David Clemmons is a Sarah Graham Kenan Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
What is your clinical expertise?
Pituitary Diseases
Tell us about your current role in the Department of Medicine.
I conduct investigator initiated clinical and basic science research. I am primarily interested in signaling mechanisms and how these are altered in pathophysiologic states. My research is relevant to complications of diabetes including retinopathy, nephropathy and atherosclerosis.
What current project or initiative at UNC are you involved in that you are excited about?
One of our discoveries has progressed to the point that a drug (a monoclonal antibody) has been developed that blocks a target that is abnormally activated in diabetic nephropathy. This drug is currently being tested in a phase 2 clinical trial.
Where is an interesting place you have traveled?
The most interesting place that I have visited is India. There is nothing quite like traveling down a road with cows, chickens, monkeys and children sharing the traffic lanes.