Heart Matters – November 2023
Dr. Zainab Mahmoud to Receive the 2023 Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red® Award
DALLAS, Nov. 1, 2023 – The American Heart Association will present the 2023 Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red® Award to Zainab Mahmoud, M.D., M.Sc., of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. This award will be presented during the opening session of the Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023 on Saturday, Nov. 11. The meeting, to be held in Philadelphia, Saturday, Nov. 11 through Monday, Nov. 13, is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science.
The Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red® Award for Best Scientific Publication on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in Women is named in honor of Nanette K. Wenger, M.D., FAHA, and her pioneering career in women’s cardiovascular disease medicine. Dr. Wenger is an emeritus professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at Emory University School of Medicine, consultant to the Emory Heart and Vascular Center, founding consultant to the Emory Women’s Heart Center and director of the Cardiac Clinics and Ambulatory Electrocardiographic Laboratory at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.
The Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red® Award for Best Scientific Publication on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in Women is given annually in recognition of the best research article or articles focused on cardiovascular disease and stroke in women published during the previous year in any of the Association’s 14 peer-reviewed, scientific journals. The Association’s Research Goes Red® initiative aims to empower women to contribute to health research.
“The Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red® Award highlights the important work of an early career physician-scientist,” said the Association’s volunteer President Joseph C. Wu, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA. “Congratulations, Dr. Zainab Mahmoud! Your paper shines a light on the work we need to do to reduce cardiovascular risk factors among pregnant women and especially after delivery.”
Dr. Mahmoud’s manuscript, “Racial Disparities in Specific Maternal Cardiovascular Outcomes,” was published in the December 2022 issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. The paper details a study identifying rates of nonfatal cardiovascular events by analyzing health records of in-hospital deliveries between 2006 and 2017 in New York and Florida. Information was obtained from the State Inpatient Databases that were developed by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project and which catalogues inpatient discharge summaries from community hospitals in 49 participating states.
The goal of the study was to identify the rates of hospitalizations for any cardiovascular reason within the first year after delivery and the rates of specific subtypes of cardiovascular hospitalizations—blood clots, heart failure, arrythmia, stroke and heart attack—also during the 1-year postpartum time period. The study also examined the rates of hospitalization among all participants and then by race and ethnicity, as well as social determinants of health that may have been factors in these gaps.
The analysis found hospitalizations for the large umbrella of cardiovascular issues, as defined by hospital billing codes were more common among Black women, and that even when adjusted for social risk factors, Black women had the highest risk of postpartum death within one year of delivery due to cardiovascular conditions. These findings suggest that improved access to care, enhanced postpartum monitoring and follow-up care that involves obstetrics, primary care doctors, cardiologists and other specialties for managing chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, may reduce cardiovascular events in the postpartum period.
“I am truly honored and deeply humbled to receive this prestigious award,” Dr. Mahmoud expressed with gratitude. “I would like to extend my appreciation to my co-authors and mentors, whose unwavering support and collaboration have been invaluable in our collective efforts. As a physician-scientist whose research is focused on generating evidence in key aspects of cardio-obstetric care to catalyze positive change, I am grateful to the AHA for recognizing our work and its impact on women’s cardiovascular health.”
Dr. Mahmoud is a board-certified cardiologist and an instructor in medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She earned a bachelor’s degree and a medical doctorate from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. She has a diploma in tropical medicine from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and she earned a master’s in health policy from Imperial College London. Dr. Mahmoud completed an internship and residency in internal medicine and was chief resident at Pennsylvania Hospital and completed her fellowship in cardiovascular diseases at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
“Congratulations, Dr. Zainab Mahmoud,” said Nanette K. Wenger, M.D., FAHA. “Your continued dedication to women’s health, particularly in the postpartum period, often called the ‘fourth trimester,’ is helping to fill the gaps in our knowledge about this important time period when a woman’s body is undergoing significant biological shifts. Recent evidence indicates the whole first year after delivery carries substantial health risks for women, and we need to learn more about how to eliminate those risks and reduce maternal death rates. Thank you for your research and continuing contributions in this area!”
Bach Publishes Editorial In JAMA
Dr. Richard Bach published an editorial published in JAMA (the Journal of the American Medical Association) entitled “Traditional Chinese Medicine Meets Evidence-Based Medicine in the Acutely Infarcted Heart“.
