Dustin Grinnell

Transforming the Health of Women Through Research

Brigham and Women's Hospital

The Connors Center directs a wide range of clinical and basic research programs that investigate how sex and gender differences affect women’s health and how using this lens can improve the health of both genders.

COVID-19: Research and Innovation Improves Care

Brigham and Women's Hospital

At Brigham and Women’s Hospital, multidisciplinary teams have used research and innovation to respond rapidly and effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19

Brigham and Women's Hospital

A multidisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is leading clinical initiatives and research to better understand why some patients who recover from COVID-19 experience long-term health complications.

Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeons Perform Innovative Resection

On a Mission

At Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Division of Thoracic Surgery and the Division of Cardiac Surgery have established a unique collaboration to push the boundaries of surgical treatments for advanced cancer.

New OB/GYN Chair: Reflections and Vision for Future

On a Mission

Nawal M. Nour, MD, MPH, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, assumed the role of chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in October.

Brigham Takes On Leadership Role in COVID-19 Vaccines Trials

On a Mission

The Brigham is the only hospital in New England to serve as a clinical research site in the phase 3 COVE study. The study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine, mRNA-1273, and its ability to prevent COVID-19 illness.

Treating Critically Ill Pregnant Patients with COVID-19

On a Mission

At Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine have a long history of caring for patients with complex health conditions that affect pregnant women, including placenta accreta and heart disease.

Giving Birth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Health Hub

Every year, more women choose the Brigham for the birth of their baby than any other hospital in Massachusetts. Even though it was the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rachel was proud to return to the hospital that had provided expert, compassionate care for the birth of her first child.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Joint Pain

Health Hub

If you have pain in your knee, hip or shoulder, you may wonder when it’s time to seek medical care. Joint symptoms can be addressed through a range of treatment options and making an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon is often the first step in finding relief.

Study: Prenatal Care Visits Didn’t Increase Risk for COVID-19

Health Hub

A recent study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that in-person health care visits among pregnant patients didn’t increase the risk of getting COVID-19.

Staying Safe on Campus: College in the Age of COVID-19

Health Hub

In the age of COVID-19, it's important for everyone in the college community to work together to help keep campuses healthy and safe for everyone. Here are some steps that students, faculty and staff can take on campus to stay safe and limit the spread of COVID-19.

Beating Prostate Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Health Hub

In late March, Bill G., a biotech CEO from West Roxbury, MA, began 2 months of radiation treatment for advanced prostate cancer at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center (DF/BWCC). At that time, the COVID-19 pandemic had started to surge in Massachusetts.

iMASC: Reusable, Scalable and Comfortable Face Mask

On a Mission

A team of bioengineers and clinical experts from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a reusable, scalable and comfortable silicone face mask with an N95 filter.

Universal Masking Prevents SARS-COV-2 Transmission

On a Mission

A new study led by Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, executive director of Interventional Cardiovascular Programs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, showed that a universal masking policy dramatically lowered COVID-19 infection rates among health care workers from the middle of March to the end of April.

Remdesivir at Forefront of Battle Against COVID-19

On a Mission

Remdesivir has emerged as a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of COVID-19 due to its ability to inhibit pathogenic animal and human coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1).

A Lung Specialist Returns to the Brigham to Fight COVID-19

Health Hub

To care for the surging numbers of patients with COVID-19, Richard Riese, MD, PhD, volunteered in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic after spending 16 years in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Keeping Your Spine Healthy During COVID-19

Health Hub

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives dramatically, back and neck problems are still as common as ever. The good news is that most spine conditions improve with time, physical exercise and getting back to your normal activities.

West Point Dad Overcomes Cancer During COVID-19

Health Hub

In February, as the COVID-19 pandemic began making headlines, Aaron, a 59-year-old from Albany, NY, started radiation treatment for prostate cancer at the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center (DF/BWCC).

Understanding Unusual Presentations of COVID-19

On a Mission

Despite being highly contagious, a significant portion of people infected with COVID-19 don’t experience any symptoms. Those people who do exhibit symptoms most commonly experience dry cough, fever and difficulty breathing. However, there are also a myriad of atypical symptoms that may be under-reported.

