Research Opportunities for Residents
The following are brief descriptions of research areas of interest by individual faculty members, organized by discipline. The final category of "Other Areas of Research" includes a number of other important fields such as public health, informatics, epidemiology, cancer genetics, etc. Each of the faculty members listed here has volunteered to mentor our Residents. (There are likely to be many others at Weill Cornell, MSKCC, Rockefeller and HSS who are equally enthusiastic about the possibility of working on research projects with our Residents, but have not yet responded to our requests for information.) In most cases, the descriptions of research areas under each faculty member use the actual text supplied by the faculty member. Descriptions are followed by the names of "Recent Residents Mentored", if any: these Residents are also cross-referenced alphabetically in another section, and we encourage you to contact any of them who might be able to provide you with further insight.
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Please click one of the following links to explore research opportunities in each area:
Areas
Cardiology
Clinical Pharmacology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Geriatrics
Hematology/Oncology
Infectious Diseases
Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
Renal/Hypertension
Rheumatology
Other Areas of Research
Index
Topics (PDF)
Disciplines (PDF)
Resident Contacts (PDF)
Cardiology
Director of the Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory
Email: ctbasson@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2201
Our research program is dedicated to using human genetics to identify gene defects that cause a variety of cardiovascular disorders and then to using animal models to define the molecular pathways perturbed by these defects and to devise new therapeutic strategies. We have particular interests in congenital cardiac malformations, cardiac tumors, cardiomyopathies, arrhytmias, and vascular pathologies such as aortic aneurysms and coronary artery anomalies. We are devising novel genetic and stem cell based diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
Recent Residents Mentored: Luke Kim, Shaun Ageno, Alex Yi, Whitney Brown
Email: dnf9001@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-4644 (cath lab) or 212-746-2449 (office)
As an interventional cardiologist, my research interest is focused on percutaneous coronary interventions outcomes research, including extensive work with the New York State Department of Health PCI database as well as the Weill Cornell Catheterization Laboratory institutional database. Clinical research expertise includes the use of periprocedural pharmacological agents, particularly bivalirudin, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, thienopyridines, as well as peri-procedural platelet function testing.
Email: jok2007@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-4655
Research interests are in the clinical and genetic epidemiology of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Areas of particular focus are: (1) cryptogenic ischemic stroke, and the roles of cardioaortic abnormalities (especially PFO) and hypercoagulable disorders in the pathogenesis of this condition, and (2) adipokines as determinants of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.
Email: blerman@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2169
Our laboratory's focus is on delineating the regulation of G proteins that couple cell surface receptors to intracellular cAMP and their role in mediating adrenergicallydependent ventricular tachycardia, also known as right and left ventricular outflow tract tachycardia.
Email: ism9003@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2157
Ongoing and planned clinical research projects in: (1) coronary artery disease revascularization (PC), including outcome of revascularization of chronic total occlusions, and bleeding and cardiac events in patients receiving chronic anticoagulation and dual antiplatelet therapy after PCI; (2) peripheral arterial disease, including the impact of chronic limb ischemia on lower extremity muscle atrophy (by MRI), and developing prospective database with potential to generate several hypotheses and projects.
Email: pokin@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-4688
My research focuses on the use of the standard 12-lead ECG to improve risk stratification and on the development of new ECG predictors of disease and outcomes. Most recently, we have firmly established the value of regression of left ventricular hypertrophy on ECG for prediction of decreased risk of MI, stroke, cardiovascular death, sudden death, new atrial fibrillation, new heart failure and the development of new diabetes.
Recent Residents Mentored: Seth Bender (currently Weill Cornell Cardiology Fellow), Valaine Hewitt
Email: schaffew@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-3735
Interests in clinical projects related to cancer patients and their cardiac function. Current projects include evaluation of: (1) 5-FU cardiac toxicity in patients underlying CAD; (2) right ventricular dysfunction in patients after pericardial window or pericardiocentesis; (3) cardiac toxicity of peripheral blood stem cell transplant in patients with underlying CAD.
Email: kstein@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2158
Primary areas of research interest suitable for the housestaff include: risk stratification for sudden cardiac death, optimization of cardiac resynchronization therapy, and selective site cardiac pacing. The best way for interested house officers to initiate contact is via email, although telephone (x62158) is perfectly acceptable, as is just grabbing me in the hallway!
Recent Residents Mentored: Ashwani Sastry, Jonathan Clarke, Dan Cantillon, Andreas Mauer, Felix Yang
Email: jww2001@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2437
I look forward to ongoing opportunities to work with interested residents in my research area of non-invasive cardiac imaging as a tool to assess myocardial performance, tissue composition, and cardiac remodeling. While much of the research is focused on use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), studies typically integrate other modalities such as echocardiography, nuclear, or CT based imaging. Residents will have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of ongoing clinical research studies, including image processing, interpretation, and data analysis.