An excerpt from the editorial:
“Over the past 40 years, outcomes for patients experiencing acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have improved dramatically, fueled by therapeutic interventions proven effective and safe by rigorous clinical trials.1 Those often landmark clinical trials arose from the transformational concept that treatment should be guided by the results of simple, adequately powered, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials that test the effects of single pharmaceutical-grade agents or devices for the outcomes of interest. And the advances they afforded to clinical practice arguably represent some of the most important achievements of modern evidence-based medicine. Despite those advances, patients with STEMI still have a high risk of morbidity and mortality, and no major advances in STEMI therapeutics have emerged in more than a decade.”
The editorial was in response to the paper, “Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound (Tongxinluo) and Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Acute Myocardial InfarctionThe CTS-AMI Randomized Clinical Trial“.
A podcast with Dr. Bach from the JAMA network commenting on the work can be accessed here.
Two Cardiovascular Division Faculty Inducted to ACCA
Drs. Karen Joynt-Maddox and Thomas Maddox, both of the Washington University School of Medicine Cardiovascular Division, were recently inducted as members into the American Clinical and Climatological Association (ACCA).
The American Clinical and Climatological Association was organized in 1884 by a group of physicians and scientists who set about to improve medical education, research and practice in this country. Its initial concern was with tuberculosis and its treatment by residence in a suitable climate. Throughout its long history, the Association has expanded its interests to all scientific and clinical aspects of medicine and its specialties as well as epidemiology, preventive and environmental medicine, while retaining a continuing interest in the influence of global climate changes on health and disease.
Its membership comprises outstanding physicians selected on the basis of their leadership, their excellence in their chosen field, their demonstrated high level of integrity and professionalism, and their yearning to nurture a spirit of warmth, diversity and friendship. The annual meeting of the Association provides an opportunity for presentation and critical discussion of the most recent progress in research, practice and teaching. It is devoted to the scientific understanding and to the compassionate care of human disease. The meeting also serves to reaffirm the values and the principles of the Association. Active membership is limited to 250 physicians.
Maddox Chairs National Meeting of Medicine Conference
On October 25th, Dr. Thomas Maddox chaired the National Academy of Medicine’s conference on Generative AI & LLMs in Health & Medicine. The conference took place via livestream, and featured guest speakers and experts in various arenas of medical technology.
The conversation brought together key players, such as health professionals, technology developers, and government stakeholders, to share perspectives on the key needs that can catalyze the basis of a shared agenda.
The goal of the meeting was to address developments in generative AI, specifically LLMs, and focus on policy considerations for health care, medicine, and public health. Ultimately aiming to spur collaborative stakeholder communication and create a framework for rapid engagement on emerging issues.
Learn more about the LC’s work on AI and health here.
Cresci and Bach Moderate at Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Society 2023 Scientific Sessions
Drs. Sharon Cresci and Richard Bach of the Washington University School of Medicine Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center acted as moderators at the 2023 Hypertrophy Cardiomyopathy Society (HCMS) Scientific Sessions in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Cresci moderated a panel discussion entitled “I’ve found the intermediate biomarker of HCM disease progression!”, and Dr. Bach moderated the lecture session “Defining quality HCM care in 2023; SRT and more”.
The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Medical Society (HCMS) exists to bring together an innovative and productive community of physicians, scientists and medical providers dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy through clinical excellence, research and education.
Cardiovascular Division Announces STAR Awards
The recipients of the 12th annual year of the Cardiology STAR Awards have been selected. The four staff members chosen for the award exhibit exemplary performance and carry out their duties with integrity and dedication. The STAR award is given in memory of our cardiology staff who held these characteristics. Recipients receive a cash award in addition to having their names displayed on plaques throughout our Division locations.
Janice Amsler (Research Nurse Coordinator II – Electrophysiology Clinical Trials) – Janice goes above and beyond to ensure that the electrophysiology clinical trials in Cardiology are conducted according to the protocols, enrollment goals are hit, and sponsors’ expectations are exceeded. The electrophysiology group was recently recognized by Abbott for “outstanding enrollment, very good compliance metrics, and low withdrawal rate of patients in the study”. This achievement would not have been possible without Janice’s leadership. She is described as a hard worker, a patient advocate, a kind person, and a great co-worker. Janice is highly regarded by the research group and is an incredible asset to the division.
Tammy Harmon (Billing Scheduling Associate II – Patient Access Group)– Tammy has been in Cardiology for the past 9 years. She is extremely reliable, rarely if ever missing a day. Tammy always shows the willingness to take on additional tasks within the scheduling group to ease the burden of others in the group and make processes easier. This year she along with a co-worker took on all the scheduling for the electrophysiology section to streamline the process and assist with the wants, needs, and complexities of the EP scheduling process. This is not in lieu of her day-to-day responsibilities but in addition to taking 50+ calls a day. She has done this willingly and always with a positive attitude, understanding that this does make the PAG run more efficiently. Multiple co-workers describe Tammy as a valuable asset to their team and Cardiology.
