Currently, methods to detect early, obesity-related accumulation of fat in the liver other than a liver biopsy — the surgical removal of liver tissue for microscopic examination — are limited. But there is hope.

With funding from the newly established Sarah Kyle Anorexia Nervosa Research Foundation, the researchers hope to identify biomarkers that will point to novel targets for prevention and treatment.

Drucker and his team study the molecular biology and physiology of the GLP-1 and GLP-2 molecules that regulate glucose metabolism, insulin secretion and energy balance.

“How much closer to an angel can you get than a little bitty baby struggling for life?” said Dean Driver, 91, who converted a panel truck into VUMC’s first neonatal transport in his driveway.

The awards support research efforts to identify optimal approaches to improving health care and health outcomes for patients, families and the community.

The study found that West African genetic ancestry was associated with shorter disease-free survival, particularly for women with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer.

The AECM was formed in 2021 to “honor exemplary clinicians who combine humanism, professionalism and a passion for patient care with a scholarly approach to improving patient health and establish a community of leaders to promote clinical excellence.”