Exercise Science alumna Caitlin Ciccone is living her dream. It may not be the dream of her childhood, but she couldn’t be happier with where she is today. 

UMass Chan Medical School has established the Translational Institute for Molecular Therapeutics, ushering in the next phase of gene therapy development to accelerate new treatments for rare genetic diseases.

An Oregon couple whose baby was diagnosed with an ultra-rare genetic disorder has launched a foundation to raise money to accelerate development of therapies for the condition, called UBA5 deficiency, and recently signed a gift agreement with UMass Chan Medical School for $85,000 to jump start the research.

UMass Chan Medical School anatomist Yasmin Carter, PhD, has played a lead role in designing a new three-dimensional full female model on research publishing firm Elsevier’s Complete Anatomy app, the first ever on the platform. The addition of a new 3D female model to the app provides an important educational tool, one that makes clear that female anatomy is distinct.

The UMass Chan Medical School 2022 Diversity Campus Read concluded on Wednesday, Feb. 9, with author Harriet Washington presenting virtual talks about her book, Medical Apartheid, to an audience of UMass Chan learners, faculty and staff.

UMass Chan Medical School has added a diversity, equity and inclusion pillar to its IMPACT 2025 Strategic Plan.

“When we created IMPACT 2025, diversity, equity and inclusion was intentionally incorporated into each of the five pillars as a reflection of our belief that DEI must be woven into and considered in everything that we do. However, we have come to recognize that targeted refinements can be extremely beneficial,” said Chancellor Michael F. Collins.

Using plasma of patients convalesced from COVID-19, whose blood contains antibodies against the disease-causing SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been touted as a promising treatment for some patients with signs of infection.

UMass Chan Medical School students are working to support community efforts to assist Afghan refugees in Worcester. Last month, six T.H. Chan School of Medicine students stepped in to test 200 Afghans at a Worcester hotel after volunteers from the Worcester Refugee Assistance Project (WRAP) learned one of the residents had COVID-19 symptoms.