2016 Presidential Address: Diabetes at 212°—Confronting the Invisible Disease

Abstract

This address was delivered by Desmond Schatz, MD, President, Medicine & Science, of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), at the Association’s 76th Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, LA, on 12 June 2016. Dr. Schatz is Professor and Associate Chairman of Pediatrics, Medical Director of the University of Florida Diabetes Institute, and Director of the Clinical Research Center at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. A physician-scientist, he has been involved in type 1 diabetes research since the mid-1980s and has published over 300 articles and book chapters. Dr. Schatz’s research focuses on the prediction, natural history, genetics, immunopathogenesis, and prevention of type 1 diabetes, as well as the treatment of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. He is the principal investigator on several National Institutes of Health, JDRF, and other competitively funded grants. Dr. Schatz earned his medical degree from the University of the Witwatersrand School of Medicine in Johannesburg, South Africa, and completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Florida. He has been an ADA volunteer for over 30 years and has served on the Professional Practice Committee (twice), Scientific Sessions Meeting Planning Committee, Publications Policy Committee (Chair), Government Relations Committee, Youth Strategies Committee, and Board of Directors. A board-certified pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Schatz is the 2016 recipient of the Banting Medal for Leadership and Service from the ADA for his outstanding commitment and contributions to the Association.