- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
“We are fortune to obtain Dr. Broderick, who is INOVIO's senior vice president of research and development, as one of our primary speakers,” said UC Davis distinguished professor Walter Leal, symposium organizer and moderator.
The free online symposium will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 3 on Zoom and YouTube. A pre-program begins at 4:30 with interviews and questions to accommodate all the material. (To register and view the program, access https://bit.ly/2AgVbxY)
“Dr. Broderick targets deadly infectious diseases and cancers and now she has her sights set on a DNA vaccine for COVID-19,” Leal said, adding that she “brought the first-in-human Lassa fever vaccine into the clinic and advanced the development of a DNA vaccine for the MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) virus.”
Over the course of her career, the San Diego-based vaccine expert has authored or co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed articles. Her team regularly publishes and presents research findings in leading scientific publications and at worldwide conferences. She has participated by invitation at advisory meetings convened by the World Health Organization to discuss DNA vaccines and their delivery.
Broderick is the co-inventor of multiple patents related to DNA vaccine delivery, and has served as a principal investigator on grants, awards, and contracts from leading government agencies and not-for-profit organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Small Business Innovation Research program, and including a $56M award from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
She helped drive the development of novel prototypes and designs of INOVIO's proprietary smart device CELLECTRA®, which delivers the company's DNA medicines directly into cells in the body.
Broderick received her doctorate from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and conducted post-doctoral research at the University of California, San Diego. She joined INOVIO in 2006. In 2018, Dr. Broderick was named Business Women of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal.
The symposium, with a welcoming address by UC Davis Chancellor Gary May, is expected to draw a widespread audience.
The primary speakers or panelists:
- Dr. Robert Gallo, who co-discovered that HIV causes AIDS, is the Homer and Martha Gudelsky Distinguished Professor in Medicine; co-founder and director of the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Institute of Human Virology; and co-founder of the Global Virus Network.
- Dr. Dean Blumberg, professor and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, UC Davis Health
- Dr. Allison Brashear, dean of the UC Davis School of Medicine.
Renowned honey bee geneticist Robert E. Page, former professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology, will comment on bee therapy, a possible treatment for COVID-19 treatments (suggested by researchers in China but not yet investigated.) (See https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0041010120302245)
Retired UC Davis Medical Center nurse Carolyn Wyler of Sacramento, a passenger on the ill-fated Grand Princess cruise ship, will talk about her COVID-19 outbreak experiences from ship to shore (Travis Air Force Base quarantine). Overall, two passengers and one crew member on the Grand Princess died, and 103 tested positive. Wyler and her husband tested negative.
Leal, a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, a member of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology faculty and a former chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology who has organized and moderated two other COVID-19 symposiums as a public service.
The first symposium is online at https://bit.ly/2VurK3Z and the second at https://bit.ly/3b8TAau.
- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
“Thanks you so much for today, and to all of your panelists. The citizens of our area are truly lucky for your hard work in your preparation for this informational webinar. The public needs more of these types of forums for the detail education that this provided on COVID-19.”
That was one of the unsolicited comments praising the second COVID-19 Symposium organized and moderated by UC Davis distinguished professor Walter Leal.
If you missed the symposium, held May 14, not to worry. It's online at https://bit.ly/3b8TAau. Offering up-to-date information from physicians and scientists on the front lines, the symposium to date has drawn more than 2000 viewers from 10 countries: United States, UK, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, Peru, and Slovakia.
UC Systemwide President Janet Napolitano, introduced by UC Davis Chancellor Gary May, delivered the welcoming address, noting that UC Davis and UC Davis Health are meeting the challenges.
Four panelists presented information and answered questions:
- Dr. Allison Brashear, dean of the UC Davis School of Medicine
- Dr. Atul Malhotra, professor of medicine, pulmonology, critical care, UC San Diego Health
- Dr. Emanuel Maverakis, professor of dermatology and immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine
- Dr. David Lubarsky, vice chancellor of Human Health Sciences and chief executive officer, UC Davis Health.
