Continue reading »]]> An endocrinologist, Dorit Koren, MD, provides care for children and adolescents with hormone disorders, including obesity, sleep disorders, growth hormone deficiencies, and diabetes.

Dr. Koren studies the link between sleep and obesity-related co-morbidities, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. She focuses on applying her findings to patient care, with the goal of reducing the risk of these co-morbidities in adolescents.

Additionally, Dr. Koren is an active teacher who devotes her time to teaching medical students, residents and fellows about endocrine disorders. She also serves as a manuscript reviewer for scientific journals such as Sleep and The Journal of Pediatrics.

Clinical Interests

• Pediatric endocrinolgy
• Pediatric obesity
• Sleep disorders
• Diabetes
• Growth disorders

Medical School

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland

Internship, Residency, and Fellowship

St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia

Year Started Practice

2006

Board Certifications

• General Pediatrics
• Pediatric Endocrinology

Memberships

• American Diabetes Association
• Pediatric Endocrine Society
• Sleep Research Society
• The Endocrine Society

Selected Publications

View a partial list of Dr. Koren’s publications through the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed online database.

Contact Information

• E-mail: dkorean@peds.bsd.uchicago.edu
• Office phone: (773) 702-6138
• Office fax: (773) 834-0486
• Office postal address
  Dorit Koren, MD
  The University of Chicago Medicine
  5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 1027
  Chicago, IL 60637

Request an appointment

Request an appointment online or call UCM Connect at (888) 824-0200.

Continue reading »]]> Jazzmyne Dickens received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2010. Hoping to further herunderstanding of the genetics of diabetes, Jazzmyne is building upon her research background as Study Coordinator for the Kovler Monogenic Diabetes Registry. In addition to gaining knowledge about rare forms of diabetes, she has expanded her understanding of the mechanisms of beta-cell dysfunction underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus. Jazzmyne intends to begin medical school in the fall of 2014.

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Kelly McGinnis - Member of the InTransit Teen Advisory Panel

Kovler is proud to announce the creation of its InTransit teen advisory panel. On Wednesday, June 13, a group of 7 Kovler teens in grades 7 through 12 met at the Kovler Diabetes Center for an evening of brainstorming, chatting, and connecting with other Kovler teens, their families, friends, and Kovler professionals.

Peggy Hasenauer, MS, RN Executive Director of the Kovler Diabetes Center, worked with Beth Littlejohn, MD, Amy Hess-Fischl, MS, RD, LDN, BC-ADM, CDEand Julia Socke, RD, CDE to coordinate a casual meeting between families interested in sharing their ideas about living with diabetes as a teenager. It is the goal of the panel to identify needs and concerns of teens living with diabetes and their families. Kovler would like to work with teens to provide timely and thoughtful discussions to help families manage diabetes during the teen years.

“It is our hope that teens and their families can use this group to find fun ways to support one another and to influence diabetes care topics at Kovler.” said Peggy Hasenauer.  “Families ended their evening with an informative and impressive tour of the Kovler research labs at the Knapp Center for Biomedical Discovery. Teens and parents were excited to see where current and cutting-edge diabetes research takes place.”

The InTransit teen advisory panel will meet multiple times throughout the year to shape the groups role and activities.  Initial plans include leading a walk team for JDRF, assisting with Kovler for Kids signature Kohl Children’s Museum Event in November and serving as mentors for younger children living with diabetes.

If you would like information about becoming involved with the teen advisory panel, please contact Peggy Hasenauer at peggy.hasenauer@uchospitals.edu.

Continue reading »]]> Rochelle Naylor, MD, joined the Kovler Diabetes Center’s world-class faculty as a pediatric endocrinologist in July 2012.  Dr. Naylor completed her pediatric residency training, including a year as chief resident, at the University of Chicago Medical Center beginning in 2005.  Most recently Dr. Naylor was a pediatric endocrinology fellow at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She completed her fellowship in June 2012 and is proud to join the Kovler team of experts, serving as a diabetes clinician and researcher.

As an Instructor of Pediatrics, Dr. Naylor will continue building her clinical practice, seeing patients two days a week.  In addition, she will continue her research on monogenic diabetes, a rare form of diabetes caused by gene mutations.  Dr. Naylor specifically focuses on a type of monogenic diabetes called MODY (maturity-onset diabetes of the young).  She is actively involved in the Kovler Monogenic Diabetes Registry, which identifies and follows individuals and families affected by these rare forms of diabetes.

“Our research helps to identify individuals with monogenic diabetes and allows for a  precise genetic diagnosis.  This often allows for targeted care of their diabetes with better overall control, based on the gene involved.” said Naylor. “It’s a great example of personalized genetic medicine when someone who was originally thought to have type 1 diabetes can switch from insulin therapy to a pill because they are correctly identified as having a type of MODY that responds well to a specific type of oral medication.”

