Department News

Jennifer Anolik Authors Study on Rheumatoid Arthritis in Nature Immunology

Thursday, May 23, 2019

A paper published in Nature Immunology details the results of a study looking at cell populations that contribute to RA, a common disease with chronic inflammation in the joint lining tissue or synovium. Jennifer H. Anolik M.D., Ph.D., professor of Medicine and associate chair for Research in the Department of Medicine, is one of four senior authors of the paper, “Defining inflammatory cell states in rheumatoid arthritis joint synovial tissues by integrating single-cell transcriptomics and mass cytometry.”

One of the unique immune cell populations identified in the RA joints included activated B cells. These findings extend Anolik’s prior RA research demonstrating a key role for B cells in joint damage and bone erosion by pinpointing a specific population of B cells in the tissue that may be particularly pathogenic. “This study gives us a unique window into rheumatoid arthritis that we never had before,” Anolik said. “We now have the tools to obtain joint biopsies and thoroughly dissect their cellular and molecular composition using state-of-the-art technology.”

Read the full article in Nature Immunology

Drs. Hammes and Anolik Named to Department of Medicine Leadership Roles

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

As part of a restructuring to further develop its core research and academic missions, the Department of Medicine has created two new leadership positions. Stephen Hammes, M.D., Ph.D., has been named vice chair for Research and Academic Affairs, and Jennifer Anolik, M.D., Ph.D., is the associate chair for Research. Both of these appointments were effective April 1, 2019, pending approval by the Office of the Provost.

Hammes’ new role combines the former associate chair for Academic Affairs and vice chair for Research positions. Anolik’s role is a newly created leadership position. Together, Hammes and Anolik will partner to oversee research and mentoring programs across the department. Their work will focus on identifying strategic growth opportunities around targeted areas of research at the inter-divisional and inter-departmental level. They also will be undertaking a formal assessment of our endowments to see if we can more strategically foster research-program development. Following a review of the department’s research portfolio, they will convene a group to discuss potential growth opportunities. 

In addition, Hammes and Anolik will develop a more in-depth approach to faculty mentoring and career development, particularly among junior and mid-career faculty members.

Paul Levy, M.D. to Step Down after Transformative Decade as Chair of Medicine

Thursday, April 18, 2019

During his 10 years as Charles A. Dewey Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine, Paul Levy, M.D., has guided his faculty through the advent of electronic medical records, the implementation of a new compensation plan, the growth of regional and population health models of care and a host of other changes.

Now it’s time for one more change—one that he’ll preside over with the same steady leadership as all the others. Levy announced today that he will step down as chair after his successor is found.

"I’ve been privileged to work with the best of the best across our clinical, education and research missions,” Levy said. “Our institution, and this department, are full of bright, good-hearted, collegial people, which has made my job a pleasure."

Levy also serves as medical director of our compliance program, a position he’ll retain along with his other non-departmental leadership roles. He’ll also continue to care for patients.