Division News

Covid-19: Lessons Unheeded

The direct and indirect repercussions, particularly the long-term consequences, of the pandemic on all facets of health and well-being continue to be investigated and reported.  DGIM Professor Keisha Bentley-Edwards has explored several areas impacted by the pandemic including contraceptive access and use among students, the impact of systemic racisms and pre-existing conditions for Black Americans, and access to behavioral weight loss interventions in Black adults.  Her latest publication caps off a special

DGIM Hospitalists Recognized by SHM NC Triangle Chapter

The local chapter of the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) hosted their NC Triangle Chapter Networking and Awards night on February 16 at the Graduate Hotel in Chapel Hill.  Among the award recipients were Tara Spector and Pooh Setji (both won for Clinical Leadership for Physicians), Poonam Sharma (Excellence in Teaching), Lana Wahid (Excellence in Research), Noel Ivey (Best vignette), and David Gallagher

DGIM Residents & Faculty at 2024 NC ACP Chapter Meeting

The 2024 Annual Scientific Session of the NC Chapter of ACP (Chapter Governor Marion McCrary) was held on Feb 9-10 at the Marriott Crabtree Valley Hotel in Raleigh, NC, organized by Program Co-chairs Noel Ivey, Michelle Perkons, Denise Pong, and Fatima Syed.  Along with several residents in attendance, DGIM speakers included Will Yancy, Bruce Peyser, Suchita Shah Sata, David Boyte, Poonam Sharma, and Katherine Neal.  Check out the photos of some of the presenters and attendees below!

Reduced Acute Diabetes Complications Linked to Preventive Drug List Benefits

To improve medication adherence and health outcomes, some employers are offering a ‘preventive drug list’ (PDL) option with reduced out-of-pocket expenses for medications.  In Type 2 diabetes, like other chronic diseases, patients often take multiple medications to manage not only their blood glucose levels but also a constellation of other health problems such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.

Dr. Suchita Shah Sata Promoted to Associate Professor

Congratulations to Dr. Suchita Shah Sata for her promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine, Career Track.  Dr. Sata is an attending physician in the Division of General Internal Medicine and hospitalist at Duke University Hospital.  She joined Duke in 2015 as a Medical Instructor in the Department of Medicine and is a graduate of Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons. 

Faculty Promotions January 2023

Congratulations to the following faculty members for their recent appointment or promotion in the Department of Medicine.

Don’t Overlook Family Health History for Heart Disease Month

Since February is “American Heart Month”, much focus will be on these conditions that affect millions of Americans in the coming weeks.  That’s a good thing, as the trends have not changed in the last several decades.  According to the CDC’s Health, United States Data Finder in 1980, heart disease was the leading cause of death for adults 45-64 years old and 65 years and older.

Centennial Celebration: Driving Duke’s “Outrageous Ambition”

The Duke Department of Medicine (DOM) recently honored the commitment of a few Duke centers and institutes that continue to drive the University’s mantra to honor its “outrageous ambitions,” as articulated by former Duke President and U.S. Senator Terry Sanford when he highlighted Duke medical community’s brilliant reputation and focus on excellence in his 1984 final annual address to faculty. 

COMET Team Examines Clinical Language Use Toward Patients with Opioid Use Disorder

Hospitalists and social workers with Duke’s COMET (Caring for Patients with Opioid Misuse through Evidence-Based Treatment) consulting service teamed on a recent interdisciplinary study that encompasses social work and inpatient medicine to understand providers' use of stigmatizing and affirming language in the electronic health records of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) hospitalized at Duke. 

Moving Medicine Forward: Department of Medicine Expands to 13 Divisions

The Duke University Department of Medicine (DOM) will expand from 12 to 13 divisions on September 1, 2024 with the creation of the new division of Hospital Medicine. The new division will include all hospitalists and nocturnists who oversee patients in the general medicine wards.  

Trainee Spotlight: Samantha Curtis

Senior resident Dr. Samantha Curtis has won the 2024 Med-Peds Program Director Association (MPPDA) Walter W. Tunnessen, Jr. Award honoring a graduating medicine-pediatric resident for innovative accomplishments in education, clinical care, and advocacy.

Continuing Medical Education: A Pathway to Collaboration and Inspiration

The Duke Department of Medicine (DOM) has long been at the forefront of advancing medical knowledge and fostering collaboration through its Continuing Medical Education (CME) efforts. With a focus on two pivotal programs— Medicine Grand Rounds (MGR) and the Learning Education and Discussion Series (LEADS) —the department not only ensures the maintenance of professional licenses but also cultivates an environment of shared learning, innovation, and inspiration.  MGR: A Legacy of Innovation 

5 in DOM Complete ALICE Program

ALICE is an annual program that provides targeted development to mid-career women faculty leaders. Applications for the 2024 program are available now and are due November 3.