Making Gene Therapy History
Watch this video that goes behind the doors of the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center at Rhode Island Hospital to learn about JR’s experience and the advanced treatment that has changed his life.
MedNotes | Fall 2025
Dear Colleagues:
I’m pleased to share this Fall edition of MedNotes, our biannual newsletter highlighting the work of our talented physicians, researchers and educators at Brown University Health.
This edition covers a dynamic period for the Brown Health system. In a major step forward for academic medicine and patient care in Rhode Island, we completed our October merger with Brown Physicians, Inc. (BPI). This strategic alignment paves the way for more seamless, efficient, and coordinated care for patients and providers. Learn more in our lead story, Brown Physicians, Inc. Joins Brown Health Medical Group.
Every day, our clinicians and care teams bring hope to patients and families through groundbreaking treatments. At Rhode Island Hospital, you can read about how Dr. Clark Chen and his team are transforming brain tumor care by introducing a first-of-its-kind radiation implant to the state. In another first for the state, a team administered a new gene therapy for hemophilia to a 39-year-old patient, whose one-time treatment has replaced a lifetime of weekly transfusions—marking a major leap forward in personalized medicine.
We’re proud to report that the Brown Health Cancer Institute again achieved CoC Accreditation, for consistently providing the gold standard of cancer care. The outstanding collaborative efforts of our teams also resulted in recognitions for exceptional stroke treatment, for advanced total hip and knee replacement, and inclusion on the U.S. News Best Hospitals List, among others.
Thank you to all our physician colleagues and community partners for your work to further our collective mission: to make a healing difference in the lives of our patients.
In partnership,
Babar Khokhar, MD, MBA
Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Officer, Brown University Health
President, Brown Health Medical Group
Professor and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Brown Physicians, Inc. Joins Brown Health Medical Group
Brown Health Medical Group and Brown Physicians, Inc. (BPI) signed a definitive agreement to merge, effective October 1, 2025, following reviews by the Federal Trade Commission and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.
BPI’s six foundations—Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Medicine, Neurology, Surgery, and Urology—are now part of Brown Health Medical Group, the multi-specialty faculty medical group that is part of the Brown University Health system.
This merger represents a significant milestone in advancing academic medicine and patient care in Rhode Island. As one entity, Brown Health Medical Group and BPI’s complementary specialty services provide patients with a more efficient and seamless experience across our combined clinical services, creating better continuity of care for all patients.
This integration will strengthen collaboration among providers, improve coordination of care, and enhance access to a broader network of specialists. Importantly, it will also support the continued growth of research and education in the Brown University Health system, reinforcing our commitment to academic excellence and innovation in healthcare.
As part of the merger conditions set forth by Attorney General Neronha, Brown Health will expand work already underway to recruit and retain primary care physicians to address the state's ongoing shortage. To meet the AG’s expectations, Brown Health will increase access to primary care for 30,000 new patients over a three-year period and potentially increase to 40,000 new patients over four years. In addition, it has committed to hiring approximately 27 additional primary care providers over the next three years.
Further enhancements to patient care will include the integration of BPI practices into Brown Health’s electronic health record system. Both organizations are now focused on finalizing integration plans to move toward completing this important and transformative merger. Read more details in this press release.
Bradley Hospital Receives $8 Million Grant for New Research Facility
Bradley Hospital has received a nearly $8 million federal grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance the construction of a pediatric psychiatric research laboratory that will be co-located on Bradley’s hospital campus in East Providence.
The hospital expects to establish a state-of-the-art facility to enhance pediatric psychiatric research and centralize services in one convenient, modern facility.
“Without a dedicated space on campus, Bradley Hospital’s research laboratories are scattered across multiple locations, limiting collaboration and distancing scientists from the very patients who stand to benefit most from their work,” said Dr. Henry Sachs III, president, Bradley Hospital. “This proposed center would significantly enhance Bradley Hospital’s capacity to address the urgent and evolving challenges in youth and adolescent psychiatry and behavioral health.”
The Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, US Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and US Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, were instrumental in securing the funding for the multi-phase construction project.
Read more about the impact this grant will have upon the community, especially the youngest patients in need of mental health services, in East BayRI. (Paid subscription may be required).
Innovative Brain Tumor Treatment Debuts in RI
Clark Chen, MD, a neurosurgeon at Rhode Island Hospital, is the first in the state to offer GammaTile—an FDA-cleared, bioresorbable radiotherapy implant for patients with operable brain tumors. Dr. Chen and radiation oncologist Brijal Desai, MD, treated Rhode Island’s first patient using this advanced technology at Rhode Island Hospital.
"Because of their aggressive nature, many glioblastomas grow rapidly during the four to six weeks after surgery, while the patient awaits recovery in anticipation of radiation therapy. GammaTile offers a compelling treatment for these patients,” said Dr. Chen. “This innovative therapy enhances precision of radiation and allows radiation treatment to start immediately at the time of surgery.”
Read the full press release here and view local news coverage on NBC10.
Rhode Island’s First Gene Therapy Advances Hemophilia Care
In a landmark advancement for hemophilia care in Southeastern New England, Brown University Health recently administered the state’s first gene therapy for hemophilia B. The recipient, JR Landry, a 39-year-old Massachusetts resident diagnosed in infancy, received Hemgenix—a one-time, FDA-approved gene therapy designed to deliver a functional copy of the gene responsible for producing clotting factor IX.
Salley G. Pels, MD, director of the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center at Rhode Island Hospital, led the clinical team delivering the therapy. This transformative treatment eliminates the need for lifelong weekly infusions, offering patients a new standard of care and significantly improving quality of life. Hemgenix works by introducing the missing gene via an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, enabling the patient’s liver cells to produce the clotting factor endogenously.
The infusion was prepared and delivered by Christopher Gemming, CSPT, a Certified Pharmacy Technician at Brown University Health who also lives with Severe Hemophilia Type A. Motivated by a deep personal connection to the condition, Gemming requested to be involved in the preparation and administration of the therapy. “For me, working in pharmacy is more than just a job—it is a way to give back,” said Gemming. “It’s incredibly meaningful to be part of a team that not only understands the importance of the therapies we provide but is also helping to shape the future of care for patients with conditions like my own.”
Landry is being closely monitored by the clinical team and is responding well to the therapy. “You all have been an amazing team, and I could not be more thankful,” he said.
This milestone reflects Brown University Health’s commitment to advancing precision medicine and expanding access to cutting-edge therapies for patients with rare and chronic conditions.
Brown Health Cardiovascular Institute Expands Surgical Team
Following a strategic expansion in leadership and surgical expertise, the Brown Health Cardiovascular Institute has emerged as Southeastern New England's leader, boasting the region’s largest cardiovascular surgical team.
When Mark J. Cunningham, MD, was appointed chief of cardiovascular surgery, Rhode Island Hospital and the Karl E Karlson, MD and Gloria A Karlson Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, his priority was to build a world class cardiovascular surgical department. Since then, three highly skilled surgeons have joined the team which already includes Frank W. Sellke, MD, chief of cardiovascular research and Neel R. Sodha, MD, director, Brown University Health Thoracic Aortic Center; surgical director, cardiothoracic intensive care unit; and surgical director, ECMO and circulatory support.
With this expansion, the Brown Health Cardiovascular Institute now offers the largest and most experienced cardiovascular surgical team in the region, equipped to deliver advanced care, including open, minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
“Our cardiovascular surgeons are the cornerstone of multidisciplinary teams that collaborate with cardiologists to provide patient-centered care,” said Dr. Cunningham. “Adding new surgeons allows us to improve efficiency and expand access for cardiac patients across the region.”
