Perelman School of Medicine

closeup view of gloved hand holding a vial and pipette in a medical lab.

Existing drugs like statins may be promising COVID-19 treatments

Commentary by two Penn researchers outline a systematic framework for repurposing existing drugs to quickly find new therapies, after an observational study suggested statins may be helpful in combating COVID-19.

Avery Posey in a medical lab wearing a white coat.

Avery Posey’s cancer research takes high risks for big rewards

The assistant professor of systems pharmacology and translational therapeutics, who studied with Carl June as a postdoctoral fellow, combines his two research passions—gene therapy and investigating ‘little known’ biology—in the pursuit of new knowledge.

Person sitting with a cell phone who appears to be in pain reading a message

Chatbots delivering psychotherapy help decrease opioid use after surgery

A Penn Medicine study shows that patients receiving messages from a chatbot used a third fewer opioids after fracture surgery, and their overall pain level fell as well.

Person with back pain reaching for their back in a chair

Q&A

Tips for easing back pain during isolation

In a Q&A, Penn Medicine's Jang Won Yoon, a neurosurgeon, offers advice on managing back pain during the pandemic.

3-D graphic rendering of the human body surrounded by a large transparent virus cell.

COVID-101: Medical students get a crash course in coronavirus

When physicians-in-training at the Perelman School of Medicine were sent home for remote work and virtual learning due to the pandemic, 80 fourth-year students immersed themselves in a crash course on COVID-19 virology, epidemiology, therapies, vaccines, and related topics.

Medical professional in mask and PPE holding up a stethoscope in a hospital room.

Gender parity in heart failure research calls for more women authors and patients

An analysis led by Penn Medicine identifies gender disparities in authorship of heart failure guideline citations and clinical trials.

A person facing the camera shrugging with arms wide open. Another person is standing to the right, and two others are in the background.

An improv class that enriches the mind and soul, even remotely

The Penn Memory Center’s Cognitive Comedy program gives people with memory impairments and their caregivers a no-pressure space to think creatively, socialize, and be part of a community.

A hand in a medical glove is see holding a face mask with the words "Mask Tehran."

Iranian, American health experts share coronavirus experiences in rare talk

The coronavirus crisis and the move to online events presented Penn’s Middle East Center with a rare opportunity to foster the first public conversation about the virus between senior health officials in Iran and counterparts in the United States.

Shining a light on the dangers of lead

Lead poisoning robs children of opportunity, and the impact is worse in underserved communities. Faculty and students at Penn are bringing scientific and policy attention to the problem, while empowering young people to minimize their risk and be leaders for change.

Enhanced Recovery program significantly reduces post-op opioid use

An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol for elective spine and peripheral nerve surgery decreases opioid use and the length of hospital stays.

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