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Michael Scott Freemark

Robert C. Atkins, M.D. and Veronica Atkins Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, in the School of Medicine
Pediatrics, Endocrinology
Box 102820 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
Suite 200, Lenox Baker Children's Hospital, 3000 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710

Research Interests


Genetic forms of obesity 
Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Malnutrition
Thyroid nodules and cancer
Newborn thyroid disorders

Selected Grants


Serotonin as a Novel Biomarker for Progression to Type 2 Diabetes in Obese Adolescents

ResearchCo-Mentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2023

BASKET: Setmelanotide (RM-493-014)

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by RHYTHM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. · 2019 - 2022

Effects of metformin on influenza outcomes

FellowshipPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society · 2021 - 2022

Expanding thyroid testing in high risk newborns: total T3, free T4, TSH and TRAB

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Baebies, Inc · 2018 - 2021

RM-493-013 Genetic Testing and Phenotypic Characterization of Severely Obese Pediatric and Adult Volunteers RHYTHM

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by RHYTHM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. · 2017 - 2019

OptiDiag: Optimizing diagnosis and management of acute malnutrition

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Action Contre La Faim · 2015 - 2018

A rapid, ultrasensitive system for recurrent thyroid testing in high risk newborns

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Baebies, Inc · 2017 - 2018

Bridge - Evidence-based approach to dietary management of Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS)

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Foundation for Prader-Willi Research · 2016 - 2018

Minority Undergraduate Internship (MUI) Award

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by American Diabetes Association · 2016 - 2016

Beta cell development and type 2 diabetes: the role of lactogen signaling

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by American Diabetes Association · 2014 - 2016

Multidisciplinary Neonatal Training Grant

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2010 - 2015

Leptin as a Regulator of T Cell Metabolism and Function

ResearchCo-Mentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2010 - 2015

Understanding the effects of estrogen signaling on fatty liver disease

FellowshipPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2011 - 2013

Developmental, nutritional and hormonal regulation of Ghrelin in children with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Clinical TrialCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2005 - 2009

The Role of Placental Lactogen in Fetal Development

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1988 - 2009

Mentored Clinical Research Scholar Program

ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2002 - 2006

Roles of Prolactin in Adipocyte Development and Function

FellowshipPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2002 - 2005

The Role Of Placental Lactogen In Fetal Development

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1998 - 1999

Role Of Placental Lactogen In Fetal Development

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1993 - 1995

Role Of Placenta Lactogen In Fetal Development

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1990 - 1995

The Role Of Placental Lactogen In Fetal Development

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1990 - 1995

Senior International Fellowship: Role Of Placental Lactoge

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1993 - 1993

Role Of Placental Lactogen In Fetal Development

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1990 - 1991

The Role Of Placental Lactogen In Fetal Development

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1987 - 1988

Fellowships, Gifts, and Supported Research


Fogarty Senior International Fellowship · 1993 Research fellow · Awarded by: NIH