Download Education and Training Research Experience

Mark E. Bernard, M.D.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Education and Training
UPMC
Radiation Oncology Residency Program
Pittsburgh, PA
July 2013 - Present
UPMC
Internal Medicine Residency
Pittsburgh, PA
June 2012 - June 2013
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Medical Degree
Pittsburgh, PA
August 2007 - May 2012
National Institutes of Health
Post-Baccalaureate Cancer Research Training
Bethesda, MD
June 2005 - May 2007
Carnegie Mellon University
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Minor in Health care Policy and Management
Pittsburgh, PA
August 2001 - May 2005
Research Experience
ASCO, Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Pittsburgh, PA
May 2011- July 2011
Principal Investigators: Dr. Nancy E. Davidson, Dr. Dwight E. Heron
I was granted the ASCO Medical Student Rotation Award to complete an eight week rotation consisting of four
weeks of clinical research and four weeks in the patient care setting. During my four weeks of clinical research, I
analyzed the predictors of local recurrence for triple negative breast cancer patients receiving either BCT with
radiotherapy or post-mastectomy radiotherapy. I also analyzed the clinical outcomes of various breast cancer
patients receiving different modalities of treatment.
UPMC, Dept. of Radiation Oncology
Pittsburgh, PA
August 2010 - Present
Principal Investigator: Dr. Dwight E. Heron
I undertook multiple clinical projects investigating the role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in its treatment for
brain metastasis from different organ sites. I also analyzed the efficacy of SRS for treating pre-sacral metastasis
from colorectal tumors. Finally, I evaluated the role high dose rate radiotherapy has upon tumor response when
compared to conventional dose rate radiotherapy.
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
Pittsburgh, PA
May 2010 - Present
Principal Investigators: Dr. Joel S. Greenberger, Dr. Michael W. Epperly
I investigated the role of drug therapy increasing the survival and decreasing the side effects associated with
radiation therapy using cell cultures and mice models. I also investigated to see if antioxidant therapy will increase
survival for Fanconi Anemia patients using cell cultures and mice models of FA. I also determined the role of stem
cells after radiation therapy. This project involved determining if radiation therapy eliminates lung stem cells and if
the cleared stem cell niche could be repopulated with hematopoietic stem cells. My final project involved
determining the cardiovascular effects of total body irradiation as well as the neurocognitive effects of total body
irradiation.
McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
Pittsburgh, PA
May 2009 - August 2009
Principal Investigators: Dr. T. Clark Gamblin, Dr. Eric Lagasse
This project entailed looking for a subpopulation of cell surface makers present on colon cancer and normal colon
cells using antibody solutions which were generated against lung tissue. The goal of this project was for the antibody
solution to isolate a subpopulation of cell surface markers on the colon tissue which would be stem cell surface
markers. This would show common stem cell genetic markers between lung cells and colon cells and enlighten the
developmental process of these organs as well as possibly explain why colon cancer cells can successfully
metastasize to the lungs.
National Cancer Institute, NIH
Bethesda, MD
June 2005 - May 2007
Principal Investigator: Dr. Curtis C. Harris
I analyzed DNA from the p53 gene in human lung tissue from smokers to look for characteristic mutations
indicative of smoking exposure. The DNA was isolated from frozen human lung tissue, amplified using PCR, and
the mutations were found using DNA Sequencing and confirmed with Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism. I
also analyzed DNA mutations from the p53 gene in mice liver treated, in vivo, with afb1 to look for mutations
characteristic of this exposure. The DNA was isolated from frozen mice liver tissue and from micro-dissected DNA
slides of mice liver, amplified using PCR, and the mutations were analyzed using DNA Sequencing. I also
performed immunohistochemistry on micro-dissected DNA slides of afb1 treated mice to look for characteristic
protein expression. I lastly, via IHC, analyzed apoptotic markers of mice having combinations of p53 knock-out,
NOS1 knock-out, and C. parvum bacteria treated and corresponded the findings with the rate and presence of tumor
production.
