Message from Dr. Suzanne Jan De Beur, Division Chief of Endocrinology and Metabolism
It is an exciting and transformative time for the Division of Endocrinology at the University of Virginia as we continue to advance our mission in clinical care, education, and research. Our inpatient and outpatient programs are expanding rapidly to meet the growing needs of our patients and community. Under the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Kirby and Ms. Julie Costin, our inpatient diabetes program is preparing to extend its essential services across the entire health system. At the same time, Drs. Christine Eagleson and Meg Crook guided our ambulatory programs through the ONE TEAM initiative, broadening access and strengthening our ability to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care across the full spectrum of endocrine disorders.
Clinical excellence remains the cornerstone of our division. Our faculty are deeply committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that brings hope and meaningful improvement to the lives of individuals affected by endocrine disease. Their expertise spans the breadth of endocrinology, and their dedication to thoughtful, patient-focused practice continues to elevate the standard of care at UVA.
Our fellowship program also continues to thrive under the leadership of Drs. Greg Hong and Ben Horton. This year’s exceptionally strong match reflects our growing national reputation. Our fellows benefit from comprehensive clinical training, outstanding mentorship, and robust research opportunities that prepare them for impactful careers in both academic medicine and clinical practice.
Research remains one of our greatest strengths, and the scope of discovery underway is truly remarkable. Our investigators are leading groundbreaking work on cardiovascular risk in type 1 diabetes, elucidating the mechanisms by which GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP agonists influence endothelial and muscle function, and defining the molecular basis of obesity-related kidney disease. Collaborative efforts with the Center for Diabetes Technology are advancing the development of automated insulin delivery systems for the inpatient setting—an innovation with the potential to transform hospital diabetes care. These efforts, along with ongoing research in diabetes technology, metabolic disorders, and endocrine physiology, reflect the division’s commitment to translating scientific discovery into tangible improvements in patient outcomes.
Our work is strengthened by deep interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. Partnerships with colleagues in neuroscience, physiology, biomedical engineering, and other departments enrich our research, broaden our clinical perspectives, and create new opportunities for innovation. The collaborative culture at UVA, marked by shared expertise, mutual respect, and a commitment to mentorship, remains one of our greatest assets.
Equally essential to our success is the exceptional support of our administrative team. Their coordination, professionalism, and dedication ensure that our programs operate seamlessly and that our faculty, trainees, and patients receive the support they need to thrive.
With decades of excellence as our foundation—and recognition as one of the premier Divisions of Endocrinology and Metabolism—we are poised for a new era of growth and discovery. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, we look ahead with optimism, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to delivering outstanding clinical care, advancing scientific knowledge, and training the next generation of leaders in endocrinology.
~ Suzanne Jan De Beur MD
FACULTY ACTIVITIES
CLINICAL PROGRAM
Our ambulatory and inpatient services have expanded in part due to the addition of several Advanced Practice Providers in the last few years. We were fortunate to recruit and hire Julie Costin, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, as the division’s Lead APP. Julie has an extensive background in endocrinology, with several years of private practice experience before joining UVA. In addition, she brings a more recent background in business to provide dedicated clinical leadership for our growing APP workforce.
Ambulatory APPs: Michele Hamrick, Ellen Lam, Han Ding, Jessica Wunderston
Inpatient APPs: Elaine Hannah, Milford George, Christine Owens, Ben Floyd, Melinda Childress. We welcomed 2 new APPs to our inpatient team this fall: Autumn Crawford and Caitlin Vande Pol.
Our main clinic successfully transitioned to OneTeam, enhancing communication, care coordination, and visibility across disciplines—a transformation that has been positively recognized at the executive level.
EDUCATIONAL UPDATE
2025 Fellowship Graduation Celebration at ProReNata
Medical School Engagement Program
The Endocrine Society has chosen the University of Virginia as one of ten medical schools to receive funding to enhance engagement with medical students, with the ultimate goal of attracting more individuals to the specialty. We have arranged for multiple events in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years. These have included dinner and engagement with faculty discussing, ‘Why Endocrinology?’ and ‘Academic v. Private Practice Opportunities’. Students also met with our fellows to explore career options. More recent events have focused on ‘the use of technology in Endocrinology’, a highly popular Endocrine trivia night, and two multidisciplinary events: one on infertility and Endocrinology in collaboration with Reproductive Endocrinology, and another jointly hosted with Endocrine Surgery. Representatives from the Endocrine Society were delighted to attend two of these events and requested our assistance in making a guide for other medical schools to plan for trivia nights. We have been encouraged by the consistently robust and enthusiastic attendance, which has continued to grow with each successive event. As a result of this strong interest, we established an official medical student club, the Endocrine Interest Group, with Dr. Layal Esper serving as faculty advisor. Two students were selected to receive an all-expenses-paid trip in July 2025 to attend the Endocrine Society Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California. There, they presented two posters and networked with medical students from the inaugural cohort nationwide.
Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education
Anne Wolf, MS, RD, is the Director of the Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education (VCDPE), part of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism. She leads statewide initiatives to expand access to evidence-based diabetes education and prevention programs. In her role, Anne focuses on strengthening VCDPE’s training and technical assistance for diabetes and prevention programs, advancing awareness, accessibility, and sustainability of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Programs (DSMES), and developing innovative training strategies that improve outcomes for individuals living with diabetes. Through strategic leadership and collaboration, Anne is shaping a future where prevention is prioritized, technology is adopted early, and every Virginian has the resources to achieve better health. Outside of work, Anne enjoys spending time with her family and pets, hiking, and dancing.
Lorrie Rilko, DNP, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES, is a nurse practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in family medicine. Since joining UVA’s Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education (VCDPE) in 2021, she has dedicated her efforts to advancing diabetes care by training healthcare professionals and expanding access to Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) across Virginia. Lorrie is the Virginia DSMES State Quality Specialist and leads an Umbrella Hub Program that helps smaller organizations in Virginia develop diabetes education services and achieve national accreditation. She has directed initiatives, such as a pilot to deploy Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) in primary care to integrate technology and improve patient outcomes. Lorrie fosters collaboration as chair of the UVA Diabetes Education Collaborative and the ADCES Central Virginia Networking Group. Most recently, she was invited to contribute to updating the DSMES National Standards for 2027 in partnership with the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Jaelyn Munson, MS, is a dedicated health educator with a diverse background in wellness across multiple settings. She is passionate about building collaborative relationships to advance health initiatives throughout Virginia. In her current role with VCDPE, Jaelyn focuses on diabetes prevention education. She is a trained Lifestyle Coach for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) and a Master Trainer for both Lifestyle Coach Training and the Group Coaching Certificate Program. Additionally, Jaelyn serves as one of the CDC’s State Quality Specialists for the National DPP in Virginia, providing high-quality technical assistance to organizations delivering the program. In this capacity, she works to expand access to the National DPP by offering guidance on recruitment and implementation strategies. Outside of work, Jaelyn enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.
Appointments, Awards, and Recognitions
It is wonderful news that Dr. Robert Carey, our former Division Head and long-term Dean of the Medical School, has been selected for the Endocrine Society’s Koch Award. The Koch Award is presented annually as a lifetime achievement award, with a $20,000 prize. The Endocrine Society has 18,500 members from 160 countries. This award recognizes major contributions to the Field of Endocrinology. A reading of Bob’s achievements makes one realize what superb talents he had in many areas. As a division, we can be very proud of his accomplishments. The attachment well summarizes his major endeavors and successes. Although none of us could hope to match his level of achievement, it would be wise to consider him a role model we would all try to emulate.
Dr. William (Ben) Horton was promoted to Associate Professor of Medicine. Ben was honored with the AACE Rising Star in Endocrinology Award in May at the Annual AACE meeting. He got a new BT1D grant: Evaluation of a novel insulin sensitizer on glycemic control, insulin usage, and cardiovascular biomarkers in people with type 1 diabetes who use closed-loop automated insulin delivery. Breakthrough T1D Grant Key: 3-SRA-2025-1773-M-B.
Dr. Suzanne Jan de Beur was appointed to two editorial boards: Section Editor, Diseases of Bone and Mineral Metabolism, Endotext; and Editorial Board, Endocrinology.
Dr. Jia Liu was promoted to Research Assistant Professor in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in October 2025. Her research investigates insulin’s microvascular actions and explores its regulatory mechanisms to prevent diabetes and reduce cardiovascular risk. Her work has been widely cited and has led to multiple presentations at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions. Her scientific expertise, mentorship of junior researchers, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable member of the division’s research team. Outside of work, Dr. Liu enjoys spending time with family and friends and appreciates the scenic outdoors that make Charlottesville a special place to live and work.
Dr. Zhenqi Liu was awarded the University of Virginia Cancer Center IDEA-Cancer Translational Research Team Pilot Award FY2025: Targeting FPR1 to improve tissue inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and energy imbalance in obesity.
