Medicine & Health

Laura Jean Bierut, MD, has been named the Alumni Endowed Professor of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine. Her work focuses on the genetic and environmental influences that contribute to addiction and other psychiatric disorders.

David M. Kipnis, MD, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, died at his home Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, after a long illness. He was 86.

Neurosurgeon Eric Leuthardt’s research often has been described as science fiction brought to life. But in his latest project, his experiences in the laboratory and the operating room have inspired him to write a futuristic thriller.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a patient’s gender as a clear and simple guidepost to help health care providers anticipate some of the otherwise unpredictable effects of neurofibromatosis type 1, a childhood genetic disorder.

The Washington University Medical Center campus is being transformed in the next decade as part of the Campus Renewal Project. Views from a live webcam showing the progress are available via this link.

​In a world’s first, physicians at Siteman Cancer Center have begun treating patients using MRI-guided radiation therapy, a technology that allows tumors to be visualized during treatment. Shown is Wayne Kestler, 80, one of the first patients treated with the new technology.

Nominations for the 15th annual naming of a Dean’s Distinguished Service Award recipient, as well nominations for research support and operations staff awards, are being accepted through Feb. 28.

There’s more than one way to make sure your ticker gets some love this Valentine’s Day. Plan a visit to the annual Health Happening Fair from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, in the Eric P. Newman Education Center for free health screenings and information on a wide variety of health topics.

Stuart C. Sweet, MD, PhD, a world leader in pediatric lung transplantation, has been named the W. McKim Marriott, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at the School of Medicine. Pictured is Joan Magruder, president of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, congratulating Sweet on the honor.

As part of an ongoing road construction project, the Tower Grove Avenue bridge over Interstate 64/Highway 40 will be closed for about two weeks, beginning Monday, Feb. 3. When the bridge reopens, it will remain open until March 7 (tentatively), when it and the Boyle Avenue bridge will be closed for demolition.