The Rheumatology Research Foundation has awarded Chung Lab mentee Dr. Sarah Bayefsky a Resident Research Preceptorship. Her project examines the potential link between variability in BMI and cardiovascular disease in SLE patients. Such linkage is of particular concern for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) because they have a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease when compared to the general population. The project’s ultimate goal is to provide SLE patients better counsel on weight management to achieve the best cardiovascular outcomes.
Dr. Bayefsky is a resident in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Med-Peds) at Vanderbilt. She is pursuing a career that combines direct patient care, clinical research, and teaching in adult and pediatric rheumatology. The title of Dr. Bayefsky’s project is “Variability in Body Mass Indices (BMI) in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Association with Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality.”
The Preceptorship funds a full-time in-depth research experience with an established rheumatology professional to encourage residents to consider a career in rheumatology research. Dr. Tyler Reese, Chung Lab mentee, received the award in 2016. Dr. Chung has also mentored Dr. Karima Becetti (2012-2013) and Dr. David Leverenz (2015-2016) on their Rheumatology Research Foundation Medical and Pediatric Resident Research Awards.