Virginia

M

Weaver

,

MD

Dr. Weaver’s research interests involve the use of molecular epidemiology tools in the evaluation of chemically exposed populations. The validation of exposure and early biological effect markers for research and medical surveillance is a primary focus. Her main area of research is the impact of occupational and environmental toxicants on the kidney. Current work examines the impact of metals on kidney function, including clinical measures and early biological effect markers, such as urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase. Study populations include lead workers in South Korea and environmentally exposed adolescents in Mexico. Approaches to adjust urinary biomarkers for differences in urine concentration is an additional focus. She has recently published on the current outbreak of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology, reported in several locations globally. She has also studied biomarkers for benzene exposure in urban populations, including children.

Dr. Weaver’s clinical activities also involve biomarker applications, thus complimenting her research. These activities have included management of a medical surveillance program for cadmium exposed workers in which blood and urine cadmium and beta-2 microglobulin were monitored. In addition, she was a co-investigator in a medical surveillance program for former workers at Los Alamos National Laboratory which utilized the lymphocyte proliferation test to assess for presence of sensitization to beryllium.

Dr. Weaver focuses on fire fighter cancer and workers’ compensation issues in her public health practice activities. She has been a member of International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Medical Advisory Board since 1995. She directed the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency at Johns Hopkins from 2006 until 2014. International occupational health, including a recent project in India, is an additional public health practice interest.