Tulane University has been awarded a $1.67 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to strengthen its MD-PhD program and support the next generation of physician-scientists dedicated to transforming biomedical discoveries into better patient care.

The impact of these training programs can be seen through the success of alumni such as Dr. Christine Bojanowski, Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program and the Tulane Cystic Fibrosis Center. Dr. Bojanowski is a graduate of the Dean's Faculty Physician-Scientist Pipeline Program and a former Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science (LA CaTS) Center Roadmap Scholar (8th Cohort).

During her time as a Roadmap Scholar, Dr. Bojanowski conducted groundbreaking research on chronic bacterial sinopulmonary infections, focusing on the role of IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP) in cystic fibrosis. Her work explored how elevated levels of IL-22BP may interfere with critical immune responses, potentially contributing to chronic infection and bacterial persistence in the airways. This research helped advance our understanding of cystic fibrosis and highlighted a promising pathway for the development of future therapies.

Dr. Bojanowski's accomplishments exemplify the power of physician-scientist training programs to foster innovation, advance scientific discovery, and improve patient outcomes. Her success reflects the lasting impact of investments in research and mentorship that empower clinicians to tackle some of healthcare's most pressing challenges.

The LA CaTS Center proudly congratulates Tulane University on this significant NIH award and celebrates Dr. Bojanowski's achievements as an outstanding example of the program's impact. We look forward to the continued advancements that will emerge from these efforts to shape the future of medicine and patient care.