Chief of Endocrinology and Metabolism, San Francisco VA Health Care System
What prior experience do you bring to the leadership position(s) that you selected that you believe will help to accomplish or address its current goals and issues?
I am a physician-investigator—a clinical endocrinologist with a clinical research program that includes both patient-oriented research and research using large databases. I am Chief of the Division of Endocrinology at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, which includes a strong multi-PI calcium and bone metabolism research group. Within UCSF’s Core Center for Musculoskeletal Biology and Medicine, I direct the Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Study Design Core. I previously served on the ASBMR Professional Practice Committee and was Adult Bone and Mineral Working Group Co-Chair, and currently I am Co-Chair of the Education Advisory Committee. These plus involvements on the Nominating Committee and Smithbucklin AXP Workgroup have given me crucial insights into the ASBMR’s function.
My strengths include my ability to build bridges between basic and clinical researchers, between clinicians and nonclinicians, and between early-stage and established investigators. I am well positioned to make connections and to lead inclusively.
What would you like to accomplish during your three-year tenure as a volunteer leader on the Council/Committee(s) selected?
I am excited to contribute to a forward-looking Society that maintains its traditions while also innovating and growing. Within the ASBMR’s current strategic priorities, my experience as Co-Chair of the Education Advisory Committee (EAC) and as a physician makes me particularly motivated to strengthen the ASBMR as the trusted global resource for bone, mineral, and musculoskeletal science. Since the EAC’s creation in 2020, I have overseen the EAC’s review and re-envisioning of the online Education Resource Center, intended to help members tap into the outstanding content produced over the years. I wish to continue efforts to make the ASBMR the “go-to” resource for members, and to expand our leadership as others recognize the value that we hold. Meanwhile, I wish to help ensure that the planned clinical task forces and reports, such as those addressing denosumab discontinuation and atypical femur fractures, cement the ASBMR as the global authority for clinicians.
What are one or two ideas that you would like to bring to the Council/Committee(s) selected to help address issues facing our membership and the Society?
I am particularly excited to engage and grow the ASBMR membership. Ideas for doing so include:
“Microvolunteering” opportunities, from reviewing abstracts to testing educational modules created by the Educational Advisory Committee, not only aid the ASBMR but also provide experience for members (especially early-stage) who will seek committee positions in the future, and who need professional society experience for advancement at their academic institutions.
Re-envisioning of the Membership Directory could include advanced search features that allow members to find others who share certain affinities (e.g., clinicians, or those who use a particular methodology). With innovations in technology on the website or even through a separate smartphone app, the re-envisioned Membership Directory could even facilitate the direct connection of members.
Biographical Information:
I am Professor of Medicine and of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Chief of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (SFVAHCS). I am a physician-investigator—a clinical endocrinologist with a clinical research program that includes both patient-oriented research and research using large databases. My research focuses on osteoporosis and on the effects of obesity, weight loss, and diabetes on skeletal health.
I had the great privilege to train at UCSF under leaders in bone and mineral research, including but not limited to primary mentors Dr. Dolores Shoback of the Department of Medicine and Dr. Dennis Black of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. As I established my independent research career, I maintained an interdisciplinary focus and presence. For example, I co-direct the Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, and Study Design Core within UCSF’s NIAMS P30-funded Core Center for Musculoskeletal Biology and Medicine, and in doing so work across departments and schools to enhance musculoskeletal research infrastructure.
My strengths include my ability to build bridges between basic and clinical researchers, between clinicians and nonclinicians, and between early-stage and established investigators. I am well positioned to make connections and to lead inclusively.
I have an enduring commitment to the ASBMR. I previously served as a member of the Professional Practice Committee and was Co-Chair of the Adult Bone and Mineral Working Group. Currently, I am finishing a term as Co-Chair of the Education Advisory Committee. These experiences plus involvements on the Nominating Committee and Smithbucklin AXP Workgroup have given me crucial insights into the practical and strategic functions of the ASBMR. I have attended every annual meeting since 2007, because I consider the society my research home and the place I build and sustain collaborations and friendships.
I am excited to contribute to a forward-looking Society that maintains its traditions while also innovating and growing. Within the ASBMR’s current strategic priorities, my experience as Co-Chair of the Education Advisory Committee and as a physician makes me particularly motivated to strengthen the ASBMR as the trusted global resource for bone, mineral, and musculoskeletal science. I have overseen the review and re-envisioning of the ASBMR’s online Education Resource Center, intended to help members tap into the outstanding content produced over the years. I wish to continue efforts to make the ASBMR the “go-to” resource for members, and to expand our leadership as others recognize the value we hold. I wish to help ensure that the Society’s clinical task forces and reports cement the ASBMR as the global authority for clinicians. I am grateful to be considered for the position of ASBMR Councilor.