What's New

Follow us on social media 

For the latest news and developments, follow @EVMSMedicine on Twitter and EVMS Internal Medicine on Linkedin.

Virginia Business - Top Doctors

We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the distinguished doctors affiliated with Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) for their well-deserved recognition as Top Doctors of 2024 by Virginia Business magazine. Their tireless dedication to delivering exceptional healthcare services has not only earned them this prestigious accolade but also made a lasting impact on the communities they serve. Each of these medical professionals exemplifies excellence in their respective fields. Their commitment to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes is truly commendable. We celebrate their achievements and express gratitude for the positive influence they bring to the field of medicine. Congratulations once again to the outstanding doctors from EVMS for their continued commitment to healthcare excellence. 

Here's a shout-out to the outstanding professionals that were selected from our Department:

• Dr. Catherine Derber, EVMS Infectious Disease, Norfolk
• Dr. Marissa Galicia-Castillo, EVMS Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Norfolk
• Dr. Sean Hesselbacher, EVMS Sleep Medicine, Norfolk
• Dr. David C. Lieb, EVMS Internal Medicine, Norfolk
• Dr. Thomas J. Manser, EVMS Internal Medicine, Norfolk
• Dr. Aaron Mills, EVMS Internal Medicine, Norfolk
• Dr. Hamid R. Okhravi, EVMS Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Norfolk
• Dr. Rehan Qayyum, MD, EVMS Internal Medicine, Norfolk
• Dr. Joshua M. Sill, Sentara Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Specialists, Norfolk

Winterfest 2024

Last Friday marked a memorable occasion as the EVMS Medicine Department came together to celebrate Winterfest, a festive event brimming with warmth and community spirit. The department joined forces with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, showcasing a commendable commitment to philanthropy. The primary goal of the event was to raise funds in support of the Foodbank's crucial mission, which plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity in the region. The collaborative effort garnered active participation from a diverse array of attendees, including faculty members, staff, residents, and fellows. This dynamic gathering not only strengthened the sense of camaraderie within the EVMS community, but also underscored the department's dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realms of medicine. As individuals from various roles converged at Winterfest, it became a vibrant testament to the power of unity and generosity, reflecting the shared values that define the EVMS Medicine Department.

Academic Honors and Awards

We are delighted to share the news that Dr. Sami Tahhan has received the academic honor of the EVMS/Sentara Endowed Chair of Academic Leadership, while Dr. Bahar Niknejad is the esteemed recipient of the Rosemary Fenton and Garnett Jordan Professorship in Geriatrics. Congratulations Dr. Tahhan and Dr. Niknejad!

AHEAD 3-45 Study

Dr. Hamid Okhravi's clinical trial holds the promise to halt Alzheimer's progression using FDA-approved medication. Dive into the details of this game-changing study that targets memory loss early, potentially preventing the disease. The call for participants aged 55-80, especially from underrepresented communities, is crucial. Join the movement, delve into the world of clinical trials, and support the cause to envision a future without Alzheimer's.

2023 EVMS Service and Recognition Awards Ceremony

On November 15th, 2023, some members of our faculty accepted awards at the 2023 EVMS Service and Recognition Awards Ceremony! Congratulations to all the nominees and winners! Your dedication to advancing the academic mission of our medical school is both commendable and invaluable. Here's to a future filled with continued scholarly pursuits and medical excellence! 

The EVMS honorees at the event were:

• LaConda Fanning, PsyD, received the President’s Champion of Diversity & Inclusion Award.
• Mily Kannarkat, MD, received the Fine Family Academy Of Educators Award for Educational Leadership.
• Rehan Qayyum, MBBS, MHS, received the Faculty Mentoring Award.
• Sami Tahhan, MD, received the Faculty Excellence Award.

VA ACP Awards Ceremony

Internal Medicine had a stellar showing at the awards ceremony during the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Virginia Chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP) Sept. 22, 2023, in Richmond. EVMS Internal Medicine faculty dominated the recognition ceremony, bringing home awards in seven of 10 categories. EVMS had far more award recipients than any other academic institution.

The EVMS honorees at the ACP event were:

• Matthew Bernens, MD, received the Community Teaching Award. Dr. Bernens is an Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship.
• Thomas Manser, MD, received the Outpatient Internal Medicine Teaching Award. Dr. Manser is a Professor and Division Chief for Internal Medicine.
• Aaron Mills, MD, received the Inpatient Internal Medicine Teaching Award. Dr. Mills is an Assistant Professor and Internal Medicine Clerkship Director.
• Hamid Okhravi, MD, receive the Paul Florentino Volunteerism Award. Dr. Okhravi is an Associate Professor in the Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine division.
• Timothy Ori, DO, received the Inpatient Subspecialist Teaching Award. Dr. Ori is an Assistant Professor in the Pulmonary and Critical Care division.
• Rehan Qayyum, MBBS, received the Mentorship Award. Dr. Qayyum is the Harry H. Mansbach Chair in Internal Medicine and Professor and Chair of Internal Medicine.
• Christian Weaver, MD, received the Outpatient Subspecialist Teaching Award. Dr. Weaver is an Assistant Professor in the Infectious Diseases division.

SNGH Clinical Excellence Award

Congratulations for Kelly Hill, MD on being recognized as the Clinical Excellence Award for Physician-in-Training award winner for Quarter 3 of 2023! The Clinical Excellence Award Program aims to honor those esteemed individuals within Sentara Norfolk General, who have demonstrated exceptional clinical expertise, patient outcomes, and a commitment to excellence in their respective specialties. This recognition and celebration of the remarkable efforts of our medical professionals will foster a culture of excellence and inspire others to raise the bar in providing the best possible care for our patients. 

