Download Curriculum Vitae - UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health

CURRICULUM VITAE
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Gary Asher, MD, MPH
5 Brower Circle
Durham, NC 27705
919.966.7269 (office)
EDUCATION
Fellowships
NRSA Post-doctoral Research Fellowship in Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
UNC Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Program on Integrative Medicine,
Chapel Hill, NC, Jun 2010
Academic Family Medicine Fellowship, UNC Family Medicine, Chapel Hill, Dec 2007
Residency
Family Medicine Residency, Mountain Area Health and Education Center (MAHEC),
Asheville, NC, Jun 2006
Graduate
K30 Clinical Research Curriculum Scholar, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, Jun 2009
M.P.H. in Health Care and Prevention, UNC School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, Dec 2008
M.D. in International Health and Medicine, Columbia University - Ben Gurion University of
the Negev, Beersheva, Israel, May 2003
Undergraduate
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Post-baccalaureate premed, 1999
B.A. in General Literature, State University of New York at Binghamton, 1990
Hertford College, Oxford University, England, year abroad, 1988
Columbia University, New York, summer session, 1988
Complementary Medical Acupuncture for Physicians, University of California at Los Angeles/Helms Medical
and Alternative Institute, May 2007
Medicine
Botanical Medicine, National College of Phytotherapy, Albuquerque, NM, 1997
Massage Therapy, Crystal Mountain Massage School, Albuquerque, NM, 1996
Botanical Medicine, New Mexico Herb Center, Albuquerque, NM, 1996
Ayurvedic Medicine, Sanskrit, and Yoga, Ayurvedic Institute, Albuquerque, NM, 1996
Certification and Licensure
Diplomate, American Board of Family Medicine, 2007 – present
Medical License, North Carolina Medical Board, 2003 – present
Advanced Trauma Life Support
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Basic Life Support
Neonatal Resuscitation
Pediatric & Adolescent Life Support
New Mexico and National Licensed Massage Therapy Certifications, 1996 – 1999
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Associate Director, Emergency Department, Chatham Hospital, Siler City, NC, Aug 2013 – present
Director, Integrative Medicine Services, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Support Program, Chapel
Hill, NC, Jan 2011 – present
Research Assistant Professor, UNC Department of Family Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, Jul 2010 – present
Staff Physician, Emergency Department, Chatham Hospital, Siler City, NC, Sept 2006 – present
Associate Director, Preventive Medicine Residency, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, Sept 2012 –
Sept 2014
Clinical Instructor, UNC Department of Family Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, Jul 2006 – Jun 2010
Integrative Family Medicine, Chapel Hill Integrative Medicine Associates, Dec 2006 – Jun 2007
Resident Physician, MAHEC Family Practice, Asheville, NC, Jul 2003 – Jun 2006
HONORS AND AWARDS
• KL2 Scholar, Mentored Clinical Scholars Program, University of North Carolina, 2010
• NIH Loan Repayment Program, 2010
• Clinical and Translational Research Scholar, University of North Carolina, 2007
• Dean’s List, Ben Gurion University, M.D. in International Health and Medicine, 2001
• Tuition scholarship, M.D. in International Health and Medicine, 2000
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Publications
1. Campo RA, Leniek K, Gaylord-Scott N, Faurot KR, Smith S, Asher G, Porterfield D, Gaylord S.
Weathering the Seasons of Cancer Survivorship: Mind-Body Therapy Use and Reported Reasons and
Outcomes by Stages of Cancer Survivorship. Supportive Care in Cancer, 2016, Apr 6, pp 1-9. PMID:
27048456.
2. Mayer DK, Deal AM, Crane JM, Chen RC, Asher GN, Hanson LC, Wheeler SB, Gerstel A, Green M,
Birken S, Rosenstein DL. Using Survivorship Care Plans to Enhance Communication and Cancer Care
Coordination: Results of a Pilot Study. Oncol Nurs Forum, 2016:43(6).