Recent Residents Mentored: Christopher Gade (currently Weill Cornell Cardiology Fellow), Taral Patel (currently Northwestern Cardiology Fellow), Michael Ross (currently Northwestern Cardiology Fellow), Christopher Chu, Jason Chinitz
Top of pageClinical Pharmacology
Chief, Division of Clinical Pharmacology
Email: mmreid@med.cornell.edu
Focus of research is on problems with medications; e.g. how the elderly differ from younger people in dose-response and genetic polymorphisms affecting dose-response. As a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Panel on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines, I would be delighted to help residents interested in issues in clinical pharmacology to develop answerable questions pertinent to these issues and then proceed to answer the questions. Residents interested in global policy concerning availability and use of essential medicines can help with WHO activities in this area. Projects can be designed to start slowly at any time during the residency and proceed at the pace the resident desires. Mentoring in publishing case reports is also provided.
Top of pageEndocrinology
Email: djbrillo@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-6290
Dr. Brillon is engaged in clinical trials evaluating the complications in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Email: farookia@mskcc.org
Tel: 646-888-2711
As an endocrinologist at MSKCC, my research subjects are ones with osteonecrosis of the jaw (a complication of bisphosphonate therapy), bone loss due to cancer treatments, and the relationship between vitamin D and cancer.
Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
(With Dr. Yuan Shan Zhu, see below.)
Email: jimperato@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-6277
Clinical and translational research projects include: (1) androgens and cognitive function; (2) molecular genetics of sexual differentiation and development; (3) androgens and cardiovascular disease; (4) molecular basis of sex steroid hormone interaction in prostate diseases; (5) effects and mechanisms of diet, botanicals and phytochemicals on prostate tumorigenesis, prostate cancer prevention and therapy.
Email: ryderm@mskcc.org
Tel: 646-888-2713 (office) or 646-888-2164 (lab)
Research is focused on understanding how the tumor microenvironment facilitates thyroid cancer progression (for example, by manipulating tumor-associated macrophages in models of thyroid cancer). Preclinical studies are being performed using an immunotherapy to activate cytotoxic T cells in thyroid cancers, with the goal of developing an immunotherapy clinical trial for patients with treatment-refractory, advanced stage thyroid cancer.
(With Dr. Imperato-McGinley, see above.)
Email: yuz2002@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-8348
Clinical and translational research projects include: (1) androgens and cognitive function; (2) molecular genetics of sexual differentiation and development; (3) androgens and cardiovascular disease; (4) molecular basis of sex steroid hormone interaction in prostate diseases; (5) effects and mechanisms of diet, botanicals and phytochemicals on prostate tumorigenesis, prostate cancer prevention and therapy.
Top of pageGastroenterology
Email: bpb9002@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-5077
At the Roberts Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, we actively welcome and encourage housestaff participation in our clinical and translational investigations. We have opportunities for residents to engage in all aspects of IBD related research from prospective trials of biomarker evaluation or pharmacological intervention, to chart reviews. We also have projects involving basic science and animal work with our colleagues at Rockefeller and MSKCC on both the immunologic and microbiologic etiopathogenesis of IBD.
Recent Residents Mentored: Alyssa Parian, Himanshu Verma, Raja Taunk, Subha Sundararajan, Yasmin Metz, Frank Scott, Robin Mendelsohn
Email: ajdannen@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-4403
Our main research focus is defining the mechanism by which chronic inflammation predisposes to cancer, with the long-term goal of developing strategies to reduce risk. Studies are underway that focus on obesity, smoking, hereditary cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and nutrigenomics. The potential use of metabolomics for biomarker development is also being investigated.
Email: mag2046@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 646-962-4040
I would be very interested in working on research opportunities with our residents. Current research projects involve patients with non-alcoholic liver disease and chronic hepatitis C and liver cancer. I would like to develop a project with motivated residents, collaborating with the renal group, to study the effects of chronic HCV infection on the outcomes of renal transplantation, including non-liver related long-term complications.
Chief, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Email: imj2001@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 646-962-4040
Clinical research projects involve viral hepatitis and other forms of liver disease. Opportunities for projects for residents include: (1) prevalence of HBV markers in patients with HCV-related liver cancer; (2) decline in platelet count as a marker of liver fibrosis; (3) renal effects of antiviral agents for hepatitis.
Email: ejs2005@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-5077
We are delighted to work with Residents on developing individual projects. Current projects include: (1) Crohn's disease-associated NOD2 mutant regulation of IL-10 gene expression (with Dr. Ma); (2) characterization of mucosa-associated bacterial flora in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); (3) inflammatory markers and mediators in GI inflammation; (4) pregnancy and neonatal outcomes and complications in preclinical IBD; (5) enzymatic determinants of prostaglandin levels in colonic mucosa (with Dr. Dannenberg), and others.
Email: fhs2001@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-9355 (assistant Nurit)
Clinical research at the Monahan Center in the field of screening and prevention of gastrointestinal malignancies. Active trials include chemoprevention of Barrett's esophagus and pancreatic cyst neoplasms, early detection of familial pancreatic cancer, and public outreach initiatives for colorectal cancer screening.
Recent Residents Mentored: Roberto Gonzalez, Lianne Cavell
Email: shs2015@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-4129
Research involves the study of cirrhosis and the complications of end-stage liver disease. Current projects include: (1) the role of bacterial overgrowth in hepatic encephalopathy; (2) relationship between depression and hepatic encephalopathy; (3) effect of ascites on fatigue and sleep symptoms; (4) kidney function determined algorithm for albumin administration during spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. After identification of a topic, the resident would be responsible for all aspects of the study, including protocol development and IRB approval process.