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
August 2003 - May 2004
Principal Investigator: Dr. Danith H. Ly
I worked in a BioOrganic Laboratory during which I personally synthesized peptide nucleic acids (PNA) and I also
analyzed and developed theories for effectively increasing the uptake of PNA into the cell with hopes of this being a
new field for drug delivery.
Publications
Bernard ME, Wegner RE, Reineman K, Heron DE, Kirkwood J, Burton SA, Mintz AH. Linear accelerator based
stereotactic radiosurgery for melanoma brain metastases. J Cancer Res Ther. 2012 Apr-Jun;8(2):215-21.
Kim H, Bernard ME, Goff J, Farkas A, Houghton F, Shields D, Franicola D, Dixon TM, Zhang X, Epperly MW,
Wang H, Cobanoglu MC, and Greenberger JS. Ionizing Irradiation Protection and Mitigation of Murine Cells by
Carbamazepine is p53 and Autophagy Independent. In Vivo. 2011; In Vivo. 2012 May;26(3):341-54.
Bernard ME, Kim H, Rajagopalan MS, Stone B, Salimi U, Rwigema JC, Epperly MW, Goff J, Franicola D, Dixon
T, Cao S, Shen H, Zhang X, Stripp B, Reynolds SD, and Greenberger JS. Repopulation of the Irradiation Damaged
Lung with Marrow Derived Cells. In Vivo. 2012 Jan;26(1):9-18.
Bernard ME, Kim H, Epperly MW, Franicola D, Zhang X, Houghton F, Shields D, Wang H, Bakkenist CJ, Frantz
MC, Wipf P, and Greenberger JS. GS-Nitroxide (JP4-039) Mediated Radioprotection of Human Fanconi Anemia
Cell Lines. Radiat Res. 2011 Nov;176(5):603-12.
Bernard ME, Kim H, Rwigema JC, Epperly MW, Kelley, EE, Dixon T, Murdoch GH, and Greenberger JS. Role of
the Esophageal Vagus Neural Pathway in Ionizing Irradiation-induced Seizures in Nitric Oxide Synthase-1
Homologous Recombinant Negative NOS1-/- Mice. In Vivo. 2011 Nov;25(6):861-9.
DeFoe SD, Bernard ME, Rwigema JC, Heron DE, Ozhasoglu C, Quinn A, Burton SA. Stereotactic Body
Radiotherapy (SBRT) for Presacral Recurrence of Rectal Cancer. Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics. J
Cancer Res Ther. 2011 Oct;7(4):408-11.
Kim H, Bernard ME, Flickinger J, Epperly MW, Wang H, Dixon TM, Shields D, Houghton F, Zhang X,
Greenberger JS. The Autophagy Inducing Drug Carbamazepine is a Radiation Protector and Mitigator. Int J Radiat
Biol. 2011 Oct;87(10):1052-60.
Kim H, Bernard ME, Epperly MW, Shen H, Dixon TM, Amoscato A, Doemling AS, Li S, Gao X, Wipf P, Wang
H, Zhang X, Kagan VE, and Greenberger JS. Amelioration of Radiation Esophagitis by Orally Administered
p53/Mdm2/Mdm4 Inhibitor (BEB55) or GS-Nitroxide. In Vivo. 2011 Nov;25(6):841-8.
Epperly MW, Goff JP, Li S, Gao X, Wipf P, Dixon T, Wang H, Franicola D, Shen H, Rwigema JC, Kagan V,
Bernard M, Greenberger JS. Intraesophageal Administration of GS-Nitroxide (JP4-039) Protects Against Ionizing
Irradiation-Induced Esophagitis. In Vivo. 2010 Nov-Dec;24(6):811-9.
Hussain SP, He P, Subleski J, Hofseth LJ, Trivers GE, Mechanic L, Hofseth AB, Bernard M, Schwank J, Nguyen
G, Mathe E, Djurickovic D, Haines D, Weiss J, Back T, Gruys E, Laubach VE, Wiltrout RH, Harris CC. Nitric
oxide is a key component in inflammation-accelerated tumorigenesis. Cancer Research. 2008 Sep 1;68(17):7130-6.