Shalatha Malone (Clinical Supervisor – West County Cardiology Practice) – Shalatha while less than a year in her current position with Cardiology; has been an invaluable member of the Cardiology team for 9.5 years. She is not afraid to think outside the box to problem solve. She is always willing to ask how we can make things better for our patients, and our providers. Shalatha’s compassion and her personality along with her personal character allow her to connect and make all of our patients feel welcome. She is the first one to help a patient with physical needs and to make a patient feel at ease during the stress of a missed or delayed medical transport/ride. Her positive personality and dependable work ethic serve as role models for the entire team on how to be a professional positive team member. She is an Amazing Cardiology Star!
Katherine Ramsay (Clinical Nurse Coordinator – South County Cardiology Practice) – Katherine has been working with Dr. Jain for the past 6 years. All patients love her. She is described as compassionate, caring, and a never get angry team player who is also the first one to respond to an emergency. She goes above and beyond to help staff even when she is busy with her own duties. She makes new staff feel extremely comfortable and welcome. She never complains and is the ultimate professional. Katherine quietly uplifts the Division with her tireless efforts and hard work she performs. We are fortunate to have such a consummate professional in Katherine, and her hard work deserves to be celebrated.
Way to Shine!
“I’d like to nominate both Casey Beckring and Molly DeClue for a Way to Shine. Their work on this interim basis with both Gen Card and Valve patients has been invaluable. They are proactive, provide excellent communication and updates, and are just a huge bonus to these areas. I couldn’t possibly do my job without them. THANK YOU BOTH!!.”
Other Way to Shine’s for this month were Lisa Winter, Ann Mahoney, Lisa Murphy, Sharon Sauer, Katherine Ramsay, Lana Crawford, Holley Crabtree, Morgan Porter, Cynthia Ousley, Paige Rama, Barbara Stehman, Dana Gima, and Luann Wierzchucki.
If you catch someone in the act of shining, contact or send an email to bolhafner@wustl.edu.
Clinical Spotlight: Missouri Baptist Hospital Heart Failure Clinic
Each month, Heart Matters will highlight a research lab or clinical program. We want everyone in the division to be proud of the work we do across all of our locations and disciplines.
Since 2019, the Washington University Heart Failure Center at Missouri Baptist Hospital has provided excellent care to advanced heart failure patients. Offering a range of screening services and specialized treatments, the Center at MoBap functions as a stand-alone clinic, seeing ambulatory patients on an outpatient basis. In addition, the Center sees hospitalized patients for observation, diagnosis, treatment and intervention. Specialists and clinicians work together to provide comprehensive care through all the stages of the recovery process.
“This Center is an extension of the program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital,” said Dr. Gregory Ewald. “The biggest benefactors are the patients who can get high-quality care for a range of heart conditions.”
Heart failure—caused by a weakened heart muscle—can be difficult to treat and frightening to those who have the condition. The term heart failure can apply to a heart muscle that is weak, enlarged, and does not pump effectively. Having a team to provide follow-up care and guide patients through their diagnosis reduces re-admittance and improves the prognosis of those suffering from heart failure.
The clinic is extremely busy, seeing hundreds of patients for office visits, as well as performing inpatient heart failure rounds. Drs. Greg Ewald, Justin Hartupee, and Justin Vader rotate clinical duties at this location. Nurse practitioner Valerie Emery sees both inpatient and outpatient cases. Pharmacist Anastasia Armbruster and medical assistant Mandy Harris round out the clinic’s team.
A lot of collaboration with their medical team improves outcomes, says Valerie. “We have an established relationship, so if (the patient) needs advanced therapies, they trust our expertise”. She’s also seen medical technology for these patients vastly improve over the years. “We’ve really had amazing outcomes, including getting some patients off of mechanical support”.
With 30-40 new inpatient consults per month, the work is challenging and varies greatly from patient to patient. Mandy handles a lot of the day to day support when patients call with questions and concerns.
Mandy, who has been with the clinic for three years says she has learned a lot from the doctors, and works closely with the patients to help them make sure they get what they need; whether that is help with signing up for medication assistance programs, setting up cardiac rehab, or just listening to them vent their worries about their new diagnosis. “You have to be able to adapt”, she says, “different patients need different attention”.