Email: aht2002@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-4495
I wish to volunteer to be a mentor to residents. Laboratory is investigating hepatitis C virus (HCV) pathogenesis focusing on the role of the CXCR3-associated chemokines as mediators of hepatic inflammation and as potential biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis. Also investigating methods to engage disenfranchised populations with high prevalence of HCV infection (e.g. on methadone maintenance) into treatment.
MSKCC GASTROENTEROLOGY AND NUTRITION SERVICE:
-
Arnold Markowitz, MD
Email: markowia@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-2901
Hereditary colorectal cancer -
Sidney Winawer, MD
Email: winawers@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-7678
Association of adenomas and family history of colorectal cancer with Hyperplastic Polyposis; correlation of family history with screening colonoscopy outcomes; international survey of colorectal cancer screening, physician and public perceptions of risk and benefit, personal and systems barriers. -
Emmy Ludwig, MD/Robert Kurtz, MD
Email: ludwige@mskcc.org; kurtzr@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-2766, 212-639-7620
Family pancreatic cancer registry; hepatitis B reactivation prevention. -
Christopher DiMaio, MD
Email: dimaioc@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-2210
Role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in management of gastrointestinal neoplasms, including development of new interventional applications.
Geriatrics
Email: rdadelma@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-1729
Current ongoing research projects in which residents might like to participate include: (1) a New York State Office of Mental Health grant integrating mental health care into an outpatient geriatric medical practice; (2) an Altman Foundation grant integrating a palliative care curriculum into medical residency programs; and (3) communication studies focused on communication at the end of life and communication between older patients and their health providers in outpatient medical encounters.
Email: emf9009@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-1845
I would love to work with interns and residents with an interest in advance care planning, baby boomers and successful aging, or primary care health policy reform. Areas of research interest: (1) baby boomers and advance care planning; (2) the geriatric medical home (what it entails, how it works, how much support it requires); (3) starting a time motion study of how much time physicians and other clinical staff members in the ambulatory care practice spend doing clinical activities that are non-reimbursable.
Co-Chief, Division of Geriatric Medicine
Email: mslachs@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-1677
Major areas of research interest are the disenfranchised elderly, elder abuse, domestic violence, and the interface of geriatrics with other specialties (e.g. oncology, emergency medicine). Currently funded projects in which residents might like to participate include: (1) a study of aggressive behaviors between nursing home residents with and without dementia; (2) a large study of elder abuse prevalence; and (3) creation of a city wide elder abuse center. In addition, I would be happy to provide general career guidance to residents interested in careers in clinical epidemiology, health services research and similar areas, whether or not they are related to aging.
Email: pavloum@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-1610
Research focuses on understanding the complex syndrome of self-neglect in older adults. The work involves exploring possible correlates of self-neglect (medical, functional, social and psychiatric) through at-home interviews of community-dwelling older self-neglectors referred by social service agencies.
Email: kap6@cornell.edu
Tel: 607-255-8086
I would be glad to work with interested residents. My areas of expertise are gerontology, with special interests in (1) family relationships of older people, including care giving for disabled elders, (2) institutional and community-based care for older people, and (3) methods of disseminating research-based information to professionals and the public.
Email: bar2008@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-4888
Research focuses on the ethics of screening Ð when does the risk outweigh the benefit? Dr. Raik is also interested in the "hidden curriculum" in medical education (e.g. what are students learning by example from attendings and residents?).
Email: mcr2004@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-1378
My major areas of interest include pain and pain management in later life and geriatric substance abuse. In addition, I have an interest in the role of community-based participatory research as a tool to improve health and health outcomes at the community level. Current research projects in which residents might like to participate include studies to: (1) develop, test, and disseminate a combined cognitive-behavioral and exercise protocol for use by community-dwelling older adults with chronic back pain; (2) develop and disseminate culturally appropriate self-management programs for pain in minority communities; (3) determine patient and physician attitudes and beliefs about the use of opioids as treatment for chronic non-cancer pain in older adults; (4) psychoactive medications with addiction potential in later life; (5) community-based participatory research as a tool for improving community health and addressing racial disparities in health, with a particular interest in its use as a tool to address established disparities in pain management as a function of race/ethnicity.
Email: els2006@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-1772, 212-746-7000
Areas of research interest include: (1) determining the impact of the electronic medical record on the quality of charting and the quality of the chart on patient care, liability and reimbursement; (2) examining medical records from 1800's to determine how the narrative of patient illness has changed with the introduction of new medical knowledge and physician responsibilities.
Top of pageHematology/Oncology
Email: abou-alg@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-3112
Research focuses on improving the effectiveness of cancer therapy by incorporating small novel biological molecules that target cancer into the treatment of chemotherapyresistant gastrointestinal malignancies, particularly hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers.
Email: azzolic@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-2131
Clinical trials of new post-operative chemotherapies for patients with resected nonsmall cell lung cancer (adjuvant chemotherapy). Collaborate in these trials with basic scientists and pathologists to develop blood and tissue biomarkers to serve as diagnostic and prognostic tools for selection of chemotherapy and/or lung cancer surveillance.
