Eriko Onishi named AAHPM Leadership Scholar
Eriko Onishi, M.D., has been named a 2025 Leadership Scholar by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, or AAHPM, one of just five recipients selected nationwide for this prestigious honor.
The AAHPM Leadership Scholars program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing hospice and palliative care. As the professional organization for physicians, nurses and other health care providers in this field, AAHPM aims to foster specialized leadership through this program. Onishi’s achievement highlights her dedication and ongoing leadership within the palliative care community.
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Yali Jia elected to National Academy of Inventors
Yali Jia, Ph.D., professor of ophthalmology and biomedical engineering in the OHSU School of Medicine and the Jennie P. Weeks Professor of Ophthalmology, has been elected a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.
NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors. Jia is a renowned biomedical engineer and innovator in optical imaging, best known for pioneering Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography, a noninvasive technique that has transformed clinical retinal diagnostics. She invented the split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography algorithm, which made it possible to clearly show tiny blood vessels in the living eye for the first time. Her work has helped doctors find and track major eye diseases earlier and more accurately, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease — the three leading causes of blindness.
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Meghna Gupta lead author of new study
Meghna Gupta, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemical physiology and biochemistry in the OHSU School of Medicine, is the lead author of a new study in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that mapped the 3D structure of the human protein ABCD3. Using cryo-electron microscopy, the team captured the protein alone and bound to a natural cargo, revealing how substrate binding triggers a shape change that activates its energy-using form to drive transport into peroxisomes. Because ABCD3 defects cause rare bile acid disorders, these insights may help guide future treatments.
OHSU co-authors on the study include Nitesh Kumar Khandelwal, Ph.D., a research assistant professor, and Devin Seka, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Gupta lab.
Gupta contributed to five publications in 2025 that reveal the structures of key membrane proteins, including transporters relevant to tuberculosis, autoimmune and metabolic diseases, creating new opportunities for drug development. In Science Advances, her team showed how disease-causing autoantibodies bind to aquaporin-4, explaining how immune attacks trigger nerve damage in neuromyelitis optica.
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Aiyin Chen earns Fred P. and Joan Thompson professorship
Aiyin Chen, M.D., associate professor of ophthalmology, is the recipient of the Fred P. and Joan Thompson Family Endowed Professorship, which was established in 2015 by Fred Thompson, a generous donor and longstanding member of the Casey Eye Advisory Council.
Chen is Head of glaucoma service at the OHSU Casey Eye Institute, where she specializes in glaucoma care. As principal investigator on a National Eye Institute grant, she leads research into how optical coherence tomography and machine learning can advance glaucoma diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment. Her work emphasizes real-world impact, from analyzing surgical outcomes to improving eye care delivery in community health centers, ensuring patients receive the best possible care.
Chen’s research has been widely published in leading journals such as Ophthalmology, the American Journal of Ophthalmology, and JAMA Ophthalmology. A dedicated educator, she has delivered lectures regionally, nationally and internationally, and serves on both the Residency Clinical Competency Committee and the Glaucoma Fellowship Selection Committee.
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Alison Edelman earns Leon Speroff endowment
Alison Edelman, M.D., M.P.H., professor of obstetrics and gynecology, has earned the Leon Speroff, M.D., Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology endowment, which was established in 2003 by Leon Speroff, M.D.
Edelman is a distinguished obstetrician-gynecologist whose career demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing women’s health through clinical care, research and education. Throughout her career, she has maintained continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health, resulting in more than 180 publications that have significantly shaped the field of contraception and family planning. At OHSU, she directed the Complex Family Planning Fellowship and successfully led its transition to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accreditation.
This endowed professorship will further expand Edelman’s influence, ensuring that OHSU continues to serve as a national model for excellence in women’s health.
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Fabrice Jotterand named Cornelia Hayes Stevens Endowed Chair
Fabrice Jotterand, Ph.D., M.A., director of the Center for Ethics in Care at OHSU, has earned the Cornelia Hayes Stevens Endowed Chair in the Center for Ethics in Health Care.
Jotterand is a philosopher and medical ethicist. With over 90 scholarly articles and nine books to his name, he is recognized internationally for his work on neuroethics, artificial intelligence in health care, medical professionalism and the philosophy of medicine. His latest project was co-editor of Fostering Humanism in Surgery, published in 2025. This endowed chair provides support that sustains his teaching and research.
Established in 1999, the Cornelia Hayes Stevens Chair Endowment provides resources to support protected time for the director to lead the Center for Ethics in Health. These leadership responsibilities include establishing a strong vision for the center’s work, developing new programs, leading innovation and taking strong, principled positions about controversial issues.
The center is profoundly grateful to the late Cornelia Hayes Stevens, her family and many others whose generosity supports this essential part of the director’s role.
