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ChristianaCare Hospitals Earn Top Patient Safety Rating From Leapfrog Group
ChristianaCare’s Christiana Hospital, Union Hospital and Wilmington Hospital have each received an ‘A’ grade in the Spring 2025 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction that recognizes ChristianaCare’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safe health care. “At ChristianaCare, patient safety is our highest priority and an essential part of our mission of service to the community,” said Kert Anzilotti, M.D., MBA, system chief medical officer and president of the Medical Group of ChristianaCare. “We are incredibly proud of this achievement. “This ‘A’ grade is not just a letter; it’s a testament to the hard work and passion of our caregivers, who strive every day to ensure our patients receive the highest quality care and feel safe throughout their journey with us.” The Leapfrog Group assigns an ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ ‘D’ or ‘F’ grade to hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting the prevention of errors, accidents, injuries and infections. This Leapfrog recognition comes on the heels of multiple other recent quality and safety awards that ChristianaCare has received, including: • ChristianaCare was recognized as one of the best hospitals in the nation by Money in its 2025 hospital rankings, making it the only hospital in Delaware to achieve this distinction. • ChristianaCare is ranked by Newsweek among the World’s Best Hospitals and rated by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Delaware. • ChristianaCare earned the Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) for three of its intensive care units: the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), the Surgical Critical Care Complex (SCCC), and the Transitional Surgical Unit (TSU) at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware. • ChristianaCare is the only four-time Magnet-designated health care organization in Delaware, recognized for continued dedication to excellence and innovation, high-quality patient care and experience, nurse engagement and work culture.
From Saver to Spender: Navigating the Retirement Mindset Shift
Let’s start with a familiar—and slightly ridiculous—scene: a retired couple with $750,000 safely tucked away in investments, quietly nibbling no-name tuna on toast while muttering, “We just can’t afford steak anymore.” Sound absurd? Sadly, it’s not fiction. Despite having ample savings, many retirees live with perpetual financial anxiety, clinging to their nest egg as if it were their last roll of toilet paper during a pandemic. Meanwhile, they try to survive solely on government pensions, making life unnecessarily stressful and, let’s face it, a bit joyless. I've wrestled with this as someone who entered retirement earlier than expected. Years in finance taught me how to budget, invest, and plan, but transitioning from saving to spending required a whole new mindset. I learned quickly that being financially “prepared” doesn’t mean you’re emotionally or psychologically ready to spend. So, what’s going on here? The Hypothesis: Individuals Prefer Spending Income Rather Than Saving Retirees prefer spending income (pensions or annuities) rather than withdrawing from savings or investment accounts. This isn’t just a quirky behavioural trend—it’s a deeply ingrained bias, and neuroscience supports it. Research by Michael S. Finke, a professor at The American College and noted researcher in retirement economics, revealed that retirees tend to spend most of their guaranteed income but only withdraw about half of their savings. In his words: “Retirees spend lifetime income, not savings.” The implication is clear: it’s not about how much money you have but how it feels to use it. This is partly due to what behavioral economists call “mental accounting.” We categorize our money into imaginary buckets: income is for spending, and savings are for safekeeping. Unfortunately, this can lead to financially irrational and highly risk-averse behaviors, such as eating cat food while having six figures in a TFSA. The Neuroscience of Spending Fear Add a little neuroscience, and the story deepens. As we age, changes in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, can affect how we assess risk and manage uncertainty. This can lead to: • Increased loss aversion: We more acutely feel the pain of spending or loss. • Decision paralysis: We delay or avoid withdrawals, even when reasonable. • Heightened anxiety about the future: We fear running out more than we enjoy spending in the present. This Fear of Running Out (FORO), which I’ve written about in a previous post, keeps many retirees in a defensive crouch, emotionally hoarding their savings rather than using them to enrich the years they worked so hard to reach. It’s no wonder money stress impacts us so deeply—our brains are wired that way. From an evolutionary perspective, our minds are designed to fear scarcity because running out of resources once posed a real danger. When we perceive that threat today, whether it’s a dip in our investments or rising grocery bills, our brain shifts into fight-or-flight mode and begins releasing cortisol—the stress hormone that heightens our anxiety. Then our amygdala, that little alarm system in our brain designed to protect us from danger, can’t differentiate between a financial crisis and a sabre-toothed tiger. So, it reacts similarly, nudging us toward quick, often irrational decisions. Sometimes that means freezing and doing nothing; other times, it leads to panicking and regretful choices. Understanding how our brains function under financial stress allows us to step back, breathe, and make better, calmer decisions—ones that serve us, not scare us. Retirement can be wonderfully freeing—no more commutes, no more meetings—but let’s be honest: it also comes with a significant shift in financial responsibility. Without that steady paycheck, it’s completely normal to feel uneasy about how you'll manage your money, especially when unexpected expenses arise. Sure, there are mindset tools and mental prep strategies that