UMass Chan Medical School

10/19/2026

Terence R. Flotte, MD, was elected as a member of the National Academy of Medicine today: https://direc.to/pxAG

Dr. Flotte, the Elisabeth Chair for the Dean of Medicine, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, led the first-in-human trials of adeno-associated virus vectors for cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin and Tay-Sachs disease.

“The struggles that children and families with rare genetic diseases endure, the bravery and grit that they show, has been an inspiration to me,” Flotte said. “I hope that over time my work will have more impact in helping them directly.”

Dean Flotte is one of 100 members elected during today's NAM meeting. He joins a group of five other active UMass Chan faculty to be recognized as members of the prestigious organization, which addresses critical issues in health, science, medicine and related policy.

Flotte will be formally welcomed to the NAM during the academy’s annual meeting in October 2027.

Dean Flotte joins a group of five other active UMass Chan faculty to be selected for membership to the National Academy of Medicine.

10/16/2026

UMass Chan Medical School alumni gathered at the UMass Club Tuesday night to connect and hear from Chancellor David D. McManus, MD’02, ScM’12, MBA, who shared his vision for the school’s future.

The double alumnus outlined a framework centered on excellence in discovery and translation, a shared drive to achieve at the highest levels and a deep commitment to collaboration across schools, disciplines and missions.

10/16/2026

What if dating support could help more autistic adults find connection? Discover how the UMass Chan Medical School research study “Let’s Make a Match” is creating opportunities: https://direc.to/pxPs

“Let’s Make a Match” is a program at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center developed by Eileen Crehan, PhD, associate professor of pediatrics, and collaborators.

UMass Chan's Let's Make a Match program combines dating events with individualized coaching to help autistic adults navigate romantic relationships, communication and social connection. The research team hopes to expand the model to adults with all type...

10/15/2026

The Kennedy family visited UMass Chan Medical School researchers on Tuesday to learn about the gene therapy UMass Chan is developing for COX20 deficiency.

Felix Kennedy has the rare disease, also known as Mitochondrial Complex IV Deficiency Nuclear Type 11. Mom Shelby Kennedy is establishing a foundation, the Mighty Mito, to bring the COX20 community together, advance research and advocate for Felix and other patients living with this condition.

Symptoms include muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, eye misalignment, cognitive impairment and developmental delays. There is no cure.

10/15/2026

Students, faculty and staff watched as the Belmont Learning Community officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last night.

Belmont is the first learning community at UMass Chan that is student-run and open to all nursing, PhD and medical students. It aims to foster belonging and connection and has a physical location in the Medical School Building.

10/14/2026

Crista Johnson-Agbakwu, MD, MS, FACOG, received the Worcester Black Excellence Award for Community Leadership for addressing health disparities in Worcester: https://direc.to/pxSy

The second annual Honoring Black Excellence Celebration, held on Oct. 2, recognized Black leaders in Worcester who are making meaningful contributions to their communities and creating opportunities for future generations.

Dr. Johnson-Agbakwu is professor of obstetrics & gynecology and founding director of the UMass Chan Medical School Collaborative in Health Equity.

Many of Johnson-Agbakwu’s colleagues, students, faculty members and other guests joined her at the ceremony to celebrate the recognition and show their support for her continued work advancing health equity.

“I stand on the shoulders of a legacy of giants who came before us,” Johnson-Agbakwu said. “I humbly recognize my responsibility to carry that legacy forward and to inspire the next generation of clinicians, scholars, educators, leaders and advocates who will take up the baton and carry it much farther than we ever could.”

10/13/2026

Laurel Stine and Sara Cahill met at a gymnastics camp as kids and reunited at UMass Chan. The PhD candidates have received grants to support their immunology research: https://direc.to/pxi3

PhD candidates Laurel Stine and Sara Cahill each received grant funding for outstanding immunology research.

10/09/2026

Medical student Courtney Heitmiller spent part of last summer in Malawi on a funded research trip. Watch as she talks about volunteer opportunities for UMass Chan Medical School students and the Worcester food scene. 🍕

10/08/2026

Noah Sciambra, MS, a student in the Medical Scientist Training Program, has received a grant to investigate how natural genetic differences influence a host’s ability to resist toxins: https://direc.to/pyWk

Read to discover how he's working to pinpoint the genetic differences responsible for resistance: https://direc.to/pyWk

10/06/2026

The Diversity and Inclusion Office is hosting a ribbon-cutting event on Oct. 14 for a learning community that offers mentorship and social support to all UMass Chan Medical School students: https://direc.to/pzrV

Belmont Learning Community is open to all PhD, nursing and medical students. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Oct. 14.