Email: jbussel@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-3474
It would be my pleasure to participate. My interests are in clinical trials of ITP in particular and thrombocytopenia in general. I have led almost all of the first generation of studies with thrombopoietic agents and have done considerable work with IVIg, IV anti-D, and rituximab among other agents. The resident could either participate in an ongoing project or design a project, if possible.
Email: tec9002@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-821-0736
I would be pleased to participate in mentoring residents in active clinical trials designed to evaluate promising new therapies for breast cancer. Collaborative research focuses primarily on the optimization of hormonal therapies for breast cancer treatment and prevention, attempts to elucidate side effects of hormonal therapies, novel ways to sequence hormonal therapy, and evaluation of biomarkers of sensitivity to hormonal therapies.
Email: rrfurman@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2063
I would be interested in having residents work with us on clinical research in the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Research Center, which focuses on clinical and translational research involving patients with CLL. Current research includes novel therapies and their mechanisms of action. Residents will be involved in designing, writing, and conducting clinical trials and establishing collaborations with bench researchers to explore correlative studies.
Email: gerecitj@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-3748
Main research focus is the clinical development of novel, non-immunologically based treatments in lymphoma. Current projects include investigator-initiated and industrysponsored phase I and phase I/II clinical trials. Also work with pathology and other labs to pursue correlative aims, such as Tissue Microarray studies and retrospective analyses of data related to trials.
Email: hsuk@mskcc.org
Tel: 646-888-2667
My laboratory is interested in the biology of human natural killer (NK) cells and how they contribute to malignancy control. For example, we are studying the role of NK cells in controlling leukemia relapse in bone marrow transplants. My research focuses on the basic biology of the NK cell, identifying the molecules involved in controlling NK action, and determining the laboratory and clinical conditions under which NK actions can be modified.
Recent Residents Mentored: Fabiana Ostronoff
Email: hudisc@mskcc.org
Tel: 646-888-4551
The Breast Cancer Medicine Service and its collaborators at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center conduct laboratory, translational, and clinical research focused on the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. Clinical trials span most aspects of patient care and laboratory studies focus on the causes of disease and the development of improved therapeutics. We would be delighted to hear from interested residents.
Email: jurcicj@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-2955
Research focused on antibody-based therapies for myeloid leukemia. Goals are to define the toxicity, biodistribution, pharmacology, and dosimetry of novel constructs and to develop rational treatment strategies that combine these therapies with conventional agents. Most recently focused on the use of radioimmunotherapy using targeted alpha particle-emitting radionuclides for the eradication of minimal disease.
Email: Landauh@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-8808
I would be very interested in mentoring residents. The focus of clinical research is on plasma cell disorders. Studies include: (1) the biology of extramedullary plasma cell disease; (2) adjuvant proteosome inhibition following radiation therapy for solitary bone plasmacytomas; (3) adjuvant therapy with bortezomib following high-dose and stem cell therapy for patients with amyloidosis; (4) clinical trials of novel agents in relapsed multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis; (5) stem cell transplantation and adoptive immunotherapy in plasma cell disorders.
Email: jpleonar@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2932
I am happy to mentor in my clinical research area of lymphoma. Projects relate to new therapeutic agents, including immunotherapeutic approaches, prognostic information, and translational laboratory studies.
Email: leviner@mskcc.org
Tel: 646-888-2767
We would be definitely interested in having residents in the lab anytime. Major area of research is the pathogenesis of myeloid malignancies, including: (1) identification of somatic mutations which activate signal transduction in JAK2V617F-negative myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), using candidate gene, genome-wide, and functional approaches; (2) identification of additional disease alleles which contribute to MPD pathogenesis; (3) investigation of different signaling pathways in hematopoietic transformation; (4) characterization of JAK2 inhibitors and other targeted therapies in the MPDs.
Email: amm2014@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-7643
Dr. Melnick's laboratory has two major areas of research. The first is focused on the design, development and clinical translation of new drugs to target cancer-causing oncogenes in lymphomas, leukemias, breast cancer and colon cancer. The second is focused on harnessing the power of human epigenomics to develop methods for personalized diagnosis and therapies for patients with leukemias and lymphomas.
Recent Residents Mentored: Francine Garret-Bakelman
Email: millerv@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-7243
There would be a number of opportunities with specific projects based on the individual's training and commitment. Our group was one of the first to show that activating mutations in EGFR are associated with regression of lung adenocarcinoma. We have a well organized syncytium of clinicians, pathologists, interventional radiologists, translational and basic researchers who work in this area. Many projects particularly involving asking simple questions from the large database (>500 pts) with EGFR mutations remain unanswered, and opportunity also exists for some work on translational projects.
(With Dr. Scott Tagawa, see below.)