can help ease that existential “What now?” feeling before retirement. But let’s be specific—here are the real, concrete financial stressors that keep many retirees awake at night: • Not Enough Income: One of the biggest fears? Your savings won’t stretch far enough to support the life you want—or handle surprises. • Healthcare Costs: As we age, medical expenses climb. It’s not just the big stuff, either. Even prescriptions and dental bills can blow a hole in your budget. • Market Ups and Downs: A stock market dip can uniquely affect retirees. Observing your investments fluctuate can cause genuine anxiety regarding your income, especially in today’s “trade war” environment. • Inflation: We all feel it. The gradual rise of higher prices erodes your purchasing power, making that carefully saved nest egg feel less secure. • Living Longer Than Planned: It's both a blessing and a challenge. If you're healthy and living well into your 90s (and many do), the big question becomes: will your money last as long as you do? Here’s the good news: when you acknowledge these risks and build a plan around them, you exchange fear for control. And with power comes clarity, confidence, and significantly less stress. That’s when you can truly enjoy retirement—on your terms. How to Flip the Script: Make Savings Feel Like Income So, how can retirees overcome this psychological hurdle? Here are 3 powerful strategies: 1. Create Artificial Income Streams Turn a portion of your savings into predictable, automatic income. This could mean: • Setting up regular monthly withdrawals from an RRIF • Purchasing an annuity • Utilizing a bucket strategy, in which one portion of savings is maintained in a cash-like account to replicate a paycheck When money shows up like a salary, you’re more likely to feel permission to spend it. 2. Use Home Equity as a Back-Up Income Source A secured line of credit (HELOC) or a reverse mortgage can serve as a “Plan B” or income buffer. Knowing that the funds are available can alleviate anxiety, whether you use them or not. 3. Involve Family in Income Planning Sometimes, the best way to reframe a spending decision is through conversation. Adult children or trusted advisors can help develop a spending strategy that feels both secure and reasonable. Families can be invaluable in helping you design: • Emergency funding plans for unexpected expenses like healthcare • Gifting strategies (Want to help the kids or grandkids? Do it while you’re alive to see the joy!) • Income simulations replacing a regular paycheck Open conversations can also help uncover mismatched expectations. For instance, some older adults worry that spending their savings will leave less of an inheritance for their children, which might cause disappointment. But in many cases, their children would much rather see their parents use that money to care for themselves and enjoy their retirement years. The great irony of retirement? The hardest part isn’t building wealth; it’s allowing yourself to enjoy it. So, let’s retire the notion that frugality is forever. Replace the guilt of spending with the confidence of an income strategy. And if you're facing your savings with trepidation, remember: cat food may be a pantry staple for your pet, but it’s no reward for 40 years of hard work. Retirement isn't merely a financial phase—it’s a shift in mindset. That shift begins when we stop hoarding and start living.
Digital Dementia: Does Technology Use by ‘Digital Pioneers’ Correlate to Cognitive Decline?
As the first generation that interacted with digital technology reaches an age where dementia risks emerge, scientists have asked the question: Is there a correlation between digital technology use and an increased risk of dementia? With the phrases “brain rot” and “brain drain” circulating on social media, it would appear that most people would assume the answer is yes. However, a new study in Nature Human Behavior by neuroscientists at Baylor University and the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School reveals the opposite – digital technologies are actually associated with reduced cognitive decline. The study – A meta-analysis of technology use and cognitive aging – was sparked by the ongoing concern about the passive activity of digital technologies and their relation to accelerating risks of dementia. Study co-authors are Jared F. Benge, Ph.D., clinical neuropsychologist and associate professor of neurology at Dell Medical School and UT Health Austin’s Comprehensive Memory Center within the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, and Michael K. Scullin, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor. “You can flip on the news on just about any day and you’ll see people talking about how technologies are harming us,” Scullin said. “People often use the terms ‘brain drain’ and ‘brain rot,’ and now digital dementia is an emerging phrase. As researchers, we wanted to know if this was true.” The “digital dementia” hypothesis predicts that a lifetime of exposure to digital technology will worsen cognitive abilities. On the contrary, the study’s findings challenge this hypothesis, indicating instead that engagement with digital technology fosters cognitive resilience in these adults. Reviewing more than 136 studies with data that encompassed over 400,000 adults, and longitudinal studies with an average of 6 years of follow-up data, Scullin and Benge found compelling evidence that digital technology use is associated with better cognitive aging outcomes, rather than harm. The researchers’ study supported the “technological reserve” hypothesis, finding that digital technologies can promote behaviors that preserve cognition. In fact, their study revealed that digital technology use correlates with a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment. This pattern of cognitive protection persisted when the researchers controlled for socioeconomic status, education, age, gender, baseline cognitive ability, social support, overall health, and engagement with mental activities like reading that might have explained the findings. Increase in problem-solving skills Scullin said that for some, these findings are surprising as technology use is often associated with being sedentary both physically and mentally. However, for the current generation of older adults who were introduced to the first technological advancements – computers, the Internet and smartphones – past their childhood, using technology is cognitively challenging because it is everchanging. “One of the first things that middle-age and older adults were saying is that ‘I’m so frustrated by this computer. This is hard to learn.’ That's actually a reflection of the cognitive challenge, which may be beneficial for the brain even if it doesn’t feel great in the moment.” Scullin said. Technology requires constant adaption, he said, such as understanding new software updates, troubleshooting Internet loss or filtering out website ads. “If you’re doing that for years and you’re really engaging with it, even though you might experience frustration, that may be a sign of you exercising your brain,” he said. Social connection Technology also enables communication and engagement like never before, which can expand opportunities for connectivity. Video calls, emails and messaging apps help maintain social networks, especially for people who would not otherwise regularly see their family members. “Now you can connect with families across generations,” Scullin said. “You not only can talk to them, you can see them. You can share pictures. You can exchange emails and it's all within a second or less. So that means there's a greater opportunity for decreasing loneliness.” Better social connectedness is a well-documented correlate of cognitive functioning in older adults, providing a link between decreased isolation from digital technologies and reduced risks of dementia. Impact of “digital scaffolding” A dementia diagnosis is indicated in part when cognitive changes lead to a loss of independence with daily tasks. Tools such as digital reminders, GPS navigation and online banking allow older adults to remain independent despite cognitive difficulties through digital scaffolding. According to the research article, this digital scaffold “facilitates better functional outcomes in older adults while general cognitive functioning declines.” Technologies can serve as a compensatory support system to maintain general independence and reduce the risk of a dementia diagnosis even with the presence of some cognitive decline. “As clinical practice continues to move toward an individualized, precision-medicine approach, it will be necessary for the field to identify for whom and for how long, such digital scaffolding is effective,” the researchers said. Promoting healthy technology use While Scullin recognizes the negative effects of technology, such as distracted driving or using technology over consistent face-to-face interaction, he also emphasizes how promoting a healthy use of digital tools in older adults is beneficial for their cognitive health. “If you have a parent or grandparent who’s just staying away from technology, maybe revisit that. Could they learn to use photo, messaging, or calendar apps on a smartphone or tablet? Start simple and be very patient while they learn,” he said. Social media use is another highly debated topic in terms of cognitive effects. While he says it’s hard to predict the cognitive effects of endlessly scrolling on TikTok, Scullin does argue that generating videos through creative cognition could be beneficial. In addition, he said that interacting with communities online can provide benefits by forming social connections. “We could spend a long time talking about all the specific ways in which technology use can be bad. However, the net effect since the 1990s has been positive for overall cognition in older adults,” he said. FUNDING The study was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (R01AG082783; M.K.S., J.F.B.). Michael Scullin was named Baylor’s inaugural Newsmaker of the Year in 2018, after his “to-do list” research was widely covered by media outlets, including ABC’s Good Morning America, TODAY.com, USA TODAY, Discover, LiveScience, HealthDay, BBC Radio and many more, reaching an international circulation and viewership of nearly 1 billion people. Looking to interview or chat with Michael Scullin? Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Taking ACT-ion for Quality Improvement
“Learning is a journey. It is continuous,” said nurse Hellen Okoth, MSN, CCRN, RN-BC, of the Transitional Surgical Unit. She was one of the learners on that journey through ChristianaCare’s professional development program Achieving Competency Today (ACT). ACT, a 12-week graduate-level program dedicated to health care improvement, will celebrate its 40th session in 2025. Some 1,000 caregivers have graduated from ACT and have tested some 140 innovative project ideas since the program’s launch in 2003. On April 9, three ACT teams presented their quality improvement projects at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center on ChristianaCare’s Newark campus. Interdisciplinary, experiential learning programs like ACT create a rich and dynamic learning environment,” said Tabassum Salam, M.D., MBA, FACP, chief learning officer for ChristianaCare. “The emphasis on continuous improvement and real-world applications of the educational content sets our ACT graduates up for lifelong learning and repeated application of these new skills.” The ACT course is a collaborative experience that brings together learners from diverse disciplines to tackle real-world health care challenges. Participants learn from health system leaders and gain a broad perspective on health care through coursework. They work in teams to complete problem-solving projects from start to finish using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PCDA) model of continuous improvement. Facilitators, who are experts in improvement science and team effectiveness, guide the teams through the process, ensuring that each project is meticulously planned and executed. ChristianaCare offers many professional development opportunities. Click here for careers and benefits. “The hands-on projects in ACT enable learners to innovate and test out solutions in settings that