Dr. Naylor has published research articles and presented her work on monogenic diabetes at local, regional, and national conferences.  While Dr. Naylor finds this recognition and her research very intellectually rewarding, it is the connections that she makes with the families participating in the Registry, as well as the families she cares for in her clinical practice that are the driving force in her career.   “When a family says I am making a difference because of the connection I have with their child or they are grateful because I have helped them to better understand and manage their disease it means so much because patient care is such an important part of my job.”

To make an appointment for your child or teen to see Dr. Naylor, please call 773.702.2371.

Continue reading »]]> This October, the University of Chicago will offer world-class continuing medical education linking diabetes, hypertension, strokes and lipid management. The Midwest Medical Forum will take place at the McCormick Place Convention Center (West), 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois Oct. 26-28. The three day conference will bring together some of the best and brightest leaders in their respective fields sharing insights with nurses, diabetes educators and allied health professionals.

The Medical Forum kicks off on Friday, Oct. 26 with University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine Professor of Medicine, George L. Bakris, MD, who chairs the hypertension forum. Dr. Bakris is the director of the University of Chicago’s Hypertensive Unit. Dr. Barkis specializes in diabetes-related kidney disease and his research focuses on the function of arteries in relation to blood pressure lowering agents AND the staggering rates of kidney disease in the African-American population.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, Louis H. Philipson, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics and Director of the Kovler Diabetes Center, will chair the forum discussion on diabetes. Dr. Philipson is known world-wide for his research and hi expertise caring for those with type 1 diabetes, complicated type 2 diabetes, monogenic diabetes and hypoglycemia. Dr. Philipson serves as the president of the Chicago/Northern Illinois board of the American Diabetes Association and as principal investigator on many research projects. Dr. Philipson is also the Co-Director of the Islet Transplantation Program at the University of Chicago.

“It is well-known that living with diabetes can be a challenge. In addition to the monitoring of blood glucose, insulin levels and carbohydrate intake, people living with diabetes run the risk of complications relating to issues like stroke and hypertension.” said George Bakris, MD.  “Kovler strives to understand the many facets of life with diabetes, and the Midwest Medical Forum will showcase the brilliant work of my fellow University of Chicago colleagues.”

The Medical Forum will wrap up on Sunday, Oct. 28 with the Stroke Prevention Forum and the Lipid Forum. The Stroke Prevention Forum will be chaired by Philip B. Gorelick, MD. Dr. Gorelick serves as the director of the Center for Stroke Research and head of the department of Neurology and Rehabilitation at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. Dr. Gorelick is a world leader in stroke prevention and he has received numerous awards for his work. Dr. Gorelick’s research focuses on identifying risk factors for stroke and stroke prevention. Michael H. Davidson, MD will chair the Lipid Management Forum. Dr. Davidson serves as Clinical Professor of Medicine and Director of Preventive Cardiology. Dr. Davidson is an expert in heart disease prevention and he has published hundreds of articles and three books on Lipidology. Currently, Dr. Davidson serves as president of the National Lipid Association and he is an active researcher in pharmaceutical and nutritional clinical trials.

As diabetes continues its rapid growth affecting communities near and worldwide, it is critical to have educational opportunities like this Forum to share the latest in care and innovation.  For more information on the Medical Forum, please download the Save the Date HERE.

Continue reading »]]> Matt Brady, PhD received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from University of Chicago.  After receiving his PhD in 1994, Brady moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan working for Park Davis. In 2001 Dr. Brady returned to University of Chicago and joined the Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism as a faculty member, pursuing research in metabolic signaling.

Since his research began in 2001, Dr. Brady’s focus in the lab is metabolic signaling and understanding fat cells. Through the collaborative atmosphere at University of Chicago, Dr. Brady is now collaborating on two new cross-disciplinary projects.  The first research project centers around the effects of modulating sleep patterns on insulin sensitivity in human adipose (fat) tissue.  There have been an increasing number of studies that report a link between decreased sleep duration and/or quality and an increased risk for obesity and diabetes. In collaboration with Drs. Van Cauter, Ehrmann and Tasali in the Department of Medicine at the University of Chicago, they have initiated a series of studies to examine the effects of sleep disruption on insulin sensitivity in human cells.

The second project combines the research expertise of the oncology and endocrinology research teams, focusing on tumor progression in the mammary gland and investigating chronic isolation of breast cancer tumor growth in mice.  What is interesting is this indirectly looks at the link between diabetes and incidence of breast cancer.  By using this isolation model and superimpose high fat / carb diet to see if the two stressors impact growth.

“At Kovler, the open lab environment fosters cross-disciplinary research, helps researchers to think differently and use different techniques simply by the work happening in lab stations all around us.”  said Brady.  “I am very proud of the work we do and have enjoyed the unexpected direction my research has taken by teaming up with colleagues in other disciplines which will ultimately translate into simple concrete ways to improve Kovler’s patients health.”