Email: dnanus@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2920 or 212-746-3152
Drs. Nanus and Tagawa welcome house officers interested in clinical and/or translational research in genitourinary (GU) oncology. In addition, clinical exposure to outpatient (clinic) and inpatient GU oncology is available with mentored guidance in clinical research. Areas of clinical research include: (1) monoclonal antibody therapy for prostate cancer; (2) novel therapies for GU cancer; (3) circulating tumor cell analysis in prostate cancer; (4) anti-angiogenic therapy for kidney cancer; (5) circulating endothelial cell analysis in kidney cancer; (6) transgenic model of kidney cancer; (7) anti-angiogenic maintenance therapy for advanced urothelial cancer, a novel use of anti-angiogenic drugs after chemotherapy; (8) novel combination therapy and molecular predictors of response in bladder cancer.
Email: run9001@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2119
The multiple myeloma program at the New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center has an established track record and large portfolio in protocol accruals focused on targeted therapies for patients in every stage of the disease. Our current multiple myeloma clinical research program has several active protocols (with associated translational components) in which residents can participate.
Email: nimers@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-7871
Our laboratory has been studying the molecular basis of human acute leukemia, attempting to identify the transcriptional abnormalities that characterize this disease in order to develop new therapeutic approaches. Our clinical research efforts involve developing novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). A major focus is to better understand secondary MDS that arises following treatment for another malignancy.
Email: oreillye@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-6672
Focus of clinical research is pancreatic, biliary and primary liver cancers. Studies include integration of molecular-based therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, along with development of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies and novel therapeutics for advanced disease.
Email: palombam@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-7186
Working with Dr. Marcel van den Brink (Medicine and Immunology), research involves two topics: (1) immune therapy of lymphoma with DNA-based vaccines expressing lymphoma-associated antigens (pre-clinical studies with murine models in vivo and vitro, as well as a currently opened vaccine clinical trial); (2) signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), involving collection of blood and bone marrow samples from CLL patients and studying signal transduction by a single-cell resolution assay, phospho flow.
Email: Ritchie@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2192
I would be happy to discuss clinical research opportunities in the treatment of older patients with hematological malignancies.
Email: gar2001@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-6736
I would be happy to have residents interested in research experiences in various areas of leukemia, myeloproliferative disorders and bone marrow failure studies, including both clinical and laboratory projects.
Email: scherh@mskcc.org
Tel: 646-422-4323
Focus of research is the development of targeted therapies directed to the androgenreceptor and PI3K/AKT signaling, key pathways in castration resistant prostate cancer progression. Goals are to determine combinations of targeted agents likely to have potent anticancer effects, and to establish models in which the biologic consequences of the agents can be studied. Separately, we are exploring methods to molecularly profile circulating tumor cells isolated from blood to understand tumor progression and guide treatment selection.
Email: spriggsd@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-2203
New drug development in gynecologic cancers. Clinical research and laboratory studies are related to the functional importance of MUC16, the mucin encoding the CA125 antigen which is commonly over expressed in ovarian cancer.
(With Dr. David Nanus, see above.)
Email: stt2007@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2920
Drs. Tagawa and Nanus welcome house officers interested in clinical and/or translational research in genitourinary (GU) oncology. In addition, clinical exposure to outpatient (clinic) and inpatient GU oncology is available with mentored guidance in clinical research. Areas of clinical research include: (1) monoclonal antibody therapy for prostate cancer; (2) novel therapies for GU cancer; (3) circulating tumor cell analysis in prostate cancer; (4) anti-angiogenic therapy for kidney cancer; (5) circulating endothelial cell analysis in kidney cancer; (6) transgenic model of kidney cancer; (7) anti-angiogenic maintenance therapy for advanced urothelial cancer, a novel use of anti-angiogenic drugs after chemotherapy; (8) novel combination therapy and molecular predictors of response in bladder cancer.
Email: trainat@mskcc.org
Tel: 646-888-4558
I would be thrilled to mentor a resident interested in breast cancer related projects. Design and conduct clinical trials applying mathematical models to chemotherapy dosing schedules to optimize benefits and minimize risks of cytotoxic therapies. Special interest in development of novel therapies for patients with hormone refractory and HER2-negative breast cancers ("triple-negative breast cancers"). Also studies in the unique needs and issues associated with treatment of the older breast cancer patient (geriatric oncology).
Email: youngjw@mskcc.org
Tel: 646-888-2052
Area of investigation is human dendritic cells and the generation of immunity in cancer and transplantation. Three broad areas of interest regarding dendritic cell biology: (1) hematopoietic development of dendritic cells; (2) immunogenic properties of dendritic cells for tumors and opportunistic pathogens; and (3) the converse role of dendritic cells in tolerance rather than immunogenicity. We focus on projects that can be translated to clinical trials.
Recent Residents Mentored: Adam Boruchov (Cornell medicine resident 1997-2000; now on faculty at Univ. of CT in Hartford)
Email: zeleneta@mskcc.org or a-zelenetz@ski.mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-2656
Research is focused on the lymphomas with an emphasis on prognostication through biomarkers and imaging in addition to clinical trials. Clinical investigation has focused on targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies. Current research topics include: new drug development in lymphoma; evaluation of minimal residual disease for prognosis in non- Hodgkin lymphoma; quantitative image analysis for measurement of prognostic biomarkers; role of diagnostic and functional imaging for prediction of outcome.