SummerFest 2023

This past Saturday, our department came together with our faculty, residents, fellows, and their families for an unforgettable Wellness event - SummerFest 2023! We couldn't have asked for better weather, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and positivity. It's truly inspiring to see our team come together not only as colleagues but as friends and families. Stay tuned for more exciting events and opportunities to foster wellness and unity within our department. We're looking forward to an even brighter future together! 

SELECT trial results

Novo Nordisk announced yesterday the topline results of the SELECT trial for which the EVMS Internal Medicine Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders was a site. We are  excited to tell you that the study showed the GLP-1 analog & weight loss drug semaglutide (Wegovy) at 2.4 mg was shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or heart-related death by 20% in a clinical trial in obese people, without diabetes, with cardiovascular disease. The first to show a weight loss drug alone can have such protective effect. This is the first time that any medication given to patient with obesity (but no diabetes) has been shown to results in CV benefit.

We would like to thank our entire research team who worked hard to make our participation effective.

EVMS physician discusses palliative care in recent podcast

Hosts of the “We Grieve Differently” podcast, Carolyn K. Williams and Dawn Allen, sat down with Marissa Galicia-Castillo, MD, MSEd (MD'97, Internal Medicine Residency '00), on June 20 to answer one question: Does palliative care mean end of life?

Listen to the full podcast on Spotify.
Learn more about the Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology and hospice and palliative medicine at EVMS.

Cosmopolitan Day

Nearly 40 years ago, the Cosmopolitan Club of Norfolk played a lead role in the fundraising effort that launched the Strelitz Diabetes Research Center. In the years since, the group has remained a committed and dedicated partner, with group members fundraising, volunteering and raising awareness on behalf of EVMS, the center and diabetes research. Find out more about EVMS’ research and the impact of donor support.

We're proud of our dedicated IM faculty members who are dedicated to lowering diabetes rates in Western Tidewater. Thank you to all of our local community partners who are collaborating with EVMS on this invaluable endeavor.

American College of Physicians Conference 

Congratulations to Dr. Sami Tahhan who was recognized as an ACP-Virginia Chapter laureate!

Drs. Ayeman Basith and Sarah Al Allawi (PGY3’s) stand next to their posters with Drs. Sami Tahhan (EVMS) and McKenna Johnson (VACCHS)

20+ IM faculty, residents, medical students, and staff attended The Society of Hospital Medicine conference in Austin, TX March 26-29.  Congratulations on your hard work and national recognition!

Research abstracts

Accepted for Plenary Session: Carr C, Tahhan S, Avila C, Qayyum R. The effect of Medicaid expansion on 30-day hospital readmissions
Travel Grant Awarded: Avila C, Qayyum R. The case-mix index and readmission rates across U.S. hospitals [Travel Grant of $1000 by SHM]

Poster presentations

1. Gupta G, Tahhan S, Goodman BM, Qayyum R. Validation of the hospital score to predict 30-day readmissions
2. Deo M, Avila C, Qayyum R. Long-term hospital readmission rates based on teaching vs. Non-teaching status
3. Schinderle C., Kurbanova N., Bahniwal R., Avila C., Qayyum R. NT-ProBNP and long-term mortality risk in healthy adults

Clinical vignettes

1. Varava J, Tahhan S. One diagnosis does not rule out another
2. Al Allawi S, Tahhan S. This disease is not your bud

A year in review of scholarly activity

Announcement - Dr. Jennifer Hanrahan has joined the Internal Medicine Department as the Chief of the Infectious Diseases Division. Dr. Hanrahan has also been honored with the EVMS Foundation Distinguished Professorship in Internal Medicine, effective January 3rd, 2023. She comes to us from the University of Toleda College of Medicine and Life Sciences in Toledo, OH. Welcome to the team, Dr. Hanrahan!

December 2022 - Announcements

6 of 10 ACP-Virginia Chapter Awards were given to EVMS Internal Medicine faculty this year - we are honored to have such a fabulous team!

1. Dr. Sami Tahhan (Virginia ACP Laureate Award)
2. Dr. Joshua Sill (Inpatient Subspecialist Teaching Award)
3. Dr. Hamid Okhravi (Outpatient Subspecialist Teaching Award)
4. Dr. Benjamin Goodman (Mentorship Award)
5. Dr. David Johnson (Community Teaching Award)
6. Dr. Catherine Derber (Paul Florentino Volunteerism Award)

Very excited to announce that our very own Natalie Gray has been honored with the Program Coordinator of the Year Award! Natalie supports the department in a critical role and we are grateful for her management and leadership. Congratulations Natalie! 

November 2022 - Announcements

Several faculty members of the Department of Internal Medicine were recognized and received awards at the 2022 EVMS Faculty and Staff Recognition ceremony on Nov. 2!

• Marissa Galicia-Castillo (Community Service)
• B. Mitchell Goodman (Mentoring)
• Catherine Derber (Excellence)
• Hamid Okhravi (Excellence)
• Siraj (Outstanding Achievement)

At the ACP Virginia Chapter resident abstract competition several awards were won by EVMS team!

• 1^st place (High Value Care): Hannah James presented “Sterile vs. clean gloves unlikely to impact intraamniotic infection or postpartum endometritis rates in labor at term”
• 2^nd place (Research): Anum Javaid presented “Long-term Effect of Financial Penalties on 30-day Readmission Rates”
• 2^nd place (Well-being): Ashley Carter presented “Medical Student’s Medntal Health – Do We Take the Red or Blue Pill?”
• 3^rd place (Clinical Vignette): Jacob McAuliffe presented “Fistula to Failure: An Unexpected Source of Biventricular Cardiomyopathy”