Brashear related that UC Davis has 24 active COVID-19 studies and is pursuing possible treatments on many fronts, including plasma transfusions from blood donors who recovered from COVID-19 used in an effort to boost another patient's ability to neutralize the virus.
Others participating included Dr. Jane Sykes, professor of small animal internal medicine (infectious diseases emphasis) and chief veterinary medical officer, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. James M. Hotaling, associate professor, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Utah.
Viewers, including Steve Robinson, former NASA astronaut-turned UC Davis professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, asked a number of questions. Lubarsky cautioned against opening schools during the coronavirus pandemic. “It is cavalier to simply open elementary schools without understanding this," he said. "We can't assume that because they may be asymptomatic and relatively less affected that they aren't less contagious."
Sykes said that although dogs and cas can get the virus, there "is still absolutely no evidence" that they can "transmit infections back to people."
Then came the surprise guest.
Professor Leal earlier indicated earlier that a special guest would probably bring the viewers to tears.
He did.
Dr. Anoop Maheshwari, pulmonary and critical care specialist in Riverside, chronicled how he turned from doctor to patient; from helping patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and then himself being diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease and nearly losing his life.
He suspects he may have contracted the virus in early April from a former healthy 35-year-old who entered the emergency room with a cough and congestion, and who wound up in ICU 12 hours later on a respirator.
The doctor remembers the onset well. He recalled feeling so tired after one of his regular 12-14 hour work days that he took an uncustomary nap at the hospital. Over the next two days, fatigue gripped him; he was sleeping 18 to 20 hours a day and had no appetite.
He wound up in the ICU, diagnosed with COVID-19.
"It was quite worrisome," Dr. Maheshwari told the symposium viewers. "I knew what was coming up next, which was intubation and you know the survival of intubation is very low with COVID-19 pneumonia. So that night was very, very emotional and very difficult. I talked with my family by video-conference and, you know, said my goodbyes. It was very difficult talking to the children, talking to my wife, mother, sister, father, everyone. It was an experience that I hope no one has to go through."
He told critical care specialist and longtime friend Dr. Adarsh Sharma that he wasn't going to make it. "He knew what I was talking about, and you know, he had the same intuition that I was not going to make it. And we're very close friends. He had tears in his eyes and you know, he just told me that I have to fight; I have no choice, I have to fight. You cannot give up on me."
Dr. Maheshwari credits the drug Remdesivir (then in clinical trials at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach), and the team of physicians and other healthcare workers, with saving his life.
"On Monday, April 28, all the doctors said that you're good to go home."
Sad Leal: "It's a powerful story. COVID-19 is a very serious disease."
Leal, a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, a member of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology faculty and a former chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology, hosted the two COVID-19 symposiums as a public service. The first symposium spotlighted the cutting-edge expertise of physicians, researchers, and a recovering COVID-19 patient. It is online at https://bit.ly/2VurK3Z. "You are our heroes," one viewer wrote.
The second symposium prompted a viewer to say: "It was a great symposium--the personal story of the frontline physician was incredible.”
Added another viewer: "Well, what an amazing finale and yes, we are taking it seriously, especially those of us older office workers. What a story of your life and death experience. Amazing presentation!"
"Congratulations on today's new webinar," another viewer commented. "It was excellent again. I look forward to the next one."
- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
All systems are go.
The experts are ready to deliver their presentations and answer questions.
The second COVID-19 Symposium, organized and moderated by UC Davis distinguished professor Walter Leal, will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14. Viewers can register for the free public awareness event and post advance questions on Zoom at https://bit.ly/2SUJ7t5. For YouTubeLive, the link is https://bit.ly/3b8TAau.
Leal promises that that the COVID-19 symposium will be educational, informative, and facts-based, but it also will include a "touch of humor"--as well as "some special guests that you won't want to miss."
