DOM Faculty Appointments and Promotions – October 2025
Congratulations to the following DOM Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine faculty on their recent appointment or promotion!
Clinical Professor
Charles Tifft, MD’73, Medicine/GIM, specializes in the prevention and treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The clinician-educator has been a member of the BU/Boston Medical Center (BMC) community since he was a medical student and he joined the faculty as an assistant professor in 1978. He was promoted to associate professor in 1985. His research contributed to landmark studies on the treatment of hypertensive emergencies with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Since 1991, Dr. Tifft has run a busy clinical general medicine practice affiliated with BMC and continued his academic pursuits with regular participation in grand rounds and occasional publication reviews and commentaries on hypertension.
Associate Professor
Stacy Andersen, PhD, Medicine/Geriatrics, studies cognition, particularly cognitive resilience, in cohorts with exceptional longevity. She is the co-director of the New England Centenarian Study and multiple PI of two National Institute on Aging-funded U19 grants, the Resilience/Resistance to Alzheimer’s Disease in Centenarians and their Offspring study and the Long Life Family Study. She is a core faculty member of the behavioral neuroscience doctoral program and has served on its admissions committee since 2018. She also is an ad hoc reviewer for 17 journals related to aging, cognition and Alzheimer’s disease; and has served on six NIH study sections reviewing career development awards (K awards), research project grants (R awards), and cooperative agreements (U19s), as well as study sections for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a private foundation.
Clinical Associate Professor
Rivka Ayalon, MD, Medicine/Nephrology, is a clinician-educator specializing in nephrology and hypertension. Dr. Ayalon founded the multidisciplinary hypertension clinic and collaborates with colleagues across multiple disciplines to advance the care of patients with complex and resistant hypertension. The clinic provides education for providers at all levels and has received national recognition as a specialized center for the evaluation and management of primary aldosteronism. It also offers advanced diagnostic and management tools, including antihypertensive drug testing to assess medication adherence. In addition, Dr. Ayalon implemented the use of unattended automated oscillometric blood pressure measurement across multiple clinics to improve accuracy and standardized assessment. Dr. Ayalon attends on the inpatient nephrology service and provides ongoing care for patients with end-stage kidney disease at DaVita Boston. She teaches residents on the renal medicine service and fellows on the nephrology consult service.
Lilani Perera, MD, Medicine/Gastroenterology, specializes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dr. Perera earned her MD with honors from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and completed fellowships in gastroenterology at the Medical College of Wisconsin and an IBD immunology research fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York. She brings extensive experience directing multidisciplinary IBD programs in both academic and clinical settings, including as director of the IBD Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin (2010-2014), a leadership role in the IBD Program at Aurora Health System (2014-2023), and director of the IBD Center at Tufts Medical Center (2023-2025). In these positions, she developed programs providing care to thousands of patients and established dedicated IBD rotations for GI fellows. Dr. Perera is a fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, serves on the National Scientific Advisory Committee of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and chairs the Women’s Committee for the AGA. She also represents the Massachusetts Medical Society as a delegate to the American Medical Association House of Delegates. She joins BU/BMC as director of the Crohn’s and Colitis program.
Sally S. Vanerian, MD, Medicine/GIM, is a clinician-educator who has provided care to medically complex and diverse patients for more than 25 years at the VA Boston Healthcare System. The recipient of many teaching awards, throughout her career she has been an attending resident preceptor, working with residents in their continuity clinics, and has taught medical students. Since 2021, she has also precepted residents during their ambulatory rotations in the Ambulatory Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Most recently, Dr. Vanerian was appointed the VA site director for the advanced ambulatory care rotation for fourth-year Chobanian & Avedisian SOM students. She is a career-long member of the Armenian American Medical Association (AAMA). Since 2022, Dr. Vanerian has volunteered in the mentorship program of the American University of Armenia Turpanjian College of Health Sciences, in collaboration with the AAMA, meeting virtually with physicians in rural Armenia, providing guidance on challenging clinical cases in their practices, and giving lectures on the management of various medical conditions.
