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Focus on Kim Carmichael, MD, FACP

Kim Carmichael, MD, FACP is an associate professor of medicine, division of endocrinology, metabolism and lipid research. His areas of specialty include diabetes, endocrinology, adrenal hormones, calcium, thyroid and pituitary disorders.He is chair of the BJH ethics committee.

Dr. Carmichael sees patients at the Center for Advanced Medicine, Diabetes Center, 4921 Parkview Place, 13th floor, Suite B, St. Louis, MO, 63110.

FOR AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 314-747-7300

What happened in the course of schooling to make you choose endocrinology as your specialty?

I’ve always been interested in human metabolism. With endocrinology and diabetes, it’s a personal and intellectual challenge to better understand how the body works. It gives me a great opportunity to get to know people better and help with their day-to-day health. So academically, it’s very challenging and personally, very rewarding.

What brought you to Washington University?

I originally did my primary care residency here and then returned to St. Louis a number of years ago. Because I maintained my relationship with Washington University, I was thrilled to be recruited when the Diabetes Center expanded in 2007.

Which aspect of your practice is most interesting?

It all is. The diversity of my patients is interesting. In addition to the St. Louis area, people come to see me from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and southern Missouri. I enjoy the life-long relationships that I develop with them.

What new developments in your field are you most excited about?

There are potential new therapies in diabetes that are very exciting because we can offer people new types of strategies to control their blood sugars. Some of these are much more effective and safer, albeit more expensive. It’s a challenge to provide cost-effective care. The Diabetes Center affords a tremendous opportunity because we have fabulous educators and support staff that help patients with different aspects of their illness – the care is so much more than just drugs and pills.

We have two nurses who specialize in treating diabetic feet. It’s exciting to be able to provide that level of professional attention to prevent severe and sometimes disabling complications. The benefits of this program here at Washington University are extraordinary – that makes a big difference in patient care.

Can you explain some of the new therapies?

We have newer, upgraded insulin pumps with continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels. Pancreas transplantation is now a potential option for some patients.

There are a number of new types of oral medication to help balance blood sugars around meal time. Several new injectable medications are now able to work as either an alternative to insulin or at least help insulin work better. We have new therapies to not only improve the leveling or the variability of the blood sugars, but also to decrease how much insulin the patients require -- and help them lose weight in the process.

It’s terrific to be able to offer multiple options for treatment. Traditional therapies are still very good, but there are some patients who need a little more sophisticated help.

Where are you from?

Roanoke, Virginia. – Star City of the South.

Is there a particular award or achievement that is most gratifying?

Most gratifying is being a full-time faculty member at Washington University – that’s a pretty big achievement. While it doesn’t distinguish me from anybody else here, I don’t take it for granted. It’s an honor to work and serve here – I consider that a big deal.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Always think before you speak.

If you weren’t a doctor, what would you like to be doing?

I can’t imagine.

What lifestyle change would most benefit someone’s health?

That depends on the person. But for someone with diabetes, it is the combination of sensible diet and exercise. Stopping smoking is also vitally important.
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Copyright 2013 Washington University School of Medicine