2022 Top Ten Most-Read Stories

Each year the Medical School showcases our ten most-read stories that celebrate our community of practice and all who teach, learn, heal, explore and serve. Please enjoy this reminder of the excellent work done across the Medical School in 2022.

10. The Meaning of the White Coat Ceremony

For Zuag Paj Her, a Hmong American first-generation student, the symbolism of the white coat is profound. Her emphasizes the huge privilege she feels to be able to don the white coat as she acknowledges all the hard work and sacrifices that led her here.

9. Welcome, 2022 Family Medicine Residents!

On March 18, 2022, we welcomed 49 residents into our residency programs! All of our family medicine residency programs were filled on Monday, March 14.

8. New Student-Led Organization Connects Medical Students to Vulnerable Youth

The MD Link is a new student-led organization that aims to provide early intervention for youth who are at higher risk of or are already experiencing homelessness, foster-care, sex trafficking or involvement in the juvenile justice system.

7. Dr. Ranjit John Named Division Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery

We are delighted to announce that Ranjit John, MD, has been appointed the Division Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Dr. John will assume his new role effective Friday, July 1, 2022.

6. U of M Medical School researchers find that blood pressure medications impact brain function

In research published in Science, University of Minnesota Medical School scientists report that blood pressure medications have an unanticipated effect on the brain.”

5. Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Recognizes 190+ Faculty Physicians on 2022 “Rising Stars” List

This week, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine recognized 197 talented University of Minnesota Medical School faculty physicians — spanning over 18 departments — on its 2022 “Top Doctors: Rising Stars” list.

4. U of M receives NIAID grant to develop drug treatments for future viral pandemics

The University of Minnesota has received $66 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to establish a center to develop antiviral drugs for pandemic-level viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

3. U of M wastewater surveillance predicts surge decline soon for metropolitan area

University of Minnesota Medical School ongoing research, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health, shows a predicted decline of the omicron variant surge for COVID-19 in the Twin Cities Metro area within the next two weeks. That prediction is based on data from the thirteen metro plants surveyed. However, surveillance in most other regions of the state show sustained evidence of continued viral spread.

2. COVID OUT clinical trial suggests metformin effective at reducing odds of serious outcomes for COVID-19 patients seeking early treatment

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers — led by the University of Minnesota Medical School and School of Public Health — have found that metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes medication, lowers the odds of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or death due to COVID-19 by over 40 percent; and over 50 percent if prescribed early in onset of symptoms. The study also found no positive effect from treatment with either ivermectin or low-dose fluvoxamine.

1. University of Minnesota awarded $21M to lead research revealing effects of vagus nerve stimulation in humans

University of Minnesota Twin Cities researchers are leading a comprehensive global clinical study that seeks to reveal the functional effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) across the human body.