Duke University School of Medicine

New weight-loss medications are producing strong results, but not everyone responds the same way.

Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine are studying how these drugs work across the body to better understand those differences and improve outcomes for more patients.

🔗 Read more at the link in our comments.

SriniVas Sadda, MD, FARVO, has been appointed chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Duke University School of Medicine, effective November 10, 2026.

An internationally recognized leader in ophthalmology, Dr. Sadda has advanced the field through innovations in retinal imaging, data science, and clinical care. He currently serves as the A. Ray Irvine, Jr., MD, Endowed Chair in Clinical Ophthalmology and professor at the Doheny Eye Institute and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. A highly accomplished physician-scientist, his research focuses on automated retinal image analysis, retinal substructure assessment, and advanced imaging technologies.

In his new role, he will guide strategy and growth across the Eye Center research, clinical care, and education mission.

Alumni Spotlight: 2019 Duke DPT alum Nick Mahaffey is helping keep a Stanley Cup winning team at the top of its game.

As Coordinator of Rehabilitation and Sports Science and Physical Therapist for the Carolina Hurricanes, he works at the intersection of performance, recovery, and elite athletics. In this Q&A, Nick reflects on his journey from Duke University School of Medicine’s Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy program to the NHL, and how his training continues to shape his approach today.

- What first led you to pursue physical therapy, and how did that path lead you from Duke to the NHL?
"I always knew I wanted to work in sports medicine. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Appalachian State University, I decided to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Duke University's DPT program provided unique opportunities to gain experience in sports medicine, including internships with the Duke Football program and the Carolina Hurricanes. After graduating from Duke in 2019, I completed a Sports Physical Therapy Residency with the University of Texas Southwestern and the Dallas Stars before returning to Durham to join Duke Physical Therapy Sports Medicine. In 2022, I accepted a full-time position with the Carolina Hurricanes, where I currently serve as a physical therapist."

- How did your time at Duke prepare you for the demands of working with the Canes as they made their championship run?
"My classmates and professors at Duke challenged me to work hard and pursue my goals with confidence. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities Duke provided, as well as the lifelong friendships, mentorships, and professional relationships that have shaped both my career and personal growth."

- What advice would you give current physical therapy students at Duke?
"Work hard and enjoy the journey. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you, stay curious, and never stop growing."

- How amazing did it feel to hold the Cup?
"It was an incredible experience. So many people throughout the organization make sacrifices and dedicate themselves to a common goal, which makes that moment even more meaningful. Sharing the accomplishment with the players, staff, and their families created memories that will last a lifetime."

Anna Lehmann, a PhD candidate working in the Heitmab Lab at Duke University School of Medicine, has uncovered a surprising way a common fungal pathogen may evade treatment.

Her research shows that Aspergillus fumigatus can temporarily duplicate entire chromosomes to survive antifungal drugs, then return to its original state once the threat is gone, leaving no trace of resistance.

The findings add new urgency to how antifungal resistance is detected and understood, especially for infections that can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients.

More at the link in our comments. 🔗

Beth A. Sullivan, PhD, has been appointed vice dean for basic and preclinical science at Duke University School of Medicine, effective July 1, 2026.

A globally recognized leader in chromosome biology and human genetics, Dr. Sullivan has built an outstanding career at Duke spanning more than 20 years. As associate dean for research training, she has led graduate education efforts supporting 600 trainees across 15 PhD programs and helped develop innovative tools like the Duke Trainee Tracking Tool.

In her new role, she will guide strategy and alignment across Duke’s basic science enterprise, supporting faculty, research growth, and the future of discovery.

Throwback Thursday: The Stanley Cup visited Duke in 2006, with a special stop at Duke Children's.

Congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes on taking home the Stanley Cup again this year!

📸: Duke University Medical Center Library & Archives

We're looking forward to Duke Rides! 🚲

Something new is coming to Duke. Join us on Oct. 3 for Duke Rides, the inaugural indoor cycling fundraiser benefiting Duke Cancer Institute. All fitness levels welcome.

📆 Saturday, Oct. 3
⏰ 12-5 p.m.
📍 Wilson Recreation Center, Durham, NC

Learn more and register: https://duke.is/DukeRides

Duke University School of Medicine

Extreme heat is affecting more people across North Carolina, especially outdoor workers, older adults, and rural communities.

Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine, including Hayden Bosworth, PhD, are studying how the state can better protect those most at risk. Their findings point to the need for more direct communication, such as text alerts, and stronger data to guide public health response.

With tools like the Heat Health Alert System and NC DETECT, North Carolina is already working to monitor and respond to extreme heat.

🔗 Read more: https://medschool.duke.edu/news/nc-ready-lead-reducing-heat-risk?utm_campaign=SoMnews&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

The Durham Early College of Health Sciences is off to a strong start. After its first year, nearly every student plans to return.

Through a partnership between Duke Health, Durham Public Schools, and Durham Technical Community College, students gain hands-on experience and a direct pathway into healthcare and clinical research careers.

🔗 Read more: https://medschool.duke.edu/news/durham-early-college-health-sciences-finishes-first-year-strong-nearly-100-retention?utm_campaign=SoMnews&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Blake Wilson, director of the Duke Hearing Center, has been awarded the 2026 Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology for his contributions to the development of the cochlear implant.

This recognition honors a decades-long, interdisciplinary effort that has restored hearing for more than a million people worldwide. Wilson’s contributions to signal processing helped make cochlear implants one of the most effective clinical interventions in modern medicine.

🔗 Read more at the link in our comments.