Hagiwara N, Mechanic LE, Trivers GE, Cawley HL, Taga M, Bowman ED, Kumamoto K, He P, Bernard M, Doja
S, Miyashita M, Tajiri T, Sasajima K, Nomura T, Makino H, Takahashi K, Hussain SP, Harris CC. Quantitative
detection of p53 mutations in plasma DNA from tobacco smokers. Cancer Research. 2006 Aug 15;66(16):8309-17.
Poster Presentations
Bernard ME, Kim H, Epperly MW, Franicola D, Zhang X, Shields D, Houghton FD, Bakkenist CJ, Guinan EC,
Kannan N, Greenberger JS. Radioprotectors of Human Fanconi Anemia Cell Lines. ASTRO's 53rd Annual Meeting
2011. Abstract# 2224.
Bernard ME, Kim H, Epperly MW, Rwigema JC, Dixon T, Kelley E.E., Greenberger JS. The Role of the Vagus
Nerve upon Radiosensitivity. ASTRO's 53rd Annual Meeting 2011. Abstract# 2180.
Kabolizadeh P, Wegner RE, Bernard M, Heron DE, Mintz AH, Burton SA. The Effect of Treatment Time on
Outcome in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Brain Metastases treated with Stereotactic Radiosurgery. ASTRO's 53rd
Annual Meeting 2011. Abstract# 1565.
Kim H, Bernard ME, Flickinger Jr., J, Epperly MW, Wang H, Dixon TM, Shields D, Houghton F, Zhang X and
Greenberger JS. The Autophagy Inducing Drug Carbamazepine Is A Radiation Protector And Mitigator with a Wide
Administration Window. ASTRO's 53rd Annual Meeting 2011. Abstract #2047.
Kim H, Bernard ME, Epperly MW, Shen H, Dixon TM, Amoscato AA, Doemling AS, Li S, Gao X, Wipf P, Kagan
VE and Greenberger JS. Intraesophageal Administration of GS-Nitroxide (JP4-039) And p53/MDM2/MDM4
Inhibitor (BEB55) Ameliorates Radiation Esophagitis. ASTRO's 53rd Annual Meeting 2011. Abstract #2110.
Kim H, Bernard ME, Kanter D, Shi X, Beriwal S, Epperly MW, Shields D, Houghton F and Greenberger JS.
Ionizing Radiation Causes Cell Injury In Primary Human Trophoblasts. ASTRO's 53rd Annual Meeting 2011.
Abstract #2113.
Kim H, Bernard ME, Farkas A, Houghton F, Shields D, Goff JP, Dixon TM, Zhang X, Epperly MW, and
Greenberger JS. Ionizing Irradiation Protection and Mitigation by Carbamazepine is p53 and Autophagy
Independent. American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting 2011. Abstract #3400.
Bernard ME, Kim H, Rwigema JC, Kelley EE, Epperly MW, Wipf P, and Greenberger JS. Manganese Superoxide
Dismutase-Plasmid Liposomes (MnSOD-PL) and Mitochondrial Targeted GS-nitroxide, JP4-039, decrease
Irradiation Induced Lipid Peroxidation In Murine Fetal Brain Glial and Neuronal Cells. 14th International Congress
of Radiation Research 2011.
Kim H, Bernard ME, Farkas A, Epperly MW, Shields D, Dixon TM, Houghton F, Franicola D, Zhang X, Wang H
and Greenberger JS. Radiation dose protection and mitigation by Carbamazepine (CBZ) is autophagy independent.
14th International Congress of Radiation Research 2011.
Bernard ME, Epperly MW , Franicola D, Zhang X, Shields D, Houghton F, Bakkenist CJ, Guinan EC, Kannan N,
and Greenberger JS. Distinct Radiosensitivities of Human FancG-/- and FancD2-/- cell lines. 102nd American
Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2011. Abstract# 2503.
Greenberger JS, Kim H, Bernard ME, Dixon TM, Franicola D, Wipf P, Li S, Gao X, Kagan V, Amoscato A,
Epperly MW. Swallowed Small Molecule GS-Nitroxide, JP4-039, Protects The Irradiated Esophagus. 102nd
American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2011. Abstract# 2502.