Recent Residents Mentored: Paul Basciano
Top of pageImmunology
Email: hcliou@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-4451
We will be interested in mentoring medical residents. Dr. Lious's research has been to investigate the role of oncogene transcription factors, in particular the c-Rel protooncogene, in the immune system and in tumorigenesis. An ongoing project is to investigate the mechanism by which Rel/NF-kB is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma. Our studies have provided first proof-of-concept that c-Rel is an exciting therapeutic target for inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and transplantation rejection. Dr. Liou's team is currently developing inhibitors of oncogenic transcription factors with the goal to develop novel therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Email: kasmith@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-4608
Ongoing projects in the lab are focused on studying the immune response to influenza virus vaccines, and the role of interleukins and their receptors in the regulation of in vivo and in vitro T cell responses.
Top of pageInfectious Diseases
Email: dwf2001@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-6320
Research areas of interest include HIV/AIDS prevention and therapeutic clinical trials, tuberculosis clinical trials, and evaluations of HIV and TB service programs in Haiti and Tanzania.
Recent Residents Mentored: Matt Simon, Sean Collins
Email: mag2005@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-7134
Major focus of my clinical research has been the investigation of metabolic complications in HIV-infected and HCV/HIV co-infected patients, including visceral fat accumulation and disordered glucose metabolism. Residents have participated in epidemiological studies using data from the HIV clinic (the Center for Special Studies) and a multi-center cohort study of HIV-infected women. Also in HIV infected patients: case-control studies of diabetes, osteonecrosis, and hepatic steatosis; cross-sectional studies of homocysteine and oxidative stress; a clinical trial investigating the physiological effects of interventions for insulin resistance and visceral fat accumulation; a pilot study testing whether pre-treatment of insulin resistance can improve the response to standard treatment of HCV in HIV-infected patients.
Email: lgolight@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-1601
Research projects that might be amenable to resident involvement include multiplex detection of pathogens and bioterror agents. Existing detection systems have a limited ability to simultaneously screen a single sample for multiple agents. To meet this need, we are using the ligase detection reaction (LDR) combined with PCR and Universal Array detection. Multiplexed detection of food and waterborne pathogens will be validated using samples obtained from the NYPH/Weill Cornell as well as collaborators in Haiti and Ghana; multiplexed detection of bioterror agents will involve viral pathogens (Dengue, West Nile) obtained from the CDC, NYC Department of Health and sites of endemic disease.
Email: rgulick@med.cornell.edu
(Assistant: Veronica Bruno: veb2006@med.cornell.edu)
Tel: 212-746-4177
Current research interests include designing, conducting and analyzing clinical trials in HIV-infected subjects to assess antiretroviral drugs with novel mechanisms of action, refining antiretroviral therapy strategies, and testing immune-based therapies. Dr. Gulick is the Principal Investigator of the Cornell AIDS Clinical Trials Unit, sponsored by the NIH.
Email: markskr@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-6309
Working with our residents has been a gratifying experience. Research focus is on HIV and viral hepatitis coinfection liver disease primarily related to hepatitis B and C coinfection. Clinical research aims to understand risk factors for disease progression and strategies to optimize treatment outcomes in coinfected patients.
Recent Residents Mentored: Frank Scott, Sameer Kadri
Email: kyr9001@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-4547
I am delighted to sponsor any housestaff with an interest in the molecular epidemiology and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in clinical pathogens. We have recently focused on vancomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium but are fundamentally driven by clinical cases and observations seen in this medical center. I am easy to reach by phone (x64547), email, or pager (16690), and would be more than delighted to have any member of the housestaff with an interest in ID come by.
Recent Residents Mentored: Anna Kaltsas (currently ID fellow at AECOM)
Email: sepkowik@mskcc.org
Tel: 212-639-2441
The Infection Control Program at MSKCC invites residents interested in hospital epidemiology. Previous projects involving NYPH-Cornell residents have included prevalence of HCV in Rogosin dialysis patients; risks for Clostridium difficile in MSKCC outpatients; seroconversion rates in health care workers vaccinated for varicella; control of influenza on a bome marrow transplant unit; and prevalence of markers for hepatitis B and C in Chinatown Health Clinic. Current NYPH-Cornell resident projects include clinical comparison of hypervirulent tcdc deletion C. difficile to standard C. difficile and CNS infection in cancer patients. Interested residents should contact Kent Septowitz.
Email: scw9003@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-6320
I would be happy to work with residents on research projects, even outside my own research interests which include: (1) tracking the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance in gram-negative bacteria in various settings (hospital, community, global); (2) the clinical consequences of infections with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria; (3) travel-associated illness. Other research opportunities are available for residents interested in performing observational studies to investigate other ID or internal medicine-related questions.
Email: tiw2001@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-7202
Research interests are in the epidemiology and treatment of human papillomvirus (HPV) related anal dysplasia in HIV-infected men and women. Ongoing and planned projects include determining the predictors of persistent anal infection with HPV, describing outcomes for patients treated for high grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HGAIN) and topical therapies for HGAIN.
Email: mav9046@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-7200
My areas of clinical research interest, in association with the AIDS Clinical Trials Group, are in HIV infection in women and perinatal HIV infection.