directly benefit patients, leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of care,” Salam said. The three most recent teams presented improvement research that has the potential to expand beyond their pilot stage to other areas of the health system. ‘Hush! For the Love of Health’ In “Hush! For the Love of Health,” an interdisciplinary team worked to reduce noise levels on the Cardiovascular Critical Care Unit (CVCCC) at Christiana Hospital. Their goal was to decrease ambient noise levels by 10 decibels during the study period. Intensive care units often experience noise levels that can exceed 80 decibels. A quiet environment is 30 to 40 decibels. Members of the “Hush” project found creative ways to reduce noise on an intensive care unit. Ambient noise refers to all sounds present in the background, which research shows can interfere with communication, concentration and comfort. In a hospital setting, these sounds may include alarms, conversations, announcement and pages and carts moving by. The team looked for opportunities to safely reduce the number of alarms sounding. By collaborating with Philips technology company to lower alarm volumes and eliminate redundant alarms, they reduced the number of alarms sounding from 10,000 to 3,000 daily and successfully decreased noise levels by 13 decibels, exceeding their goal. “It’s good for patients to have a quiet environment and it fights alarm fatigue for caregivers,” said Dylan Norris, a pre-medical student from the University of Delaware and participant in the ACT course. ‘Show Up and Show Out’ Reducing the no-show rate among patients in primary care practices improves health outcomes and conserves resources. In “Show Up and Show Out: Boosting Patient Attendance in Primary Care,” the project team aimed to reduce the incidence of no-show appointments at the Wilmington Adult Medicine (WAM) practice by 10%. The “Show Up and Show Out” project team used personalized communication outreach to patients to encourage keeping their primary care appointments. “Our literature review showed that personal relationships with providers are one thing that can encourage people to attend appointments,” said team member Christi Karawan, MS, BSN, CCRN-CSC. The key to their problem-solving strategy was using a secure messaging platform for automatic appointment reminders specifically for WAM that were personalized with the provider’s name and thanking the patients for letting WAM be a part of their healthcare team. Other steps on the road to success were signage around the practice encouraging patients to update their contact information and calls from office assistants and medical assistants to unconfirmed patients the day prior to their appointments. The team achieved a 9.5% reduction in no-shows, just shy of their goal, over a two-week period. An office assistant who participated in the pilot said, “Outreach has been helpful not only in getting people in but in getting people to reschedule or cancel. We can catch it before it becomes a no-show.” ‘Magnetic Efficiency’ To address delays in patient transport from MRI testing at Newark campus, an ACT team created a new communication workflow to directly connect patient escort dispatch to the MRI charge technician. The ACT team aimed to decrease patient wait times following MRI completion for stretcher transport back to patients rooms by 25% — and “a bold goal,” said one colleague — during the study period. The “Magnetic Efficiency” team identified a new workflow to get patients back to their hospital rooms faster after MRI testing. Using Vocera wearable communications tools, the team created a thread for direct communication between Escort Dispatch caregivers and MRI charge technicians. Also, when an Escort transporter dropped off a patient for an MRI, the transporter asked MRI staff if any patients were ready to go back to their rooms. These changes in communication and empowerment consolidated transports and led to a 17% reduction in wait time during the two-week pilot. “We don’t want people to work harder,” said team member Tim Kane, BSN, RN. “We wanted to avoid preventable delays.” Both teams expressed satisfaction and improved communication with the new process and they expressed interest in continuing the process after the pilot ended. Future forward The ACT course has a rich history, originating from a specific initiative piloted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with ChristianaCare among the early adopters along with Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Through the years, ChristianaCare ACT team members have seen their projects live on both as permanent changes throughout the health system and, more personally, in their professional growth. “I was able to enhance my creativity, organizational and problem-solving skills,” said Starr Lumpkin, a staff assistant who was on the “Hush” team. “This was a pivotal journey for me.” ChristianaCare is growing its program to develop a pipeline for the next generation of health professionals, said Safety and Quality Education Specialist Claire Rudolph, MSM, CPHQ. “We have a varied group of learners and facilitators who are making an impact on health care quality, cost and safety.” Dylan Norris was the first participant from a new partnership with the University of Delaware for pre-med students to get quality improvement experience. “I have learned so much about what goes into a quality improvement project. Buy-in from the stakeholders is key in implementing any new project successfully,” she said. “I have also learned about the importance of the initial research that goes into creating a new project and how much pre-planning goes into it.” Closing the event, Clinical Effectiveness Officer Christian Coletti, M.D., MHCDS, FACEP, FACP, called on the ACT graduates to use their newfound “superpowers” — “vision, seeing the future, catching something before it breaks. “It’s not a glitch in the matrix,” he said. “You are the most important people at the bedside – hearing the alarms going off or the stretchers piling up. Work to identify problems and move toward solutions in your own microenvironments. Pass on your powers with reckless abandon.”
