Consultation-Liaison Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Higher education gifts or grants of interest to African Americans. August 19, 2026 Here is this week's news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education. Tuskegee University in Alabama was awarded a $699,999 grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation for a new project aimed at improving the safety, transparency, and reliability of AI-assisted medical technologies. Over the next three years, researchers at the HBCU, along with partners from the University of North Texas, will develop AI systems capable of generating responses grounded in reliable evidence, supporting compliance with clinical guidelines and regulatory requirements, and incorporating meaningful human oversight into high-risk healthcare decision-making. The grant will support research opportunities for both undergraduates and graduate students working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare, and data science. A research team from Howard University, Georgetown University, and MedStar Health have received a renewal of a Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health, providing nearly $28 million in funding to support the Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science. Over the next seven years, the funding will allow the center to continue its work in advancing innovative research, educating future clinical and translational scientists, engaging communities as research partners, and building collaborations that expand the research and impact of scientific discovery. The new award will also support the center in expanding its work in emerging areas, such as data science, artificial intelligence, precision medicine, dissemination and implementation science, and community-engaged research. South Carolina State University and Voorhees University are two of 11 colleges and universities participating in the South Carolina Collaborative Academic Pathways in STEM, a $10 million statewide initiative that aims to build research capacity and STEM workforce pathways at South Carolina's primarily undergraduate institutions and HBCUs. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the initiative aims to engage high school, transfer, and undergraduate students to build research skills; advance retention, on-time graduation, and career readiness strategies; and support faculty development. Over the four-year grant period, South Carolina State University will receive nearly $600,000 and Voorhees University will receive $305,000 for their portion of the project.

MedStar Health launches specialized cardio-obstetrics program in olney. Aug 13, 2026, 13:26 ET Emerging specialty brings specialized heart care for women with cardiovascular conditions before, during, and after pregnancy. OLNEY, Md., Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - - When a Montgomery County mother developed shortness of breath and leg swelling after the birth of her fifth child, she assumed they were normal consequences of her cesarean delivery. Instead, doctors discovered a previously undiagnosed hole in her heart. That diagnosis underscored the need for MedStar Health's newly dedicated Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. The center expands access to specialized cardiovascular care for women who are planning pregnancy, are pregnant, or are in the postpartum period with known heart disease, new cardiovascular symptoms, or pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications. Led by Dr. Minhal Makshood, a board-certified cardiologist with advanced training in women's cardiovascular health and cardio-obstetrics, the clinic brings together cardiologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, and other specialists to evaluate and manage cardiovascular conditions that can affect women before, during and after pregnancy. Until now, this level of specialty care has largely been available only at major academic medical centers. "Pregnancy puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels," Dr. Makshood said. "For women who have a heart condition, or who develop symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, fainting, high blood pressure, or heart failure during pregnancy, specialized heart care can make a critical difference. Early evaluation and treatment help give both mother and baby the best chance for a healthy pregnancy and delivery." For Jazzmin Plaid, the journey began shortly after the birth of her fifth child. As she recovered from her cesarean delivery, she continued to experience shortness of breath and swelling in her legs. Rather than assuming these symptoms were a normal part of recovery after childbirth, Dr. Makshood and the cardio-obstetrics team took a closer look. Specialized heart testing revealed a congenital heart defect, a small opening between the heart's upper chambers that had been present since birth but had never been diagnosed. Because of MedStar Health's coordinated network of specialists, Jazzmin was quickly connected with experts who could provide the care she needed. She underwent a minimally invasive procedure at MedStar Washington Hospital Center that repaired the heart defect without the need for open-heart surgery. "Jazzmin's story is an important reminder that heart-related symptoms during pregnancy or after childbirth should never be dismissed," Dr. Makshood said. "Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, a racing heartbeat, or fainting can sometimes signal a serious heart condition. Our goal is to make sure women receive prompt evaluation, expert care, and the specialized treatment they need to help keep both mother and baby healthy." Cardio-obstetrics is a rapidly growing subspecialty focused on caring for women with cardiovascular disease before, during and after pregnancy. Among the conditions treated: * Congenital heart disease * Cardiomyopathy * Arrhythmias * Valvular heart disease * Coronary artery disease * Heart failure * Uncontrolled hypertension * Inherited cardiovascular disorders The Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center accepts referrals for women planning pregnancy with known cardiovascular disease, women who are pregnant and have heart conditions or concerning cardiovascular symptoms, and women who develop cardiovascular complications during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. SOURCE MedStar Health

MedStar Health has opened its 35th urgent care location in Washington DC's NoMa neighbourhood, expanding services for Gallaudet University students and local residents. The 4,000-square-foot facility at 1231 3rd Street NE features seven exam rooms, X-ray capabilities, on-site laboratory testing, and telehealth consultations with specialists. The centre operates daily from 8 am to 8 pm, providing accessible care including PCR tests for flu, strep, COVID-19, and RSV, rapid STI and HIV testing, and language interpretation including American Sign Language. MedStar Health has partnered with Gallaudet University for over 10 years, serving as team physicians for student athletes. This is MedStar Health's fourth urgent care location in DC, with a fifth planned for the Van Ness neighbourhood in early 2027.