Dartmouth Medical School Digest
August 2008
News for our community
In this issue
- Genetic profiles for scleroderma
- Breakthrough award
- New department chairs
- Record cancer benefit
Genetic profiles for scleroderma
Dartmouth researchers have discovered distinct molecular signatures to classify the diversity of scleroderma, a complex and mysterious autoimmune disorder. Their results, published in PLOS One, open new opportunities for better diagnosis and treatment of the chronic, potentially fatal skin-thickening disorder. Using genetic maps of the skin, the team, headed by Dr. Michael Whitfield, delineated gene expression patterns to categorize patients beyond obvious symptoms.
Breakthrough award
A Dartmouth Medical School researcher has won a Ladies' Home Journal Health Breakthrough Award. Dr. Paula Schnurr was honored for her landmark study of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in female veterans and is featured in the magazine's August issue. She is one of four recipients of the third annual awards, which recognize medical professionals who have transformed their area of health to dramatically help women and families.
New department chairs
Two accomplished Dartmouth Medical School faculty members have assumed new leadership roles in their respective departments, effective July 1, as their chairs choose to step down.
- Chair of Biochemistry
Cell biologist Dr. Charles Barlowe, who joined the faculty in 1994, has been named chair of biochemistry. He studies how proteins travel within cells, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of a yeast transit system. - Chair of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Pain researcher Dr. Joyce DeLeo has been appointed chair of pharmacology and toxicology. Recognized for her studies that could translate into new approaches to alleviate and prevent chronic pain syndromes, she has been a DMS faculty member since 1991.
Record cancer benefit
The Prouty Century Bike Ride & Challenge Walk to benefit research and patient services at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center has topped $2 million, with more still being tallied. Close to 4,200 people and 401 teams participated in annual fundraiser, held since 1982.
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