Brady notes his metabolic research has evolved in the last 10 years and is excited where it will go in the future.  For a deeper look into the work of Dr. Brady and his colleagues at Kovler, visit  http://kovlerdiabetescenter.org/bios/matthew-brady-ph-d/

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Kovler Leadership - Jay Franke

Jay Franke, an accomplished professional dancer, now brings the gift of dance to the entire Chicago community in his current role as Co-Artistic Director of Chicago Dancing Festival.  A native of Oklahoma, Franke graduated from the Julliard School and has danced with highly regarded dance companies such as the Twyla Tharp Dance Company (NYC), The 58 Group, Lyric Opera Ballet Chicago (Chicago), and most recently Hubbard Street Dance Company (Chicago) touring the globe bringing his gift of dance.

Franke was diagnosed at age 30 with type 1 diabetes while on tour, soon after his diagnosis Franke sought out the care of Dr. Lou Philipson and the Kovler team.

“It was an unexpected diagnosis and was challenging with performances producing adrenaline creating high blood sugars,” said Franke.  “With the help of Dr. Philipson and Amy Hess-Fischl, RD, CDE, I was able to continue to dance. Their ongoing care and support has been very comforting, especially in managing this new disease when I was first diagnosed.”

Six years ago, Franke and internationally renowned choreographer and Chicago native Lar Lubovitch created the Chicago Dance Festival to promote the finest of dance to Chicago. Franke continued to juggle professional dancing in Lubovitch’s dance company while serving as Co-Artistic Director and four years ago made the decision retire as a dancer and focus his attention full time to the festival.

In addition to Franke’s amazing professional accomplishments, Franke is one of the founding members of Kovler Diabetes Center’s Leadership Board.  His philanthropic generosity has resulted in Kovler expanding community presence impacting the Chicago community, care for patients living with diabetes and research efforts.

“What I love about this board is that we are an engaged group that comes together with the help of Peggy (Hasenauer, Executive Director), each of us brings something special and unique to the table,” said Franke.  “I am very committed to Kovler’s great story reaching the broader Chicago community. We have made great strides, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that people are aware of Kovler’s resources and the care and research.”

For more information on the Chicago Dance Festival visit www.chicagodancingfestival.com, this year’s festival will take place on August 20-25, presenting a wide variety of free dance, showcasing Chicago’s finest.

Continue reading »]]> March 27th is Diabetes Alert Day 2012

The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center will have tables set up throughout The University of Chicago Medical Center with information about diabetes risk factors, prevention and news on developments in diabetes care.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE DIABETES RISK TEST

What is American Diabetes Association Alert Day?

American Diabetes Association Alert Day, which is held every fourth Tuesday in March, is a one-day, “wake-up call” asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The test has been updated with a new algorithm adjusted to align with a more contemporary and accurate scoring system that enables the general public to better assess their risk for type 2 diabetes.

Why is Alert Day important?

Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States, and a quarter of them—7 million—do not even know they have it. An additional 79 million, or one in three American adults, have prediabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, diagnosis often comes 7 to 10 years after the onset of the disease, after disabling and even deadly complications have had time to develop. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.
The Association has made a strong commitment to primary prevention of type 2 diabetes by increasing awareness of prediabetes and actively engaging individuals in preventative behaviors like weight loss, physical activity and healthful eating. Alert Day is a singular moment in time in which we can raise awareness and prompt action among the general public – particularly those at risk.

Who should participate in Alert Day?

Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for the disease. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and people who have a family history of the disease also are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed by losing just 7% of body weight (such as 15 pounds if you weigh 200) through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating. By understanding your risk, you can take the necessary steps to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

What will happen on American Diabetes Alert Day 2012?

For 24 years, the American Diabetes Association has set aside one special day for people to learn if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a growing epidemic in the United States, but it can be controlled with knowledge and healthy behavior. In 2011, the Association encouraged Americans to “Join the Million Challenge” and more than 600,000 people took the Diabetes Risk Test. On March, 27, 2012, the Association will aim to top that number, inspiring people to take the all-new Diabetes Risk Test, as well as to share the test with everyone they care about – friends, family members and colleagues. With each person that takes the test and knows their risk, the Association is that much closer to stopping diabetes.

The new Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Preventative tips are provided for everyone who takes the test, including encouraging those at high risk to talk with their health care provider.

How does one obtain the Association’s Diabetes Risk Test and additional information?

You can be part of the movement to Stop Diabetes® and get your free Diabetes Risk Test (English or Spanish) by visiting the ADA on Facebook, stopdiabetes.com or by calling 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Although Alert Day is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available year-round.

Continue reading »]]> Physicians at the University of Chicago Medical Center once again are being honored among the best of the best in a ranking by Chicago magazine. The January 2012 issue honors 87 physicians at the University of Chicago Medical Center and at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago. In addition to their clinical expertise and commitment to compassionate care, these physicians were selected because here at the Medical Center, they are uniquely positioned to help solve the most vital challenges in medicine and science.

Dr. Philipson was chosen by U.S. News & World Report magazine as one of America’s Top Doctors in the fields of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism. He was also joined by his peers Dr. Roy Weiss and Dr. David Ehrmann.

Read the full article