A WORLD LEADER IN DIABETES CURE FOCUSED RESEARCH
Founded in 1971 by a group of parents of children with diabetes who were committed to finding a cure for this devastating disease, the Diabetes Research Institute leads the world in cure-focused research. As the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is aggressively working to develop a biological cure by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. Since its inception, the DRI has made significant contributions to the field of diabetes, pioneering many of the techniques used in diabetes centers around the world. Having already shown that diabetes can be reversed through islet transplantation, the DRI is building upon these promising outcomes by developing the DRI BioHub, a bio engineered “mini organ” that mimics the native pancreas, containing thousands of insulin-producing cells that sense blood sugar and release the precise amount of insulin needed, in real time. Our fellows have direct access to emerging technology and the opportunity to interact and work closely with many researchers and faculty dedicated to finding a cure for Diabetes.
ENDOCRINE TESTING CENTER
Second year fellows rotate through the Endocrine Testing Center (ETC) learning the indications, technical application and interpretation of a wide array of dynamic endocrine tests including GH-provocative testing for diagnosis of GH deficiency, CRH and DDAVP testing for differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome, saline loading and captopril suppression testing for confirmation of Conn's syndrome among others. Fellows are given a written curriculum and standardized protocols and provide interpretation and recommendation based on test results after discussing with expert faculty.
FELLOWS’ THYROID FNA CLINIC
The Fellows' thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) clinic is held at the Jackson Memorial Hospital Ambulatory Clinics every Friday afternoon. We are one of very few training programs in the nation that provides simulator-based training with a thyroid ultrasound-guided FNA model. Following completion of an initial course with the training model our fellows perform FNA on their continuity clinic patients under direct supervision from expert faculty.
FELLOWS LIPID ROTATION
Lipidology has been an integral part of our training program under the direction of Dr. Ronald Goldberg (Diplomate, American Board of Clinical Lipidology), a nationally recognized lipidologist, and several other faculty members with experience in managing lipid disorders. Fellows rotate through the weekly lipid clinic during their first year of training. They receive a broad “hands-on” experience with the more common disorders seen in the clinic such as familial hypercholesterolemia, moderate to severe hypertriglyceridemia and chylomicronemia syndrome, as well as less common disorders. They also develop experience in the use of lipid modifying treatments and their side effects including the newer agents such as the PCSK9 antagonists. They receive an up to date and in depth core curriculum course in lipidology. Fellows are encouraged to retain their connection to lipidology by joining the National Lipid Association.
FELLOWS REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINE ROTATION
Our reproductive endocrine rotation exposes fellows to reproductive medicine which includes infertility in men and women, polycystic ovarian syndrome, dysfunctional ovulation, abnormal menses, menopause, hypogonadism in men and women, and transgender management. The rotation is led by Dr. Neil Goodman and Dr. Hara Berger who are endocrinologists who focus on reproductive medicine and infertility. Dr. Goodman has been practicing for over 40 years and is a renowned expert in his field. He is an active member of AACE where he co-founded the Reproductive Endocrine Committee and has been the leading author on guidelines and position statements for AACE about menopause, PCOS, and testosterone therapy.
Fellows rotate through the weekly Reproductive Endocrine Medicine Clinic during their second year of fellowship. They receive training in infertility treatment for both men and women. For the women, ovulation induction will be closely monitored by Dr. Goodman and Dr. Berger. Gynecologic ultrasound, intrauterine insemination, and semen analyses are all performed in-office so fellows can learn about these procedures and tests. This rotation gives fellows the opportunity to learn more about reproductive endocrine topics which are important for endocrinologists.