The newest members of the cardiovascular surgery team
The Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute Division of Cardiovascular Surgery is consistently rated “High Performing” by U.S. News & World Report. It is one of only four percent of programs nationwide to receive the highest rating – three stars - from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
In 2025, surgeons with the Brown Health Cardiovascular Institute performed more than 570 open heart surgeries, excluding TAVR procedures. They performed 405 TAVR procedures, placing it in the top three percent of programs in the country.
Contact the Cardiovascular Surgery Team
Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute – Cardiovascular Surgery is located at Rhode Island Hospital, 2 Dudley Street, Suite 370, Providence. For more information, call 401-274-7546, fax: 401-274-7910.
Adult Partial Hospital Programs Merge and Expand
The adult partial hospital programs at Newport and Rhode Island hospitals have merged to become the Brown University Health Partial Hospital Program. This fully virtual program delivers intensive, short-term mental health care to adults across Southeastern New England.
The merger allows Brown Health to provide evidence-based treatment for a wide range of concerns while improving access to specialty care in areas such as trauma, dual diagnosis, and emotion dysregulation within one unified program:
- General Track – for a wide range of mental health concerns
- Young Adult Track
- Trauma Track
- Co-occurring Disorders Track (addiction/dual diagnosis)
- Building Emotional Acceptance and Regulation (BEAR) Track – for emotion dysregulation and related disorders, such as borderline personality disorder
“Merging our programs under one unified system allows ease of access to care and the ability to more efficiently connect individuals with specialty care options to suit their needs,” said Hannah Herc, PhD, division director of the Adult Partial Hospital Program.
All referrals for partial hospital care will now be directed to the Brown University Health Partial Hospital Program. Patients can self-refer. While referrals are not mandatory, they can be made by calling 401-444-3748 or visiting the Adult Partial Hospital Program website to download a referral form.
Contact the Adult Partial Hospital Program
Ask questions, refer a patient, or make an appointment. A referral from your doctor is not necessary to begin treatment.
New Patients
Call: 401-444-3748 for more information about the program. If you are a provider and would like to refer a new patient, download the referral form (PDF) and fax it to 401-444-8836.
Current Patients
Call 401-444-2128 with any questions.
Brown Health Cancer Institute Achieves COC Accreditation
For more than 30 years, the Brown University Health Cancer Institute has remained committed to delivering the highest quality cancer care. A testament to this dedication is its consistent accreditation by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), a nationally recognized benchmark of excellence.
This year, the Brown Health Cancer Institute has again earned accreditation as an Integrated Network Cancer Program for the individual programs at Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital and Newport Hospital. These programs merged in 2015, coinciding with a first merged CoC accreditation. In previous years, each hospital obtained accreditation individually.
“The Brown University Health Cancer Institute has a strong academic focus with multiple educational efforts including disease site and palliative care case conferences, clinical research and an elective in cancer survivorship offered to medical residents,” the site reviewers noted in the report issued. “This is balanced with a commitment to patient-centered care as they respond to the needs and challenges of their population which appears to be highly valued by the communities they serve, as evidenced by their growth and low outmigration rates.”
With CoC accreditation, Brown Health Cancer Institute also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner.
Learn more about the Brown University Health Cancer Institute and its programs.
Brown Health Recognized for Exceptional Stroke Treatment
Four Brown University Health hospitals have again earned national recognition for providing exceptional patient care and outcomes by The American Heart Association (AHA).
Rhode Island, The Miriam, Newport, and Saint Anne’s Hospitals received the prestigious Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke GOLD PLUS Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes programs that demonstrate commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
All four hospitals also received AHA’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll designation in recognition for meeting quality measures with over 90 percent compliance for the prior year.
Read more about the Rhode Island hospitals recognized by the AHA in this press release and see the press release for Saint Anne’s announcement.
Brown Health Named to U.S. News Best Hospitals List
U.S. News & World Report recognized The Miriam, Rhode Island and Saint Anne’s hospitals in its 2025-2026 Best Hospitals rankings. The Miriam Hospital was named the top hospital in Rhode Island, and all three hospitals received “high performing” scores in specialty care.
