2021 Wylie Scholar
- Oct 9, 2025
- 1 min read
Kevin W. Southerland, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery
Duke University
Wylie Research Focus: Transcriptional Dynamics and Heterogeneity of Macrophages in Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia
Date Awarded: 2021
“The Wylie Scholar Award is a tremendous honor. I am humbled to be part of such an amazing community of surgeon-scientists. My primary clinical and investigative interest is Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI). The goal of my lab is to understand the cellular mechanisms responsible for CLTI and to develop molecular therapeutics to improve limb salvage. The Wylie Scholar program is providing me with the resources to pursue this research program. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”
Dr. Kevin Southerland received the 2021 Wylie Scholar Award for his project “Transcriptional Dynamics and Heterogeneity of Macrophages in Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia”.
Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is the most severe manifestation of peripheral arterial disease. Patients with CLTI are at high risk for limb loss and death. A significant number of CLTI patients suffer limb loss despite successful restoration of arterial flow. Novel approaches to treat CLTI remain an unmet clinical need. The goal of Dr. Southerland’s lab is to understand the communication signals between the various cell types in the ischemic limb. He is particularly interested in how macrophages (a type of immune cell) interact with muscle stem cells. He believes that understanding these mechanisms will be the groundwork for the development of new therapies for CLTI patients.
This research perspective immediately reminds me of the game run 3: patients with CLTI are like runners navigating a space filled with dangerous "gaps," where a single misstep carries the risk of losing their legs. In-depth studies—such as those by Dr. Southerland—act as the "path-builders," creating a solid foundation that allows patients to keep moving forward safely.
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Dr. Southerland’s work on Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia is inspiring and highlights the importance of combining clinical care with scientific research. Understanding how immune cells interact with muscle stem cells could lead to innovative treatments that improve limb salvage and patient outcomes. After reading about exciting medical advances like this, I enjoy taking a short break with Crossy Road, a fun arcade game that's perfect for relaxing between tasks.