School of Medicine

New research by scientists at the School of Medicine provides evidence to explain why some people are more prone to develop kidney stones than others. The discovery opens the door to finding effective drug treatments and a test that could assess a person’s risk of kidney stones.

When a child has autism, siblings are also at risk for the disorder. New research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that the genetic reach of the disorder often extends to half siblings as well. The discovery is giving scientists new clues to how autism is inherited.

The Forum for International Health and Tropical Medicine (FIHTM), a student group that works to expose the medical community firsthand to international health concerns, is hosting its 14th annual Global Health Symposium from 8:30 am.-2 p.m., Saturday, April 21.

Tread the Med, the School of Medicine’s wellness and walking initiative, kicks off its “Most Valuable Walker” campaign from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. April 26 in Hudlin Park with a ceremonial first walk led by Larry J. Shapiro, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine; James P. Crane, MD, associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs, and Fredbird, mascot of the St. Louis Cardinals.

It can take decades for research discoveries to make their way into public health settings. The emerging field of dissemination and implementation (D&I) research seeks to narrow the gap between evidence-based research and routine practice. To help propel this crucial field forward, leading D&I scholars and researchers at Washington Univeristy have contributed to Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health: Translating Science to Practice, a new book published by Oxford University Press.

Earth Day activities at the School of Medicine will take place from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 19. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to take part to learn about energy conservation and alternative energy; recycling; gardening and water conservation; and transportation and clean air.

Washington University School of Medicine students will perform Urinetown, this year’s choice for their annual spring musical, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, April 19-21, at the Whelpley Auditorium at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Tickets for the show are $7 in advance or $12 at the door for students; and $12 in advance or $15 at the door for general admission.

The Joanne Knight Breast Health Center at Washington University Medical Center and Siteman Cancer Center has two new leaders, Julie Margenthaler, MD, and Catherine Appleton, MD. The center was developed as a collaboration among the departments of surgery and radiology and Barnes-Jewish Hospital and has benefitted women because of its ability to provide coordinated care.

The Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital is seeking patients for a clinical study to determine the best treatment for patients with early-stage lung cancer who also have breathing problems. The study focuses on patients with the most common type of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer.

John C. Morris, MD, the Harvey A. and Dorismae Hacker Friedman Distinguished Professor of Neurology and director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, will deliver the 2012 Friedman lecture at 3 p.m. April 30, in Graham Chapel. His lecture is titled “The Aging Mind: Realities and Myths.”