Dr. Philip Orlander’s research interests include the epidemiology of Type 2 diabetes and its cardiovascular complications.

Dr. Perry Bickel’s research interests include molecular cell biology of fat storage and utilization.

Dr. Shahla Nader’s research interests include ovarian function and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Dr. Mary Ruppe works with a cohort of pediatric patients at the Shriners Hospital for Children.  Her research involves the study of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF 23) in patients with X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets (XLH).  The laboratory focuses on evaluating the serum and tissue levels of FGF23 as determinants of height attainment and complication rates in patients with XLH.  Her work is being funded through grant support from the University of Texas Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences.

Fellows are actively involved in research. A clinical research center is available on site. Opportunities exist in basic science investigation, clinical research, and epidemiology. The Center for Clinical Research and Evidence Based Medicine provides a clinical research curriculum, which is funded by the NIH and administered jointly by The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The program is designed to promote clinical research expertise among clinical research investigators at the fellow and junior faculty level. Additional courses are available at the UT School of Public Health.