In The News


Steve Reddy, M.D., radiology, discussed nucleoplasty, a new procedure designed to relieve back pain, in an interview on New England Cable News. The NECN broadcast followed a story in The Boston Globe Health/Science section that described back pain treatments and highlighted the work of Reddy, Joshua Hirsch, M.D., radiology, Joseph Audette, M.D., anesthesia, Jacob Rachlin, M.D., neurosurgery, and Gira Patel, licensed acupuncturist.

Elvira Lang, M.D., radiology, was featured in an ABC “Good Morning America” segment about the use of hypnosis to control pain.

DeWayne Pursley, M.D., neonatology, and Paul Levy, president and chief executive officer of BIDMC, were quoted in a Boston Herald story about the new expanded NICU. Pursley also spoke about the new NICU on WBZ-TV (Channel 4).

In a WHDH-TV (Channel 7) interview, Javed Sheikh, M.D., allergy and inflammation, discussed pollen allergies. Sheikh spoke about the same topic in a Boston Herald story.

David Avigan, M.D., hematology and oncology, was quoted in a Boston Herald story about the potential use of a customized cancer vaccine, currently in clinical trials, to treat cancer.

In a story in The Washington Post, Thomas Scammell, M.D., neurology, commented on the risks associated with the extended use of modafinil, a drug used to treat narcolepsy, by persons who do not have the disorder.

Rachel Reynolds, M.D., dermatology, was interviewed on WHDH-TV (Channel 7) about skin disorders a person can contract through contact with their pet.

Glenn Rosen, Ph.D., neurology, discussed his research into the neurological causes of dyslexia in article in Fortune magazine. Rosen theorizes that neurons that stray from their normal path during fetal development can cause a “cascade of connected differences” in the brain’s usual internal wiring.


A study led by Kenneth Mukamal, M.D., M.P.H., general medicine, and colleagues found that drinking tea on a regular basis may help protect patients with existing cardiovascular disease. Stories about the study ran in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Newsweek, USA Today, U.S. News and World Report and on the Associated Press, Bloomberg News and Reuters newswires. The study also was reported on CNN Headline News, NPR's "All Things Considered," WHDH-TV (Channel 7), and WBZ-AM as well as many other local, national and international news outlets.

Thomas Scammell, M.D., neurology, took part in a discussion about narcolepsy and sleep disorders treatments on “The Connection” on WBUR-FM.

Marlene Dacosta, Be Well!, discussed living with lupus as part of the program “Living Better With Arthritis” on WCVB-TV (Channel 5).

In a Boston Herald story, Robert Dye, M.D., internal medicine, spoke about his work with "Inn-House Doctor," a service that provides medical coverage to area hotels.

Christine Sweeney, L.I.C.S.W., obstetrics and gynecology, discussed the Parent Connection in a story in The Boston Parents' Paper. The Parent Connection is a volunteer mentor program for new parents.

Robert Moellering, M.D., medicine, was quoted in a story in The Patriot Ledger about bacteria resistance to antibiotics.

Daniel Talmor, M.D., anesthesia, was featured in a WFXT-TV (Channel 25) story that focused on a course developed by Talmor to instruct medical students in chemical warfare agents and their treatment. The course makes use of the Harvard Medical Simulator, a teaching device that simulates medical symptoms.

James Levine, M.D., internal medicine, was featured in a story in The New York Times as a busy primary care physician maintaining his practice despite managed care bureaucracy and increased patient volume.

David Trentham, M.D., rheumatology, was quoted in a story in The Boston Globe about HMOs requiring physicians to obtain "prior authorization" before prescribing certain medications.

In a story in The New York Times, Ann Kiessling, Ph.D., surgery, discussed procedures available to help men with HIV have children.