Pediatric Endocrinology Clinical Research
Turner Syndrome
Michelle Rivera, MD, leads the division’s thriving clinical research into Turner syndrome. Dr. Rivera’s passion for treating this population led her to forge a connection with Siddharth Prakash, MD, PhD, professor of medical genetics and cardiology in the Department of Internal Medicine. Together, Dr. Prakash and Dr. Rivera created a protocol to collect clinical data and DNA samples from their affected patients, forming them into a robust research registry. This work with the Turner syndrome community eventually led to the establishment of the UTHealth Houston Turner Syndrome Adult Comprehensive Care Center.
Combining efforts
As their interest in Turner Syndrome deepened, these physician-scientists connected with the Turner Syndrome Society of the US (TSSUS), the largest organization — worldwide — supporting the Turner syndrome community. TSSUS invited both Dr. Rivera and Dr. Prakash to serve on their scientific advisory board. The TSSUS created their own participant-driven research registry, with the assistance of its scientific advisory board, and later entrusted Dr. Rivera and Dr. Prakash to perform the roles of co-investigators on this endeavor. The scientific advisory board of the TSSUS, promotes data collection, assists in vetting research projects, and promotes important exploration of topics of interest to the TS community. Some examples of areas explored include the prevalence of anxiety and dermatologic issues among Turner syndrome patients. There are several research projects underway whose aim is to enhance the care of this population.
Patient focus broadens learner opportunities
Dr. Rivera’s research is guided by the population’s needs. Through her extensive involvement with TSSUS and willingness to collaborate, Dr. Rivera has been able to work with experts across the schools of UTHealth Houston, the institutions of the Texas Medical Center, and beyond. She cultivates a learner-centered program where rotating residents and fellows alike have access to a variety of experiences and data related to Turner syndrome.
Each spring Dr. Rivera helps to host the TSSUS Chasing Butterflies Walk and Community Day at Hermann Park in the Texas Medical Center to raise awareness about Turner Syndrome and give families a chance to connect with each other and their providers.
Type 1 Diabetes
Avni Shah, MD, leads clinical research on type 1 diabetes. Her specific focus is on patients transitioning from pediatric to adult endocrinology. This group of patients is at risk for being lost to follow-up as well as other adverse health outcomes. Dr. Shah has a passion for working with this group of individuals to help make the transition process as smooth as possible and to help with their long-term health outcomes.
Dr. Shah’s husband, Neel L. Shah, MD, is an adult endocrinologist at UT Physicians, and, together, they have been working on this project, bringing both of their perspectives to the table. The couple developed a type 1 diabetes transition clinic at UT Physicians Multispecialty in Sienna, and they work with a team of diabetes educators, social workers, and case managers to help deliver the best care to these patients.