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3. Asher GN, Fallon JK, Smith PC. UGT concentrations in human rectal tissue after multidose, oral
curcumin. Pharma Res Per, 4(2), 2016, e00222. PMID: 27069633
4. Gartlehner G, Gaynes BN, Amick HR, Asher GN, Morgan LC, Coker-Schwimmer E, Forneris C, Boland E,
Lux LJ, Gaylord S, Bann C, Pierl CB, Lohr KN. Comparative Benefits and Harms of Antidepressants,
Psychological, Complementary, and Exercise Treatments for Major Depression: An Evidence Report
for a Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med, 2016 Mar
1;164(5):331-41.PMID: 26857743
5. Amick HR, Gartlehner G, Gaynes BN, Forneris C, Asher GN, Morgan LC, Coker-Schwimmer E, Boland E,
Lux LJ, Gaylord S, Bann C, Pierl CB, Lohr KN. Comparative benefits and harms of second-generation
anti-depressants and cognitive behavioral therapies in the initial treatment of major depression:
systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 2015;351:h6019:1-10. PMID:26645251
6. Gartlehner G, Gaynes BN, Amick HR, Asher G, Morgan LC, Coker-Schwimmer E, Forneris C, Boland
E, Lux LJ, Gaylord S, Bann C, Pierl CB, Lohr KN. Nonpharmacological Versus Pharmacological
Treatments for Adult Patients with Major Depressive Disorder. Comparative Effectiveness Review
No. 161. (Prepared by the RTI International–University of North Carolina Evidence-based Practice
Center under Contract No. 290-2012-00008-I.) AHRQ Publication No. 15-EHC031-EF. Rockville, MD:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; August 2015:1-274. PMID: 26764438
7. Mayer DK, Green M, Check D, Gerstel A, Chen RC, Asher GN., Wheeler SB, Hanson L, Rosenstein
DL. Is There a Role for Survivorship Care Plans in the Advanced Cancer Setting? Supp Care Cancer,
2015, Aug, 23(8):2225-30. PMID: 25559037
8. Thomas GB, Asher GN, Mounsey A. Ginseng for Cancer Related Fatigue. J Fam Pract. 2014
May;63(5):270-2. PMID: 24795907
9. Newton WP, Sutton MA, Asher GN. The Elephant in the Room. Fam Med, 2014;46(2):85-7.
PMID:24573513
10. Asher GN, Mounsey A. Steroids for acute COPD-but for how long?. J Fam Pract, 2014;63(1):29-32.
PMID: 24475464
11. Asher GN, Spelman K. Clinical Utility of Curcumin Extract. Altern Ther Health Med, 2013;19(2):202. PMID: 23594449
12. Araujo-Perez F, McCoy AN, Okechukwu C, Carroll I, Smith KM, Jeremiah K, Sandler RS, Asher GN,
Keku TO. Differences in Microbial Signatures between Rectal Mucosal Biopsies and Rectal Swabs.
Gut Microbes, 2012;3(6):530-5. PMID: 23060016
13. Chismark A, Asher G, Stein M, Tavoc T, Curran A. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
for Work-related Pain Correlates with Career Satisfaction among Dental Hygienists. J Dental
Hygiene, 2011;85(4):274-283. PMID: 22309868
14. Asher GN, Motsinger-Reif AA, Jonas DE, Viera AJ. Quality of Reporting on Randomized Controlled
Trials of Auriculotherapy for Pain. Acupuncture Med, 2011;29:122-6. PMID: 21487067
15. Asher GN. Herbal Products Review: What do we know? J Am Coll Cardiol, 2010;56(11):903. PMID:
20813290
16. Asher GN, Jonas D, Coeytaux RR, Loh YL, Reilly AC, Motsinger-Reif AA, Winham SJ. Auriculotherapy
for Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J
Altern Complement Med, 2010;16(10):1-12. PMID: 20954963
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17. Asher GN, Coeytaux RR, Reilly A, Chen W, Loh YL, Harper T. Acupuncture to Initiate Labor (Acumoms
2): A Randomized, Sham-controlled Trial. J Matern Fet Neonat Med, 2009;11:1-6. PMID: 19526433
In-press/Submitted
1. Luo QL, Asher GN. Complementary and Alternative Medicine use at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.
In press, Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2016 (12 pgs).
2. Asher GN, Corbett A, Hawke R. Herbal and Dietary Supplement and Drug Interactions. Solicited
manuscript for American Family Physician, In press 2016. (14 pgs)
3. Asher GN, Xie Y, Moaddel R, Sanghvi M, Kashuba ADM, Sandler RS, Hawke RL. Randomized
pharmacokinetic cross-over study of two curcumin preparations in plasma and rectal tissue of healthy
human volunteers. Submitted to Clin Pharmacol Ther, 2016 (16 pgs).
4. Wurzelmann DJ, Asher GN, Keil LG, Weaver MA, Logsdon-Perry M, Viera AJ, Platts-Mills TF,.
Willpower Depletion in the Emergency Department: A Prospective Study. Submitted 2015, Western
Journal of Emergency Medicine (24 pgs).
