint Louis University researchers were named to the 2026 Class of Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). They are among 230 emerging inventors from across 82 NAI member institutions.
SLU Research: Emergency Departments Should Avoid First-Generation Antihistamines in Elderly Patients

02/23/2026- After studying the impact of first-generation antihistamines on elderly patients, Saint Louis University researchers are encouraging doctors to switch to the safer second-generation antihistamines.
‘A Model Human Being’: SLU Pediatrician Cared for Children with Cancer

02/06/2026- Dennis "Denny" M. O’Connor, M.D. (A&S ’63, Med ’67), professor emeritus of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. He was 83 years old. O’Connor dedicated more than 50 years to pediatric care, specializing in treating children with cancer, blood disorders and infectious diseases.
Two SLU Faculty Members Receive Emerson's Excellence in Teaching Award

01/20/2026- Two members of Saint Louis University’s faculty have been recognized with Emerson’s 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award. Sean Goretzke, M.D. (Neurology) and Melissa Ochoa, Ph.D. (Women’s and Gender Studies) were both cited for their teaching prowess. The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards Program recognizes educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area annually for their leadership in and passion for teaching, their contributions to student learning, and their knowledge and creativity.
SLU Research Shows Surge in Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Driving ‘Deaths of Despair’

12/16/2025- Deaths from alcohol-related liver disease have surged in recent years, and the increase is hitting people without a college degree the hardest. While nearly every demographic group is seeing higher death rates—including those with college degrees—the gap between economically disadvantaged groups and more affluent ones is growing, according to new research.
SLU, WashU Medicine Research Shows Psychedelic Decriminalization Hasn't Increased ER Visits

11/18/2025- A new study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed national hospital admission data from 2016 to 2023 to assess whether decriminalizing psychedelics—such as psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”)—has led to more people needing emergency or inpatient care.
New SLU, SSM Study Shows Ozempic Could Help Dialysis Patients Qualify for Kidney Transplants

11/12/2025- Obesity is one of the biggest barriers preventing patients with end-stage kidney disease from receiving a life-saving kidney transplant. New research from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and SSM Health physicians reveals that breakthrough weight loss medications could change that — giving more patients a second chance at life.
SLU, Collegiate Strengthen High School-to-Medical School Pathway

10/29/2025- A partnership between Saint Louis University's School of Medicine and local high school Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience serves as a model for how early exposure and mentorship can transform lives—and communities— as SLU invests in future physicians.
SLU Students Commemorate Legacy of Gift Body Donors at Memorial Service

10/28/2025- Students from Saint Louis University’s School of Medicine Class of 2029, along with graduate students from the SOM's Master of Anatomy program and the Doisy College of Health Sciences, recently gathered for an interfaith memorial service to honor 355 individuals who generously donated their bodies to SLU’s Gift Body Program.
Annual Faculty Awards Honors Outstanding Faculty, Staff

06/06/2025- During the annual School of Medicine faculty award banquet on May 3, exceptional educators were honored for their profound impact on medical students. Nominated by students, these distinguished individuals were recognized for their excellence in teaching and mentorship.
Ravi Nayak, M.D, Appointed Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine

01/29/2025- Ravi Nayak, M.D., is the James B. and Ethel D. Miller Endowed Chair in Internal Medicine and has served as interim chair of the internal medicine department since November 2017.
Alpha Omega Alpha (AΏA) Medical Society inducts newest members at SLU

10/16/2024- Saint Louis University School of Medicine proudly announced the induction of 57 new members into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AΏA) Honor Medical Society for its Class of 2025. AΏA, the prestigious national medical society, recognizes individuals for their dedication to professionalism, leadership, scholarship, research, and community service.
Empowering Youth: How Let’s P.L.A.Y. is Making an Impact

08/09/2024- What started as an interest group at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 2019 has grown into a vibrant non-profit with over six active chapters nationwide.
SLU School of Medicine Faculty Named to 2024 Top Doctors List

07/30/2024-
Department of Pharmacology and Physiology Doubles Number of Postdoctoral Fellows

07/18/2024-
Pharmacology and Physiology Doubles Number of Postdoctoral Fellows

07/12/2024-
Annual Faculty Awards Honors Outstanding Faculty and Staff

06/12/2024- The annual SOM Faculty Award Banquet, held on June 8, bestowed recognition upon remarkable individuals who have profoundly influenced our medical students. These honorees were nominated by students for their outstanding contributions in teaching and mentoring
Richard DiPaolo, Ph.D., Named Permanent Chair of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

06/03/2024-
Isabelle Carbone Awarded 2024 U.S. Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Award

06/03/2024-
Pharmacology and Physiology Faculty Awarded Grants Totaling $1.5 million

05/08/2024-
The Health and Clinical Outcomes Research, Health Data Science Student Spotlight Series: Pham Quoc Anh Vu (’24)

04/12/2024-
Dermatology Free Skin Cancer Screening Returns in May

04/03/2024-
Howard Place, M.D. Appointed to Interim Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs

03/22/2024- On July 1, 2022, SLUCare Physician Group fully integrated into the SSM Health system, to afford patients improved and seamless access to all levels of care, including highly specialized procedures and clinical trials.
SLUCare Orthopaedic Faculty to take on New Leadership Roles

01/10/2024-
Welcome Back to Saint Louis University James Duffy, S.J., M.D.

01/10/2024- James Duffy, S.J., M.D. has returned to Saint Louis University School of Medicine and to his position as associate dean of clinical curriculum. He will oversee the clerkship curriculum and the post-clerkship curriculum. At SLU, he will work closely with students, the Office of Curricular Affairs, and the Office of Student Affairs to provide an outstanding educational experience to prepare our students for internship and residency.

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