In the News

Alexis Ogdie, MD, MSCE, has recently been appointed as the inaugural Associate Dean for Clinical Data Science (CDS). Dr. Ogdie's leadership experiences across the CCEB and the Penn Medicine Data Commons (PMDC) initiative will guide her in this new role as she works to transform CDS into accessible, AI-enabled learning ecosystem and support Penn Medicine's culture of healthcare innovation. 

"Over the years, as medicine, research, and clinical care have evolved to meet the demands of changes in technology, approach, and methodology, Penn Medicine has always adapted to ensure strong leadership as new areas emerge. Dr. Ogdie’s role as the new Associate Dean of CDS is one such example. By integrating data, advancing responsible AI, and building trusted pathways from insight to implementation, this new role will help shape a future in which data continuously informs care and accelerates discovery and where innovation becomes an enduring driver of excellence across Penn Medicine."

In a recent Penn Medicine news article, M. Kit Delgado, MD, MS, was highlighted for organizing an initiative to hand out cable locks and safety brochures to increase security information about firearms and available resources to the Philadelphia area. This event, along with posted flyers through Penn Medicine buildings, illustrate how health operations can inform individuals about firearm safety.

Jordana Cohen, MD, MSCE appeared in an interview with Docwire News to discuss developing and emerging technologies that enhance blood pressure measurement. Dr. Cohen details how these technologies function as well as what clinicians need to understand as they begin incorporating these tools into everyday practice.

In a recent article in Penn Medicine News, Dovie Watson, MD was spotlighted for her work in shaping the future of Penn’s LGBTQ+ Health program. In July, she will take on a new role as the director of research and evaluation for the program alongside Katharine (Katie) Dalke, MD, MBE. Previously, Watson’s work has examined accelerating equitable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service delivery and eliminating stigma and discrimination in sexual health. This research, combined with her experience in working with Black LGBTQ+ adults throughout the United States, will help guide her as she navigates this role and how Penn can positively impact the health of LGBTQ+ patients.

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE appeared in a video interview with Healio to share the proper method of applying and using sunscreen as the summer season arrives. He highlights common mistakes many individuals make when using sunscreen and how fixing these misapplications can prevent sunburns. As a part of Healio’s Beneath the Surface series, the video interview ties in relevant discussions of dermatology by looping in experts like Dr. Gelfand.

“I always tell my patients who say, ‘I put sunscreen on and still got a sunburn’ that they should get their money back because sunscreen is highly effective when applied properly,” Gelfand said. “Often, the issue is not applying enough or not reapplying it.”

Joshua F. Baker, MD, MSCE was recently featured on the American College of Rheumatology’s Journals on Air podcast. In the episode, he discussed genetic risk score for pain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), explaining genetic drivers, disease activity, study limitations, and future research for RA.

In a recent article published in The Atlantic, Aaron Richterman, MD, MPH explains the global success behind cash transfers and how it can be used to improve health outcomes within the United States. The article discusses that cash infusions must be enough to change daily realities, remove specific health barriers, reach large populations, and be weaved into existing social infrastructures. Lastly, Richterman highlights the successes of the federal SNAP program and how cash transfers can be a key to reducing poverty and improving health. Illustration by Akshita Chandra / The Atlantic.

Anne Marie McCarthy, PhD appeared in an episode of the RSNA's Radiology Podcast to discuss her research that examines Black-White racial differences in contrast-enhanced MRI–derived background parenchymal enhancement (BPE). Her work discovered that after a preliminary examination, Black women were more likely to have a high BPE compared to white women, despite the latter typically having greater breast density.

In a recent op-ed published in The Hill, Sean Hennessey, PharmD, PhD warns of the danger that lies ahead of the nation after the Centers for Disease Control eliminated the team responsible for conducting the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).