5. Check DK, Green M, Chen RC, Asher GN., Wheeler SB, Hanson LC, Rosenstein DL, Mayer DK. Whose
Responsibility Is It, Anyway? Different Providers’ Perceptions of Their Roles in Cancer Survivorship
Care. Submitted 2015, J Oncol Pract (25 pgs).
6. Deveaux A, Araujo-Perez F, McCoy AN, Smith KM, Sandler RS, Asher GN, Keku TO. Curcumin
consumption modulates bacteria abundance and inflammatory markers among patients with
colorectal ademonas. Cancer Prev Res, submitted 2015 (20 pgs).
7. Xie Y, Asher GN, Mitesh S, Doussou K, Moaddel R, Hawke RL. LC/MS assays for the simultaneous
analysis of curcuminoids in human plasma and rectal tissue. Submitted to J Pharm Biomed Anal, 2015
(24 pgs).
Presentations
1. Asher G, Gartlehner G, Gaynes BN, Amick HR, Morgan LC, Coker-Schwimmer E, Forneris C, Boland
E, Lux LJ, Gaylord S, Bann C, Pierl CB, Lohr KN. Comparative Efficacy of Antidepressants and
Complementary Therapies for Major Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health, Las Vegas, NV, May 2016.
2. Kelley PJ, Chen W, Asher GN. Benefits and Barriers to Integrating Acupuncture into a HospitalBased Setting. Society of Integrative Oncology National Meeting, Boston, Nov 2015.
3. Campo, R.A.; Santacroce, S.; Bluth, K.; Gaylord, S.; Spivey, S.; Tan, W.; MD; Gold, S.; Asher, G.
Screening outcomes of an 8-week video-chat mindful self-compassion intervention for young adult
cancer survivors. University of North Carolina Lineberger Cancer Center Annual Scientific Retreat,
Chapel Hill, NC, Sept 2015.
4. Mayer D, Deal AM, Crane JM, Chen RC, Asher GN, Hanson L, Wheeler SB, Gerstel A, Green M,
Rosenstein DL. Using Survivorship Care Plans to Improve Cancer Communication and Care
Coordination. ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, Ill, June 2015.
5. Asher GN, Fallon J, Smith PC. Comparison of UGT Protein Expression in Human Colon after
Multidose, Oral Curcuminoid Administration. ISSX Conference, San Francisco, CA, Oct 2014.
6. Luo QL, Verma N, Asher GN. Influence of Advice Source on Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (CAM) Use during Active Cancer Treatment. Society of Integrative Oncology Conference,
Houston, Tx, Oct 2014.
7. Luo QL, Verma N, Asher GN. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use during Cancer
Treatment. Society of Integrative Oncology Conference, Houston, Tx, Oct 2014.
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8. Mayer DK, Green M, Check D, Gerstel A, Chen RC, Asher GN., Wheeler SB, Hanson L, Rosenstein DL
Is There a Role for Survivorship Care Plans (SCP) in the Advanced Cancer Setting? ACS Cancer
Survivorship Research Conference, Atlanta GA, June 2014.
9. Asher GN, Verma N, Luo QL. Dietary Supplement Use and Source of Advice during Cancer
Treatment. International Research Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health, Miami, May
2014.
10. Luo QL, Verma N, Asher GN. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use during Cancer
Treatment. International Research Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health, Miami, FL, May
2014.
11. McLauchlin A, Araujo-Perez F, McCoy N, Smith K, Asher GN, Keku TO. Curcumin consumption reduces
gut microbial diversity among patients with colorectal adenomas. Experimental Biology 2012, Boston,
MA.
12. Asher GN, Jonas D, Coeytaux RR, Loh YL, Reilly AC, Motsinger-Reif AA, Winham SJ. Auriculotherapy
for Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Society of Acupuncture Research National Conference, Chapel Hill, NC. March 2010.
13. Asher GN, Cohen L, Sloane PD. Feasibility of an ear acupuncture protocol for pain relief during hip
fracture rehabilitation. SAR National Conference, Chapel Hill, NC. March 2010.
14. Chismark AM, Asher GN, Stein M, Tavoc T, Curran AE. Dental Hygientists’ Career Satisfaction
Associated with CAM for Musculoskeletal Pain. AADR Annual Meeting., Washington, DC, March 2010.
15. Asher GN, Knierim KE, Newton WP. Is Care for the Hospitalized Patient a Part of Primary Care?
NAPCRG National Conference, Puerto Rico, November 2008.
TEACHING RECORD
Course Director
• Area of Concentration: Integrative Medicine. UNC Family Medicine Residency Program, 2013 –
present
• Advanced Practice Selective: Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine (Co-director).