Recent Residents Mentored: Ritu Pati (currently I.D. Fellow at Weill Cornell), SabenaRamsetty (currently I.D. Fellow at University of Virginia)
Top of pagePulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
Email: mab9177@nyp.org
Tel: 212-746-5020
My research is in the area of genomics applied to personalized medicine. I have been working with Dr. Ronald Crystal to study associations of genotypes with phenotype traits including the biological phenotype of gene expression levels, as well as disease traits. Genome-wide microarray studies to look for genetic variants in healthy nonsmokers, healthy smokers, and smokers with lung disease.
Chief, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Email: rgcryst@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 646-962-4363
Our ongoing clinical studies focus on elucidating the genetic mechanisms responsible for the development and progression of asthma and other smoking-related lung diseases such as lung cancer and COPD.
Email: rkaner@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2250
Molecular mechanisms of accelerated emphysema in HIV+ smokers. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Alveolar macrophage gene expression in interstitial lung disease. Role of VEGF in ARDS and severe sepsis, with potential for clinical pharmacological intervention.
Email: ack2003@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2250 or 212-746-9386 (direct line)
I would be happy to work with residents and mentor them in research projects. Major area of interest is in the field of Sleep Medicine with particular interest in translational research evaluating the effects of sleep apnea and intermittent hypoxemia in vascular thromboregulation, platelet activity, and adenosine metabolism.
Email: aet9003@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 646-962-5527
My interests center on gene expression profiling of the human lung in normal individuals and individuals with smoking-related disease.
Recent Residents Mentored: Rachel Knipe
Top of pageRenal/Hypertension
Email: paugust@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-2210
Major areas of research include: (1) the pathophysiology of preeclampsia; (2) role of TGF-beta in hypertension; and (3) development and validation of biomarkers for chronic renal failure.
Chief, Division of Nephrology & Hypertension
Email: msuthan@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-4498 or 212-746-4430
Major areas of research include: (1) investigation of mechanisms of transplant rejection and tolerance; (2) development and validation of noninvasive biomarkers for rejection and tolerance; (3) islet cell transplantation; and (4) T-regulatory cell therapy.
Top of pageRheumatology
Barbara Volcker Center for Women with Rheumatic Diseases
Email: erkand@hss.edu
Tel: 212-774-2291
My research area is antiphospholipid syndrome. Clinical trials for which Dr. Erkun has been principal investigator have included (1) cognitive dysfunction in aPL-negative systemic lupus erythematosus versus aPL-positive SLE; (2) effects of fluvastatin on proinflammatory and prothrombotic markers in antiphospholipid syndrome; (3) rituximab for the anticoagulation-resistant manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome.
Email: fieldst@hss.edu
Tel: 212-606-1286
Interest in early inflammatory arthritis. Database of the Gosden Robinson Early Arthritis Center (EAC): analysis of types of patients recruited to an urban EAC.
Email: IvashkivL@hss.edu
Tel: 212-606-1171
We have had very good experiences with NYPH residents and would like to participate. The laboratory is interested in the differentiation, function, and activation of cells of the myeloid lineage that are important in innate immunity and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. The laboratory takes an integrated bench to bedside approach and studies signal transduction defects in defined in vitro systems using purified cells, in animal models of arthritis, lupus and osteolysis, and in human disease samples.
(See Doruk Erkan above)
Email: mdl2003@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-606-1461
Email: MandlL@hss.edu
Tel: 212-774-2555
I would be happy to discuss potential research projects with Cornell Residents. I am a rheumatologist/epidemiologist with a focus on osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and total joint replacement. Clinical trials include clinical and economic outcomes in these areas.
Email: jes2002@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-606-1671
The goal of our research is to identify determinants of disease phenotype in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and related diseases, and to thereby identify targets for therapy. We are studying mechanisms of tissue injury in three projects: (1) the role of complement activation in antiphospholipid antibody-induced pregnancy loss and thrombosis; (2) accelerated cardiovascular disease in SLE and rheumatoid arthritis (prevalence and responsible mechanisms); and (3) the role of receptors for immunoglobulin G in autoimmune disease.
Email: SchwartzmanS@hss.edu
Tel: 212-606-1557
I would be more than happy to work with medical residents. My interests are: (1) autoimmune ophthalmic diseases; (2) developing a database/registry for rheumatoid arthritis and the spondyloarthropathies (psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, colitis associated arthritis), and once developed to define appropriate studies. Currently, a rheumatoid arthritis database is being piloted at HSS.
Top of pageOther Areas of Research
Email: cboutin@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-1330
I would like to participate in the mentoring of residents in clinical research. General areas of interest include health disparities and vulnerable populations research; identifying psychosocial determinants of health disparities in cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions; working with faith-based and other community-based organizations to develop and evaluate health interventions using a community-based participatory research model; and applying social science theories in developing health behavior interventions.
