Tatia is a passionate student researcher, Tulane undergraduate, and aspiring physician who has spent the past several years working in Dr. Jorge Castorena’s lab, where the team focuses on the mechanisms underlying lymphatic system dysfunction. Tatia’s research project aims to understand sex-specific differences in the physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system. Her research has been recognized by LE&RN at recent scientific meetings. Tatia’s interactions with patients afflicted with lymphatic diseases, other fellow researchers, and the LE&RN community have fueled her commitment to the lymphatic field and inspired her to take a more active role in the community. Tatia’s clinical interests lie in surgical interventions to treat lymphatic disorders. As a result, she is exploring different clinical paths, such as plastic and reconstructive surgery, but is particularly drawn to the emerging field of lymphatic surgery–an underrecognized and highly specialized area that has major potential in transformative patient care. As she is preparing for a career in medicine, she is devoted to bridging the gap between patient care and research to improve the quality of life for those affected by lymphatic diseases.

Dr. Jorge Castorena is originally from León, México where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physics from the University of Guanajuato. Subsequently he obtained his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Missouri, where he also completed his postdoctoral training in lymphatic physiology working under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Davis. Jorge was recruited as an Assistant Professor by the Department of Pharmacology at Tulane University where he started his independent laboratory in 2020. The focus of his research has been to understand the mechanisms that regulate the function of the lymphatic system in health and disease, including primary and secondary lymphedema. He has paid particular attention to investigating the link between dysfunction of the lymphatic vasculature and obesity and metabolic syndrome, which are known risk factors for secondary lymphedema, including cancer-related lymphedema. Jorge hopes that his research will contribute to the understanding of the underlying mechanisms leading to lymphatic system dysfunction and the development of novel therapies for lymphedema patients.

New Orleans is a prime location for a LE&RN chapter due to its blend of risk factors and healthcare disparities. A medically underserved area that suffers from medical inequality, the New Orleans community frequently experiences delayed diagnosis due to systematic healthcare barriers. Bringing lymphatic education and a higher level of equal care in Louisiana and specifically New Orleans, would be a significant step forward in the lymphatic health battle.

We would like to create a chapter that ensures that all people suffering from lymphatic disorders, including (but not limited to) those with obesity-induced lymphedema and cancer-related lymphedema patients, have resources and a network of physicians to treat them. Many patients are dismissed or misdiagnosed, leading to extreme discomfort and pain. This LE&RN chapter would increase patient and provider awareness, create partnerships among hospitals, clinics, and researchers, and aid in early detection and treatment. It would also ensure that underserved communities receive treatment despite healthcare inequities in Louisiana. With New Orleans’s robust academic establishments, healthcare clinics, and deep-rooted community, this chapter would cultivate permanent change in the field of lymphatics.