"One presentation may bring you to tears," he said.
UC Systemwide President Janet Napolitano, a former secretary of Homeland Security, will deliver the welcoming address. She will be introduced by UC Davis Chancellor Gary May, who delivered the welcoming address at the first COVID-19 Symposium.
Panelists are Dr. Allison Brashear, dean of the UC Davis School of Medicine; Dr. Atul Malhotra, professor of medicine, pulmonology, critical care, UC San Diego Health; Dr. Emanuel Maverakis, professor of dermatology and immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine; and Dr. David Lubarsky, vice chancellor of Human Health Sciences and chief executive officer, UC Davis Health.
Among others participating will be Dr. Jane Sykes, professor of small animal internal medicine (infectious diseases emphasis) and chief veterinary medical officer, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. James M. Hotaling, associate professor, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Utah; and several other guests.
Napolitano leads a university system of 10 campuses, five medical centers, three affiliated national laboratories, and a statewide agriculture and natural resources program. The UC system includes more than 285,000 students, 227,000 faculty and staff, an operating budget of $39.8 billion, and two million living alumni.
Napolitano served as the U.S. secretary of Homeland Security from 2009 to 2013, as governor of Arizona from 2003 to 2009, as attorney general of Arizona from 1998 to 2003, and as U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona from 1993 to 1997.
Former NASA astronaut Steve Robinson, now a UC Davis professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, will be among those asking questions. Professor Robinson, who graduated from UC Davis in 1978 with dual degrees in mechanical and aeronautical engineering, saw Earth from outer space four times during NASA shuttle missions, including the 2005 Space Shuttle Discovery.
Leal said some of the questions will include:
- Can our pets place us at risk for contracting the coronavirus?
- Can we get the virus through sexual transmission?
- Can COVID-19 survivors get secondary infections?
- What research is underway on COVID-19 therapies, management and testing?
Professor Leal, a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, a member of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology faculty and a former chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology, Leal co-chaired the 2016 International Congress of Entomology. He is donating his organizational skills and his cutting-edge technology and video-conferencing expertise to host the symposium. The first symposium drew some 4000 views from 10 countries.
“It is a pleasure to create these platforms to raise awareness and address COVID-19-related questions from the public,” Leal said.
The first symposium, with a welcoming address by Chancellor May, spotlighted the cutting-edge expertise of physicians, researchers, and a recovering COVID-19 patient. It is online at https://bit.ly/2VurK3Z.
One viewer wrote to Leal and the panel: “I just wanted to thank you! You are my heroes.”
“This give me a sense of hope and calmed my anxiety like nothing else,” letter writer Kim Allen continued. “To hear people, real doctors and scientists who are so knowledgeable talk about what is going on and why, is so appreciated. We need to know what we are contending with to fight it and be safe. You are all so much appreciated!”
- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
The free public awareness event will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14. Viewers can register and post advance questions on Zoom at https://bit.ly/2SUJ7t5. For YouTube Live, the link is https://bit.ly/3b8TAau.
UC Systemwide President Janet Napolitano, a former secretary of Homeland Security, will deliver the welcoming address.
Panelists are Dr. Allison Brashear, dean of the UC Davis School of Medicine; Dr. Atul Malhotra, professor of medicine, pulmonology, critical care, UC San Diego Health; Dr. Emanuel Maverakis, professor of dermatology and immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine; and Dr. David Lubarsky, vice chancellor of Human Health Sciences and chief executive officer, UC Davis Health.
Among others participating will be Dr. Jane Sykes, professor of small animal internal medicine (infectious diseases emphasis) and chief veterinary medical officer, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. James M. Hotaling, associate professor, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Utah; and several other guests.