Recent Residents Mentored: Karin-Elizabeth Michelle Ouchida (2005), Mitch Grotz-Rhone (2005)
Email: lac2021@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 646-962-8044
Dr. Casalino studies the organization of physician practices, the use of organized processes to improve the quality of care and to control costs by physicians and hospitals, physician relations with hospitals and health plans, and health care policy. Examples of projects: (1) national survey of medical groups to obtain data on group structure, IT, and policy environment; (2) review of medical records in 23 medical groups to determine frequency of physicians' failing to inform patients of clinically significant abnormal outpatient test results; (3) large national survey to estimate the cost to physician practices of dealing with health plans.
Chief, Division of General Internal Medicine
Email: mecharl@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-1607
Dr. Charlson is a clinical epidemiologist whose research focuses on developing measures of clinical phenomena, improving outcomes among patients with chronic illness and, specifically, patients with chronic cardiopulmonary disease. She is also conducting clinical trials to help motivate patients with cardiovascular disease to make healthy lifestyle behavioral changes.
Email: ccole@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-746-0471
While not strictly "clinical research", I would be happy to mentor a resident in Medical Informatics. Topics of specific interest are Electronic Medical records, Terminology and Terminology Servers, Clinical Research Management Systems, Data Warehousing, Decision Support, Quality and Safety Reporting, Patient Portals. I would also suggest potential collaborative projects with other faculty. I can assist residents trying to access data for projects.
Email: dengg@mskcc.org
Tel: 646-888-0841
Clinical trials of complementary therapies in cancer supportive care include use of acupuncture and botanical agents. Trainees will learn the fundamentals of complementary therapies and design of clinical studies. They will assist in the conduct of rigorously designed clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these therapies in the setting of cancer care. This project offers a rewarding and unique experience to residents interested in clinical research and integrative medicine.
Email: alh2006@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212- 746-1607
Special interest in the application of decision analytic and artificial intelligence techniques to medicine. Areas of research include: theory and practice of decision analysis; development and integration of sophisticated artificial intelligence program to monitor an operational computerized patient care system.
Chief, Division of Quality and Clinical Informatics (Public Health)
Email: rak2007@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 646-962-8065
We have successfully mentored residents in the past, and would be happy to do so again. Working with Dr. Lisa Kern, we study the effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of health information technology (IT) applications, with a particular focus on economic, quality, safety, patient, and provider outcomes. We are also interested in health IT adoption, health IT policy, and unintended consequences from the use of health IT.
Recent Residents Mentored: Kanaka Shetty, Sonja Olson
Email: lmk2003@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 646-962-8066
We have successfully mentored residents in the past, and would be happy to do so again. Working with Dr. Rainu Kaushal, we study the effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of health information technology (IT) applications, with a particular focus on economic, quality, safety, patient, and provider outcomes. We are also interested in health IT adoption, health IT policy, and unintended consequences from the use of health IT.
Recent Residents Mentored: Daniel Goldin, Abby Spencer, Amanda Carmel
Email: stl2012@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-879-9371
Research interests are in the area of cancer genetics, with a particular emphasis on gastrointestinal cancers. Current projects include: improving early detection of colorectal cancer in Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC) families carrying missense variants, and minimizing toxicity of chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer patients. (Dr. Lipkin was recruited to Weill Cornell from the University of California in February, 2009.)
Email: aim2001@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 649-962-8009
Clinical research opportunities are available in the general area of outcomes and comparative effectiveness research, clinical decision-making and clinical policy formulation. Studies include: (1) quantifying the value and accuracy of diagnostic tests and procedures; (2) understanding the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of interventions for common clinical problems; (3) measuring the quality of medical care.
Tel: 646-888-4050
Research is focused on questions related to inherited susceptibility to cancer. Research projects range from laboratory based genome wide association scans to clinical projects correlating abstracted chart information with specific germline genetic mutations. Contact: Thomas Kirchhoff, PhD, Laboratory Director, Clinical Cancer Genetics Research Laboratory, MSKCC
Contact: Thomas Kirchhoff, PhD, Laboratory Director, Clinical Cancer Genetics Research Laboratory, MSKCC
Email: jcpeters@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212- 746-1607
As a clinical epidemiologist, Dr. Peterson develops behavioral interventions focused on lifestyle changes in patients with chronic illness, as well as improving outcomes in patients with chronic cardiopulmonary disease. She has expertise in the use of both quantitative and qualitative methodology.
Henry G. Wei, MD
Clinical Instructor in Medicine
Email: hgw2001@med.cornell.edu
Tel: 212-845-9838 or 212-849-0125
I'd be overjoyed if any residents or students wanted to either conduct a novel research project or assist with an existing one. My research focuses on medical informatics, computerized clinical decision support and alerting, and adoption of evidence-based medicine. My team develops clinical alert algorithms and predictive models for a decision support engine running on a continuously updated database of 20 million U.S. patients. We develop algorithms for physician performance measurement in conjunction with the National Quality Foundation (NQF). The team also works on health information exchange (HIE) projects with regional health information exchange organizations (RHIOs). Most recently, our research has looked at clinical alert validity and outcomes; as well as the health economics of clinical alerting and value-based formulary design.
For More Information
For additional information regarding the medical research track and a description of research projects pursued by our faculty, please refer to the following sites:
Research at Weill Cornell Medical College
Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Research at the Hospital for Special Surgery
Research at The Rockefeller University