2025 November STARDoM Awardees!!!
Please join us in congratulating this month’s STARDoM awardees, Kimber King and George Wang!!
Kimber King
Job Title: Operations Coordinator
How many years have you been at BUSM/BMC? 2 Years
Describe your role within the Department of Medicine: I serve as the Operations Coordinator, Daytime Supervisor, and an active operator for the SafeSpot Overdose Prevention Hotline, which is part of the Boston Medical Center Department of Medicine. Even with all my administrative responsibilities, I continue to answer calls during workday hours because staying directly connected to our callers is the heart of this work for me. In my role, I manage hiring and onboarding, operator training, documentation systems, quality assurance, and scheduling to keep SafeSpot running smoothly and staffed 24/7. I build our protocols and training pathways with compassion, structure, and lived experience so operators feel supported, confident, and prepared for real calls. My connection to this work is deeply personal. A spotting hotline once saved my life, and that moment shapes everything I do. I am living proof that my experience using substances is valid and valuable and that it can be channeled into something meaningful. What once felt like the hardest part of my life is now something I’ve turned into a career rooted in compassion, safety, and service to others. SafeSpot is a true labor of love for me. It’s my way of giving back to the same type of service that helped me survive, and of showing up for the next person who needs someone on the line. I also represent SafeSpot across multiple states, offering virtual presentations and building partnerships with syringe service programs, community groups, task forces, CABs, and organizations that want to bring this resource to the people they serve. Helping grow SafeSpot from a small pilot into a trusted, multi-state resource has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life, and I remain committed to expanding this work with dignity, authenticity, and lived experience at the center.
What do you like best about your job? I love that SafeSpot allows me to use my lived experience as a strength. Not just quietly in the background, but openly, proudly, and as a core part of my work. I love knowing that I’m showing people that survival, resilience, and lived experience are valuable, professional, and powerful. I love the team I get to help build, operators who show up with compassion, steadiness, and heart. Training new people, watching them grow confident, and seeing them support callers the way someone once supported me is incredibly rewarding.
Favorite thing to do outside of work? You can find me playing The Sims, growing flowers or trying to do a fun activity with my daughter and fiancé.
Little known fact: I’m a huge conspiracy theorist. I spend a lot of time doing deep dives and have become a really good arm chair detective
George Wang
Job Title: Medical Assistant
How many years have you been at BUSM/BMC? 2 years going on 3 in May!
Describe your role within the Department of Medicine: As a medical assistant in the Department of Medicine, I serve as a key member of the clinical care team, supporting physicians and healthcare providers in delivering patient-centered care. I room patients—including refugee populations—and obtain and document vital signs. I conduct PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 depression screenings as well as social determinants of health assessments to identify barriers to care. I perform point-of-care testing including A1C for diabetes monitoring, urinalysis, and HCG for pregnancy detection. I assist providers during cervical and male physical examinations, and anticipate visit needs by preparing necessary supplies such as swabs and urine cups. I clean and turn over exam rooms between patients and keep rooms stocked with supplies and equipment.
What do you like best about your job? My coworkers. They really taught me how to be a team player and helped integrate me into their system seamlessly. I truly do appreciate them so much. Shoutout Edna, Maria, and Jossie! They truly are the best MAs I’ve met to this day. We are so lucky to have them in GIM! I also enjoy the connections with providers and nurses I’ve made. We are like a big family in my suite!
Favorite thing to do outside of work? Traveling to new countries! Japan soon. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family and like to play videogames from time to time.
Little known fact: I was the Bay State U-18 Table Tennis champion in 2011.
2025 BUMG DOM Clinical Excellence Awards Winners and Clinical Excellence Society Inductees
Congratulations to the 2025 BUMG DOM Clinical Excellence Award Winners!