UNC School of Medicine, 2011 – present
• Integrative Medicine curriculum. UNC Preventive Medicine Residency Program, 2012 – 2014
Lecturer
• DPET 816 (Introduction to Integrative Medicine), UNC School of Pharmacy. “Use of botanical
medicines in the U.S.”, 2010 – present
• Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine (TEC COIL) (formerly MEDI 220: Clinical
Epidemiology). Section leader, 2009 – present.
• PMED 250/HBHE 960/NURS 703i (Principles and Practices of Alternative and Complementary
Medicine), UNC School of Medicine. Topic changes yearly. Prior topics: “Integrative Medicine
Clinical Practice”, “Use of Dietary Supplements in the U.S.”, 2009 – present
• FMME 407 (Directed Studies in Family Medicine), UNC School of Medicine, Independent study,
2014.
• EPID 690 (Design of Clinical Research Studies), UNC School of Public Health, Masters of Science in
Clinical Research program. “Design of early phase clinical trials: pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics”, 2011 – 2014
• PUBH 886 (Independent Study). Designed and lead tutorial-style study of botanical medicines for
MPH candidate, 2010.
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Grand Rounds, Continuing Education, & Invited Lectures (2007 – present)
• Methods in systematic review and meta-analysis, CAM T32 Fellowship, May 2016
• Integrative Therapies in Advanced Cancer Patients, CCSP Grand Rounds, UNC, Sept 2015
• Integrative Medicine and Metastatic Breast Cancer, Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, UNC Friday
Center, Sept 2014
• What’s the Big Idea – Dietary Supplements in Medical Practice, UNC Friday Center, Apr 2014
• Dietary Supplements in Cancer Care, UNC Telehealth Lecture Series, Statewide network, Oct 2013
• What is Active about Active Surveillance – Lession from IM, Landes Urology Symposium, Jun 2013
• Non-pharmacologic approaches to chronic pain, UNC Family Medicine, Mar 2013
• Dietary Supplements in Cancer Care, UNC Telehealth Lecture Series, Statewide network, Dec 2012
• Update on Integrative Oncology, UNC Psycho-oncology grand rounds, Sep 2012
• Integrative Medicine in Cancer Care, Lineberger Coping With Cancer Regional Conference, Greenville,
NC, Eastern Carolina University, Apr 2012
• Integrative Oncology, Dare County Cancer Program, NC, Feb 2012
• Integrative Oncology, UNC Cancer Survivorship Grand Rounds, Jan 2012
• Integrative Oncology, UNC Radiation Oncology Grand Rounds, Dec 2011
• Trends in Integrative Medicine, UNC Asian American Medical Student Assoc., Nov 2011
• Basic Suturing Workshop, NCAPA Summer Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC, Aug 2011
• Integrative Medicine in Oncology, Lineberger Coping With Cancer Regional Conference, Kitty Hawk,
NC, May 2011
• Time for Teaching – Humor, story, & in-between spaces in didactics, UNC Family Medicine, May 2011
• Basic Suturing Workshop, NCAPA Summer Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC, Aug 2010
• Acupuncture for Pain Relief, UNC Anesthesiology, Apr 2010
• Curcumin Chemoprevention of Colorectal Cancer, Center for Integrative Medicine, University of
Maryland. Invited presentation, Nov 2009
• CAM Trends & EBP for Pain, NCAPA Summer Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC, Aug 2009
• Basic Suturing Workshop, NCAPA Summer Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC, Aug 2009
• CAM Therapies for Pain Relief, UNC Anesthesiology, Apr 2009
• IM, CAM, and Medical Acupuncture, Chatham Hospital Grand Rounds, Jan 2009
• Here, eat this root: CAM Therapies for Pain, Center for Neurosensory Disorders, UNC School of
Dentistry, Aug 2008
• Basic Suturing Workshop, NCAPA Summer Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC, Aug 2008
• CAM Therapies for Pain Relief, MAHEC Regional Conference - Partnering Western Medicine and CAM,
Asheville, NC, Jul 2008
• Reading studies on Diagnostic Tests, UNC Family Medicine, NC, Mar 2008
• Time for Teaching – Narrative Medicine, UNC Family Medicine, NC, Feb 2008
• Directions in CAM, UNC Preventive Medicine Residents, NC, Feb 2008
• Basic Suturing Workshop, NCAPA Summer Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC, Aug 2007
• Evaluation of Suspected MI, UNC Family Medicine, NC, Jul 2007
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Clinical Teaching
• Advanced Practice Selective: Chatham Emergency Department. UNC School of Medicine, 2013 present