“Brown University Health clinicians and staff take great pride in providing world-class care to our patients every day,” said Sarah Frost, chief of hospital operations at Brown University Health and president of Rhode Island Hospital. “We are extremely proud to have several Brown University Health Hospitals ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report this year which is a testament to their work and the communities we serve.”
The Miriam Hospital has earned the honor of top hospital in Rhode Island for 14 straight years, starting with U.S. News & World Report's first state rankings in 2012-2013.
Read more about the specialty care areas recognized at each hospital.
The Miriam and Saint Anne’s Hospitals Attain Gold Seal
The Total Joint Center at The Miriam Hospital and Saint Anne’s Hospital have once again earned the Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement.
This is The Miriam’s fifth recognition and Saint Anne’s third. The certification, awarded by the Joint Commission in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Joint Replacement Registry, rewards recipients for exceeding rigorous standards of performance, patient care, and teamwork.
Learn more about the award-winning care at The Miriam Hospital and Saint Anne’s Hospital.
RI AmeriCorps VISTA Team Improves Healthcare Access
The Brown University Health Center for Health and Justice Transformation (CHJT) has been home to the Health and Justice in RI AmeriCorps VISTA team since 2018. Over the past seven years, the program has helped manage the opioid crisis and health equity issues for more than 20,000 local individuals within Rhode Island’s underserved communities.
CHJT, a project of the Brown University Health Community Health Institute, is dedicated to advancing improved outcomes through fair access to healthcare in the criminal legal system. AmeriCorps VISTA is a one-year volunteer service position in which members serve in a capacity-building role at a nonprofit organization or a government agency.
In Rhode Island, the VISTA team members play a crucial role in working with Brown Health partner organizations that serve people affected by the criminal legal system or the opioid crisis. Local organizations include Preventing Overdose and Naloxone Intervention (PONI), Rhode Island Hospital Center for Primary Care (CPC), and Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC).
Morton Hospital Adds Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Program
Morton Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services department at Northwoods Medical Center in Taunton is now offering a new pelvic health physical therapy program through therapist Meghan Doucette, PT, DPT. Doucette sees both adults and pediatric patients and specializes in evaluating and treating the musculoskeletal and behavioral aspects of conditions within the abdomen and the pelvis.
A full list of conditions and diagnoses treated can be found on their website.
To learn more about the program, call 508-828-7265. A provider referral is required to make an appointment.
Tomosynthesis Now Available at Morton Hospital
To provide the most relevant and precision care in breast health, Brown University Health has enhanced its technology at three locations.
Morton Hospital now offers tomosynthesis 3-D mammography at its Women's Imaging Center in Taunton, at the hospital's imaging suite at the Southeast Health Center in Middleboro, and at Brown University Health Medical Imaging in Foxborough, which is now licensed under Morton Hospital.
Providers have two options to submit patient orders:
- If you use Epic, submit the order directly through the system.
- If you're not on Epic, fax the order to Central Scheduling at 508-828-7953.
A scheduler will call the patient to book their exam.
Newport Hospital ED Tackles Housing Insecurity
Newport Hospital Emergency Department is helping to turn the tide on the complex and swelling cycle of patients experiencing mental health, substance abuse, and housing insecurity challenges. It has partnered with Newport Mental Health, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.
The pilot program places Newport Mental Health clinicians in the ED to offer support to patients after they are medically cleared. The collaborative effort aims to bridge gaps in care and provide meaningful support for vulnerable individuals, while also supporting healthcare workers.
Many people rely on the ED as the only accessible and safe place for help, due to the erosion of social safety nets. Declines in affordable housing, limited substance use treatment, fewer primary care providers, and rising income inequality have all contributed to persistent ED overcrowding.
Dayna Gladstein, president and CEO of Newport Mental Health co-authored a recent “Peace of Mind” column for The Newport Daily News, noting that the local situation is like so many others, with one exception - the compassion of the Newport Hospital providers and their desire to help these patients beyond what is medically needed.