It’s clear that the staff of the clinic bring the standards of exceptional and compassionate patient care to this outreach location, and in the almost five years the MoBap location has been open, the practice has flourished and made a difference in many hundreds of lives. “It’s a unique situation to have a Wash U cardiology practice at MoBap” says Valerie. She notes that being located there is much better for continued care after a patient is discharged from the hospital.
“I try to have a smile on my face when they come in”, says Mandy, who has a clear passion for making the clinic’s patients feel comfortable, “they are very sick when they come here, and I want them to know they’re in good hands”.
Division Staffing Updates
Positions open for hiring:
JR78008 Administrative Coordinator II – Cardio-oncology section
JR78067 Administrative Coordinator II – CSRB
JR77972 Clinical Research Study Assistant II – Clinical Trials
JR77820 Clinical Specialist PT/OT (PRN) – Clinical Trials
JR77319 Medical Secretary III – Interventional section
JR78336 Nurse Manager – Electrophysiology section
JR77616 Registered Medical Assistant II – West County practice
JR77910 Registered Medical Assistant II (West County) – West County practice
JR77584 Registered Medical Assistant III (South County) – South County practice
JR72592 Research Cardiac Sonographer (PRN) – CORE Lab
JR77127 Research Lab Manager – Dr. Prabhu’s Lab
JR74136 Research Opportunities – Dr. Rentschler’s Lab
JR74188 Research Opportunities – Dr. Prabhu’s Lab
JR73579 Research Specialist – MOUSE CORE
JR76174 Research Technician I (Temporary) – Dr. Javaheri’s Lab
JR75743 Research Technician II – Dr. Javaheri’s Lab
JR78183 RN Research Nurse Coordinator I – Clinical Trials
JR78140 RN Research Nurse Coordinator II – Clinical Trials
JR78240 Senior Grant Specialist (Remote) – Clinical Research Administration
Welcome to the Cardiovascular Division:
Chelsea Just – Administrative Coordinator II – Valve Team – 10/2/2023
Noah McBride – Medical Secretary II – Electrophysiology section – 10/2/2023
Connie Stone – Manager Administrative Services – 10/20/2023
Erica Jamro-Comer – Senior Statistical Data Analyst – Dr. Huffman Lab – 10/23/2023
Tarek Mohamed – Staff Scientist – Dr. Sah Lab – 10/26/2023
Lauren Leslie – Clinical Specialist PT/OT – Clinical Trials – 10/30/23
Congratulations On Your Promotion!:
Kaitlin Moore – Manager Clinical Trials – 10/1/2023
Elaine Mercer – Administrative Assistant II – 10/15/2023
Farewell:
Farewell to these Cardiovascular Division employees. Thank you for your service, you will be missed!
Aleana Evans – Last day 10/16/2023
Nick Savage – Last day 10/25/2023
Halloween in the Cardiovascular Division
It was a spooky celebration for Division staff this Halloween! Festivities included a chili contest at Northwest Tower, won by Nikki Madigan. Enjoy these photos of staff across our locations in costume!
Welcome Babies!
Two of our Cardiovascular Division faculty welcomed new additions!
Dr. Zainab Mahmoud welcomed a daughter on 9/30. Khadija Lana joined big sister Nazneen and big brother Zayn. Congratulations to Dr. Mahmoud and Ibrahim!
Dr. J Gmerice Hammond welcomed a son on 10/3. Aakani joined big brother Ahdye and big sister Sayon. Congratulations to Dr. Hammond and Taiwo!
Submissions Open for Eisenberg Scholar Award
It is time to submit your application for the third Paul and Patti Eisenberg Scholar Award which supports junior faculty research in the Division of Cardiology at Washington University. Dr. Eisenberg, former Professor of Medicine and CCU Director, and his wife Patti have generously provided funding to support a junior faculty investigator. Dr. Eisenberg stated “I was very fortunate to have had a rewarding and successful academic research career in the Division of Cardiology. We hope that this fund will give talented junior faculty the opportunity to start their research careers.” In an email sent by Dr. Prabhu is a RFA outlining eligibility, goals, and time lines for submission of proposals. The awardee will be selected by committee.
Deadline for submission is 5:00pm CT on Friday, January 5th.