• Advanced Practice Selective: Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine. UNC School of
Medicine, 2010 – present
• Family Medicine Clerkship - Focus on Clinical Skills, 2010 – 2012
Advisor/Mentorship
• Faculty Development Fellowship, UNC Family Medicine, 2011 – present
• CAM Research Education Faculty, NRSA T-32 CAM Research Training Fellowship, UNC Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2010 – present
• Preventive Medicine Residency Program, UNC School of Medicine, 2012 – 2014
• Post-doctoral students
o Aaron Piepmeier, PhD, 2015-2017
o Rebecca Campo, PhD, 2013-2016
o Oscar Cornelio, MD, 2013-2014
o Johann Hsu, MD, 2012-2014
• Doctoral students
o Kim Faurot, PhD, 2009-2012
• Master’s students
o Amy Patel, MPH, 2014-2015
o Daniel Wurzelmann, MD, MPH, 2013-2014
o Aubree Chismark, RDH, MS, 2010-2011
o Neal Viradia, MD, MPH, 2010-2011
Attending on Clinical Service
• Chatham Hospital Emergency Department, UNC Family Medicine Residents and Medical School
students, 2008 – present
• Inpatient Attending, UNC Family Medicine Service, 2006 – 2008
Graduate Committees
• Doctoral candidates
o Kimberly Faurot, PhD, 2009-2012, “Botanical dietary supplement use among
Hispanic/Latino adults in the United States: Comparison of a diet- vs. medication-based
survey”.
• Master’s candidates
o Aubree Chismark, RDH, MSDH, 2010-2011, “Use of complementary and alternative
medicine for work-related pain correlates with career satisfaction among dental
hygienists”.
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GRANT FUNDING
Current Support
Research Contract
Jonas (PI)
9/28/15 – 9/27/18
AHRQ (HHSA290201500011I_HHSA29032005T)
$2,299,533
Systematic Evidence Reviews to Support the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
Topic refinement for Developmental Hip Dysplasia and Systematic review and meta-analysis of screening for
Coronary Heart Disease/Atrial Fibrillation.
Role: Co-I for CHD (10% FTE) and Co-Lead for DDH (10% FTE)
13IBS01
Ringel-Kulka (PI)
12/1/13 – 12/31/16
Prometheus Therapeutics and Diagnostics
The Development and Validation of a Blood Test to Identify IBS: DEFINE (Diagnostic Evaluation of Functional
GI and IBS Networks)
The objective of the study is to determine a panel of biomarkers that may be used to diagnose IBS.
Role: Sub-Investigator.
2014-01
Crockett (PI)
12/1/14 – 11/30/18
Exact Sciences
A Longitudinal Study of Cologuard in an Average Risk Population Assessing a Three Year Test Interval
The study objective is to collect longitudinal data on patients prescribed Cologuard over the course of 3 years
to define the PPV and NPV of the test in the general population.
Role: Sub-Investigator – site enrollment
2KR651503
Campo (PI)
4/9/15 – 4/8/16
TraCS Pilot Grants Program
Feasibility and acceptability of an 8-week mindful self-compassion group-based video-chat intervention for
young adult cancer survivors.
To gather preliminary data on an 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion group-based videoconference intervention
in young adult (YA) cancer survivors (ages 18 to 29 years) across the US.
Role: Co-I
No Number
Asher (PI)
7/1/13 – 6/30/16
University Cancer Research Fund
$95,189
LCCC1227: A prospective phase I evaluation of the effect of curcumin on dose-limiting toxicity and
pharmacokinetics of irinotecan in patients with solid tumors.
This multi-center study will evaluate toxicity in patients with solid tumors receiving irinotecan plus curcumin
as 2nd or 3rd line treatment.
0% FTE x 2 years
Pending Grants
PCORI
Gaynes (PI)
7/1/16 – 6/30/21
Augment versus Switch in Treatment Resistant Depression: A Patient-centered Pragmatic Clinical Trial
(ASTRiDe)
Role: UNC Site PI
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1R03CA205661-01
Asher (PI)
4/1/16 – 3/31/18
NIH/NCI
$164,645
Pharmacokinetics of irinotecan plus curcumin in advanced solid tumor patients
10% FTE x 2 years
1R01
Mayer/Chen (co-PI)
9/1/16 – 8/30/21
NIH/NCI
Improving preventive care for patients with colorectal cancer using survivorship care plans
Role: Co-I
Completed Support
6-312-0213462-51685L
Jonas (PI)
8/1/13 – 4/31/15
AHRQ
Systematic Review for Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Conduct a large systematic review and meta-analysis for evidence for comparative pharmacologic versus nonpharmacoligic treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.
