Ayotunde Dokun, MD, PhD, MSSM '03

Biography

Ayotunde Dokun, MD, PhD, MSSM ’03, is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology and Chief of Endocrine Services at the University of Tennessee Health Center.

While Dr. Dokun was an undergraduate at Bronx Community College, he had the opportunity to visit Mount Sinai as part of a research program. The visit left him with a great impression and when the opportunity came to apply for MD/PhD programs Mount Sinai was his top choice.

Research Focus

Dr. Dokun’s focus is endocrinology.  One of the key diseases his field treats is diabetes. Unfortunately, the number of individuals with diabetes has reached an epidemic proportion. Although we have more and more medications to treat the disease, these tools are not readily available to many that have the disease especially in the developing countries. It is also a preventable disease and we are well aware of how to prevent but the number of individuals with the disease continues to grow worldwide. Most individuals with diabetes dies from vascular complications of diabetes. His research focus is on understanding the molecular mechanisms of how diabetes contributes to vascular complications using peripheral arterial disease as model.

Advice for a Current Student

"Make sure you hold on to the passion you have now for caring for the sick. As students move up in his or her career, many factors will begin to affect your decision-making. Never forget why you went into medicine to begin with."

Importance of Student Scholarships

"The current students are the next generation of physicians. When we retire the current students will be ones caring for us. Supporting a diverse cadre of students will ensure we are well cared for."