Announcements
WVU summer research program helps students explore vision through basic science and clinical research projects
Students from universities across the country are gaining valuable insight into preventing vision loss through West Virginia University’s Summer Undergraduate Research Vision Research Fellowship Program.
WVU Libraries to host exhibit honoring Dr. Arthur I. Jacknowitz
WVU Art in the Libraries, in collaboration with the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and the William A. Neal Museum of the Health Sciences, will open a new exhibit celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Arthur I. Jacknowitz, a beloved WVU School of Pharmacy professor known for championing the arts as an essential part of health and wellness.
WVU Health Affairs white paper reveals digital tools driving recovery success in West Virginia
A recently published paper from CHESS Health, the West Virginia University Health Affairs Institute, and the West Virginia Department of Human Services’ Bureau for Behavioral Health highlights how digital health tools are improving recovery outcomes for individuals with substance use disorder across the state.
Medicine Grand Rounds: Dr. Mercado to give presentation on cardiogenic shock
Nestor Mercado, M.D., will give a presentation on cardiogenic shock for the Department of Medicine grand rounds on Friday, Aug. 15, at noon.
In Remembrance: Larry Pickering, M.D.
Dr. Larry K. Pickering, a distinguished leader in pediatric Infectious Disease and a dedicated mentor, passed away on July 1, 2025 in San Diego, California. He was 81. A trailblazer in medical education, research, and public health, Dr. Pickering played a pivotal role in shaping immunization policy in the United States and around the world. His contributions profoundly impacted the health and lives of countless children globally. Born in 1944, Dr. Pickering earned his medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine in 1970. He completed a pediatric residency and an infectious disease fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine, launching a remarkable career devoted to protecting children from infectious diseases. Throughout his career, Dr. Pickering held academic and leadership roles at the University of Texas-Houston, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Emory University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He served on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and was editor of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Red Book for three editions - a definitive resource on pediatric infectious diseases. Dr. Pickering is survived by his beloved wife, Mimi; their children, Maggie and Andy; and 3 grandchildren, Kenan, Edie and Mae. He is also survived by his sister, Susan; brother-in-law, Mike; and two nephews, Lucas and Ryan. Larry was known for his sharp wit and infectious sense of humor, and he was willing to bet on almost anything. His granddaughters remember him as an inspiring and kind-hearted man who always had a joke to share. A master card player, he usually won, and graciously accepted checks from those who owed him. He was deeply proud of his West Virginia roots and his alma mater, West Virginia University. He established a lasting scholarship there to support future generations of medical students, endowed Pickering Chair, and the Hogan Lecture Series. A memorial service will be held in September 2025 to honor his enduring legacy in pediatric infectious disease and public health. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the West Virginia University Pediatric Department or Alzheimer's San Diego.
Ophthalmology Grand Rounds: Drs. Elhamdani and Sadat to give presentations
A pair of third-year residents will give presentations for the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences grand rounds on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 7 a.m.
Medicine Grand Rounds: Dr. Dbaibou to give presentation on motherhood and medicine
Jana Dbaibou, M.D., will give a presentation on balancing motherhood and medicine for the Department of Medicine grand rounds on Friday, Aug. 8, at noon.
WVU in the News: Healing with Precision: Dr. Alexander Braley Brings Cutting-Edge Neurosurgery to Wheeling
WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Alexander Braley, a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, to their team at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital. Dr. Braley specializes in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery with an interest in minimally invasive spine surgery.
Ophthalmology Grand Rounds: Coakley to give presentation highlighting outreach efforts
Rebecca Coakley, MA, CLVT, will give a presentation highlighting recent outreach efforts at the WVU Eye Institute for the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences grand rounds on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 7 a.m.
Katie Hoffman named director of academic personnel at WVU Health Sciences
Kathryn "Katie" Hoffman has been named director of academic personnel for the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center. In this role, she will work directly with Louise Veselicky, associate vice president for HSC Academic Affairs and her team in managing faculty retention, promotion and tenure processes, emeritus applications, and other faculty focused initiatives.