Role: Co-I, Complementary and Alternative Medicine content expert.
6-D33-HP25771-01-01
Porterfield (PI)
7/1/13 – 9/29/14
Bureau of Health Professions, Health Resources and Services Administration
Preventive Medicine Residency Training Grant
The major goal of this project is to train Preventive Medicine physicians, with a particular focus in health
disparities and health care for underserved populations.
Role: Co-I.
1 IM0HP25106-01-00
Porterfield (PI)
9/30/12 – 9/29/14
Bureau of Health Professions, Health Resources and Services Administration $150,000
Integrative Medicine Program
This project will incorporate integrative medicine curriculum into the UNC Preventive Medicine Residency, as
well as other residency programs such as the UNC Family Medicine Residency. Program implementation and
evaluation will be coordinated with the other 11 participating centers through the National Coordinating
Center at the American Board of Preventive Medicine.
Role: Co-PI, program design and implementation, resident mentor, study implementation, program
evaluation. 25% FTE x 2 years
No Number
Mayer (PI)
8/01/12 – 7/30/14
University Cancer Research Fund – Health-e-NC
$215,000
Improving Cancer Survivorship Care Through Enhanced Communication and Coordination
This study will consist of two coordinated projects to develop and evaluate a comprehensive approach to
integrating primary and specialty oncology survivorship care for patients with breast, colorectal, lung, and
prostate cancer.
Role: Co-PI project 1. 0% FTE x2 years
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KL2 Career Development Award Asher (PI)
7/01/10 – 4/30/13
UNC School of Medicine/CTSA (KL2 RR025746)
$324,000
Curcumin Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Concentrations
This career award will provide protected time, funding, and educational support to investigate the
bioavailability of different preparations of curcumin after oral ingestion, as well as biomarkers of effect for
curcumin in the bowel.
75% FTE x 3 years
Developmental Pilot Award
Asher (PI)
7/01/10 – 7/30/11
UNC/SPORE in Gastrointestinal Disease (NCI: P50 CA106991)
$50,000
Curcumin Biomarkers
This study will investigate the effect of multidose curcumin on biological markers relevant to colorectal
cancer in patients with and without colonic adenoma.
0% FTE x 1 year
10KR40916
Asher (PI)
12/1/09 – 2/28/11
TraCS Pilot Grants Program
$9962
Nitric Oxide-Mediated Vasodilatory Response to Hawthorn Standardized Extract (HSE)
This project will evaluate escalating doses of HSE using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation to determine
an optimum dose that will be used in a follow-up study on blood pressure lowering.
0% FTE x 1 year
T32 AT003378
Mann (PI)
NIH/NCCAM
UNC Research Fellowship in Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Role: Research Fellow, 80% FTE x3 years
1/1/08 – 6/30/10
No Number
Asher (PI)
6/1/09 – 5/30/10
UNC Department of Family Medicine – Small Grants Program
$1699
Quality of Reporting for Clinical Trials of Auriculotherapy
The goal of this project is to evaluate and report on the quality of reporting for trials of auriculotherapy
before and after the implementation of the CONSORT and STRICTA guidelines.
0% FTE x 1 year
PI0-04-1004
Sloane (PI)
3/1/07 – 2/28/08
The Alzheimer’s Association
Feasibility of a Complementary Pain Treatment Protocol for Older Adults following Hip Fracture Repair
The goal of this project was to test enrollment and data gathering procedures for an auricular acupuncture
intervention designed to reduce pain in the elderly patient undergoing rehabilitation after hip fracture repair.
Role: Co-Investigator
No number
Coeytaux (PI)
2/01/05 – 1/31/06
American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation
Acupuncture to Initiate Labor (Acumoms 2)
This study will attempt to build on the findings of an earlier study of acupuncture to initiate labor or prevent
post-term pregnancy with the addition of a sham acupuncture group.
