Connecting Research, Education, and Patient Care

Our Division conducts basic (laboratory) and clinical research related to diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis/metabolic bone disease, nutrition, and cardiovascular disease.  Current research includes a study of the effects of dietary plant and dairy derived bioactive lipids on gut microbiota eubiosis, glucose homeostasis regulation, and aging; treatment of diabetes through a smartphone app or a web portal; and research on glucose measurements in pregnant women. 

Our faculty serve as mentors and educators to learners at all levels, from high school students to graduate and medical students and from residents and fellows to community physicians.

Through the UVM Medical Center, we provide consultative and ongoing care for patients in Vermont and upstate New York, bringing these patients current, evidence-based treatment for their endocrine disorders.


Education Recognition

The quality and effectiveness of our Division's program to provide diabetes education to patients has again been recognized by the American Diabetes Association.  This recognition, achieved continuously by the Division since 1998, confirms that its Adult Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Program meets the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.  The DSME program at LCOM / UVM MC is overseen by Linda Tilton, MS, RD, CDE.

Dr. Gilbert Interviewed on NBC5

Local television station NBC5 aired a story highlighting the difficulties experienced by patients who are left in limbo after medication recalls.  The piece (link) reported on a patient of Matthew Gilbert, DO, MPH, Associate Professor in the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes.  The patient has a rare, life-threatening condition and relies on a certain hormone--however, that critical hormone has been recalled and is now unavailable.  Said Dr. Gilbert, "Just because it impacts a small amount of people doesn't decrease the urgency" to make the medication available again. 

GilbertThe patient and Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vermont) are pleading with the federal government to expedite the return to market of this medication.  Rep. Welch is also leading the fight for more affordable medication (see the article on our "Events" page).  

Osteoporosis Update for Primary Care 2020

Jennifer Kelly, DO, Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes and Director of the Osteoporosis/ Metabolic Bone Disease Clinic, was course director for the "Osteoporosis Update for Primary Care 2020" conference held this past November (info here).  This all-virtual CME program was designed to improve the skills of the primary care team, who are often the first to encounter patients who have, or who are at risk of developing, osteoporosis.  The agenda included:

  • Elizabeth Ames, MD, Professor, Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, LCOM - An Orthopedist's Perspective on Osteoporosis and Fracture
  • Kaitlyn Barrett, DO, Assistant Professor, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, LCOM - Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Osteoporosis: A Review of the Guidelines
  • Teresa Fama, MD, MS, Regional Physician Leader and Director of the Fracture Liaison Service, CVMC - Screening for Osteoporosis: Who is at High Risk?
  • Jennifer Kelly, DO - DXAs, FRAX and How to Determine Fracture Risk
  • Augusta Wilson, RN, Ambulatory RN, Rheumatology and Endocrinology, UVMMC - Handling Side Effects and Concerns in Patients on Treatment

Nathan Honored for Length of Service to Division

NathanMuriel Helene Nathan, MD, PhD was recently honored for her exceptional career at the Larner College of Medicine and the UVM Medical Center. 

In remarks, Joel Schnure, MD, Director of the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, noted that, "For 30 years, Dr. Nathan has been the epitome of the word 'physician' and everything that it entails.  She has given exquisite care to her patients, both from an empathetic point of view and from a medical point of view.  Her knowledge speaks for itself, but the empathy she has for her patients and the time she spends to comfort them is a standard that we should all try to reach.  We often tease her for being on the phone for extended lengths of time, but the result is great patient care--her patients love her and the outcomes speak for themselves.  Her ability to be a role model is not limited to her patient care but also extends to her mentoring. She cares about students, residents and fellows, and she spends an inordinate amount of time counseling them and teaching them.  If we had to describe a role model for future physicians, Muriel Helene Nathan, MD, PhD would fit that description."

News from the Department of Medicine