Dr. Patricia Molina selected as guest speaker for Virendra B. Mahesh Lectureship

Dr. Patricia Molina, head of the Department of Physiology at Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, has been selected as the special guest speaker for the Virendra B. Mahesh Lectureship at the Medical College of Georgia at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 15 via WebEx.

The lectureship was established in 2001 in the Department of Physiology as a lasting tribute to its namesake. The lectureship brings to the Augusta campus outstanding and distinguished leaders in science, enabling them to exchange ideas with MCG researchers while inspiring trainees and young investigators.

Molina completed her medical training at the Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala, Central America. Since becoming a faculty member at LSU, Molina has obtained tenure and promotion to the rank of professor, and has been named the Richard Ashman, PhD Professor in Physiology. In September 2008, she was appointed department head for physiology. Her research has been funded continuously since completing her doctoral degree.

Research in her laboratory focuses on the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on the cardiovascular, metabolic and immune consequences of acute traumatic injury and hemorrhagic shock. In addition, work in her laboratory also investigates the interaction of chronic alcohol and cannabinoid use on the behavioral, metabolic and immune consequences of HIV/AIDS. Currently, work in her laboratory is funded by NIAAA, NIDA and CDMRP.

Learn about previous presenters at the lectureship.