University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry

We are so proud of University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry alumnus Harvey Alter, MD, who was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the Hepatitis C virus. Thanks to [this] discovery, highly sensitive blood tests for the virus are now available and these have essentially eliminated post-transfusion hepatitis in many parts of the world, greatly improving global health, the Nobel Committee commended. A medical scientist at th...e National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Alter shares the 2020 Nobel Prize with Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice. Dr. Alter is a 1960 graduate of the School of Medicine & Dentistry, and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester in 1956. #Meliora

A quick, inexpensive COVID-19 test received emergency-use approval thanks, in part, to 150+ community volunteers. Suspected of infection and seeking care at our Strong Memorial Hospital, they joined the research study and helped make diagnosis easier. #URochesterResearch #ResearchMatters

This week marks the beginning of a new exhibit at URMC featuring posters related to the 1619 Project. Created by Student National Medical Association (SNMA) medical student members working with Dr. Adrienne Morgan, Associate Vice President for the Office of Equity and Inclusion, this initiative seeks to change the narrative of the lasting impact of slavery in America, our own community and institution. This exhibit will be in the Miner Library atrium until December 2020. You can also visit the gallery online:

A new partnership between the School of Medicine & Dentistry, the Warner School of Education - University of Rochester, and local high school science teachers will help Rochester-area youth amplify their voices in explaining why and how COVID-19 is affecting their communities and what they, together with their community, can do about it. "These teacher-physician teams will provide a unique linkage between our community’s educational programs and the medical center. My hope is this effort results in COVID-smart students who will also be COVID-safe students, says Paul Levy, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine.

Today we lost a giant in surgery, Dr. Seymour Schwartz. Author of 'the surgeon's Bible,' his intellect, curiosity and indefatigable work ethic raised the bar at URMC. During a storied, 70-year career, Dr. Schwartz co-wrote the textbook used to teach generations of young doctors, led surgical societies that shaped the profession and mentored countless URMC physicians. "Dr. Schwartz was an approachable, gracious and insightful guide to generations of physicians who drew on the ...deep experience and knowledge that he so willingly shared," said Mark Taubman, M.D., CEO of URMC and Dean of the School of Medicine & Dentistry. Read about Dr. Schwartz's remarkable career and legacy:

"Be fearless, be inquisitive and follow your dreams. Most importantly be fearless. Advocate for yourself; advocate for others. These words of advice to young Black women interested in science come from Monique Mendes, PhD. This summer, Dr. Mendes became the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry's neuroscience doctoral program. Next week, Dr. Mendes moves to California to begin a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford Univ...ersity. Learn more about her research and story: #URochesterResearch

In May, Rochester was one of only four sites conducting phase 1 clinical trials for coronavirus vaccine candidates developed by Pfizer/BioNTech. Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the green light to proceed to phase 3 trials for one of these vaccines, which will require 30,000 volunteers globally. The randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial will recruit up to 200 individuals in the Rochester area ages 18 to 85 with a focus on individuals who are at high risk for coronavirus infection, such as health care workers, first responders, teachers, and people who work in restaurants or retail. Researchers will work with community partners to invite Black and Latinx families to participate in vaccine trials, which will help to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people of color. #URochesterResearch

Congratulations to Adrienne Morgan, Ph.D., who has been named Senior Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She will oversee initiatives across all programs within the medical school undergraduate, graduate and graduate medical education with the goal of fostering an anti-racist culture and creating a path of opportunity to shepherd underrepresented individuals throughout their education and training. https://fal.cn/398WN University of Rochester UR Office of Equity and Inclusion

When the pandemic began in Rochester, research faculty Joshua Munger, PhD, and Isaac Harris, PhD, began tackling coronavirus. The pair used special technology to test FDA-approved drugs, looking for potential therapies for the virus. So far they've tested 624 drugs and identified 15 that appear to have anti-viral activity. Read more: https://fal.cn/38KGp #URochesterResearch #COVID19

A message from Adrienne Morgan, PhD, Associate Vice President for Equity and Inclusion:

Researchers at University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute are studying vision restoration after stroke. Faculty member Krystel Huxlin and Elizabeth Saionz, a recent PhD grad from TBS, spoke about their work on a brain-training technique that's seen success in a growing number of individuals. #URochesterResearch News 8 WROC Rochester

On this #Juneteenth, Dean Mark Taubman shared an update on the anti-racism efforts to address inequities at URMC and SMD: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu//update-from-mark-taubman-o - Earlier this week, on June 17, Dean Taubman sent a message to our learners in response to calls for institutional changes: "I want to acknowledge that our institution has failed on past promises to improve as fast or as fully as learners who are black, indigenous, and people of color have a ri...ght to expect. As CEO of the Medical Center and dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, I hold myself accountable and understand your frustration at the lack of progress. I am personally committed to increasing my knowledge around anti-Black racism, and to creating a culture of inclusivity at the Medical Center that better supports Black learners. I agree that actions speak louder than words, and commit to driving positive changes as rapidly as possible." The full 6/17 message is available here: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu//mark-taubman-responds-to-s -