Kim H, Bernard ME, Flickinger J, Epperly MW, Wang H, Dixon TM, Shields D, Houghton F, and Greenberger JS.
The Autophagy Inducing Drug Carbamazepine is a Radiation Protector and Mitigator. 102nd American Association
for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2011. Abstract# 2945.
Bernard ME, Kim H, Epperly MW, Franicola D, Zhang X, Shields D, Houghton FD, Bakkenist CJ, and
Greenberger JS. GS-Nitroxide (JP4-039) Mediated Radioprotection of Human Fanconi Anemia Cell Lines. 23rd
Annual University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Scientific Retreat 2011. Abstract# 171.
Bernard ME, Kim H, Epperly MW, Goff J, and Greenberger JS. Deceased Hematopoiesis and Radiation Induced
Bone Healing in Osteoporotic Bones. 23rd Annual University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Scientific Retreat 2011.
Abstract# 60.
Bernard ME, Kim H, Rwigema JC, Kelley EE, Epperly MW, Wipf P, and Greenberger JS. Effects of Manganese
Superoxide Dismutase-Plasmid Liposomes (MnSOD-PL) and Mitochondrial Targeted GS-nitroxide JP4-039 on
Oxidative Stress in Irradiated Murine Glial and Neuronal Cells May Have Therapeutic Implications for Ionizing
Radiation-Induced Neurocognitive Impairment. 23rd Annual University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Scientific
Retreat 2011. Abstract# 167.
Bernard ME, Kim H, Rajagopalan MS, Epperly MW, Shen H, Dixon TM, and Greenberger JS. Role of Radiation
Depletion of Lung Stem Cells and Repopulation with Marrow Derived Cells in Lung Repair. 23rd Annual
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Scientific Retreat 2011. Abstract# 168.
Greenberger JS, Kim H, Bernard ME, Dixon TM, Franicola D, Wipf P, Li S, Gao X, Kagan V, Amoscato A, and
Epperly MW. Swallowed Small Molecule GS-Nitroxide, JP4-039, Protects The Irradiated Esophagus. 23rd Annual
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Scientific Retreat 2011. Abstract# 172.
Kim H, Bernard ME, Flickinger J, Epperly MW, Wang H, Dixon TM, Shields D, Houghton F, and Greenberger JS.
JP4-039 Ameliorates Irradiation Induced Esophagitis In Mice. 23rd Annual University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
Scientific Retreat 2011. Abstract# 173.
Bernard ME, Kim H, Epperly MW, Goff J, and Greenberger JS. Osteoporotic Effects Upon The Bone Marrow.
Celebrating Research on Aging Building Collaborations for the Future 2011. Abstract# 3.
Kim H, Bernard M, Flickinger J, Epperly MW, Wang H , H, Dixon TM, Shields D, Houghton F, X Zhang, and JS
Greenberger. Carbamazepine Is a Radiation Protector and Mitigator. Celebrating Research on Aging Building
Collaborations for the Future 2011. Abstract# 39.
Kim H, Bernard ME, Dixon TM, Franicola D, Wipf P, Li S, Gao X, Kagan VE, Amoscato A, Shen H, Epperly
MW and Greenberger JS. Swallowed small molecule GS-nitroxide, JP4-039, protects the irradiated esophagus by
protecting esophageal progenitor cells. Celebrating Research on Aging Building Collaborations for the Future 2011.
Abstract# 40.