AI-powered model predicts post-concussion injury risk in college athletes
Athletes who suffer a concussion have a serious risk of reinjury after returning to play, but identifying which athletes are most vulnerable has always been a bit of a mystery, until now. Using artificial intelligence (AI), University of Delaware researchers have developed a novel machine learning model that predicts an athlete’s risk of lower-extremity musculoskeletal (MKS) injury after concussion with 95% accuracy. A recent study published in Sports Medicine details the development of the AI model, which builds on previously published research showing that the risk of post-concussion injury doubles, regardless of the sport. The most common post-concussive injuries include sprains, strains, or even broken bones or torn ACLs. “This is due to brain changes we see post-concussion,” said Thomas Buckley, professor of kinesiology and applied physiology at the College of Health Sciences. These brain changes affect athletes’ balance, cognition, and reaction times and can be difficult to detect in standard clinical testing. “Even a minuscule difference in balance, reaction time, or cognitive processing of what’s happening around you can make the difference between getting hurt and not,” Buckley said. How AI is changing injury risk assessment Recognizing the need for enhanced injury reduction risk tools, Buckley collaborated with colleagues in UD’s College of Engineering, Austin Brockmeier, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, and César Claros, a fourth-year doctoral student; Wei Qian, associate professor of statistics in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and former KAAP postdoctoral fellow Melissa Anderson, who’s now an assistant professor at Ohio University. To assess injury risk, Brockmeier and Claros developed a comprehensive AI model that analyzes more than 100 variables, including sports and medical histories, concussion type, and pre- and post-concussion cognitive data. “Every athlete is unique, especially across various sports,” said Brockmeier. “Tracking an athlete’s performance over time, rather than relying on absolute values, helps identify disturbances, deviations, or deficits that, when compared to their baseline, may signal an increased risk of injury.” While some sports, such as football, carry higher injury risk, the model revealed that individual factors are just as important as the sport played. “We tested a version of the model that doesn’t have access to the athlete’s sport, and it still accurately predicted injury risk,” Brockmeier said. “This highlights how unique characteristics—not just the inherent risks of a sport—play a critical role in determining the likelihood of future injury,” said Brockmeier. The research, which tracked athletes over two years, also found that the risk of MSK injury post-concussion extends well into the athlete’s return to play. “Common sense would suggest that injuries would occur early in an athlete’s return to play, but that’s simply not true,” said Buckley. “Our research shows that the risk of future injury increases over time as athletes compensate and adapt to small deficits they may not even be aware of.” The next step for Buckey’s Concussion Research Lab is to further collaborate with UD Athletics’ strength and conditioning staff to design real-time interventions that could reduce injury risk. Beyond sports: AI’s potential in aging research The implications of the UD-developed machine-learning model extend far beyond sports. Brockmeier believes the algorithm could be used to predict fall risk in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Claros is also exploring how the injury risk reduction model can be applied to aging research with the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging. “We want to use brain measurements to investigate whether baseline lifestyle measurements such as weight, BMI, and smoking history are predictive of future mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease,” said Claros. To arrange an interview with Buckley, email UD's media relations team at MediaRelations@udel.edu
A final disbursement of $8.8 million completes the $17.8 million grant awarded by the Department of Defense (DoD) to Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Convergence Lab Initiative (CLI). The funding allows CLI to continue advancing research in the areas of quantum and photonic devices, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, neuromorphic computing, arts and biomedical science. “The Convergence Lab Initiative represents a unique opportunity to drive innovation at the intersection of advanced technologies, preparing our students to tackle the critical challenges of tomorrow,” said Nibir Dhar, Ph.D., electrical and computer engineering professor and CLI director. “By combining cutting-edge research in electro-optics, infrared, radio frequency and edge computing, we are equipping the next generation of engineers with the skills to shape the future of both defense and commercial industries.” Working with Industry Partnership is at the heart of CLI and what makes the initiative unique. CivilianCyber, Sivananthan Laboratories and the University of Connecticut are among several collaborators focusing on cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research and workforce development. The lightweight, low-power components CLI helps develop are capable of transforming military operations and also have commercial applications. The Convergence Lab Initiative has 25 collaborative projects in this area focused on: Electro-optic and Infrared Technologies: Enhancing thermal imaging for medical diagnostics, search-and-rescue operations and environmental monitoring. This improves military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Radio Frequency and Beyond 5G Communication: Developing ultra-fast, low-latency communication systems for autonomous vehicles, smart cities and telemedicine. Accelerating advancements in this area also address electronic warfare challenges and security vulnerabilities. Optical Communication in the Infrared Wavelength: Increasing data transmission rates to create more efficient networks that support cloud computing, data centers, AI research and covert military communications. Edge Technologies: Creating low size, weight and low power-consuming (SWaP) computing solutions for deployment in constrained environments, such as wearables, medical devices, internet of things devices and autonomous systems. These technologies enhance real-time decision-making capabilities for agriculture, healthcare, industrial automation and defense. Benefits for Students College of Engineering students at VCU have an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research as part of the DoD grant. Specialized workforce development programs, like the Undergraduate CLI Scholars Program, provide hands-on experience in advanced technologies. The STEM training also includes students from a diverse range of educational backgrounds to encourage a cross-disciplinary environment. Students can also receive industry-specific training through CLI’s Skill-Bridge Program, which facilitates direct connections between business needs and academic education. Unlike the DoD program for transitioning military personnel, the CLI Skill-Bridge is open to students from VCU and other local universities, creating direct connections between industry needs and academic training. This two-way relationship between academia and industry is unlike traditional academic research centers. With the College of Engineering’s focus on public-private partnerships, VCU becomes a registered partner with the participating businesses, collaborating to design individualized training programs focused on the CLI’s core research areas. This approach ensures students receive relevant, up-to-date training while companies gain access to a pipeline of skilled talent familiar with the latest industry trends and innovations. “The significance of this grant extends beyond immediate research outcomes. It addresses critical capability gaps for both the DoD and commercial sectors,” says Dhar. “This dual-use approach maximizes DoD investment impacts and accelerates innovation in areas that affect everyday life — from healthcare and environmental monitoring to communication networks and smart infrastructure. Breakthroughs emerging from these collaborations will strengthen national security while creating commercial spinoffs that drive economic growth and improve quality of life for communities both locally and globally. Advances in infrared technology, in particular, will position the VCU College of Engineering as a center for defense technologies and new ideas.”