Read the full column in the July 11, 2025 edition. (Paid subscription may be required).
Bradley Hospital Addresses RI’s Chronic Absenteeism
Bradley Hospital is partnering with the State of Rhode Island to address the growing youth mental health crisis and improve student attendance and outcomes.
Margaret Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD, Bradley’s director of clinical innovation, joined Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green to announce the Attendance Matters RI campaign. Its goal is to decrease chronic absenteeism – missing 10 percent of school days or about 18 days out of the school year – and help improve academic achievement statewide.
According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which is administered by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in three Rhode Island middle and high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless over a two-week period, interfering with at least some of their usual activities.
The partnership, which is funded by a $154,000 grant from the US Department of Education, will support work in up to 27 high-need local education agencies in Rhode Island. Partnering with Bradley Hospital, the Rhode Island Education Department will provide professional learning for educators, technical assistance, coaching, and resources to support the implementation of evidence-based mental health strategies—with a goal of improved student attendance and engagement.
“This new campaign is well aligned with our mutual commitment to improve the health status of our community through behavioral health professional development and consultation,” said Dr. Paccione-Dyszlewski.
Rhode Island was one of 22 states to receive funding from the 2024 Stronger Connections Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Program, as part of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the US Department of Education.
Read more about Rhode Island’s plan for charting a new course for the Ocean State in the Governor’s RI 2030 plan.
Brown Health Center for Weight Loss Gains New Name and Director
The Center for Bariatric Surgery at The Miriam Hospital has changed its name to Brown University Health Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss, reflecting its expanded focus on medically assisted weight loss. Andrew Luhrs, MD, bariatric surgeon, has been named the director of the center.
"I'm honored to step into the role of director,” Dr. Luhrs said. “Our focus is not just on prescribing medications, but on empowering patients to build sustainable and healthy lifestyles. The treatments we offer have the power to change lives, particularly when paired with the compassionate and comprehensive care we extend to our patients."
The Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss will continue to provide interdisciplinary, patient-centered care that focuses on the medical and surgical treatment of obesity. It is the only weight loss center for adults and adolescents in Rhode Island that is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).
Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss
Award-Winning Care
We challenge you to find a better weight loss program than ours. Recognized by more professional associations than any other in the region, our high-quality care and excellent clinical outcomes are unmatched.
Brown Health Medical Group Urology Opens at Morton Hospital
Brown Health Medical Group Urology has opened an office at Morton Hospital. The new location is located at 72 Washington St., Suite 2220, Taunton, MA, in the Thayer Building.
Alexander Pang, MD has relocated from Northwoods Specialty Care to the new practice. Cheryl Chandler, PA, new to Brown Health, has joined this location. Together, they specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of urological conditions, including bladder dysfunction, kidney stone disease, and urinary tract infections, as well as sexual-health related concerns.
New patients are welcome. To make an appointment, call 508-802-9660. Providers can fax a referral to 508-802-9667.
Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care Comes to Middletown
With the convergence of two Newport practices, Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care Newport County will be opening this winter in Middletown, RI with its focus on adult medicine.
Located at 99 East Main Road, Suite 19A in Middletown, the new state-of-the-art office offers patients a welcoming environment with enhanced amenities and a larger on-site lab for added convenience. This expanded location underscores Brown Health’s commitment to delivering accessible, coordinated, and sustainable primary care—while also increasing the number of available providers to better serve the community.
With locations throughout Rhode Island, Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care services focus on preventive medicine. Primary Care Newport County services include:
- Diagnosis and treatment of major and minor illnesses
- Annual check-ups and physical exams
- Management of chronic illness
- Immunizations
- Minor surgery and minor emergencies
- Preventive screenings
- Coordination of specialty care
Location hours are Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. New patients are welcome, but by appointment only. To reach Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care Newport County call 401-846-0055 or fax (401) 842-9082.
