Research in the Mary Catherine Beach Lab focuses on humanizing healthcare through investigation of patient-provider communication and relationships. Current research involves investigating the theoretical foundations of respect, as well as the impact of physician attitudes and communication on patients in the primary care setting, with a specific focus on HIV, substance abuse and sickle cell disease patients.

Our research focuses on the biology of the peptidoglycan of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the organism that causes tuberculosis, and Mycobacteroides abscessus, a related bacterium that causes opportunistic infections. We study basic mechanisms associated with peptidoglycan physiology but with an intent to leverage our findings to develop tools that will be useful in the clinic to treat mycobacterial infections. Peptidoglycan is the exoskeleton of bacteria that not only provides structural rigidity and cell shape but also several vital physiological functions. Breaching this structure is often lethal to bacteria. We are exploring fundamental mechanisms by which bacteria synthesize and preserve their peptidoglycan. Although our lab uses genetic, biochemical and biophysical approaches to study the peptidoglycan, we pursue questions irrespective of the expertise required to answer those questions. It is through these studies that we identified synergy between two beta-lactam antibiotics against select mycobacteria.

Research in the Leonard Feldman Lab is focused on consult medicine, high-value care and medical education, including resident training and online curriculum. Past studies include integrating lessons on respect and courtesy toward patients into the training of residents and the impact of including the cost of medical procedures when residents ordered tests.

Research in the Hanan Aboumatar Lab focuses on advancing patient-centered outcomes through improved patient and family involvement. We also focus on multilevel methods to increase the patient-centered focus of care delivery. Recent research examined the impact of a quality-improvement intervention on patient involvement in primary care and treatment with respect and dignity in intensive care.