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Jamie Lo, Ashley Benson, Joseph Shatzel complete clinical trial of Monoferric
A research team led by Jamie Lo, M.D., Ashley Benson, M.D., and Joseph Shatzel, M.D., have completed the first clinical trial in the United States of Monoferric, a single-dose intravenous iron treatment for iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. The study found that Monoferric offers a much shorter infusion time of just 24 minutes, compared with traditional IV iron therapies, which can require over an hour and multiple visits.
The trial results show Monoferric is effective at restoring iron levels in both mothers and their babies, with minimal side effects. Researchers also observed improvements in maternal mood and overall outcomes for mothers and newborns. All previous pregnancy studies with Monoferric were conducted outside the U.S.
As iron deficiency anemia remains the world’s most common nutritional deficiency, especially during pregnancy, this study highlights a safer, more efficient treatment option for expectant mothers in the U.S.
Some findings were presented at the 2025 American Society for Hematology conference, where the study received an award. The research was conducted independently from the drug manufacturer.
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Erika Finanger named Ramberg Ford Endowed Chair in Pediatric Neuromuscular Disorders
Erika Finanger, M.D., M.S., pediatric neurologist and program director of OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital’s neuromuscular disorders program, has been named the Ramberg Ford Endowed Chair in Pediatric Neuromuscular Disorders.
The endowment was established by Cheryl Ramberg Ford and Allyn Ford, in memory of Cheryl’s brother, Douglas, who died in 1965 at age 13 from complications of muscular dystrophy. This gift will ensure that the Ramberg Ford Pediatric Neuromuscular Disorders Center will be there to provide these courageous children and their families with exceptional care, comprehensive support and the hope that comes from research.
With clinical and research expertise in pediatric neuromuscular disease, particularly Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, Finanger has dedicated her career to improving care and advancing therapies for children with these complex conditions. This endowed chair will empower her and her team to expand the reach and impact of this vital program, offering preventive and specialist care, physical therapy, genetic testing and counseling, and access to cutting-edge clinical trials.
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Richard Stutzman named Margaret Thiele Petti and August Petti Professorship in Corneal Service
Richard Stutzman, M.D., an associate professor at the OHSU Casey Eye Institute, has been named the Margaret Thiele Petti and August Petti Professorship in Corneal Service.
This was established in 2002 with a generous estate gift from Margaret Thiele Petti in honor of Larry Rich, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and chief of corneal and external disease service at OHSU, who performed a corneal transplant for August Petti and cataract surgery for Margaret Pettie before their passings.
Stutzman’s career has been devoted to advancing care in cornea and refractive surgery, particularly ocular trauma. His research has been published in leading journals such as Cornea, Ophthalmology and Military Medicine, spanning refractive surgery outcomes, corneal healing and treatment of traumatic cataracts, corneoscleral damage and other combat-related eye injuries. Stutzman has also served as residency program director at Walter Reed and George Washington University and was recognized with the Robert C. Watzke Resident Teaching Award at OHSU.
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Laurie King earns Jay Nutt professorship
Laurie King, Ph.D., P.T., M.C.R., professor of neurology and co-director of the Balance Disorders Laboratory at OHSU, has earned the Jay Nutt, M.D., Professorship of Clinical Research of Movement Disorders, which was established in 2020 through a generous gift from an anonymous donor.
King is an internationally recognized clinician-scientist whose career reflects a sustained commitment to improving balance, gait and rehabilitation for individuals with neurological disorders. With more than 15 years of clinical experience, she has authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications and maintained continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. Her research focuses on conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injury, leveraging emerging technologies, including wearable sensors, to advance rehabilitation techniques and establish best practices.
This endowed professorship, named in honor of Dr. Jay Nutt, supports clinical research in Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders and serves as a powerful tool to recruit and retain exceptional faculty. The endowment will further strengthen King’s work, ensuring OHSU remains a leader in innovative, patient-centered movement disorders research.
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Laura K. Tom earns Traci A. Parker endowed professorship
Laura K. Tom, M.D., FACS, associate professor at OHSU and a nationally recognized leader in microvascular and lymphatic surgery, has earned the Traci A. Parker Endowed Professorship of Lymphedema.
The endowment was established in 2021 by Traci Parker, a cervical and breast cancer survivor. After receiving cancer treatment, Parker developed lymphedema and recognized the need for patient education, as well as education for providers in oncology. Parker established this endowment, which may be awarded as a professorship, to help grow the lymphedema program at OHSU and provide the most advanced resources for patients, better educating them early and improving their overall well-being.
Tom's research has advanced innovative techniques, including lymphovenous bypass and prophylactic reconstruction, which help treat lymphedema, a condition that can cause lifelong swelling and discomfort. These breakthroughs directly improve the quality of life for patients who often struggle with the daily challenges of this condition. Tom also co-directed the Lymphedema Education & Research Network Center of Excellence at MedStar, where she established a hub to ensure access to advanced lymphedema treatment for diverse communities.
