Do Older Adults Need to Take Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements?
As we age, getting enough—but not too much—of these essential nutrients will help us avoid falls and fractures, says a bone expert at Tufts.
Faculty & Staff News
People News
Professor Named Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors
Professor James Schwob has been named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. Election as an academy fellow is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors. The NAI was founded to recognize and encourage inventors with U.S. patents and enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation.
Academic Affairs Leadership Transition
Professor Deborah Erlich, MD, MMedEd, has been named Interim Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, effective January 1, 2026. A longtime faculty leader and former Dean of Clinical Affairs, Dr. Erlich will oversee academic programs, accreditation, curriculum governance, and faculty affairs during this transition.
Global Effort to Advance Precision Health
Professor Malak Althgafi, MD, MBA, FCAP, has been appointed as a Commissioner for The Lancet Commission on the Global Implementation of Precision Health for the 2025–2029 term. As one of only 23 commissioners worldwide, and the sole pathologist in the group, Dr. Althgafi will help shape strategies to advance precision health globally. The Commission’s first meeting will take place in Kuala Lumpur in January 2026.
Faculty Profiles Info & Resources
Faculty profiles are now available for all TUSM faculty through the Tufts Faculty Information System (FIS). These profiles highlight your work in education, research, clinical care, and administration—helping increase visibility and foster collaboration. Please review and update your profile or create one if you’re new to the system.
Research News
TU-TM Launch Joint Research Enterprise
Tufts University and Tufts Medicine health system are launching a joint research enterprise that further integrates the academic prowess of Tufts University with the clinical and research expertise of Tufts Medicine to drive discovery, accelerate innovation, and leverage their collective strengths to advance human health.
Accelerating Pediatric Medical Device Innovation
Neonatologist Jonathan Davis, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, helps lead a national effort to speed pediatric medical device innovation. A new framework published in Pediatric Research offers a clear path to bring safer devices to children.
Study Explores Structural Racism and Memory Decline
Tufts researchers examined whether living in states with laws linked to structural racism affects self-reported memory issues among older adults. The study found no strong overall connection, though some racial and ethnic groups showed differences, underscoring the complex ways social environments may influence cognitive health.
Air Pollution Linked to Type 1 Diabetes Complications
A study of nearly 13,000 people with Type 1 diabetes found that higher exposure to fine air particles was associated with increased risk of serious complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis and eye and nerve damage. Researchers suggest that air pollution’s inflammatory effects may worsen diabetes-related health issues, highlighting the importance of considering environmental factors in diabetes care.
Transforming Physical Therapy Education with AI
Assistant Professor Benjamin Stern is using AI to transform physical therapy education and research. Recently featured on CBS and NBC, Stern showcased how AI-powered tools help students practice patient interactions—addressing cultural nuances, language barriers, and socioeconomic factors—while also streamlining exam creation and feedback. His work, published in Nature Communications, positions Tufts at the forefront of AI-driven learning and care.
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Recent Events
Global Collaboration in Medical Education
The School of Medicine recently welcomed scholars from Germany to showcase its innovative anatomy and simulation-based learning facilities and explore opportunities for future collaboration in medical education and research.
Tufts University’s Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) empowers mid-career faculty to strengthen leadership skills and build a supportive community for women-identifying leaders. This year’s cohort included School of Medicine faculty Ekaterina Heldwein, Vanessa Nicholson, Miriam O’Leary, and Jamie Maguire, who celebrated their achievements at a certificate ceremony on December 12, 2025.
Tufts at RSNA 2025
Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine were well represented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2025 conference! Congratulations to Clinical Associate Vitor Falcao, Aneesh Bahadur, M26, and Associate Professor Terri Williams-Weekes for presenting their educational exhibit on B-flow ultrasound imaging. We also celebrate Clinical Associate Eric Lai, who was selected to participate in the prestigious Introduction to Academic Radiology workshop.
The Dos and Don’ts of Cold Weather Sports
A physical therapist at the School of Medicine offers advice on preventing and recovering from injuries caused by winter sports.
PA Faculty Spotlight: Mike Otte
"Tufts felt like a natural home because of its strong commitment to humanism, collaboration, and social responsibility in health care. The program’s emphasis on educating thoughtful, adaptable clinicians aligned deeply with my own values."