Ashley Shoemaker, M.D.
Clinical Instructor in Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology & Diabetes
VKC Member
Overview of Interests
Dr. Shoemaker's research focuses on the pathophysiology and treatment of genetic obesity syndromes with a particular focus on the disorder pseudohypopararthyroidism (PHP). This syndrome is also characterized by developmental delay and cognitive impairment, but little is known about this aspect of the disorder. In order to better understand eating behavior in PHP, and to improve care of these patients, Dr. Shoemaker is investigating cognition and executive function in children with PHP. She has also obtained a mouse model and will conduct studies through the Neurobehavioral Core to determine if it is an appropriate experimental model for the behavioral phenotype of PHP. Dr. Shoemaker's goal is to better define the type and degree of cognitive impairment in PHP and to investigate cognitive development in patients with PHP from birth to adulthood. This knowledge will help guide therapeutic interventions at home and in the schools.
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