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Mark Joseph earns Dr. YB Talwalkar professorship
Mark Joseph, M.D., has dedicated over 25 years to caring for children with kidney disease, bringing both expertise and compassion to his work. He has earned the Dr. YB Talwalkar Professorship in Pediatric Nephrology, which was established in 2016 by Abhi Talwalkar in memory of his father, Dr. YB Talwalkar. Talwalkar was a pediatrician and pediatric nephrologist in a time when both fields were in their infancy. Through his tireless work, great intellect and overwhelming compassion, Talwalkar enhanced the lives of the children he so faithfully served and significantly advanced the field of pediatric nephrology, in both its scientific and cognitive aspects.
Trained at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Seattle Children's Hospital, Joseph earned repeated recognition as one of Phoenix’s Top Doctors in Nephrology by Phoenix Magazine. He has also been a trusted teacher and mentor, receiving awards for his dedication to training young doctors.
Since joining OHSU in 2022, Joseph has already expanded services, recruited new team members and begun planning for a dialysis program at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. This professorship will support his vision to ensure every child in Oregon with kidney disease has access to world-class care close to home.
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Tamara Phillips earns Ruth G. Matarazzo professorship
Tamara Phillips, Ph.D., has earned the Ruth G. Matarazzo Professorship in Behavioral Neuroscience.
Phillips joined OHSU and the VA Portland Health Care System in 1987. She directs the Portland Alcohol Research Center, and has held leadership roles in the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism and the local chapter of Sigma Xi, a nonprofit scientific research honor society. Her National Institutes of Health and Veterans Administration-funded research explores genetic risk factors for addiction and effective therapeutic targets.
This professorship was established in 2014 by Joe Matarazzo, Ph.D., and Ruth Matarazzo, Ph.D., distinguished faculty members of OHSU, whose tenure reached over 50 years and 45 years, respectively.
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Christopher Austin earns Joseph and Geneva DePaola professorship
Christopher Austin, M.D., FAAP, FACS, has earned the Joseph and Geneva DePaola Endowed Professorship in Pediatrics.
Austin has devoted over 20 years to advancing pediatric urology, shaping both clinical care and academic scholarship. Under his leadership, the Division of Pediatric Urology has expanded to nine providers and led innovations, including minimally invasive robotic surgery, state-of-the-art video urodynamics and outreach clinics beyond Portland. His research has contributed to landmark multicenter trials, such as the Centers for Disease Control-sponsored spina bifida study and the National Institutes of Health-funded RIVUR Trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This professorship will help Austin expand and advance pediatric urology care across the region.
The Joseph and Geneva DePaola Endowed Professorship in Pediatrics was established in September 2025 by the estate of Joseph and Geneva DePaola.
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Melissa Wong earns Rood Family endowed professorship
Melissa Wong, Ph.D., is the vice chair of cell, developmental and cancer biology at OHSU and serves as associate director of basic science at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. She has earned the Rood Family Endowed Professorship in Cancer Research.
Wong's research focuses on stem cell regulation in intestinal development, tissue regeneration and disease. Her team discovered tumor-immune hybrid cells, tumor cells fused with immune cells, which exhibit unique properties linked to tumor progression, treatment resistance, and disease biomarkers.
Wong earned her doctorate degree from Wake Forest University, completing postdoctoral training at Washington University before joining OHSU in 2001. She received the Rood Family Endowed Professorship for her contributions to cancer research.
The Rood Family Endowed Professorship in Cancer Research was established in 2015 by Gary and Christine Rood as part of the OHSU Knight Cancer Challenge. The Roods understand that endowed faculty positions are OHSU’s most prestigious academic distinction, and it was their hope to encourage promising scientific leaders to advance the Knight’s research program and ultimately contribute to more effective treatments for cancer patients.
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Thomas Deloughery featured in Top 10 most viewed JAMA articles of 2025
Thomas Deloughery, M.D., professor of medicine, pathology and pediatrics in hematology/oncology and laboratory medicine at OHSU, has an article that has been named in the Top 10 most viewed JAMA articles of 2025.
Iron deficiency is a common health issue, affecting 38% of menstruating women and up to 80% of pregnant women. This article, co-authored by DeLoughery, is a state-of-the-art review of all aspects of iron deficiency and builds on the work of multiple OHSU investigators in iron deficiency and its treatment.
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Recognize team or individual achievements with OHSU Accolades
Every day, OHSU members do amazing things. We want to celebrate the significant achievements of OHSU members, units, and programs, such as awards, grants, appointments, publications, and public recognitions. We publish these announcements regularly on OHSU Now and OHSU News: Awards and Accomplishments to celebrate with all 27,000 of our members and our community. Nominate yourself, a colleague or any OHSU member using this Accolades intake form. Submissions edited for length and clarity.