Viewers are invited to ask advance questions as well as questions live. Former NASA astronaut Steve Robinson, now a UC Davis professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, will be among those asking questions. Professor Robinson, who graduated from UC Davis in 1978 with dual degrees in mechanical and aeronautical engineering, saw Earth from outer space four times during NASA shuttle missions, including the 2005 Space Shuttle Discovery.
Questions will include:
- Can our pets place us at risk for contracting the coronavirus?
- Can we get the virus through sexual transmission?
- Can COVID-19 survivors get secondary infections?
- What research is underway on COVID-19 therapies, management and testing?
Professor Leal, a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, a member of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology faculty, and a former chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology, co-chaired the 2016 International Congress of Entomology. He is donating his organizational skills and his cutting-edge technology and video-conferencing expertise to host the symposium. The first symposium drew some 4000 views from 10 countries.
“It is a pleasure to create these platforms to raise awareness and address COVID-19-related questions from the public,” Leal said. One appreciative comment brought it all home: “You are our heroes.”
- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
So began an unsolicited email to UC Davis distinguished professor Walter Leal, who organized and moderated a UC Davis-based COVID-19 virtual symposium spotlighting the expertise of physicians, scientists and a COVID-19 survivor.
“This give me a sense of hope and calmed my anxiety like nothing else,” letter writer Kim Allen continued. “Part of what has been so hard is all the disinformation and complete lies and contradictions that are happening daily. To hear people, real doctors and scientists who are so knowledgeable talk about what is going on and why, is so appreciated. We need to know what we are contending with to fight it and be safe. You are all so much appreciated!”
The webinar, held Thursday afternoon, April 23, with an introduction by UC Davis Chancellor Gary May, drew viewers from 10 countries: United States, Germany, Brazil, France, Indonesia, India, Mexico, Canada, Colombia, and Slovakia. A full house on Zoom resulted in an overflow crowd watching it on the YouTube. See https://bit.ly/2VurK3Z.
It will remain on YouTube, said Leal, a UC Davis distinguished professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and a former professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology.
As of Friday noon, more than 1000 had tuned into the channel, and thousands more are expected.
“Given the volume of the material and questions to cover, the symposium was extended from 2.5 hours to 3 hours and 41 minutes,” said Leal, a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and the recipient of numerous research, teaching and public service awards.
Speaking live and answering questions were five panel members: UC Davis physician-scientists Emanuel Maverakis, Stuart Cohen and Nathan Kuppermann; UC Davis veterinarian-scientist Nicole Baumgarth; and pediatrician State Sen. Richard Pan, District 6, and chair, Senate Committee on Health.
They all agreed that the COVID-19 isn't going away anytime soon, that the virus is mutating, and that it must be taking seriously.
Davis resident Marilyn Stebbins, a pharmacist on the faculty of the UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy--and a survivor of the deadly illness--told her story to Leal in a pre-recorded interview. Unlike most other COVID-19 patients, Stebbins never had a fever. And unlike many other patients, the 58-year-old was healthy with no underlying medical conditions.
Also sharing their medical or scientific expertise with Leal in pre-recorded interviews: Michael B. A. Oldstone, M.D., of Scripps Research Institute, who pioneered the field of viral immunology and has been a leader in viral pathogenesis and immunity for the past four decades; professor emeritus Niels Pedersen, DMV, of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; and Anne Wyllie, PhD., Yale University School of Medicine.
James R. Carey, distinguished professor of entomology, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, contributed his scientific modeling expertise in a pre-recorded video. In addition, in a pre-recorded interview, You-Lo Hsieh, UC Davis distinguished professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, and an expert on textiles and clothing, explained the differences between regular masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks, and why certain kinds of fabric should not be used.
Bottom line: the much-needed symposium provided a wealth of information--factual information from the experts who work behind the scenes. They chronicled the history of the COVID-19 virus, how it infects us, how it spreads, possible medications that may be used to treat it, the desperate need for a vaccine, and what we can do to flatten the curve--and why this is all crucial.
"Our heroes," as Kim Allen wrote.