Overview
Determining the role of physical activity in modulating health outcomes (cardiovascular disease risk) in persons with rheumatologic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis)
Integrating clinical rheumatology, basic immunology, metabolism, and exercise science in order to reduce morbidity in individuals with arthritis
Evaluating relationships between circulating and intra-muscular metabolic intermediates and insulin resistance in sedentary as well as individuals engaging in regular exercise
Addressing the role of physical activity in modulating inflammation, metabolism, and functional health in aging populations
Integrating clinical rheumatology, basic immunology, metabolism, and exercise science in order to reduce morbidity in individuals with arthritis
Evaluating relationships between circulating and intra-muscular metabolic intermediates and insulin resistance in sedentary as well as individuals engaging in regular exercise
Addressing the role of physical activity in modulating inflammation, metabolism, and functional health in aging populations
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Medicine
·
2025 - Present
Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology,
Medicine
Member of Duke Molecular Physiology Institute
·
2013 - Present
Duke Molecular Physiology Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Affiliate of the Duke Regeneration Center
·
2021 - Present
Duke Regeneration Center,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
From Intention to Maintenance: A Two-Year Examination of Clinical and Lifestyle Changes in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Journal Article ACR Open Rheumatol · December 2025 OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term impacts of a 16-week remotely supervised exercise and weight loss intervention for rheumatoid arthritis (Supervised Weight Loss and Exercise Training in Rheumatoid Arthritis [SWET-RA]). METHODS: In total, 21 older adult ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteAccelerating the translation of findings from the MoTrPAC study to benefit clinical care: a qualitative analysis.
Journal Article BMC Prim Care · October 27, 2025 BACKGROUND: The Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC) is a large-scale research study aimed at elucidating the effects of exercise training on the molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of exercise and physical activi ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteAssociation between physical activity energy expenditure and markers of healthspan during prolonged calorie restriction in individuals without obesity: observations from the CALERIE™ phase 2 randomized controlled trial.
Journal Article Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · October 7, 2025 BACKGROUND: It is unclear how physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) influences calorie restriction (CR)-induced benefits in individuals without obesity. We examined associations between PAEE and healthspan markers and physical activity (PA) time duri ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Investigating Senolytic Properties in Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Metformin in COPD Exacerbations (INSPIRE-COPD-E).
ResearchAdvisor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030The Effect of Exercise on T Cell Aging in Rheumatoid Arthritis
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institute on Aging · 2024 - 2029Duke/UNC ADAR Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine ·
2000
M.D.
Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine ·
1998
Ph.D.