Managing Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19 Patients

On a Mission

At Brigham and Women’s Hospital, nephrologists have observed an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 Increases Risk for Venous Thromboembolism

On a Mission

Studies have shown an increase in venous thromboembolism (VTE)—including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)—in some patients with COVID-19. Higher rates of incidence have been observed in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) than in other hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

How Caregivers Can Support Virtual Visits During COVID-19

Health Hub

If you’re caring for an older adult or a patient with a complex medical condition during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many ways you can help them prepare for a virtual visit with their provider.

How to Prepare for Your Virtual Visit During COVID-19

Health Hub

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual visits are more important now than ever before. If you have an upcoming appointment, this article offers some tips that can help you get the most of out of your virtual visit.

New Face Shields Protect Health Care Workers from COVID-19

Health Hub

A team of clinicians at Brigham and Women’s Hospital worked with academic and industry partners to design and develop a new 3-D printed face shield to help alleviate the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Wave of Innovation Occurs in the Fight Against COVID-19

Brigham Bulletin

With expertise that spans basic, translational and clinical research, Brigham and Women’s Hospital clinicians and investigators are working tirelessly to address the most urgent needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

10 Ways to Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus

Health Hub

For many of us, the rapidly evolving coronavirus (also called COVID-19) outbreak has created a surge in fear and worry. In this time of heightened stress and anxiety, here are ten ways to stay healthy.

Think You Have Coronavirus? Here’s What You Should Do.

Health Hub

If you think you have the coronavirus infection (also called COVID-19), here’s what you need to know about getting medical care and preventing the spread of infection to others.

Have a Chronic Health Condition? Here’s How to Stay Healthy During COVID-19

Health Hub

Most people who become ill with COVID-19 have mild symptoms that can be managed at home by taking over-the-counter medications. However, if you have a preexisting health condition, it’s important to be vigilant and take extra measures to stay healthy during the outbreak.

What Older Adults Need to Know About the Coronavirus

Health Hub

If you’re an older adult or caring for someone who is elderly, learn what you can do to help prevent illness from COVID-19.

The Brigham Treats Patient with High-Risk Heart Condition, Saving Her Life

Health Hub

In 2018, Ann Taylor, 57, arrived at Brigham and Women’s Hospital having a severe heart attack. Within hours, cardiovascular experts had discovered that all of the major arteries serving her heart were almost completely blocked.

Scott Shikora President-elect of IFSO

On a Mission

Scott Alan Shikora, MD, FACS, FASMBS, was recently named president-elect of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO).

Digital Care Platform Enhances Care For Total Hip And Knee Replacement Surgery

On a Mission

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is using an innovative digital care platform to manage patients undergoing total hip and knee replacement surgery.

The Cardiac Amyloidosis Program At Brigham And Women’s

On a Mission

The Cardiac Amyloidosis Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital was the first of its kind in the United States.

Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery May Improve Precision In Total Knee Replacement

On a Mission

Since 2019, Several orthopaedic surgeons at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have been performing partial and total knee replacements using robotic-arm assisted surgery.

Innovations In Transcatheter Mitral Valve Therapies

On a Mission

The Holy Grail in non-surgical catheter-based valve interventions is to develop a transcather mitral system that can treat MR like TAVR treats aortic stenosis.

Reengineering the Ewing Procedure for Upper-Limb Amputation

Brigham and Women's

In new groundbreaking clinical research, Dr. Carty and colleagues at MIT are now applying principles of the Ewing Amputation to above- and below-elbow amputation.

Q&A with Chief of the Brigham’s Cardiac Arrhythmia Service

Clinical & Research News

William Henry Sauer, MD, the new chief of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service at the Brigham, discusses his vision for the department.

Total Hip Arthroplasty: Infection Rates Higher Using Direct Anterior Approach

On a Mission

In March, the Hip Society presented the 2019 Frank Stinchfield Award to Richard Iorio, MD, and his co-authors, honoring research that compared prosthetic joint infection (PJI) complication rates between the direct anterior approach (DA) and the non-anterior (NA) approach.

