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Marshall University Joan C . Edwards School of Medicine
Marshall scientist receives VA Merit Review Senior Clinician Scientist Investigator Award
Gastroenterologist Uma Sundaram , MD , was recognized by the Hershel “ Woody ” Williams Veterans Affairs ( VA ) Medical Center for his research on malnutrition and inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD ). Based on the outstanding score of his VA Merit Award renewal application , Sundaram received the VA Merit Review Senior Clinician Scientist Investigator ( SCSI ) Award , the most prestigious grant given by the United States ( US ) Veterans Administration grants program .
Sundaram , professor and vice dean for research and graduate education at the Marshall University Joan C . Edwards School of Medicine , first received a VA Merit Award in 2017 for research related to the causes of malnutrition and diarrhea in IBD , one of the most common causes of disability among US veterans serving overseas . IBD includes conditions such as Crohn ’ s disease and ulcerative colitis , which affects about 3 million patients nationwide . Among US veterans , the prevalence of these conditions increased two to threefold between 1998 and 2009 , including a high rate of IBD among Gulf War veterans .
“ IBD is very common in in the tri-state area in veterans and the general population ,” Sundaram said . “ Our research is to find out what causes the all-too-common malabsorption of nutrients and electrolytes , which results in malnutrition and diarrhea in IBD patients . Our studies will help us identify better treatments for this currently incurable condition .”
The SCSI Award includes a Merit Award extension for four years , amounting to a total eight-year award . Sundaram is one of only 41 researchers across the country to hold SCSI status .
“ This is an amazing accomplishment for Dr . Sundaram and his research team ,” said Brian Nimmo , director of the Hershel “ Woody ” Williams VA Medical Center . “ We ’ ve had a longstanding connection to Marshall University and the Joan C . Edwards School of Medicine , and their research works to enhance the lives of our Veteran community .”
Sundaram ’ s continued research will work to determine how the body ’ s immune system affects intestinal absorption and secretion in IBD so that more specific and effective treatments can be developed . This research is conducted jointly at the VA , Joan C . Edwards School of Medicine , and Cabell Huntington Hospital .
Image : Dr . Uma Sundaram was honored by the Hershel “ Woody ” Williams VA Medical Center with the VA Merit Review Senior Clinician Scientist Investigator Award on January 24 .
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