Arlene Dermovesian, NP
Cardiology
APP Excellence
Mark Sloan, MD
Hematology & Medical Oncology
New! Health Equity Excellence
Kelly Schuering, MD
GIM
New Faculty Excellence
Congratulations to the 2025 BUMG DOM Clinical Excellence Society Inductees!
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Marcin Trojanowski, MD |
2025 Evans Days Award Recipients!
Congratulations to the following 2025 Evans Days award recipients!
2025 Award Recipients
Outstanding Citizenship Award
Jai G. Marathe, MBBS – Infectious Diseases
Kim Vanuytsel, PhD – Hematology & Medical Oncology
Clinical Quality Improvement Award
Nicholas Cordella, MD, MSc – General Internal Medicine
Clinical Innovation Award
Paul J. Maglione, MD, PhD – Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep & Critical Care Medicine
Junior Faculty Mentoring Award
Elliott J. Hagedorn, PhD – Hematology & Medical Oncology
Nicholas Bosch, MD, MSc – Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep & Critical Care Medicine
Research Mentoring Award
Karen R. Jacobson, MD, MPH – Infectious Diseases
Mari-Lynn Drainoni, PhD, MEd – Infectious Diseases
Special Recognition Teaching Award
Sonia Ananthakrishnan, MD – Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition & Weight Management
Clinical Excellence Award
Eric H. Awtry, MD – Cardiovascular Medicine
Faculty Diversity Award
Julien Dedier, MD, MPH – General Internal Medicine
Evans Physician Award
Henri Lee, MD – General Internal Medicine
Kristen Lee, MD – General Internal Medicine
Henry Trier, MD – General Internal Medicine
Jean M. Francis, MD – Nephrology
Lillian E.C. McMahon, MD – Hematology & Medical Oncology
John L. Berk, MD – Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep & Critical Care Medicine
David Coleman, MD Junior Faculty Prize
Jessica L. Fetterman, PhD – Vascular Biology
Nicholas Bosch, MD, MSc – Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep & Critical Care Medicine
APP Excellence in Education and Mentoring Award
Jessica Bardina, DNP – General Internal Medicine
APP Clinical Care Excellence Award
Arlene Dermovsesian, NP – Cardiovascular Medicine
APP Patient Care Innovation & Quality Improvement Award
Margaux Dockerty, MSN, AGNP-C – Hematology & Medical Oncology
APP Excellence in Research Award
Lisa Mendelson, NP – Hematology & Medical Oncology
Maria Antoinette Evans Award
Teresa Acosta, MPH – Faculty Development & Diversity Office
David “Aaron” Freed Award
Renee Pittman – Slone Epidemiology Center
Outstanding Research Collaborator Award (Evans Center/IBRO)
Florian Douam, PhD – Virology, Immunology & Microbiology
Kevin C. Thomas, PhD – Anatomy & Neurobiology
Clinical Oral Presentation Winners
1st Place: Ali Elzieny
2nd Place: Amy Yuan
3rd Place: Hung Vo
Basic Science Oral Presentation Winners
1st Place: Diya Pamidimukkla
2nd Place: Thea De
3rd Place: Porter Dooley
Clinical Poster Winners
1st Place: Katie McMenamin
2nd Place: Stephanie Pan
3rd Place: Brindet Socrates
Basic Science Poster Winners
1st Place: Isabelle Joy
2nd Place: Joseph McWhirter
3rd Place: Kylie Tang
3rd Place: Jonathan Chang
October STARDoM Awardees!
Congratulations to the following October STARDoM awardees!!!
Lindsey Barlow, B.S Neurobiology
“Lindsey has all of the qualities of a STAR! She is a relatively new medical assistant to our suite (Crosstown 5A), but she has already made quite the impression. Her work is consistently exceptional; she not only does her work with efficiency and attention to detail, but she also keeps an eye on the big picture and doesn't hesitate to step in when help is needed.”
