News | College of Medicine

[A collage of the faces of Department of Medicine clinicians whose patients made donations to the Banner Health Foundation in 2025 in recognition of the excellent care offered by their caregivers.]

DOM clinicians make up third of Tucson Banner Health Heroes in 2025

Of 66 tributes on behalf of Tucson clinicians in 2025, 22 were for Department of Medicine-affiliated clinicians. The Pulmonary, Cardiology and Hem-Onc divisions led the DOM. Tucson clinicians made up 30% of all nominees across the Banner Health system.

MD/PhD student Ateh Zinkeng, PSM, Assistant Professor of Immunobiology Justin Wilson, PhD, and Associate Professor of Immunobiology Michael D. L. Johnson, PhD

From loops to labs: How a bike group spurred a scientific collaboration

Thursday

The ‘Costco 100’ brought scientists and fellow travelers together for a fun fall ride that sparked more than just conversation. Organizers hope to make it an annual tradition.

[Image of 2026 flyer on photo of attendees, buyers and sellers at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, the flagship event of the weekslong annual Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, mingle at the Tucson Convention Center. An informational handout sponsored by the U of A’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence will be distributed during the show, Feb. 12-15. ]

Tucson Gem & Mineral Show visitors cautioned to be wary of Valley fever

Wednesday

With 100,000+ visitors expected for the 71st annual event, the Valley Fever Center for Excellence will distribute 1,200 flyers to alert them to dangers of the fungal respiratory illness caused by inhaled spores found in soils of the U.S. Southwest. The Center also celebrates its 30th anniversary Feb. 16.

[Split image showing U of A cardiologist Michel Corban, MD, in surgery, and his patient former U.S. Marine Burton Schwartz, 34, fishing with friends.]

Specialized cardiac testing helps Marine veteran find cause of heart pain

Tuesday

Banner – University Medicine is one of few in Arizona offering unique testing for coronary microvascular and endothelial function. It allowed the Division of Cardiology’s Michel Corban, MD, to address reason for chest pain of 34-year-old Burton Schwartz.

Timothy Tiutan, MD, named College of Medicine – Tucson Alum of the Year

Feb. 5, 2026

A double Wildcat with undergraduate and MD degrees from the College of Medicine – Tucson, Dr. Tiutan is a leading voice in public health, blending his clinical expertise with a talent for making health education accessible.

Jameshia N. Granberry named provost fellow

Feb. 4, 2026

The Provost Fellows program is designed to engage distinguished faculty and staff members in advancing the university’s strategic imperatives and academic success goals.

Julie Pilitsis receives service award

Feb. 2, 2026

Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD, MBA, professor and chair of neurosurgery, has been named the 2026 North American Neuromodulation Society Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Lisa J. Chamberlain named chair of pediatrics and director of Steele Children’s Research Center

Feb. 2, 2026

A nationally recognized pediatrician and health equity leader, Dr. Chamberlain joins the college on March 1.

[Winners, speakers and hosts from the 2026 Translational Medicine Symposium: (First row) Dominique Farrera, PhD, Tara Carr, MD, Jennifer Carew, PhD, Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD, and “Sap” Haldar, MD; and (second row) Catherine Vasquez, Vishal Kaleeswaran, Billy Knight, Ben Litmanovich, Venki Ariyamuthu, MD, Muzammeel Hada, MBBS, and Aidan McMahon.]

Translational Medicine Symposium gets all-star reviews in 2026

Jan. 23, 2026

The annual event, hosted by the Department of Medicine’s Division of Translational Medicine with support of the college and Arizona Biomedical Research Centre, enjoyed excellent lineup of speakers. Dr. Venki Ariyamuthu wins $11K inaugural concept award.

‘Trojan horse’ may deliver toxic dose of copper to bacterial colonies, including drug-resistant MRSA infections

Jan. 22, 2026

A team led by Dr. Michael D. L. Johnson is developing a compound that can smuggle an antimicrobial drug through bacteria’s defensive shields.