Register for Center for Diabetes Translation Research Webinar
Event page link: https://cdtr.wustl.edu/calendar_event/masters_webinar_8nov2023/
Registration page link: https://wustl.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eg5YDeVAQ8Lhg6W
Health & Wellness
Tips for Getting Kids into the Kitchen
Emma Greenhill, MS, RD, LDN
It’s never too early to get your kids involved in the kitchen. Preparing food as a family has many health benefits. When young people get involved in meal planning, they can develop math skills, gain confidence, explore their senses, practice creativity, and learn about nutrition and culture. And, when they help prepare the food, they’re more likely to eat!
Talk about food as a family. When your child gets home from daycare or school ask about what they had for breakfast and lunch (or what their friends ate!). Talk about the flavors, colors, and textures. Open-ended questions about what they like and don’t like can help young people identify food preferences. These conversations can also lead to talking about the health benefits of favorite foods.
Invite your child into the kitchen while you cook. Even if a baby is just watching you prepare dinner from their bouncer, you are exposing them to the kitchen environment. As they grow this will help them be more familiar with all of the tasks that occur in the kitchen and what the purpose of each tool is.
Pick kid-friendly recipes together. Kid-friendly recipes are everywhere! It helps to read the recipe or watch a recipe video ahead of time to make sure you have all the tools and ingredients you need. Kids want to be entrusted with tasks, and they like knowing mom or dad believe they are capable.
Find tasks for everyone. Younger family members can still stir, drain canned items, and knead dough. School-aged children can help flip pancakes, fold dumplings, and measure ingredients. They may even start helping with prep and cutting ingredients (they make practice knives that are plastic!). Teens will be able to help peel, chop, and heat foods. Semi-prepared foods can also make some steps more kid-friendly. This could include fruits and veggies that are pre-cut.
Designate special tools for your child. They will appreciate having a kid-sized oven mitt, a colorful set of mixing bowls, their own strainer in their favorite color, and their own mixing spoon. It’s also good to keep their equipment in a cabinet that theyhave access to.Consider baby proofing and locking other cabinets, but keeping one unlocked to be their designated as their space.
Start a garden. It’s important for kids to see where their food comes from, and it provides an opportunity to give kids more age-appropriate tasks. Young kids love digging or pouring water. As the parent, you can be right by their side modeling good behaviors and work ethic.
Let young people lead. Keep it as simple as they need it to be and offer support. Some ways kids can practice leadership include planning a menu, selecting a recipe, choosing an unfamiliar ingredient they want to eat, selecting the toppings they want on their pizza/taco from an assortment of options, and/or learning a new cooking skill (temping with a meat thermometer, folding ingredients, operating the stand mixer, etc.).
Homemade Mini Pizzas
Serves: 8• Prep Time: 15 mins • Cook Time: 15 mins • Total Time: 32 mins
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast
- 1 cup warm water (not hot!)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the toppings
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded cheese
- Basil leaves
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Olives, sliced
- Pepperoni
- Peppers, diced
- Pineapple, chopped
- Tomatoes, diced
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir, then let sit for 10 minutes, or until the mixture is creamy and has small bubbles on the top.
- To the yeast mixture, add the salt, olive oil, and flour. Stir until everything is incorporated and the mixture forms a ball. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for a minute or two, or until it feels smooth and elastic.
- Rub a teaspoon of olive oil all over the dough ball, then cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest in the mixing bowl for 5 minutes.
- Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces and form them into balls. One at a time, place each ball onto the floured work surface and use a rolling pin or clean hands to roll, pat, or pull the dough into a pizza crust shape.
- Spread sauce and sprinkle cheese onto the pizzas, then top with desired toppings.
- Place the pizzas on the prepared baking sheets and bake for about 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are puffy and golden and the cheese is melted and browned in spots.
Tips
- Leftovers can be frozen for later! Let the pizzas cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. I recommend reheating them in a 425ºF oven
References
- Recipe courtesy of: https://www.designeatrepeat.com/mini-kids-pizza/#wprm-recipe-container-28957
- https://www.healthiergeneration.org/articles/4-ways-to-get-kids-involved-in-the-kitchen
- https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/coronavirus/8-tips-to-get-kids-involved-in-the-kitchen-plus-3-healthy-recipes-to-start/
Do you have BJC Cigna? Remember that you have annual coverage to meet with me, Emma Greenhill, a Heart Care Institute dietitian. Call 314-996-8165 for more insurance information or to schedule an appointment.
Unite With Us for the United Way
Washington University is mid-way through our annual campaign on behalf of the United Way of Greater St. Louis – and there is still time to Unite with Us to support this great organization that serves nearly 3 million people in Missouri and Illinois.