Awards and Recognition
Jeffery Shogan Award for Excellence in Radiation Oncology Research
The Bert and Sally O’Malley Award for Outstanding Medical Student Research
Gateway Medical Society Academic Achievement Award
UPMC Interview at ASTRO's 53rd Annual Meeting 2011
Online Video of Interview
Discovery Channel© Interview of Our Antioxidant Radioprotectors
American Society for Clinical Oncology Medical Student Rotation Award
T32AG21885, NIA/NIH Grant
Cancer Research Training Award, NCI/NIH
D.G. and D.L. McMahon Scholarship Grant
National Dean's list
National High Dean’s List
May 2012
April 2012
April 2012
October 2011
June 05, 2011
May 2011 - July 2011
July 2010 - June 2011
June 2005-May 2007
Fall 2002
Professional Memberships
American Association for Cancer Research
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Christian Medical and Dental Association U. Pitt Med. School
Associate Member
Member
Vice President
Leadership Experience
Radiation Oncology Interest Group
Carnegie Mellon Advising Resource Center
Chemistry Student Advisory Committee
Minority Association of Pre-Health Students
Carnegie Mellon Intramural Football League
U. Pitt Med. School
Carnegie Mellon Student
Carnegie Mellon
Carnegie Mellon
Carnegie Mellon
President/VP/Co-founder
Tutor
Student Advisor
Co-Founder/Vice President
Team Captain
Volunteer Experience
Carnegie Mellon Advising Resource Center
04/2008 - 05/2007
I was an academic tutor for the Carnegie Mellon Advising Resource Center for freshmen and sophomores. I was
responsible for tutoring students who needed assistance with the introductory level Calculus courses and Organic
Chemistry I & II by assisting them with any problems in understanding the concepts and with their homework
assignments and preparing for exams.
Christian Medical and Dental Association
03/2011 - Present
CMDA is an organization existing to glorify God by motivating, educating, and equipping Christian doctors and
students to serve with professional excellence as witnesses of Christ's love and compassion, and by advancing
biblical principles of healthcare within the Church and to our culture. As Vice President, my role is to organize fall
and summer retreats, arrange lunch talks, plan special events, attend leadership meetings, serve as a National
Student Council Representative, and attend CMDA events.
Gateway Medical Society
04/2008 - Present
I am affiliated with the GMS which is a local physician organization dedicated to addressing the medical needs of
the underserved populations and eliminating the health disparities in Pittsburgh. I have assisted the physicians while
they addressed health concerns during a local health awareness event and attended their annual receptions.
Georgia Avenue Baptist Church
08/2005 - 07/2007
I served as a youth counselor for two years while I was working at the NIH. During this time, I helped to prepare
Sunday School lessons and bible study lesions. During the summer of 2006, I participated in our yearly mission trip
and traveled to New Orleans to provide material relief for the survivors of the devastating Hurricane Katrina. During
this time, we went door to door in deprived neighborhoods and asked the residents if they were in need of any
assistance. This project involved the group providing families with essential necessities ranging from items for their
new born children to painting fences.
Medical Explorers
08/2008 - Present
This organization was formed by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine to introduce the field of medicine
to local high school students. The attendees come to the University each Wednesday during which they partake in
activities designed to increase their interest in medicine. These activities involve the introduction to various medical
specialties, rotating through the anatomy laboratory, and counseling them on how to succeed in high school and
college.
Soup Kitchen
08/2008 - 12/2008
During my second year of medical school, I attended the Soup Kitchen events which took place at a local
Presbyterian Church. The event was designed for medical students to prepare a meal suitable for twenty to thirty
homeless individuals. I also worked with the physician present by taking blood pressures and addressing any
medical concerns which were present.
Student National Medical Association
08/2008 - Present
I mentored minority undergraduate students who wished to matriculate into medical school. I meet separately with
each of them to develop short term goals and long term goals which would enable them to achieve their respective
success. I have also been active helping undergraduate students during the SNMA National Conference by
participating in student panels and teaching basic physical exam skills.
Employment History
Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy Clerk
July 2000- August 2002
I assisted the Pharmacist in preparing and filling prescriptions, reconstituting the medications, and repackaging and
labeling the medications. I interacted with the pharmacy team members and performed the cash duties. I also learned
the names and usage of the medications being dispensed.
Resident Assistant
August 2003-May 2004
I worked in a dormitory building as the floor assistant. I kept the residents updated with weekly and monthly events
as well as provided help for the residents upon request. I planned floor events as well as community events for my
floor and building in order to bond with the residents.
Hobbies
Cooking, Attending Symphonies/Plays, Chess, Bass Guitar