Dr. Tenny Thomas Appointed Newport Hospital President
In July 2025, Tenny Thomas, MD, FACEP, MBL, was appointed president and chief medical officer of Newport Hospital, reinforcing Brown University Health’s commitment to the well-being of the Aquidneck Island community and its dedication to preserving access to high-quality, essential care.
Dr. Thomas comes to Brown University Health from Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth (BIDP), where he served as chief medical officer since 2018. In that role, he helped to improve patient flow, care coordination, enhanced hospital quality, and achieved top-tier outcomes. Dr. Thomas led successful initiatives in physician wellness, telemedicine services, reduced provider burnout, and developed several service lines.
Before his time at BIDP, Dr. Thomas served as CMO at Good Samaritan Medical Center and chief of the emergency department at Morton Hospital, where he led quality improvement initiatives and successfully improved patient safety, clinical outcomes, and operational efficiencies.
Dr. Thomas completed his medical degree at the College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University in Oman and did his residency in emergency medicine at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He received a master's degree in healthcare leadership from Brown University and is an adjunct faculty member at the School of Public Health at Brown University. He is board-certified in emergency medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Morton Hospital Welcomes New CMO and Medical Director
Jill O’Brien, MD, FACP, has joined Morton Hospital as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Medical Director of Hospital Medicine. She succeeds Dr. Charles Thayer, who retired recently as CMO but will continue to provide full-time surgical care to patients in his Morton Surgical practice in Taunton.
Dr. O’Brien has nearly two decades of experience in both clinical and leadership positions. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Strategy, Planning, and Optimization for Brown University Health. She has also served as Senior Medical Director of Utilization Management and as a practicing hospitalist at The Miriam Hospital, where she was elected President of the Medical Staff. Dr. O’Brien earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Rhode Island Hospital.
In her new dual role, Dr. O’Brien will assume responsibility for all quality, safety, and clinical operations at Morton Hospital while also overseeing the hospital medicine program. She will provide clinical leadership to support the delivery of high-quality care and an exceptional patient care experience.
Brown University Health Appoints Theresa Williamson, MD, to Key Neurosurgery Leadership Positions
Theresa Williamson, MD MPH, a neurosurgeon and bioethicist specializing in spine disorders and brain and spinal trauma has been appointed Brown University Health Director of the Center for Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Spinal Surgery and Director of the Center for Innovative Neurotechnology for Neural Repair (CINNR).
Prior to joining Brown Health, Dr. Williamson was chair of the Surgical Ethics Working Group at the Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics, Director of the Neurotech Justice Accelerator at Mass General Brigham, and Director of Minimally Invasive Spine Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. In a joint effort between Brown Health and Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Williamson will continue to lead the Neurotech Justice Accelerator, A Dana Center Initiative.
Dr. Williamson’s comprehensive focus and experience in neurosurgery and bioethics will advance the research underway at the CINNR to improve access and utilization of neurotechnology for patients in need.
“My goal is to make sure that all patients have access to neuro technologies and procedures that can improve their quality of life,” she said. “To do this, we must be able to both connect with individuals and improve systems of care.”
Her research centers on understanding the decision-making processes of patients across diverse communities regarding neurosurgical interventions, with a goal to provide precision technologies that are both cost-effective and deliver optimal outcomes for every individual. She has mentored over 50 undergraduate and medical students to conduct research at the intersection of neuroscience and society.
“I see CINNR as a space where we can bring patients of all backgrounds together with technological expertise and innovation to find new ways to treat spinal cord injury, pain, and neurotrauma,” Dr. Williamson said.
In recognizing the leadership and team she has joined, Dr. Williamson noted, “I’m thrilled to collaborate with our clinically excellent spine team under the leadership of Dr. Ziya Gokaslan and to work at CINNR with Dr. David Borton, a pioneer in the field.”
Acknowledging her relocation to Rhode Island, she said, “I look forward to serving the diverse and vibrant patient community in Providence.”
Learn more about the ongoing research at the CINNR on the website.