Kerri Morgan knows from experience how much there is to gain by giving to a United Way organization. Kerri, an assistant professor of occupational therapy at the School of Medicine, is both a volunteer and a collaborator with Paraquad, a United Way-funded organization that provides services, education and advocacy for people with disabilities.
“As a person with a disability, and as a healthcare professional, I have seen and lived the inequities of not being able to meet physical activity goals,” Kerri said. “My work with Paraquad has given me an opportunity to support needed services in our area. But more importantly, it has helped me to continue to learn from others with disabilities about their life experiences and the work we need to do in our community to better support persons with a disability.”
Join your WashU colleagues to support the United Way campaign in one of the following ways:
Volunteer as an individual or with a group Check out stlvolunteer.org to find volunteer opportunities with a local agency for yourself or your department or division. If you or your group volunteer, be sure to submit a selfie to unitedway@wustl.edu to automatically enter our drawing for a prize from WashU!
Find volunteer opportunities →
Donate today Make a gift or pledge to the United Way of Greater St. Louis through the WashU United Way Portal – E-Pledge.
Remember that if you volunteer or donate before the 2023 United Way Campaign ends on November 17, you will receive a special gift from WashU through campus mail. No matter how you choose to support the United Way, please know that your contribution will make a difference for the region we proudly call home.
Enroll in your 2024 WashU Health & Insurance Benefits
Enroll or make changes to your 2024 benefits from Nov. 1-17, 2023, online through Workday.
Annual open enrollment to enroll or make changes to your benefits coverage for 2024 began Nov. 1, and ends on Nov. 17, 2023.
During open enrollment, you should review your health, vision, dental, and life insurance options, and enroll or re-enroll in your Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts. Now is also a good time to review and update your home address and life insurance beneficiaries.
You should also take time during open enrollment to review the dependents you are covering under your benefits and verify they meet the eligibility requirements. When you submit your elections, you will be certifying that you have reviewed and verified the eligibility of your enrolled dependents.
You must enroll through Workday. When you log in to Workday, you will notice a task waiting for you in your Workday Task Inbox. Click on the Open Enrollment task to get started.
View the 2024 open enrollment guides, checklist, and step-by-step instructions to enroll in your 2024 benefits.
Online Learning: LinkedIn Learning
Online and on-demand learning solutions are designed with flexibility and convenience in mind, and to provide information and skills you need, when you need it most, and at your own pace. Human Resources works to embed these online learning tools into our overall learning framework to help employees and managers in their daily work and management of university operations.
LinkedIn Learning is an on-demand learning solution designed to enhance the learner’s experience and provide skills and knowledge to facilitate a more informed and capable university community.
All current Washington University students, faculty, and staff have access to LinkedIn Learning’s resources, which cover a broad range of topics from Adobe to Zoom.
With LinkedIn Learning, you get
- Unlimited access to more than 7,500 video tutorials covering business, creative and technology topics.
- Learn in multiple languages, including, but not limited to, English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.
- Personalized recommendations of the most in-demand skills based on your experience.
- Expert instructors. Learn from industry leaders, all in one place.
- Convenient learning. Access courses on your schedule, from any desktop or mobile device.
- Helpful resources. Reinforce new knowledge with quizzes, exercise files and coding practice windows.
For more information, visit the LinkedIn Learning page on the Wash U HR website.
IT Spotlight: Stay Safe on Social Media
When using social media platforms, it is wise to be careful about what you post. Cybercriminals can use what you post to entice you into clicking malicious links.
Be Careful What You Post
Any information you publicly post on social media could be used in a spear phishing attack. Spear phishing is when cybercriminals target you specifically. For example, if you post about your rescue dogs, cybercriminals may send you phishing emails posing as your local animal shelter asking for donations. What they are really after is your payment information.
Keep It Private
Cybercriminals may also try to phish through a direct message. Luckily, popular social media platforms allow you to have a private account and restrict who can contact you. Privacy features can help protect your personal information from strangers and cybercriminals.
What Can I Do to Stay Safe?
Follow the tips below to stay safe when using social media:
- Ask yourself, could someone use this information in spear phishing attacks to make it appear legitimate?
- Make your social media accounts private:
- Be cautious before replying to strangers online. They could be a cybercriminal in disguise.
| Keep up to date with IT news at the Office of Information Security blog |
Follow the Cardiovascular Division on X!
Check out our division account, @WashUCardiology! We will be sharing division accomplishments, announcements, news, events, and more. If you have a story about the cardiovascular division that you think deserves a social media spotlight, email bolhafner@wustl.edu.