The £1.25m study, being led by the University of Derby, is trialling antiviral medications as a treatment for symptoms of long COVID Professor Ian Maidment from Aston Pharmacy School is the lead pharmacist and will provide support for the clinical trials It is estimated that more than 2m people in the UK and more than 144m globally live with long COVID Professor Ian Maidment, at Aston Pharmacy School, is the lead pharmacist on a groundbreaking research project looking to find a treatment for symptoms of long COVID, which is being led by the University of Derby. The £1.25m trial, which is the first of its kind in the UK, is exploring whether antiviral medications can be used as an effective treatment option for patients diagnosed with long COVID. It is estimated that more than 2m people in the UK and more than 144m globally live with long COVID and almost a quarter of sufferers have had their symptoms for more than two years. Symptoms are broad and include extreme fatigue and breathlessness, palpitations, and brain fog. The trial, which began in September 2024, is part of a wider programme of groundbreaking research being led by the University of Derby. Involving 72 patients, the research is trialling the use of an antiviral drug that can be given to those admitted to hospital because of a COVID-19 infection. As most people experience a community infection and are not hospitalised, they do not have a way to access this medication. By taking the drug out of the acute admission setting, the researchers are hoping to see whether it can help those living with long COVID and alleviate some of the symptoms that they are living with. During the trial, patients undergo a series of assessments at the University of Derby’s specialist facilities before attending the hospital to receive the antiviral drug intravenously for five consecutive days, delivered in collaboration with experts from University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust. Researchers from the University of Exeter are also involved, and the study is being managed by the University of Plymouth’s Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit. Professor Maidment will provide support for the clinical trials. Patients recruited in Exeter will undertake detailed body scans, which will be analysed to check if the antiviral medication has reduced inflammation, which may occur in people with long COVID. Mark Faghy, professor in clinical exercise science at the University of Derby and the study lead, said: “The impact long COVID has on the lives of patients is huge. For many, it can be debilitating, interfering with work, family life, and socialising, and millions are suffering across the world. Yet, at present, there are no confirmed treatments for the condition. Five years on from the start of the pandemic, long COVID remains a significant health and societal challenge, which is why this project is so important. “This is an ongoing project with various phases and is still in its infancy, but we are excited to have taken the first steps to hopefully improve the quality of life for those living with long COVID.” Professor David Strain, clinical lead based at the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “There is a clear need for people living with long COVID and we hope from this study we can see a reduction in the symptoms people experience. It will be an ongoing project with various phases, but we are excited to be taking the first steps to improve patients' quality of life.” Professor Ian Maidment, Aston Pharmacy School, said: “We need clinical trials to develop new and effective treatments for long COVID. Pharmacy support is critical for the successful delivery of these studies.” Over the past four years, Professor Faghy and his team at the University of Derby have conducted a series of international studies to explore the impacts of acute and long COVID, looking to understand the causes and contributing factors of long COVID by bringing clinical insight together with the lived experience of patients.
A Bumpy Ride Ahead for HigherEd
A confluence of political, economic, and social challenges is threatening the very fabric of US universities. In both red and blue states, the political and economic headwinds facing institutions are fierce, public skepticism is high, and social media has become a polarizing battleground of filter bubbles filled with mis/disinformation. Universities find themselves squeezed by funding cuts, scrutinized by lawmakers, and caught in cultural crossfire. This presents a unique challenge for communications professionals. In this era of declining trust and “alternative facts,” they need to be hyper-informed, adapt quickly, and boldly emphasize the critical value institutions have in society. Communications should function as a vital link, bridging this growing divide between town and gown. In red and blue states, the political and economic headwinds hitting higher education are fierce, public skepticism is high, and social media has become a polarizing battleground of filter bubbles filled with mis/disinformation. It's important to note that throughout history, universities often emerge stronger and more deeply connected to the public during times of turbulence. Universities played a key role in partnering with the government to implement Roosevelt's New Deal, helping with emergency relief and agricultural programs. They helped democratize education with the GI Bill after World War II. They responded to societal demands during the civil rights era. Most recently, they played a key role in public health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Campus communicators have a unique set of skills and a vital responsibility to steer their institutions through these tough times. But the road ahead will be hard. The New Reality for Campus Communicators Cuts to Research Funding The lifeblood of academic innovation—research dollars—is under threat. The new political regime in Washington is looking to cut billions in federal research funding. A sudden cap on NIH indirect costs (slashed to 15% from an average of 28%) will have a profound impact on programs. Many researchers report that major grants are frozen or are expected to shrink. This “budget axe” isn’t theoretical for research universities—it’s biting right now. Communicators must convey what’s at stake: essential contributions such as groundbreaking science, community health programs, and innovation pipelines that fuel the economy hang in the balance as money gets tighter. Increasing State Oversight & Regulation In state capitals, politicians are muscling into campus affairs like never before. Republican-controlled