News Highlights - January 13, 2026
Kudos
Sopirala to Enhance Parkland’s Readiness for Emerging Infectious Threats
Madhuri Sopirala, M.D., M.P.H., an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Chief of Infection Prevention at Parkland Health, is the Principal Investigator for a $500,000 National Special Pathogens System (NSPS) grant awarded to Parkland Health to advance preparedness for high-consequence infectious diseases. The award will support Parkland’s efforts to strengthen its ability to safely receive and care for patients with highly complex and emerging infectious threats chancing patient and staff safety.
“Through this grant, Parkland will enhance systems and infrastructure critical to protecting patients, health care workers, and the broader community during emerging infectious disease events,” Dr. Sopirala said. “Funding will support workforce training, clinical readiness, and laboratory and infection prevention capabilities necessary to ensure safe, high-quality care in alignment with national preparedness standards.”
As Chief of Infection Prevention, Dr. Sopirala has led significant advancements in patient safety at Parkland, particularly in infection prevention-related performance under Value-Based Purchasing and Hospital-Acquired Condition programs. Her leadership has strengthened infection prevention practices, improved quality metrics, and reinforced Parkland’s role as a regional safety-net hospital prepared to respond to complex public health threats.
“This funding allows us to build sustainable systems that protect patients and health care workers while ensuring the institution is prepared to safely care for patients with the most complex infectious disease threats,” Dr. Sopirala said. “Preparedness is not episodic. It is an ongoing commitment to quality, safety, and excellence in care.”
Dr. Sopirala joined UT Southwestern Medical Center in 2018. Her work focuses on healthcare-associated infection prevention, antimicrobial resistance, and preparedness for emerging infectious diseases. She earned her medical degree at NTR University of Health Sciences - S.V. Medical College in India. She completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Mount Carmel Medical Center and received advanced training in Infectious Diseases at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Clinical Investigation at the Ohio State University College of Public Health and completed a postgraduate fellowship at Harvard Medical School focused on Quality, Safety, Informatics, and Leadership.
Co-investigators include: Mamta Jain, M.D., a Professor of in the Division of Infectious Diseases, who will focus on reinforcing clinical trial infrastructure; Anita Hegde, M.D., an Associate Professor and Director of Patient Safety and Quality in the Division of Hospital Medicine at Parkland Health; Jeffrey Metzger, M.D., M.B.A., an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and Chief of Emergency Services at Parkland Health; Emily Adhikari, M.D., an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medical Director of Perinatal Infectious Diseases at Parkland Health; and Daniel Montelongo, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Medical Director of Microbiology at Parkland Health. ■
Tapaskar, Thibodeau Contribute to AHA Scientific Statement on Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension Testing
The American Heart Association has published a “Scientific Statement for Standarization of Invasive Hemodynamic Testing for Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension,” tests that help doctors measure how well the heart and lungs are working and guide treatment decisions. They include procedures like right heart catheterization, medication and fluid challenges, and exercise-based measurements, which can reveal hidden problems and predict how patients will do over time.
The statement also highlights how repeated catheterizations and continuous pressure monitoring can track disease progression, improve the use of heart pumps, and reduce hospital stays for patients at high risk.
“These protocols are especially useful in evaluating patients with unexplained dyspnea or those who may need advanced therapies, including heart transplants or left-ventricular assist devices,” said Jennifer Thibodeau, M.D., M.S.C.S., pictured at right, a Professor in the Division of Cardiology and Medical Director of Heart Failure and ECMO, who co-authored the statement. “I was pleased to join with my colleagues on the writing committee to produce this important statement, which we believe will not only help standardize care but also improve outcomes for patients facing these complex conditions.”
To help share key recommendations and ensure the public can better understand the statement’s significance, Natalie Tapaskar, M.D., an Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiology, created a concise 10-point summary. ■
Parkland Among Nation’s Best in Kidney Transplant Outcomes
For the second consecutive year, Parkland Health has been recognized as having one of the top two programs in the nation for kidney transplant outcomes, according to key performance metrics from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR).