Job Title: Medical Assistant
How many years have you been at BUSM/BMC? 1
Describe your role within the Department of Medicine
As an MA in GIM’s women’s health department, I get patients ready to see their provider. I check vital signs, do any point of care testing needed, and assist with birth control procedures. I also help patients receive any housing, food, and immigration resources they may need.
What do you like best about your job?
My favorite thing about my job is a tie between 2 things- the first is talking with patients and hearing their stories. The second is learning from the amazing providers in my clinic. They have taught me how to care for patients as a whole, which is a lesson I hope to bring with me if I get into PA school.
Favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love making jewelry! You’ll find me at Rosie’s Place teaching a jewelry class :)
Little known fact: I’m running a half marathon in November!
Katelyn Sylvester, BA
"Katelyn has become a star in the role and at our recent site visit, the ACGME evaluators could not stop singing her praises! The program directors and the fellows within ID feel the exact same way."
Job Title: Program Coordinator
How many years have you been at BUSM/BMC? I have been at BUSM/BMC for 6 months!
Describe your role within the Department of Medicine
I am the Fellowship and Administrative Coordinator for the Section of Infectious Diseases; I oversee all of the regulatory components to ensure section and fellowship compliance with the institution and accreditation sources.
What do you like best about your job?
I love witnessing the fellows' growth and working with all the incredible faculty and staff.
Favorite thing to do outside of work?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is see a live concert!
Little known fact: I ran my first marathon in September 2025!
DOM Faculty Appointments and Promotions – August and September 2025
Congratulations to the following faculty members on their recent appointment or promotion!
Clinical Associate Professor
Omar Siddiqi, MD, Medicine/Cardiovascular Medicine, is a clinician-educator who is the program director of the Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship and co-director of the cardiovascular module for PISCEs. Dr. Siddiqi also is faculty mentor of the Fellows in Training (FIT) Council of the Massachusetts chapter of the American College of Cardiology (MA-ACC). He is an attending physician at the BU Amyloidosis Center and director of cardio-oncology at Boston Medical Center (BMC). He specializes in structural echocardiographic imaging through which he provides transesophageal imaging support to the structural interventional program. A graduate of the Harvard Macy Program for Educators in Health Professions and the Clinician Educator Leadership Program (CELP) at BMC, Dr. Siddiqi's medical education research interests include developing simulation-based curricula in cardiovascular medicine fellowship. He is the site-PI or co-PI for seven clinical trials, six of which involve patients with cardiac amyloidosis.
Peter Hoffmeister, MD, Medicine/Cardiovascular Medicine, is a clinician-educator with advanced training in clinical cardiac electrophysiology. Based at VA Boston Healthcare’s West Roxbury Campus, he is associate director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab and program where he sees patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), heart failure and arrhythmia disorders. He is an expert within the VA system in the management of patients with implantable cardiac electronic devices, providing long-term device care including pacemakers and defibrillators as well as expertise in complex lead management including lead extraction in conjunction with the cardiothoracic surgical service. He also helps lead an advanced AFib management program and has worked to establish the section as a major training site for physicians and students from BU and throughout the region.
DOM ROAR: Research Operations & Administration Retreat – Sept. 16th
Join us for a day of insightful discussions and networking opportunities! If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to Havens Kon or Christine Choi
Submit your questions below!
Tuesday, Sept. 16, Evans Conference Room 1
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 956 6641 6664
Passcode: 203811
10:00 – 10:15 AM
Welcome & Introduction
10:15 – 10:45 AM
Guest Presentation:
Conflict of Interest (COI): Financial Conflicts of Interest in Research at BU/BMC
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
BMC Guest Presentation:
BMCHS Research & Sponsored Programs: 101
Proposal Development, Jennifer Flemming
Pre-Award (SPA) Gina Nadler
Post-Award (SPF) Tyler Flack
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Break
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Grant Management Workshop (by invitation)
DOM ROAR: Research Operations & Administration Retreat Q&A Collection Form
July 2025 DOM Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Faculty Promotions
Congratulations to the following BU DOM Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine faculty on their recent appointment or promotion!