Role: Co-investigator, statistical analyst
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Professional Societies
American Academy of Family Physicians, 2003 - present
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, 2007 - present
American Botanical Council, 2007 - present
American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2009 - present
International Society of Pharmacometrics, 2010 - present
North Carolina Association of Family Physicians, 2003 - present
Society for Acupuncture Research, 2007 - 2012
Society for Integrative Oncology, 2010 - present
Consultant
Health and Medical Research Fund, Government of Hong Kong, 2012 - 2014
Editorial Appointments
Peer Review
(1) New England Journal of Medicine, (2) British Medical Journal Open, (3) Annals of Internal Medicine, (4)
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, (5)Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, (6)
Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, (7) Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
(8) HerbalGram, (9) Journal of Natural Products, (10) Education for Health, (11) Journal of Alternative and
Complementary Medicine, (12) Complementary Therapies in Medicine, (13) Pain Medicine, (14) RAND
Corporation.
Advisory Board
• American Botanical Council, Austin, TX, 2013 – present
• Maryland University of Integrative Health, Curriculum and Research Advisory Board, Laurel, MD, 2013
– present
Committees
School of Medicine
• Cancer Survivorship Advisory Board, UNC-CH, 2014 – present
• Small Grants Review Committee, UNC Department of Family Medicine, 2012 – present
• Residency Advisory Committee, UNC Preventive Medicine Residency Program, 2012 – 2014
• Procedural Teaching, UNC Family Medicine Residency Strategic Planning, 2010 – 2012
UNC
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Sepsis Core Implementation Team, UNC Health Care System, 2015 – present
ED Sepsis Work Group, UNC and Chatham Hospitals, 2015 – present
Blood Utilization Review Committee, Chatham Hospital, Siler City, NC, 2015 – present
EPIC EMR implementation (ASAP), Chatham Hospital, Siler City, NC, 2011 – present
Hypertension Quality Indicators Committee, MAHEC FPRP, 2004 – 2006
Curriculum Development Committee, MAHEC FPRP, 2004 – 2006
Ethics Committee, Mission Hospitals, Asheville, NC, 2003 – 2006
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State
• Academic Accreditation Review Committee, NC Board of Governors, UNC General Administration,
2011 – present
National
• NIH/NCCIH grant review panel, Nov 2015
• Diving for PURLs team, FPIN consortium, 2010 – present
Other
• Ethics Advisory Committee, Founding Chairman, MD Program in International Medicine, Ben Gurion
University, 2001 – 2002
Research Statement
My areas of research include both clinical/translational studies and health services research. A common
thread between both areas is my expertise in complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine
(CAM). Beginning in the early 1990’s I began to study a variety of CAM therapies including herbal
medicine, traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda), acupuncture, massage therapy, meditation, and tai chi.
For many years I was a practitioner and teacher in these disciplines. Then came medical school, residency
in family medicine, public health training, and research fellowship. Today I combine all of these elements
into my clinical practice, teaching, and research programs.
In the realm of clinical/translational research, much of my work has focused on herbal medicines. Early
on, I conducted a clinical trial to investigate purported effects of hawthorn berry extract on blood
pressure. Prior research suggested hawthorn caused vasodilation via nitric oxide. We used brachial
artery flow-mediated dilation for a variety of hawthorn doses to investigate a dose-response effect and
found no effect whatsoever. This was an early lesson about the quality of some studies in the field of
herbal medicine, which spurred me to become more expert in basic and clinical pharmacology.
My next studies, through today, have been focused on the use of curcumin for prevention and treatment
of colorectal cancer. While interest in curcumin has been strong due to its purported actions on a variety
of anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic pathways, many questions remain about its in vivo
pharmacodynamic actions and how to maximize its therapeutic potential. My focus has been on the
effects of curcumin on the gastrointestinal tract. I have conducted clinical trials on the comparative
pharmacokinetics of different curcumin preparations and their effects on intestinal metabolic function.
I’ve also published on the effect of curcumin on the gastrointestinal microbiome. For these studies I’ve
become a multidisciplinary team leader, as well as developed lab skills in the use of whole genome
microarrays, qPCR microbial identification, HPLC detection methods, microsomal study methods, and
fluoroscopy. Currently, I’m conducting dose escalation and pharmacokinetic investigations of curcumin
plus irinotecan in patients with advanced solid tumors. My goal is to establish the safety of curcumin
combined with chemotherapy so I can begin to investigate the benefit of curcumin as a chemotherapy
adjunct.
