Dr. Oleg Palygin named 2019 Michael H. Keelan Jr., MD Scholar

Oleg Palygin, PhD, assistant professor of Physiology and a member of the Cardiovascular Center, is the recipient of the 2019 Michael H. Keelan Jr., MD Scholar Award for his project, “Essential Role of Kir4.1/Kir5.1 Channels in Renal Salt Handling.” This study will explore new powerful renal regulators of electrolyte balance and blood pressure and progress the development of compounds targeting specific electrolyte channels in the kidney for the treatment of hypertension, a condition affecting one of every three adults in Wisconsin.

This $50,000 competitive award is made possible by the Michael Keelan, Jr. Research Foundation Grant, an endowment managed by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and designated for cardiovascular research at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cardiovascular Center.

The fund, established by the Tendick Family, honors the life and career of Michael H. Keelan, Jr., MD, ’60, whose career as a cardiologist spanned several decades. Dr. Keelan is currently an active member on the Cardiovascular Center Board.