Improving Perioperative Care In Foot And Ankle Surgery

On a Mission

For over a decade, the Foot and Ankle Service in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital has conducted research that places a strong emphasis on optimizing perioperative care for foot and ankle surgery patients.

Geriatric Co-Management Program For Total Joint Replacement Surgery

On a Mission

For years, the American College of Surgeons has recommended that elderly patients undergo a geriatric assessment prior to total joint replacement, but many orthopaedic departments in the United States have been slow to adopt the practice.

Exploring The Molecular Mechanisms Of Age-Related Muscle Atrophy

On a Mission

Ronald L. Neppl, PhD, a molecular biologist in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, studies the molecular mechanisms that regulate the balance between anabolic and catabolic processes, and how imbalances in these physiological processes may lead to muscle atrophy.

The First In New England To Assess The NupulseCV iVAS System

On a Mission

The NuPulseCV Intravascular Ventricular Assist system (iVAS) is a novel, minimally invasive mechanical circulatory support device that provides long-term support for patients with advanced heart failure who are not benefiting from medications or cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Managing The Cardiovascular Complications Of Cancer Therapies

On a Mission

Advances in cancer therapies have allowed clinicians to better manage cancer and extend the lives of patients, but many therapies can produce serious cardiovascular side effects, from arrhythmias and hypertension, to cardiomyopathy and even heart failure.

A Case Study: High-Risk Percutaneous Bypass Saves Patient’s Life

On a Mission

When a 54-year-old woman arrived at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, cardiovascular experts at the Heart & Vascular Center (HVC) discovered that her left main and right coronary arteries were 99 percent blocked.

Treatment Of Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) with SBRT

On a Mission

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with structural heart disease can be life-threatening and often requires a multi-pronged treatment strategy.

An Evidence-Based Scoring System For Patients With Metastatic Spine Cancer

On a Mission

For patients with spinal metastases, it remains challenging for providers to choose between operative and nonoperative treatments, especially when life expectancy and quality of life are difficult to predict.

Opioid Regimen Shows Promise For Total Hip Replacement Patients

On a Mission

In March, the Hip Society presented the 2019 Otto Aufranc Award to Antonia Chen, MD, MBA and her colleagues, honoring their research on opioid usage.

Pioneering Uses for Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents (LAMS)

On a Mission

For three decades, the Endoscopy Center in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital has been pioneering advanced endoscopic techniques.

Transforming Cardiovascular Care Across Brigham Health

On a Mission

On August 1, 2019, John F. Keaney, Jr., MD, assumed the role of chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine in the Department of Medicine and executive director of the Heart and Vascular Center (HVC) at Brigham Health.

Advancing Greater Precision in Cancer Treatment

Health Hub

A cutting-edge radiation treatment option is now available for cancer patients in New England.

An Introduction to Hearth Rhythm Disorders

Health Hub

In an arrhythmia, abnormal electrical signals through the heart muscle may cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This introduction covers the various types of arrhythmias, symptoms, and treatment options.

Q&A with New Chief of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service

William Henry Sauer, MD, discusses his vision for the department and how an expert team of electrophysiologists are providing leading-edge care for abnormal heart rhythms that affect a variety of patients, particularly those with complex medical concerns.

Heart Disease: 7 Differences Between Men and Women

Men and women have differences in their cardiovascular systems. And yet, until recently, women with heart disease have been diagnosed and treated like men—with the same tests, same procedures, and same medications.

Why Are Heart Attacks Striking Younger People?

Heart attacks among adults younger than 50 years of age are on the rise, according to researchers at Brigham Health.

Atrial Fibrillation: New Guidelines to Prevent Stroke Risk

To reduce stroke risk in patients with Afib, the American Heart Association now recommends a newer class of anticoagulants, known as non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs), over warfarin.

Weight Loss Surgery: Exploring Your Options

Health Hub

If you have struggled to lose weight through more conservative means or may be experiencing negative impacts to your health and wellness, weight loss surgery may be an option.

How to Protect Your Spine as You Age

At Brigham Health, a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physiatrists, physical therapists and pain specialists collaborate to get patients back to their lives as quickly as possible.

