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Luttrell takes new career path at MUSC by Cindy Abole Public Relations What do you do if you’re regarded as a distinguished scientist, tops in your field and working at one of the country’s top medical research institutions?  Like many hard-driving individuals dedicated to research, you reach out further and strive for more. That’s what incoming director of endocrinology Louis M. Luttrell, M.D., Ph.D., did.  The University of Virginia graduate joins MUSC following 14 distinguished years at Duke University Medical Center—first as a house officer, endocrinology fellow, and research associate and later as Duke’s chief of the endocrine section at the Durham VA Medical Center.  “Lou had reached a crossroads in his career where he could continue his current course in scientific research or choose a path that would morph into something more by accepting a leadership position working closely with faculty, staff and students,” said John Feussner, M.D., chairman, Department of Medicine. “He is a brilliant scientist who really is a cut above others in his field.” Like many academicians and scientists who came before him, Luttrell was attracted to MUSC’s exciting collaborative environment and its research and clinical possibilities. “There’s been great interaction and communication between the basic science and clinical departments throughout campus,” said Luttrell. “It’s an environment that offers potential for translational medicine and research, plus other opportunities in different levels.” Tripartite mission Luttrell’s vision for the endocrine division mirrors the department’s tripartite mission: clinical care, research and education. Already a nationally recognized program, the division strives to improve patient care within both hospital and clinical settings. Luttrell wants to continue active research in diabetes, obesity, endocrine and metabolic disorders, while strengthening education through broad-based training opportunities. “It’s important that the division take a more active role with diabetes patient care and other efforts that can help meet the needs of our state’s current patient population,” Luttrell said. Diabetes is believed to be the fifth leading cause of death by disease in the United States. In South Carolina, it is estimated that more than 350,000 people have been diagnosed with diabetes. The state also has one of the highest incidences of type 2 diabetes in the country. Of patients admitted to MUSC’s hospitals, about 15 percent have diabetes, which can affect their care and recoveries because of complications associated with the disease. “Inpatient control of a patient’s blood sugar is beneficial to good patient outcomes,” Luttrell said. “For recovering patients, the least amount of complications can translate to shorter hospital stays, and reduced chances for morbidity, and additional cost burdens to individuals and their families.” Inpatient care service To handle this, the Division of Endocrinology plans to introduce an inpatient diabetes management care service by this summer. The service will offer comprehensive medical support and patient monitoring with the aim of achieving tighter glycemic control, using medication and complete patient education for improved outcomes. Staffed by attending physicians and coordinated by endocrinology fellows, the service holds great promise in offering complete diabetes care for patients. And with the support of university and medical leaders, MUSC will join the ranks of Duke, the University of Wisconsin, and other national institutions providing this service. In the area of research, Luttrell wants to continue building upon endo-crinology’s foundation laid down by former division directors John Colwell, M.D., Tim Garvey, M.D., VA research scientist Ron Mayfield, M.D., and other colleagues. But with changes to hospital budgets, federal research funding, staff shortages and a ballooning diabetes population, Luttrell wants to stay committed to specific goals and overall missions. MUSC’s hearty scientific and clinical  environment easily cultivates collaboration, Luttrell said. Departments like Pharmacology, Cardiology, the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC), Hollings Cancer Center and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center allow scientists and investigators to challenge each other in important new discoveries. Programs like the S.C. Diabetes Initiative, Project Sugar and Project Export represent a broad spectrum of current research and projects that address diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other related disorders.  A basic scientist  In his own research specialty, Luttrell is a basic scientist whose interest is the study of cell receptors and the understanding of how these signals work. More specifically, he focuses on G-protein-coupled receptors and their role in controlling cell growth and differentiation. Previously, Luttrell collaborated with MUSC faculty including nephrologist John Raymond, M.D.,  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Chairman Yusuf Hannun, M.D., and Lina Obeid, M.D.  “Lou’s ideal situation is to foster translational research and match it with an outstanding basic science program,” said Raymond, who is vice president for academic affairs and provost. “He is highly energetic and an innovative thinker who is capable of making these transitions happen. He’s a dedicated scientist and an idea machine who is clearly one of the rising stars in medicine today.” Luttrell also wants the division’s role in medical student and physician education to be more visible.  “We have a great responsibility for preparing our cadre of learners,” Luttrell said of the medical students, residents, fellows and statewide practicing physicians. “Physicians and surgeons on all levels need to be trained in the basics of recognizing and managing a patient with diabetes.” Additionally, Luttrell wants to enhance the endocrinology fellowship program through balanced training experiences within inpatient and outpatient settings. Another priority is establishing advanced research training and funding opportunities for budding academic researchers in this field.  “Lou is a rare individual who is good at everything he’s strived to accomplish,” Raymond said. “It is fortunate that our MUSC community has the opportunity to work with a role model of this caliber within our own faculty. The university and the people of South Carolina can benefit from having his organized and dedicated approach to diabetes care.”   Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. 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