“This accomplishment reflects the outstanding guidance of Dr. Joe Lockridge, who leads our kidney transplant efforts at Parkland,” said Samir M. Parikh, M.D., Professor and Chief of the Division of Nephrology. “It highlights the depth and excellence of Parkland’s transplant program.”
The SRTR evaluates transplant programs using a 5-tier rating system based on three critical metrics: survival on the waiting list, transplant rate, and one-year organ survival. Parkland tied with NYU Langone Health to be one of only two transplant centers with the highest ratings in three categories: Kidney Survival, Patient Survival on the Waitlist, and Getting a Transplant Faster.
“Today, it’s more important than ever to shine a light on the transformative care happening at Parkland,” said Dr. Parikh. “For individuals with kidney failure, transplantation remains the most effective treatment.”
“We take great pride in providing exceptional transplant care to Parkland patients, many of whom overcome substantial challenges to access treatment,” added Dr. Lockridge, pictured, an Associate Professor in the Division of Nephrology. “This designation demonstrates that a public safety-net hospital can achieve results equal to the nation’s leading programs.” ■
Dr. Parikh holds the Robert Tucker Hayes Distinguished Chair in Nephrology, in Honor of Dr. Floyd C. Rector, Jr.; and the Ruth W. and Milton P. Levy, Sr. Chair in Molecular Nephrology.
Transitions
Pandey to Assume Leadership Role at University of Michigan
Ambarish Pandey, M.D., M.S.C.S., an Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiology, has been named the inaugural Director of the Center for Cardiometabolic Research at the University of Michigan, where he will serve as Professor with tenure in Cardiology and Internal Medicine and hold the Frederick G.L. Huetwell Research Professorship.
Dr. Pandey’s career at UT Southwestern began when he arrived in 2011 as an Internal Medicine resident and then completed both a postdoctoral research fellowship and a clinical cardiology fellowship. Since joining the faculty in 2018, he established UT Southwestern’s HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) program and launched the Cardio-Metabolic Research Unit, which has grown to more than 25 members and secured extensive funding from the National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association, and industry partners. In 2021, he became Associate Program Director for Internal Medicine Residency Research.
“Dr. Pandey has been a transformative force in our division,” said James de Lemos, M.D., Professor and Division Chief of Cardiology. “His vision and energy have elevated our research programs and inspired numerous trainees.”
“While we will miss his leadership and friendship, we are thrilled to see him take on this prestigious role at Michigan,” Dr. de Lemos added. “His impact will continue to resonate here for years to come.” ■
Dr. De Lemos holds the Sweetheart Ball - Kern Wildenthal, M.D., Ph.D., Distinguished Chair in Cardiology.
Hales to Retire After 33 Years at the Dallas VAMC
David Hales, M.D., a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Associate Chief of Staff for Geriatrics and Extended Care at the VA North Texas Health Care System, is retiring after 33 years of service.
During his tenure at the Dallas VA Medical Center (VAMC), he served as Medical Director for two VA Nursing Home Care Units with a total of 240 beds. He worked with the Division of Geriatrics to establish both the Geriatrics and the Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship programs. He also established the palliative care consult service at the Dallas VAMC.
“Dr. Hales’ kindness humility, and quiet leadership left a lasting impact on our team and the veterans we serve,” the VA North Texas Health Care System said in a social media post. “Under his guidance, the Community Living Center consistently achieved 5-star status, reflecting his commitment to excellence and compassionate care.”
Dr. Hales holds a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. He earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi and completed internal medicine residency training at UT Southwestern. Dual board certified in internal medicine and in hospice and palliative medicine, he joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 1994.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hales has been recognized for excellence in patient care. In addition to receiving several honors from the Department of Veterans Affairs for home based primary care, he also received the Geriatrics Recognition Award from the American Geriatrics Society and the Outstanding Doctor in Geriatrics from the VA North Texas Health Care System. ■