Interest in CAM therapies and cancer care have led me the health services arena, as well. However, in
this area I am involved in a variety of non-CAM-related studies. The two areas in which I am most heavily
involved are evidence-based systematic reviews and the use of survivorship care plans to improve cancer
care coordination among patients, oncology, and primary care providers. As a CAM expert, I initially
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began working with the UNC-RTI Evidence-based Practice Center on a comparative effectiveness review
of non-pharmacological approaches to treatment of major depressive disorder. That review has been
incorporated in the most recent ACP guidelines for treatment of depression, to be released in 2016. Since
then, I’ve taken on co-investigator and lead roles for two current systematic reviews on behalf of the
USPSTF to look at screening for developmental hip dysplasia and EKG screening for coronary heart disease
and atrial fibrillation. Here, it is not my CAM experience but my expertise in clinical epidemiology that has
led to this work. In the future, I expect to lead additional systematic reviews of both CAM and
conventional topics to be used by the Task Force and other organizations involved in guideline creation.
Because of my roles in both the primary care and oncology settings, I’ve become involved in cancer
survivorship care. I am part of a team to investigate the use of survivorship care plans (SCP) for cancer
patients and providers. The American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer will soon require that
all patients completing cancer care be provided a SCP. However, little is understood about the benefits
and harms of the SCP, as well as its optimal format, content, and delivery. Although the cart may be
leading the horse for SCPs, our team is working to answer these important questions. Our initial studies
included surveys of patients, primary care, and oncology providers about SCP format and content. We
have published and presented several works on our findings, including presentations at the last two
national ASCO meetings. We are currently conducting a clinical trial to look at the implementation and
delivery of the SCP, and we are planning our next trial to investigate the effect of the SCP on cancer
surveillance and other preventive medicine care.
A future area of interest, which combines several of my current areas of interest and expertise, is the use
of concurrent dietary supplements and conventional medications. Of particular concern, and interest to
me, are potential harms due to herb-drug interactions. I have already begun to look at supplement use
within the cancer population, and I am currently working on a collaboration with the PCORI patientpowered research networks (PPRNs) to expand that work to patients with other chronic diseases. Within
the next few years I expect to develop survey materials and working relationships with each of the 20
PPRNs to survey their networks about their use of CAM therapies, and specifically about concurrent drug
and dietary supplement use. Additionally, I am beginning to assemble a new multidisciplinary team to
investigate the wide variability we we’ve seen in plasma exposure of botanical agents. Whereas
variability for pharmaceutical drugs is typically no greater than ½ fold, we’ve seen up to 20-fold variability
for several botanicals. Our plan is to investigate pharmacogenomics, metabolomics, and microbiome to
better understand the source(s) for this variability.
Teaching Statement
As one of the few local experts in CAM therapies, I am often asked to lecture on campus and across the
state. As a result, students often ask to join my projects, and I have become a mentor to a variety of
undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate learners across the UNC campus. For example, until recently
I was the Associate Director for the UNC Preventive Medicine Residency, which was one of twelve
residencies to be funded through HRSA to devise, implement, and evaluate an Integrative Medicine
curriculum within Preventive Medicine training. I led our local program, which included a survey course
(PMED 250/HBHE 960), seminar series, fieldwork elective, and research practicum integrated into their
existing 2 year curriculum. All four curricular elements placed me in close contact with the residents as an
instructor and mentor. The outcomes of that program were disseminated nationally through the
American College of Preventive Medicine and have formed the basis of the current HRSA integrative
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primary care program and the National Center for Integrative Primary Healthcare. I have used this
curriculum to create an Area of Concentration in Integrative Medicine for Family Medicine Residents.
As a CAM expert and researcher, I am closely involved with the UNC T-32 research fellowship in
Complementary and Integrative Healthcare. I often give lectures to the fellows, and have been a research
mentor to several of its past and current post-doctoral candidates. One of my current fellows studies the
use of mindful self-compassion for improving mental health in young adult and adolescent cancer
survivors and the other fellow is investigating the use of exercise and tai chi ch’uan on cognition and
other health-related outcomes in cancer survivors. My role as mentor includes both study design and
conduct, as well as, career direction. I meet regularly with both mentees and am highly involved in their
fellowship work.
In addition to standing and invited lectures I provide at the School of Public Health, School of Pharmacy,
and School of Medicine, and Lineberger Cancer Center, I am a section leader for the Clinical Epidemiology
course for first and second year medical students. I have been teaching in the course since 2009 and have
been involved in several overhauls of the course’s format, which is currently modelled on the Team-Based
Learning (TBL) approach. As a proponent of tutorial and problem-based learning, I’ve been pleased to
participate in the development and teaching of this new format, which is new for many students and
faculty alike. I think one of the most joyful and important moments in education is that point when a
learner pulls together all the necessary knowledge to grasp a new concept. The TBL format not only
excels at directing students towards those moments, but also invites instructors to actively and
continually facilitate them, which is one of the most rewarding experiences in teaching for me.
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