Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid consultants, under the direction of Clay F. Semenkovich, M.D., provide patients with state-of-the-art clinical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, based on the most current research findings.FOR AN APPOINTMENT CALL: (314) 362-3500
Our group provides a resource to referring physicians and patients for diagnosis and treatment of disorders ranging from the ordinary to the most challenging. We provide consultations, co-management or, in some cases, ongoing care for adult patients with endocrine-metabolic diseases. Endocrine diseases include those of the: thyroid, pituitary, parathyroid, adrenal, gonadal (sex gland) and pancreatic islet disorders, Metabolic diseases include: diabetes and osteoporosis (brittle bones). Lipid metabolic disorders include patients with
high triglycerides, high cholesterol, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL).
Many of the patients we see have already been diagnosed as having lipid disorders, diabetes (adult onset type II diabetes) and/or vascular problems; our primary goal for those patients is to prevent subsequent vascular problems. For patients in earlier stages of their disease, we provide treatment to prevent development of vascular problems.
In addition to diagnostic testing, our endocrinologists perform fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules to identify the small proportion of nodules that are cancerous.
The vast majority of our patients are referred by other physicians. However, a self referral may be accepted by an individual endocrinologist and is subject to that physician's review.
The diagnostic procedures by Washington University Physicians are extensive, with each patient receiving an in-depth assessment of the medical problem. Our laboratory has very high quality control standards and performs the specialized tests not routinely done at other locations. In fact, our Core Laboratory for Clinical Studies performs measurements for the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as part of a network that provides quality control for other labs throughout the United States.
This group is an important resource for the diagnosis and treatment of unusual and/or very difficult cases.
Our group at Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital is consistently ranked among the top four clinical programs in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism in the United States. All of our physicians are certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the subspecialty of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism.
Research
Our group currently has several major research projects underway. In the area of diabetes we are investigating the gene abnormalities that cause diabetes, low blood sugar as well as high blood sugar and tests of new medicines for the treatment of diabetes. Another area of investigation concerns possible treatments for high blood cholesterol. We are in the process of testing new ways to lower cholesterol. We are also studying obesity, particularly looking at hormonal influences on appetite and the molecular biology of fat cells.
Patients who are interested in participating in one of our clinical trials currently underway should visit Volunteer For Health or call (314) 362-1000.