Cancer Diagnostic Services Expedites Next Steps in Care

On a Mission

For clinically complex patients who present with signs or symptoms of cancer, the Cancer Diagnostic Service (CDS) at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center (DF/BWCC) can expedite a diagnosis and avoid unnecessary testing and delays.

Brigham’s TAVR Program Achieves High Volume with Speed and Efficiency

On a Mission

In April 2018, the Program celebrated it’s 1,000th case, making it the fastest to reach this milestone in New England. The Program is on pace to reach 1,300 by the end of 2018.

Pushing the Boundaries of Robotic-assisted Colorectal Surgery

On a Mission

With more than 300 robotic-assisted surgeries to date, the Brigham has become a leader in New England in volume of robotic-assisted colorectal surgery. In 2019 alone, Dr. Goldberg aims to perform 150 cases.

Leading the Country in the Care of Patients with Hereditary GI Cancers

On a Mission

Over the past two decades, the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center has become a national leader in the care of patients with hereditary gastrointestinal cancers, from Lynch syndrome to polyposis syndromes.

Automated Texting Tool Improves Patient Preparedness for Colonoscopy

On a Mission

To improve patient preparations and decrease no-show rates, a team at the Brigham conducted a 3-month pilot study using a texting tool to provide patients with a digital colonoscopy prep guide before their procedure.

Male Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments

Health Hub

What if there was a drug that could restore hearing? Chronic hearing loss affects hundreds of millions of people across the world, and yet no treatment exists.

The Brigham’s Bioengineers: Reversing Hearing Loss

Clinical & Research News

What if there was a drug that could restore hearing? Chronic hearing loss affects hundreds of millions of people across the world, and yet no treatment exists..

Improved Drug Screening Using 3D Bioprinted Organs and Tissues

Clinical & Research News

Brigham bioengineers are using 3D bioprinting to create almost any living tissue structure. These 3D models look and function almost exactly like the human structures they represent. .

An Introduction to Heart Rhythm Disorders

Brigham

In an arrhythmia, abnormal electrical signals through the heart muscle may cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This introduction covers the various types of arrhythmias, symptoms, and treatment options.

7 Things You Should Know About TAVR

Brigham

For those diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis, the minimally invasive procedure, known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), has become a quicker and less invasive option for appropriate patients.

An Introduction to Coronary Artery Disease

Brigham

Coronary artery disease, or coronary heart disease, affects more than 16 million Americans. This overview covers symptoms of coronary artery disease and treatment options from standard cases to the most complex.

How to Choose a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Specialist

Health Hub

If you have a chronic medical condition, or a complicated pregnancy, you may want to include a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist on your care team.

The Remarkable Health Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Health Hub

Weight loss surgery isn’t simply about losing weight. It can also cure—or prevent the development of—many health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.

Severe Migraines: Should You Try the New CGRP Antibody Therapy?

Health Hub

If you suffer from disabling migraines, here’s what you should consider before trying the new CGRP antibody medication.

How Bioengineers are Driving Medical Innovation

Brigham and Women's Hospital

By bringing experts from multiple disciplines together to work at the interface of those disciplines, bioengineers at the Brigham are introducing creative new ways to address medical problems.

Expanding the Frontiers of Breast Cancer Immunotherapy

On a Mission

One of the most exciting medical breakthroughs in the past decade has been treating various cancers with immunotherapies, but they haven’t been successful in breast cancer, particularly in metastatic breast cancer.

Back or Neck Pain? Surgery is the LAST Option

Health Hub

Unless you are experiencing neurological problems, such as sciatica, weakness or numbness in their arms or legs, or severe pain, surgical treatment is the last option for back or neck pain.

Can Patients at Low Risk of Surgery Have TAVR?

On a Mission

The Brigham is currently participating in clinical trials to evaluate whether TAVR has equal benefits for patients who are considered low-risk for open heart surgery.

Microendoscopic Surgery Offers Alternative for Spine Patients

On a Mission

Microendoscopic spine surgery can treat patients with a range of spinal disorders—including disc herniation, spinal stenosis and sciatica.

