Get to Know Pennington Biomedical's Dr. Timothy Gilbert
Lake Charles-native Dr. Timothy Gilbert recently relocated to Baton Rouge for an important mission. Identifying the growing need in the community, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center launched the Advanced Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, and Dr. Gilbert, an endocrinologist with more than 20 years of experience, was tapped to serve as its leader.
Located on the campus of Pennington Biomedical, the clinic is staffed with a highly experienced care team and is already scheduling patients. The clinic is not only structured to provide care for general patients and participants, but to contribute to the Center's body of research. Dr. Gilbert provides some insight into the origins of the clinic and its unique position to support those with diabetes.
What inspired the creation of the Advanced Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic?
Pennington Biomedical Research Center has a 35-year history of being at the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to multiple endocrine disorders. The Center has remained on the cutting edge and has been responsible for many of the landmark studies that have changed guidelines and the way providers practice globally. In recent years, Pennington Biomedical has added treatment to its mission for the public good and particularly for the Baton Rouge area community. The opening of the outpatient endocrinology and diabetes clinic allows us to move from research to prevention to detection and now the treatment of chronic endocrine diseases.
How does this clinic differ from a traditional endocrinology practice or primary care setting?
The Pennington Biomedical Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic differs in that we can closely combine clinical care with decades of diabetes and endocrine research performed by some of the world's leading scientists located here. The Center's vision is to lead the world in promoting metabolic health and facilitating cutting-edge treatment modalities for metabolic diseases through scientific discoveries that create solutions from cells to society.
What are the most common endocrine or diabetes related conditions you expect to treat at the clinic?
The most common endocrine conditions treated are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We treat all aspects of the disease state; however, we have an emphasis on advanced management such as continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery. Additionally, we manage all endocrine disorders to include thyroid disease and nodules, pituitary, adrenal and parathyroid disorders. The clinic also treats patients with low testosterone/hypogonadism, insulin resistance/polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as those needing medical management for obesity.
Can you explain how the clinic integrates the latest research or technology into patient care?
Pennington Biomedical is a globally recognized state-of-the-art institution with some of the world's top researchers/scientists. We are able to integrate the latest research findings into patient treatment. The patients also have an opportunity to participate in numerous studies underway here at Pennington Biomedical. This gives the patients an opportunity to potentially receive therapies that are not yet available to the general market and to contribute to scientific discovery.
Can you describe how the clinic collaborates with other specialists such as dietitians, cardiologists, and mental health professionals?
We believe that a close working relationship with a wide array of specialists is crucial in achieving the best patient outcomes. The clinic has a full-time registered dietitian/certified diabetes care and education specialist, nurse practitioner and registered nurse, all contributing to patient care. Additionally, we collaborate with a team of mental health professionals here in the clinic to manage eating disorders, as it relates to obesity, prediabetes and diabetes. The Baton Rouge area is fortunate to have such a talented mix of providers from primary care to specialty. We collaborate closely with the patients' primary providers, as well as consult specialists from the community as needed.
The Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic is on the campus of Pennington Biomedical, located at 6400 Perkins Road in Baton Rouge. For appointments, call (225) 763-0250 or fax (225) 763-0256.
Provided by Louisiana State University
