Research Day 2025: a celebration of medicine and science

15 years of excellence, innovation and collaboration

Four internal medicine residents shared in the ceremonial cutting of a cake in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Research Day. L-R: Jeanette Liou, MD, chief resident; Clayton Skogman, MD, PG-3; Bikrum Chahal, MD, PG-3; and Ahmed El Shaer, MBBS, chief resident.

The Department of Medicine (DOM) celebrated its 15th Research Day on June 13, 2025. 

As the largest academic department in the University of Wisconsin system, the DOM is home to an extensive community of basic, clinical, translational and health science researchers. Research Day is a vibrant showcase of their work. 

It’s also an exciting opportunity for faculty, staff and trainees from all 11 of the department’s distinct divisions to come together for inspiration and spontaneous collaboration.

This year was no exception, as event co-chair Andrea Galmozzi, PhD, assistant professor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism notes. “There were a lot of people. There was a lot of energy and interaction throughout the whole day.” 

Watch the highlights [YouTube video]:

Humility, self-awareness and science

E Wesley Ely, MD, MPH, professor, Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Department of Medicine, delivered the morning’s Grand Rounds, Healing ICU Care: Harnessing the Power of Science and Humanism.

What can we do to improve the lives of people we'll never meet?

E. Wesley Ely, MD, MPH

“One of his messages was to think about who you are and what your values are and let that drive the science,” says event co-chair Blair Golden, MD, associate professor, Hospital Medicine. “What can we do to improve the lives of people we’ll never meet? That was very meaningful.”

“Know yourself” was one of the core messages of Dr. Ely’s Grand Rounds, seen above.

“The truth of what we do is indelible,” added Dr. Ely in a later breakout session on building, managing, and being an effective member of an interprofessional research team. “It matters. It will stick. Do not give in to despair.”

For a packed room of faculty, staff and trainees at a time when federal funding for medical research is facing significant cuts, this was particularly resonant.

From AI to industry partners

Additional breakout sessions, led by subject-matter experts in the DOM and across campus, allowed attendees to explore different ideas that may enhance their research. 

Michael Horowitz, PA, physician assistant-critical care, Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, asks a question.

Topics included using AI in research, career development for trainees, tips on scientific manuscripts, and interacting and partnering with industry on clinical trials.

Dr. Ely, on left, chats with internal medicine resident Jessica Giles, MD, PG-3.

Cross-pollination of ideas

Research Day also featured over 130 scientific posters by department researchers of all stripes and career stages. 

It’s the cross-pollination that comes from being in a space with people who are trained very differently but who all have a common goal.

Andrew Hryckowian, PhD

For many attendees—like basic science researcher Andrew Hryckowian, PhD, Judy L. and Sal A. Troia Professor in Gastrointestinal Disease Research, Gastroenterology and Hepatology—this portion of Research Day is the essence of collaboration, giving the diverse, widespread DOM community a chance to mingle, question, encourage, and exchange ideas.

Michael Scolarici, MD, in light blue, and Caroline Ewing, MD, MS, in white coat at center, both fellows in the Division of Infectious Disease, share their research at the poster session.

“It’s the cross-pollination that comes from being in a space with people who are trained very differently but who all have a common goal,” Dr. Hryckowian says. “The best science happens at those intersections. And that’s on full display at events like this.”

Awards and honorees

2025 Research Day by the numbers

Eighteen of the posters were honored in four categories: basic science, clinical, translational and health services/health equity.

The lead researchers on each received a ribbon and funds for professional development and research expenses. 

New this year, two posters received a Chair’s Poster Award for outstanding visual appeal and layout that clearly presented significance, innovation and approach.

In the afternoon, the lead researchers of the posters with the highest-scoring abstracts also presented their research to the entire community.

View the complete list of event honorees [PDF].

Jennifer Pulley, administrative assistant I, DOM Central Administration, at right, has provided invaluable administrative support for Research Day for fifteen years. This year she received special recognition from Department Chair Lynn Schnapp, MD, George R. and Elaine Love Professor.
Banner image: Four internal medicine residents shared in the ceremonial cutting of a cake in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Research Day. L-R: Jeanette Liou, MD, chief resident; Clayton Skogman, MD, PG-3; Bikrum Chahal, MD, PG-3; and Ahmed El Shaer, MBBS, chief resident. All photo and video: Clint Thayer/Department of Medicine
Matt Mallum, MFA