statehouses are overhauling higher education governance, introducing over 150 bills in 35 states aimed at tightening control over public institutions. Even tenure is threatened. In the past year, lawmakers in seven states moved to eliminate or curb tenure and impose stricter post-tenure reviews – an unprecedented encroachment on academic freedom. New laws and proposals are creating oversight committees, mandating changes to the curriculum, and even threatening funding for programs out of political favor. The message from some state capitols is clear: “We’re watching you.” This surge in oversight and regulatory meddling means university communicators must navigate an increasingly fine line, demonstrating transparency and accountability at every turn to appease regulators while fiercely defending their institution’s academic autonomy. Political Pressure and DEI Backlash Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are under open attack. What began as partisan rhetoric has evolved into concrete threats – and actions – against campus diversity efforts. Dozens of states have passed or proposed laws to defund DEI offices, ban diversity training, or restrict teaching about race and gender. The result? An “inconsistent and confusing landscape” for colleges as they respond to swelling political pressure. The campaign against campus DEI has dramatically accelerated in 2025, turbocharged by signals from the Trump administration pushing to eliminate DEI efforts across government and higher ed. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education 270 campuses in 38 states have already scaled back or dismantled some DEI programs under this pressure. For communications teams, the DEI backlash creates a messaging minefield. They must affirm institutional values of inclusion and support for marginalized groups, even as those very programs face hostile scrutiny from powerful critics. Threats to the Federal Department of Education In Washington, the unthinkable is suddenly on the table: the U.S. Department of Education itself is in the crosshairs. President Trump has made good on campaign promises by signing an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. While outright abolition requires Congress, the administration has already laid off nearly half of the department’s staff and moved to strip the agency to its bare bones. “We’re going to shut it down… it’s doing us no good,” Trump declared. This unprecedented move could upend federal support and guidelines for universities – from financial aid administration to civil rights enforcement – leaving states to fill the void. Communications professionals must reassure students, faculty, and the public that education won’t grind to a halt if federal oversight wanes. It’s a communications tightrope: acknowledging the potential for massive change while conveying stability in the university’s core mission. After all, even if Washington pulls back, universities still answer to accreditation bodies and the public trust. The Misinformation Deluge on Social Media The information ecosystem has never been more chaotic – or more dangerous. Universities are grappling with viral misinformation and disinformation that can ignite campus controversies overnight. In the age of TikTok rumors and politicized Twitter (or “X”) feeds, false narratives spread like wildfire before facts can catch up. Recent campus incidents have shown how quickly truth gets muddled: one university saw fake reports about a protest spread widely. At the same time, another dealt with a gross misinterpretation of a student gathering that went viral. Photos and videos are routinely ripped out of context or deliberately edited with misleading labels. The public, meanwhile, is “bombarded with misinformation” online and growing distrustful of experts. For higher ed communicators, countering misinformation means fighting a two-front war: rapidly correcting falsehoods about their institution and proactively pushing out accurate, compelling content to capture attention before the rumors do. Economic Uncertainty and Budget Turbulence. Even aside from targeted funding cuts, universities are feeling economic whiplash. Inflation, endowment fluctuations, and post-pandemic enrolment dips have collided to squeeze campus finances. Many institutions face structural deficits and tough choices about programs and staffing. In fact, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, two-thirds of colleges now show at least one sign of financial stress – a startling statistic that underscores how widespread the budget crunch has become. From flagship public universities to small private colleges, hiring freezes and spending cuts are the order of the day. Every dollar is scrutinized by trustees and legislators alike. Communications pros must now operate in a climate of fiscal anxiety, where messages about any new initiative or expense can trigger questions about priorities. The task at hand is to highlight the university’s economic stewardship and continued value to students and the community, even as belts tighten. It’s critical to communicate that the institution is navigating the storm responsibly—protecting its academic core and maximizing the impact of every precious dollar. Demands to Prove Real-world Impact “What is higher ed really doing for society?” In 2025, that question echoes from state capitols, donors’ boards, and kitchen tables across America. Universities are under intense pressure to demonstrate the real-world value of their research and teaching like never before. Lawmakers openly discuss ROI (return on investment) for degrees and research grants, seeking data on graduates’ earnings and innovations spawned per taxpayer dollar. Public confidence in higher education has been shaken – a recent Gallup survey found Americans’ confidence in colleges has plummeted to 36%, down from 57% in 2015. Many believe in personal value (a college degree for better jobs) but doubt that higher education delivers for the greater good. In short, the public is skeptical whether campus research and scholarship are worth the cost. University communicators must do more than publicize exciting discoveries – they must connect the dots for people. Every media release, story, or tweet should answer: Here’s how this university’s work benefits you, your community, and the world. Whether it’s a medical breakthrough, a tech startup from the lab, or a student project solving a local problem, the mandate is clear: show impact or risk losing support. In my next post, I'll provide a detailed blueprint to help communications professionals proactively plan and organize their teams for the road