School of Medicine

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is often fatal within the first two decades of life may be treatable via a molecule already targeted by approved drugs, scientists at the School of Medicine and other institutions report.

Playing the “where’s-the-chart?” game in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery recently became obsolete when the division switched from using paper files to a fully electronic medical record system. The electronic record-keeping system adopted by the cardiothoracic division will be implemented throughout the Washington University Physicians group, a clinical practice group of more than 900 physicians that provides services throughout the region.

In contrast to claims that children are being overmedicated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), School of Medicine researchers have found that many kids with ADHD are not receiving treatment. In fact, almost half of the children — within a 1,610-member study group — who might have benefited from ADHD drugs were not getting them.

School of Medicine researchers found that only about 58 percent of boys and about 45 percent of girls diagnosed with ADHD were receiving treatment. More medical news

The School of Medicine’s facilities and property will become entirely tobacco-free next spring in an effort to create a healthier environment.

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery recently switched from using paper files to a fully electronic medical record system to improve efficiency.

Two orthopaedic surgeons who have played a key role in the department’s growth were recognized with professorships.

Photo by Tim ParkerA lesson for cardiology fellows was held July 21-22 and had 35 fellows who came from as far away as West Virginia.

The Washington University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Barnes-Jewish Hospital have begun construction of a new, $13 million outpatient orthopaedic facility on property in a prime west St. Louis County location.

Peter Westervelt, M.D., Ph.D., has been named director of the bone marrow transplantation and leukemia section of the Division of Oncology at the School of Medicine. Westervelt, associate professor of medicine, succeeds John F. DiPersio, M.D., Ph.D., professor of medicine, in the position.