New Leadership Appointments for Brown Health Medical Group
Two key leadership appointments have been filled at Brown University Health and Brown Health Medical Group (BHMG).
- Dana Palka, MSN, RN has been appointed Vice President and Chief Ambulatory Nurse Executive for Brown University Health and Chief Nursing Officer for BHMG.
- Rishi Lulla, MD, MS has been appointed Vice President and Chief Ambulatory Medical Officer for Brown University Health and Chief Medical Officer for BHMG.
They will serve as dyad partners, bringing complementary expertise and a shared vision to strengthen and grow our ambulatory enterprise.
Palka brings over 30 years of nursing experience to the role, including more than a decade in ambulatory care. She previously served as director of clinical operations for adult ambulatory services at Brown University Health and Rhode Island Hospital, where she led clinical and administrative operations across 19 clinics, overseeing 146 FTEs and over 200 providers.
Over the next few months, Palka will balance her new role while continuing to serve as Brown Medicine’s Chief Operating Officer, ensuring continuity and strong leadership throughout our ongoing integration with Brown Physicians, Inc.
Rishi is an internationally recognized pediatric neuro-oncologist and proven physician leader, bringing nearly two decades of leadership experience in academic medicine and clinical operations. Since joining Brown University Health in 2018, he has served as Division Director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and as Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs and Operations for the Department of Pediatrics.
Together, Rishi and Dana will lead the continued growth and transformation of ambulatory care at Brown, working across disciplines to enhance quality, safety, access, and the patient and provider experience.
Saint Anne’s Hospital Physician Elected ABEM President
James D. Thomas, MD, of the Saint Anne's Hospital Emergency Department, is the new President of the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) Board of Directors.
“Becoming President of ABEM is an honor. It is a privilege to help practicing emergency physicians maintain the highest standards and ensure quality care for each and every person in need. I am excited for the year ahead; to grow and develop ABEM’s initiatives and the future of certification,” said Dr. Thomas.
An ABEM-certified physician, Dr. Thomas received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and completed residency training at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. He has been a member of Saint Anne's Emergency Department staff since 2012 and has been an ABEM oral examiner for more than 20 years.
Rethinking Productivity in Academic Neurosurgery: A Group-Based Model for Better Care
A new study from the department of neurosurgery at Brown University Health challenges the traditional approach to measuring physician productivity in academic medicine. While clinical work drives most revenue in healthcare, current metrics often focus on individual performance—using tools like billings, collections, or relative value units (RVUs). According to the authors, this individual-centric model can misalign incentives, ultimately undermining patient care, physician well-being, and institutional goals.
Instead, the study highlights the benefits of a group-based productivity model, developed in collaboration with institutional leadership. By shifting the focus from competition to collaboration, this approach fosters a more ethical, efficient, and expert-driven environment for patient care.
The authors argue that aligning incentives across the team—not just individuals—better supports the multifaceted mission of academic medicine, including education, research, and clinical excellence. They also explore the model’s broader applicability beyond neurosurgery, while acknowledging potential limitations.
Co-authors are: Wael F. Asaad, MD, PhD, FAANS; Adetokunbo A. Oyelese, MD, PhD, FAANS; Jared S. Fridley, MD, FAANS; Albert Telfeian, MD, PhD, FAANS; Curtis Doberstein, MD, FAANS, and Ziya L. Gokaslan, MD, FAANS, FACS.
Read the full study in NEJM/Catalyst. (Paid subscription required).
The Miriam Named a 2025 Healthcare Research All-Star
The Miriam Hospital was named one of Avant-garde Health’s Healthcare Research All-Stars for 2025, placing it among the top one percent for orthopedic surgery research hospitals in the nation.
For 2025, Avant-garde Health evaluated published research from more than 424,000 physicians and 4,700 hospitals to determine the most influential and elite researchers and hospitals in the U.S. The report recognizes 489 hospitals and more than 21,000 physician researchers across 22 medical and surgical specialties as the top healthcare researchers in 2025.
