Dr. Louis Philipson is an endocrinologist-diabetologist and a leading world authority on diabetes mellitus. In 2015-16, he was named as one of America’s Top Doctors by US News & World Report magazine. His research focuses on the biophysical, molecular and genetic aspects of insulin secretion, and the genetics of diabetes.
He is the founding Director of the Kovler Diabetes center, celebrating its 10 years in 2016. Louis was a co-discoverer of insulin gene mutations causing neonatal diabetes, a novel class of mutations causing diabetes through beta-cell ER stress. These mutations are now known to be the second-most common cause of permanent neonatal diabetes, as well as rare causes of later-onset diabetes. Dr. Philipson, together with his colleagues (Dr. Graeme Bell, Dr. Siri Atma Greeley and Dr. Rochelle Naylor) established the first United States registry for monogenic diabetes, including neonatal diabetes and Mature Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY).
Dr. Philipson has served as principal investigator on numerous research projects with funding from the NIH, American Diabetes Association, the JDRF, and pharma and has published widely in biomedical journals. The Kovler diabetes team includes adult and paediatric endocrinologists, educators, nutritionists, nurses, psychologists and podiatrist. Other medical specialists are readily available. Insulin pumps, glucometers and glucose sensors of all types are part of the programme. The team is particularly geared toward referrals and consultations for difficult management problems, in all forms of diabetes. Ongoing research projects include studies in the genetics of diabetes with a focus on diagnosis, causes and treatment of monogenic (single gene) diabetes, early detection and prevention of type 1 diabetes, and cellular studies in the mechanisms of insulin secretion.
He also serves as president of the Chicago/Northern Illinois board of the American Diabetes Association and has been a member of its national board. Dr. Philipson has been an invited speaker and presenter at scientific research conferences and symposia worldwide.
1) What is your current position?
I am Professor of Medicine and Paediatrics, in the section of Adult and Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, in the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
2) What are your proudest achievements?
In Science, I am most proud of being part of a series of interesting discoveries about insulin secretion and how insulin gene mutations can cause diabetes. In my professional career, I am proud to be the founding Director of the Kovler Diabetes Center, which has become one of the most well-known and respected diabetes centers in the United States. Of course I am terribly proud of my family - my wife Lynn and three children – who are remarkable individuals in their own right.
3) What inspires you?
I am greatly inspired by the struggles of my patients with diabetes on the one hand, and the dedication and achievements of my colleagues and teachers on the other. Most people do not understand the toll that the daily struggles with diabetes exacts from those who are afflicted with it.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
Physician scientists struggle with many things, but probably the foremost in my mind is generating enough funding to do the science we want to do, and then sustaining that funding to see the project through. There are many more good ideas then there are funds to make them happen.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
I am fortunate to have had a wonderful set of teachers and colleagues. Even in high school and college I was fortunate to have research mentors who spent time with me and encouraged me to a life devoted to discovery and patient care. Among them, the standouts have been Dr. Nancy Schwartz, my PhD advisor, Dr. Donald Steiner my fellowship advisor, and my teachers and colleagues in Diabetes research – Dr. Kenneth Polonsky, Dr. Arthur Rubenstein and Dr. Graeme Bell.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Perhaps the best aspect is that I have many roles. I continue to do research, see patients, help build and direct our center, and hep mentor students and junior colleagues who are destined to make ever bigger impacts on diabetes research.
7) And the worst?
There are certain administrative obligations … and we don't have to discuss electronic medical records.
8) What are your long term goals?
Long term I would like to see new cures and treatments for diabetes that are safe, effective and affordable, and readily implemented all over the world. Even more importantly would be to help develop new approaches to the prevention of all types of diabetes. Since that won’t happen soon enough, I also look forward to seeing my junior colleagues continue to expand and grow our diabetes center as they take leadership positions here and elsewhere.
9) If you were PM, what one aspect would you change?
Given I am in the United States, if we were able to advise the President, I would certainly encourage a one-party health system not unlike that in the UK. While every system is flawed, there are far too many people with chronic illnesses like diabetes that do not receive adequate care due to our fragmented and costly health care system.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Einstein would be a fascinating companion, and if he got tired of talking with me we could play violin / viola duets.
