Monthly School News

People News

Fellow of the American Surgical Association

Professor Abhishek Chatterjee, MD, MBA, has been elected a Fellow of the American Surgical Association, one of the highest honors in academic surgery. Fellowship recognizes significant contributions to surgical science, education, and patient care. Chatterjee is known for his work in breast and oncoplastic surgery, as well as research focused on improving surgical outcomes and value. His election highlights the impact of Tufts School of Medicine faculty in advancing surgical innovation, education, and care for patients.

New Director of Admissions for Tufts DPT Boston

Associate Professor Anthony Carroll, DPT, has been appointed Director of Admissions for the Tufts University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program – Boston. Since joining the program in 2021, he has played a key role in advancing student success, clinical education, and mentorship, most recently serving as co-Director of Clinical Education. In his new position, Dr. Carroll will oversee admissions efforts and help prospective students navigate their path to becoming future physical therapists. His deep commitment to education and student development will continue to strengthen the Tufts DPT Boston community.

Cervical Cancer Champion Award

Professor Rebecca Perkins, MD, received the Cervical Cancer Champion Award from the American Cancer Society at its 2026 National Meeting in June. The award recognizes leaders who have advanced cervical cancer prevention through advocacy, collaboration, and impact. An internationally recognized expert and leading author of the 2019 national cervical cancer screening guidelines, Dr. Perkins has helped shape national screening and prevention efforts through her research and leadership in the field.

Tufts DPT-Boston New Director of Research

Lisa VanHoose, PT, PhD, MPH, has joined the Tufts University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program-Boston as a faculty member and Director of Research. A nationally recognized clinician, educator, researcher, and leader in the physical therapy profession, VanHoose brings extensive experience advancing evidence-based practice, collaborative research, and professional education. In her new role, she will help strengthen the program’s research enterprise, expand scholarly opportunities for students and faculty, and support innovation across Tufts DPT Boston. Her appointment reflects the program’s commitment to advancing research and preparing future physical therapy leaders.

Recent Academic Promotions

Several faculty members recently achieved academic promotions at Tufts University School of Medicine. Fadi Ramadan, MD, was promoted and received a track change to Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine. Robert Kalish, MD, was promoted to Professor in the Department of Medicine. Tamara Vesel, MD, was promoted to Professor in the Department of Medicine and was additionally recognized as an Outstanding Pre-Clerkship Educator for 2025-2026. These accomplishments mark important milestones in their academic careers.

School News

Tufts Launchpad

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research invites faculty innovators to participate in the FY2027 Tufts Launchpad | Accelerator (TLA) Program, which supports the advancement of Tufts-developed technologies toward commercialization. Through awards of up to $35,000–$50,000, along with business development guidance from the Technology Commercialization unit, the program helps researchers move promising innovations closer to real-world impact. Offered in collaboration with the Tufts Auster Center for Applied Innovation and Research, the TLA program includes an optional mentoring and proposal development phase from June 1–September 25, designed to strengthen applications through customer discovery, commercialization planning, and one-on-one advising. The call for proposals opens August 24, with submissions due September 25. Faculty with disclosed technologies are encouraged to engage early with the Technology Commercialization team and take advantage of the program’s preparatory resources to develop competitive proposals.

Advancing Mitral Valve Care in Massachusetts

Tufts Medical Center recently became the first hospital in Massachusetts to implant a newly FDA-approved bioprosthetic mitral valve, marking an important advancement in the treatment of mitral valve disease. The procedure was performed by Professor Panos Vardas, MD, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Tufts MC. This next-generation valve offers excellent hemodynamic performance and a low-profile design, providing surgeons with an additional option for treating complex mitral valve conditions. The milestone underscores Tufts Medical Center’s ongoing leadership in cardiovascular innovation and its commitment to expanding patient access to the latest advances in heart care.

Research News

Moving Toward Better Lyme Disease Testing

New research from Tufts University School of Medicine identifies anti-lipid antibodies as potential biomarkers for earlier and more accurate Lyme disease detection. Published in Infection and Immunity, the study found that certain antibodies appeared early in infection and may also help identify patients with persistent symptoms after treatment. Led by Assistant Professor Peter Gwynne, PhD, and colleagues in the Tufts University Lyme Disease Initiative, the findings contribute to ongoing efforts to improve Lyme disease diagnosis and care.

Youth Nutrition Study Reveals Global Gaps

A new study published in BMJ Global Health by researchers at Tufts University found that children and adolescents worldwide consume lower-than-recommended amounts of healthy plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Led by MD/PhD student Sydney Yearley and senior author Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, the analysis examined dietary data from 185 countries and identified notable declines in consumption as children age, particularly in the United States. The findings provide important insights into childhood nutrition patterns and highlight opportunities to support healthier eating habits during critical stages of growth and development.