Clinical Professor
Ashish Upadhyay, MD, medicine/nephrology, serves as director of the nephrology fellowship and director of research for the internal medicine residency. Previously, he led evidence review teams for international nephrology clinical practice guidelines (2009-2012), was associate director of the internal medicine residency (2012-2018), and director of the nephrology clerkship (2018-2025). His scholarly contributions spanning clinical nephrology and medical education have been cited over 5,500 times. He also is an investigator in multiple kidney disease-related clinical studies, a member of AAMI’s Renal Disease and Detoxification Committee, and chair of the school’s Committee on Appeals. Dr. Upadhyay received Boston Medical Center’s 2021 Program Leadership Award and the department of medicine’s 2022 Evans Special Recognition Teaching Award.
Associate Professor
Devin Steenkamp, MBChB, medicine/endocrinology, diabetes, nutrition & weight management, is an endocrinologist with a particular interest in type 1 diabetes, atypical diabetes phenotypes and the application of diabetes technologies in care. He is director of the clinical diabetes program in the section of endocrinology, diabetes and nutrition and weight management and established the diabetes technology program, specifically focused on caring for underserved adults living with diabetes. Dr. Steenkamp has been an investigator on multiple multi-center clinical trials and translational projects and is currently a co-I on two NIH-funded R01 clinical studies investigating diabetes technology in novel populations (underserved adults with type 1 diabetes and non-diabetic members of the longitudinal Framingham Heart Study).
Alysse Wurcel, MD, medicine/GIM, specializes in implementation science and carceral health with a robust research portfolio examining health disparities. Dr. Wurcel has delivered clinical care as an infectious diseases physician at various institutions, including Tufts Medical Center, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, Beverly Hospital and several Massachusetts county jails. She has more than 20 years of experience as a clinician and researcher working with communities of color, people with HIV, people who use drugs and people who have experienced incarceration. She is a member of the leadership team of the Academic Consortium for Criminal Justice Health and is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Correctional Health Care.
June 2025 DOM Faculty Promotions
Congratulations to the following BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine DOM faculty on their recent appointment or promotion!
Professor
Valerie Gouon-Evans, PhD, PharmD, Medicine/Gastroenterology, studies liver development and therapeutic strategies to alleviate liver diseases using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and innovative nanoparticle mRNA platforms. Earlier this year she was named the inaugural BMC Research Excellence Award winner. She has a track record for training postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and technicians who have remained in the research field either in academia or with industry/consulting firms. She also mentors junior and peer faculty members through her position as the director of the BU Liver Biologist (BULB) program, which provides intellectual and technical resources for peers in the liver field at a local and national level. In addition, she is associate director of the molecular and translational medicine PhD program.
Clinical Associate Professor
Dellara Terry, MD, MPH, Medicine/Geriatrics, specializes in geriatrics and performs cognitive assessments at Boston Medical Center’s (BMC) Geriatrics Memory Disorders Clinic. Her primary role is chief and vice president of Value Based Care for the BMC Health System, where she addresses opportunities to improve clinical care delivery and risk-based contractual performance using a data-driven approach. Dr. Terry brings 20+ years of experience working in large integrated healthcare systems, venture-backed companies and academic medicine to her current role.
Deborah Whalen, MSN, MBA, APRN, Medicine/Cardiovascular Medicine, is a clinician and leader whose career over the last 30 years epitomizes individual clinical excellence. She currently serves as the director of quality and patient safety for the department of medicine. Through her extensive accomplishments in championing methodologies of quality assessment and improvement (QA/QI), she has inspired generations of MD-trained clinicians and advanced practice providers in the cardiovascular medicine section and larger department of medicine to incorporate QI into their clinical practice. Ms. Whalen has played a leadership role in shaping the clinical environment through numerous contributions that have been recognized at local, national and international levels.
You’re Invited: Smart Board Training Sessions – July 15 & 29