The Avant-garde Health 2025 Research All-Stars include an overall report honoring the top hospitals, in addition to separate reports covering the top physicians by specialty. For the complete list of all Avant-garde Health 2025 Research All-Stars, key findings and report methodology visit: Best Physicians and Hospitals for Healthcare Research.
ADEPT-4 Psychosis Associated with Alzheimer's Disease Research Study
Researchers with the Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center (ADMDC) at Rhode Island Hospital are conducting a study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the investigational medicine, KarXT, for the treatment of psychosis associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The total duration of treatment is 14 weeks with an additional screening period and safety follow-up. All study-related visits, tests, and the study drug will be provided to participants at no cost. In addition, participants may be compensated for their time and reimbursed for study-related meals and travel.
Individuals between the ages of 55 and 90 who have been diagnosed with mild to severe Alzheimer’s disease accompanied by moderate to severe psychosis—such as hallucinations or delusions—may be eligible to participate in the study. To enroll, participants must have a caregiver who can attend all study visits, manage medications and treatments, and assist with written assessments.
More information about this study is on the ADMDC website. Alexis DeMarco, senior clinical research assistant, is the contact and can be reached by email or at 401-606-4651 or [email protected].
Rhode Island Hospital Launches First U.S. Clinical Trial Combining Focused Ultrasound and Immunotherapy
Rhode Island Hospital has launched the nation’s first clinical trial investigating the use of non-invasive focused ultrasound in combination with immunotherapy to treat brain metastases—marking a major milestone in the advancement of neuro-oncology care.
This groundbreaking study, led by Dr. Clark C. Chen, professor of Neurosurgery and director of the Brain Tumor Program at the Brown University Health Cancer Institute, will evaluate the safety and efficacy of focused ultrasound technology as a potential alternative to conventional treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy, which can carry significant risks and side effects. By contrast, this clinical trial aims to determine whether focused ultrasound—a technique that uses sound waves to target tissue deep within the brain—can safely and more effectively treat metastatic tumors when paired with immunotherapy.
This trial leverages the powerful combination of focused ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and immunotherapy, a treatment that has already revolutionized outcomes for patients with advanced cancers, particularly lung cancer.
Patients interested in participating in the study should contact Amanda Hasbrouck, clinical research coordinator, at 401-793-9177.
Read more about the trial, and how patients can participate in this press release issued by Brown University Health. Learn more in Dr. Chen’s “Five Questions With” feature in the Providence Business News. (Paid subscription may be required).
US Pointer Study Points to Healthy Lifestyle Changes for Brain Health
A research study indicates that individuals at risk for cognitive decline can make positive healthy lifestyle changes to help protect brain health.
The Miriam and Butler Hospitals participated recently in the Alzheimer Association’s US Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (US POINTER study).
Together, Butler and The Miriam represented the New England region—one of five sites selected for the nationwide study. The other research locations included Chicago, Houston, Sacramento, CA, and Winston-Salem NC.
The two-year clinical trial was designed to evaluate whether healthy lifestyle changes can protect memory and other thinking abilities in older adults.
This partnership brought together two areas of critical expertise—Alzheimer’s and dementia research, and behavioral lifestyle intervention—creating a powerful foundation for the study’s success. Working in close coordination with local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association, researchers at The Miriam Hospital carried out a two-year intervention that demonstrated measurable improvements in cognitive performance among individuals at risk for cognitive decline.
As a co-principal investigator of the project, Rena Wing, PhD, director of the Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center at The Miriam Hospital, led The Miriam’s efforts in the study. Kathryn Demos McDermott, PhD and KayLoni Olson, PhD, both faculty at the Center, served as intervention director and assistant intervention director, respectively.
Stephen Salloway, MD, founding director of Butler’s Memory and Aging Program, was co-principal investigator.
Read coverage of the study in Providence Business News and the Boston Globe (Paid subscription may be required). Access to the complete study is available online at JAMA (July 28, 2025) (Membership may be required).