Examining Disparities in Stroke Care

A new study led by Associate Professor Lester Leung, MD, examined factors associated with pre-hospital and emergency stroke care among patients treated at academic medical centers and regional community hospitals. The research found significant differences in emergency medical service (EMS) use and stroke code activation based on race, ethnicity, primary language, and hospital setting. Patients with non-English primary languages and several racial and ethnic minority groups were less likely to use EMS, while community hospital patients experienced differences in key stroke care processes compared with those presenting directly to an academic medical center. The findings highlight opportunities to improve community outreach, reduce language barriers, and address systemic factors that may contribute to disparities in timely stroke care.

Housing Assistance Linked to Lower Lead Exposure in Children

New research by Assistant Professor MyDzung T. Chu, PhD, MSPH, found that federal housing assistance may help reduce lead exposure among young children. Published in Environmental Epidemiology, the study analyzed national data and found that children receiving housing assistance had lower blood lead levels and were significantly less likely to have elevated lead levels than children awaiting assistance. The strongest protective effects were observed in project-based housing programs, such as public housing and income-restricted multifamily housing. The findings highlight the important role that housing policy can play in preventing environmental health risks and advancing health equity for children and families.

Global Collaboration in Implementation Science

A recent feature highlights the collaborative work of Associate Professor Ramnath Subbaraman, MD, and Jaya Prasad Tripathy, MD, a physician-scientist from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Nagpur, India. Through the Indian Council of Medical Research International Fellowship Program, Tripathy came to Tufts to deepen his expertise in implementation science, tuberculosis research, and public health. The fellowship fostered research, teaching, and mentorship opportunities while advancing international collaboration on strategies to translate scientific evidence into real-world healthcare improvements.

Expanding the Future of Kidney Transplantation

A recent review in the Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons highlights growing evidence supporting robotic-assisted kidney transplantation, showing patient and graft survival rates comparable to traditional surgery while reducing some postoperative complications. Assistant Professor Philippe Abreu, MD, Director of Robotic Transplantation at Tufts Medical Center, and his colleagues underscores the potential of innovative surgical approaches to expand access to kidney transplantation and improve the patient experience.

Supporting Physician Parents

A recent JAMA study co-authored by Clinical Associate Atziri Rubio-Chavez, MD, a PGY1 resident in the Department of Surgery at Tufts Medical Center, found that a structured parental support package significantly reduced postpartum burnout among physicians in training. Conducted across seven medical centers, the study demonstrated that trainees who received enhanced support during pregnancy and early parenthood experienced more stable burnout levels and improved well-being compared with those receiving standard support. The findings contribute to a growing body of research on physician wellness and highlight the role of targeted support strategies in fostering trainee success throughout medical education and training.

Advancing Immunotherapy for Glioblastoma

Faculty leaders at Tufts University School of Medicine are helping advance promising immunotherapy approaches for glioblastoma through the IMVAX clinical trial at Tufts Medical Center. Professors Julian Wu, MD, and Soma Sengupta, MD, PhD, MBA, are evaluating a personalized immunotherapy strategy that uses a patient's own tumor tissue to stimulate an immune response against remaining cancer cells. Early trial results have shown encouraging improvements in survival while maintaining quality of life, highlighting the potential of immunotherapy to expand treatment options for patients with glioblastoma and underscoring Tufts' role in advancing innovative brain cancer research.

New NIH-Funded Study on Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

A new NIH-funded study led by Professor Thomas Stopka, PhD, and colleagues is exploring the role of long-acting injectable buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Based in Massachusetts, the research will examine factors that influence access to, use of, and outcomes associated with this emerging treatment approach, drawing on qualitative, quantitative, and spatial analytic methods. The study brings together an interdisciplinary team of investigators, practitioners, and community partners committed to advancing evidence-based solutions to the opioid overdose crisis. By generating new insights into treatment delivery and effectiveness, the project aims to inform strategies that improve care and expand access to life-saving therapies for individuals affected by opioid use disorder.

Recent Events

GSBS Relay

The 30th anniversary of Tufts GSBS Relays on Friday, July 17, brought together students from across the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences for a day of competition, community, and celebration. Congratulations to the combined Neuroscience and Immunology team on earning first place in this year's relay competition. We also thank the Microbiology, MD/PhD, and GMCB/PDD teams for their participation and for representing their programs throughout the day.

McKusick Lecture Opens Maine Track Orientation

The Maine Track Program welcomed its largest incoming class to date this year, with 42 students joining the Class of 2030. As part of orientation, students attended the annual McKusick Lecture, delivered by Adam Normandin, MD, M15, a MaineHealth family physician, member of the Preble Street Learning Collaborative, and Maine Track alumnus. Dr. Normandin reflected on how his Maine Track experience shaped his commitment to caring for people experiencing homelessness and advancing community-based models of care, offering an inspiring example of the impact Maine Track graduates can have on the communities they serve.

Welcoming the MD Class of 2030

This week, Tufts University School of Medicine welcomed the MD Class of 2030 to campus for orientation. Over four days, students were introduced to the curriculum, learning communities, coaching program, student support services, wellness resources, and opportunities for community engagement and leadership. They also connected with faculty, staff, student leaders, and classmates while participating in emergency response training and community-building activities designed to help them transition into medical school and the Tufts community.