Department of Medicine Award Winners
Excellence in Clinical Care and Service
Christine Eagleson MD
Excellence in Education
Silas Culver MD
Excellence in Mentorship
Heather Ferris MD PhD
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
Dr. Greg Hong, Dr. Ben Horton, and Mrs. Javanov Barksdale achieved a VERY SUCCESSFUL ACGME site visit—the first in eighteen years! The ACGME identified no citations or areas for improvement. In Greg’s words, “This is the best possible outcome and is a testament to the commitment of our core faculty as well as our faculty in general to providing an excellent educational atmosphere for our fellows.”
Patient Experience Awards in 2025
Sue Brown MD
Lisette Rodriguez-Camejo MD
Meg Crook MD
Silas Culver MD
Heather Ferris MD
Erica Giraldi MD
Greg Hong MD
Suzanne Jan de Beur MD
Jennifer Kirby MD
Katie Love MD
Richard Santen MD
Helmy Siragy MD
Meg Stumpf MD
Ellen Lam, PA
RESEARCH
EVENTS
Fond Farewell
It is with deep appreciation that we recognize Dr. Alan Dalkin as he concludes more than three decades of distinguished service to the University of Virginia. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Dalkin has been an exemplary physician, educator, and leader whose steady commitment has strengthened every part of our institution.
Since joining UVA in 1991, Dr. Dalkin has dedicated his career to advancing excellence in endocrinology, medical education, and academic leadership. His contributions as a clinician, scholar, teacher, and administrator have been both substantial and enduring. At every stage, he has brought thoughtful judgment, humility, and an unwavering focus on the well-being of patients, learners, and colleagues.
Dr. Dalkin’s leadership has been instrumental during pivotal periods for the Department of Medicine. In roles including Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, Chair of the Promotion and Tenure Committee, and, most recently, Ambulatory Chief Medical Officer of Medicine, he has provided clarity, steadiness, and a strong sense of purpose. His willingness to serve as Interim Chief of both the Divisions of Rheumatology and Endocrinology reflects his readiness to step forward when needed and his ability to guide teams professionally and collaboratively.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Dalkin has made mentorship a defining element of his career. As a Harrison Distinguished Teaching Professor and longtime Endocrinology Fellowship Program Director, he has supported the development of countless trainees, many of whom now hold leadership roles across the country. His students and fellows consistently describe him as a clear, knowledgeable teacher who leads with respect, encouragement, and a genuine investment in their growth.
In clinical practice, Dr. Dalkin has been a trusted expert for patients across Virginia and beyond. His work in general endocrinology and metabolic bone disorders has elevated the quality of care at UVA, and his thoughtful, compassionate approach has left a lasting impression on the patients and families he has served. His scholarly contributions, including publications, invited lectures, and national engagement in endocrinology and medical education, have further advanced the field and strengthened UVA’s reputation.
Beyond his formal roles, Dr. Dalkin has been a valued and reliable member of our community. He has contributed extensively through committee service, provided sound counsel to colleagues, and consistently upheld the values that define UVA: excellence, integrity, collaboration, and service.
As we honor Dr. Dalkin’s remarkable career, we also recognize the professionalism, generosity, and collegiality he has brought to our institution every day. His legacy is reflected in the success of our trainees, the strength of our clinical programs, the advancement of our research, and the culture of respect and cooperation he helped foster.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Dalkin and offer our best wishes as he enters the next chapter of his life. While he will be greatly missed, his influence will continue to guide and inspire our community for years to come.
American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2025 presentations given by UVA faculty members:
“Career Pathways in Diabetes.” ADA Scholars Program. Ben Horton.
“Energizing Academia and Industry Partnerships to Advance Metabolic Therapies that Improve Cardiometabolic Health in Type 1 Diabetes.” Breakthrough T1D Symposium. Ben Horton.
“Professional Interest Group – Discussion on Nutritional Science and Metabolism—Climate Change, Nutrition, and Diabetes.” Chaired by Zhenqi Liu.
“Liraglutide and Empagliflozin Each Improve Metabolic and Microvascular Insulin Sensitivity, with Enhanced Cardiac Benefits in Combination Therapy.” Jia Liu and Zhenqi Liu.
Sue Brown had numerous oral and poster presentations on her ongoing diabetes technology work. No disrespect here, just too many to list out (to her credit).
“Elevated BMI and Antiobesity Medication Prevalence in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes—Cross-Sectional Study of the Epic Cosmos Database” Late-breaking poster presentation by Maria Sanchez Valenzuela, Nicolas Reyes, and Katie Love.
WELCOME TO THE WORLD
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