Academics, patient base appeal to Clavell

by Kelly Field, Public Relations

New assistant professor of pediatrics Maria Clavell loves a challenge.

Perhaps that’s why she’s planning on focusing her research here at MUSC on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD).

An illness that encompasses both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis as well as indeterminate colitis, PIBD is one of the most elusive of the childhood diseases, with a variety of variables—genetic and environmental alike—contributing to its onset. Though its three disorders fall under the same umbrella, the features that identify them are distinct.

“It is a multi-factorial disease,” said Clavell, who recently finished a fellowship at Tulane/LSU researching transcription factors, molecules that trigger complex and extensive inflammatory responses in victims of the disease. “If we know which transcription factors are involved, we can develop effective therapies to combat the inflammation.”

Though scientists have yet to pinpoint these factors, Clavell suggested pollution and diet as two suspects, conceding that “There are probably a variety of variables that lead a genetically predisposed individual to develop symptoms.”

A Tulane B.S., and University of Puerto Rico at San Juan M.D., Clavell applied to MUSC last year out of appreciation for its fundamental diversity.

“It combined the academic position that I was looking into with a good clinical base patient-wise,” she explained. “I have really enjoyed the experience so far. Everyone has been very nice, and I’ve had very interesting patients.”

The PIBD clinic currently serves 50 children and adolescents, and Clavell plans to schedule a clinic to accommodate this segment of their clientele. These patients may participate forthcoming research.

“We are arranging for all the pediatric inflammatory bowel patients to be grouped on a single half-day clinic to provide the multidisciplinary approach needed in these cases,” she said. “Management of IBD requires the interaction of physicians, nutritionists, nurses, social workers and psychologists, and we believe that this setup will help us develop a strong base for its comprehensive treatment.”

Though like most professors and physicians at MUSC, Clavell has little leisure time, she confessed a penchant for gardening and painting.

“I love gardening, and I would love to retake painting,” she said with just a hint of nostalgia. “I haven’t touched any brushes in a long time. I won’t say how long.”

Catalyst Menu | Community Happenings | Grantland | Research Grants | Research Studies | Seminars and Events | Speakers Bureau | Applause | Archives | Charleston Links | Medical Links | MUSC |