How to Break the Cycle of Chronic Pain

Health Hub

Reversing chronic pain involves a multi-pronged treatment approach that addresses the issue at many levels.

A Biopsychosocial Treatment Model for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

On a Mission

The Brigham has pioneered a broader approach to improving the health of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by focusing on lifestyle, health education and psychosocial aspects that contribute to IBD.

How to Reduce Exposure to Hidden Hormones

Health Hub

Many common personal care products contain hormone-disrupting chemicals known as endocrine disruptors that have been associated with health problems.

Same-Day Joint Replacement

On a Mission

The Brigham makes the push toward same-day joint replacement.

The Brigham’s Bioengineers: Forecasting Disease

Clinical & Research News

The first story in a series of stories about how these investigators translate understandings of biology into novel diagnostic materials, medical devices and therapies.

Treating the Whole Person with Integrative Medicine

Health Hub

Research shows that many areas of integrative medicine, including acupuncture, chiropractic care and therapeutic massage offer significant benefits for a wide range of medical conditions.

8 Tips to Sleep Better and Wake Up Refreshed

Health Hub

Sleep tips from Stuart Quan, MD, clinical director of the Division of Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

How to Prevent Back Pain During Pregnancy

Health Hub

Back pain is a common complaint among pregnant women. In fact, 50 percent of women experience back pain during pregnancy.

NICU Redesigned with Families in Mind

Health Hub

Having a premature baby can be stressful, which is one of the reasons why Brigham and Women's new NICU facility offers a more open and welcoming environment for families and their babies.

Multiple Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Health Hub

You’re pregnant with more than one baby. It’s an exciting time, but a multiple pregnancy can increase the risk for complications.

Innovative Video-Assisted Surgery Leads to Faster Recovery, Less Pain

Health Hub

A patient was speaking with her physician by phone after a recent chest X-ray when he said four words that would change her life: “You have a lesion."

10 Myths About Contamination

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News

A story I ghostwrote about controlling the spread of infectious agents in animal facilities. read more

Fighting Cancer: Better Models Make Better Drugs

Huffington Post

A story I ghostwrote about oncology animal models called “cancer avatars." read more

Of a Certain Age? Time for a Colonoscopy

HealthHub

The American Cancer Society recommends that both men and women undergo a colonoscopy every 10 years, starting at age 50. read more

From Visits to Visas, IPC Helps International Patients Navigate Care

HealthHub

When Ying Zhang decided to pursue breast cancer treatment in the US, she faced the daunting task of leaving her home country. read more

A Case of Legionnaires Podcast

Eureka

This episode of EurekaLab discusses the outbreak of Legionnaire’s Disease at the American Legion convention in 1976. With sounds effects and compelling music, the spoken story follows one man with Legionnaires. read more

Lung Transplant Program

Vital Lines

Brigham and Women's Lung Transplant Program tripled its volume over a two-year period, performing 75 lung transplants in 2017. read more

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Vital Lines

Minimally invasive surgery offers most effective treatment for lung cancer patients. read more

How to Create an Ergonomic Workstation

HealthHub

Tips for creating an ergonomic workstation to increase comfort, avoid injury, and maximize productivity. read more

Community Health Workers: A Model for the Global Health Community

HealthHub

Paul Farmer, MD, PhD, an anthropologist and physician, discusses how community health workers helped Rwanda achieve the steepest declines in mortality ever documented. read more

The Hospital of the Future May Be Your Bedroom

HealthHub

The “Home Hospital” model uses sophisticated technology to offer advanced care in the comfort of a patient’s home. read more

How to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

HealthHub

There are currently no FDA-approved, disease-modifying agents for Alzheimer's disease. However, research suggests that some lifestyle factors may lower one’s risk of developing the disease. read more

Q&A with Elite Cyclist: How to Exercise, Eat and Sleep During Menopause

HealthHub

In this Q&A, Team Brigham Health cyclist, Susan Lynch, explains how she stayed healthy through 20 years of menopausal symptoms. read more

Men’s Sexual Health: Five Things You Need to Know

HealthHub

Understanding how sexual health issues are caused, diagnosed, and treated can help men restore sexual function and regain confidence in their sex lives. read more