ahead. This actionable framework will help you better identify where you can add value for your institution where it needs it the most and confirm your critical role as a trusted resource. To your success! Upcoming Speaking Events April 23 PRSA Virtual Workshop "Cutting Through the Noise: What Thought Leadership Strategies are Working in Today’s Environment” Register Here June 8 IABC World Conference, Vancouver “The Thought Leadership Blueprint: Why & How to Build a High-Impact Program” Register Here Sept. 12-13 PRSA East Central Conference, Cleveland “The New Comms Leadership Skillset” Register Here About ExpertFile ExpertFile is revolutionizing how organizations connect their experts to journalists, podcasters, and conference organizers who need to find credible experts on tight deadlines…fast. Featuring experts on over 50,000 topics, our free Apple and Android mobile app is the go-to resource for journalists at media outlets such as the New York Times, CNN, NPR Radio, Fox News, BBC, The Guardian, ABC News, CBC, AXIOS and Time Magazine. For over a decade, our award-winning software platform has been helping marketing departments better manage and promote their online thought leadership to reach a wider audience. Clients include Carnegie Mellon University, ChristianaCare Health, Villanova University, Aston University and Emory University. Learn more at: expertfile.com/getstarted
A New Heart Disease Prevention Strategy: Combining Ezetimibe & Statins
Statement by Kirk Garratt, M.D., Medical Director of ChristianaCare's Center for Heart & Vascular Health "A new study is challenging the current approach to preventing heart disease by showing that combining ezetimibe (Zetia) with statins could be a highly effective treatment for all high-risk patients, not just those who can’t tolerate higher doses of statins. Ezetimibe works by blocking the absorption of dietary fats before they reach the liver, while statins block the conversion of these fats into bad cholesterol. Clinical studies have already shown that combining moderate doses of statins with ezetimibe works as well as high doses of statins alone. This new research, which used a sophisticated method to combine results from many studies, demonstrates the potential of using this combination more routinely. The impact could be significant—potentially avoiding thousands of heart attacks and saving many lives each year. Ezetimibe has minimal side effects and is available in generic form, offering a treatment option with few barriers to widespread use. However, patients should speak with their doctor to discuss whether this combination is right for them." Learn more:
The Road to Treating Substance Use Disorder Starts in the Primary Care Office
For a groundbreaking offering in the treatment of substance use disorders, ChristianaCare’s Family Medicine residency program team received a Wellness Hero Award in the 2024 Delaware Lt. Governor’s Wellness Leadership Challenge. ChristianaCare was recognized for creating “a comprehensive program designed to address the pressing need for behavioral health services in Delaware.” ChristianaCare’s Family Medicine residency established a substance use disorder treatment program in 2020 to identify and provide targeted substance abuse treatment to patients in need and, importantly, to train future providers in the specific and unique issues that patients with addiction often face in primary care settings. “The purpose,” said James LaRosa, M.D., associate residency program director, “is to create an eager and competent workforce of providers ready to help this population.” LaRosa, an alumnus of ChristianaCare’s Family Medicine residency, is also lead for the Family Medicine substance use disorder treatment program. “James was intentionally recruited to our program to carry the torch for this important work,” said Erin Kavanaugh, M.D., FAAFP, chair of Family and Community Medicine. “He has taken the program and department to new heights, particularly in terms of grant-funded work and educational opportunities, all anchored in dedication to comprehensive patient care and improved outcomes.” “Family medicine practitioners take a holistic approach so patients receive personalized and consistent care for better health and well-being for them and their communities,” said Anna Filip, M.D., FAAFP, director of the residency program. “With opportunities like the substance use disorder treatment program, we are preparing the next generation of doctors to treat the whole person.” At the 2024 presentation, then-Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long praised the program for “its impact on closing the gaps in treatment capacity for those with substance use disorders” and “taking measurable steps to expand access to care in our community.” The primary goal of the program is to support patients through withdrawal, LaRosa said. Patients identified for the program via ChristianaCare’s hospitals and emergency departments are connected with the Family Medicine Department to open the door to primary care. The program also provides vital social supports for these patients through the robust ChristianaCare network. “We utilize the services of our in-house social work, behavioral health and case management teams to help provide wraparound services to a population where those things are as crucial as the medical care,” LaRosa said. Third-year resident Deanna Gorgei, D.O., said she chose ChristianaCare’s Family Medicine residency for its “forward-thinking and innovative leadership” who support residents in exploring their interests in the field. One of her interests in addiction medicine. “Not only are residents like me getting this experience in how to treat different substance use disorders, but we’ve also gained exposure on how to set up a program like this,” she said. “It’s been a huge part of my training and has shaped my interest going forward.” Family medicine provides an especially effective setting to treat substance use disorders, in part because its providers are qualified to identify and treat comorbid conditions like hepatitis as well as a host of other illnesses and injuries. “Since starting the program,” said LaRosa, “we have stabilized multiple patients’ chronic medical conditions, identified and treated a patient with bladder cancer, and cured 26 cases of hepatitis C.” Combining care for substance use disorder with primary care, said Gorgei, is appealing for residents and fosters better patient experience and outcomes. “I like being able to have both opportunities,” she said. “It’s so beneficial to have addiction medicine rotate with routine primary care, because it is primary care.”
