Department of Internal Medicine Hosts Inaugural Research Symposium
Department of Internal Medicine Hosts Inaugural Research Symposium
Oct 28, 2025
On October 10, 2025, the Department of Internal Medicine held its first Research Symposium, a full-day event dedicated to celebrating the depth, innovation, and impact of research across the department. Hosted in Alumni Hall at the Health Sciences Education Building, the symposium brought together faculty, trainees, and collaborators to share discoveries, foster interdisciplinary connections, and inspire future breakthroughs.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Alfred K. Cheung, MD, Vice Chair for Research, who highlighted the department’s robust and diverse research enterprise.
Keynote and Plenary Lectures
The morning began with a keynote lecture by Andrew Weyrich, PhD, President of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, titled “Journey to Career Success and Future of Research.” Dr. Weyrich shared reflections on his career trajectory, emphasizing mentorship, perseverance, and the evolving landscape of biomedical discovery.
Later in the day, Nels Elde, PhD, Howard Hughes Investigator and Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Utah, delivered the plenary lecture, “The Best-Laid Plans of Mice (Viruses) and Men.” Dr. Elde’s talk captivated the audience with insights into viral evolution and host-pathogen dynamics, offering a compelling example of curiosity-driven science at work, while also emphasizing the importance of advocating for science to the general public.
Showcasing Innovation Across Divisions
The symposium featured Short Talks from leading investigators representing nephrology, cardiology, epidemiology, hematology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology. Speakers included Tianxin Yang, MD, PhD; Jared Bunch, MD; Katharine Walter, PhD; Anna Beaudin, PhD; Kathryn Peterson, MD; Corrine Voils, PhD; and Jessica Walsh, MD—each presenting innovative work spanning kidney disease mechanisms to immune system development and chronic disease management.
Top Discovery Talks, moderated by Anthony Donato, PhD, and Lindsay Keegan, PhD, highlighted significant translational advances across the department, including presentations by Neeraj Agarwal, MD, on prostate cancer therapies; Andrew Gelman, PhD, on lung transplantation; Josef Prchal, MD, on genetic adaptation to high altitude; and Mary Jo Pugh, PhD, on the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury.
The talks represented the department’s 2025 nominations for inclusion in the university’s digital archives, Discover Utah Science. Drs. Prchal, Pugh, and Agarwal have been selected for inclusion and will be featured in 2026.
Moderators for the evening include Ramsey Hachem, MD, Professor and Chief of the Division of Respiratory, Critical Care, and Occupational Pulmonary Medicine; Anthony Donato, PhD, Professor in the Division of Geriatrics; Valerie Vaughn, MD, Associate Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine; Siwen Hu-Lieskovan, MD, Associate Professor in the Division of Oncology; and Alfred K. Cheung, MD.
Collaboration and Recognition
Throughout the day, attendees participated in poster sessions featuring a wide range of research from faculty and trainees. These sessions provided a forum for networking and feedback, culminating in recognition of top posters that exemplified scientific rigor and creativity.
“The Research Symposium showcases what makes our department extraordinary—the spirit of inquiry, collaboration, and mentorship that drives our discoveries,” said Dr. Cheung. “We look forward to building on this success as an annual tradition.”
The Department of Internal Medicine extends its gratitude to all speakers, moderators, organizers, and participants for making this inaugural symposium a success.
