Francine Ratner Kaufman

Francine Ratner Kaufman, MD, is an American endocrinologist, professor, author, researcher, consultant, and corporate officer^[1] in the medical field of Diabetes mellitus. Her best selling book, "Diabesity: The Obesity-Diabetes Epidemic That Threatens America",^[2] has been praised by Cable News Network’s Wolf Blitzer as, “Incredibly important…Francine Kaufman will save lives.” ^[3] Dr. Kaufman is one of only two pediatric endocrinologists in Southern California listed in the West Coast and Pacific region in “America’s Top Doctors.” Dr. Kaufman holds patents on numerous intellectual properties ^[4] and she is currently chief medical officer at Medtronic’s Diabetes business.^[5]

Professional overview

Kaufman previously served as president of the American Diabetes Association and chaired the National Diabetes Education Program. She is vice president of Global Medical Affairs, for the Diabetes business of Medtronic Inc. and past director of the Comprehensive Childhood Diabetes Center, and head of the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She was elected as a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies at its annual meeting in 2005 at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Kaufman is professor of pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and was honored at its Academic Honors Convocation in 2006, with a Distinguished Professor award, presented to those whose accomplishments have brought special renown to the University. Dr. Kaufman was also an attending physician at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She is a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics and is board-certified in pediatric endocrinology and metabolism.^[4]

Kaufman's Board Certification includes the National Board of Medical Examiners, 1977; Diplomat, American Board of Pediatrics, 1981; and Pediatric Endocrine and Metabolism, 1983.

Educational overview

• Degrees: Chicago Medical School, MD, 1976; Northwestern U, BA,
• Internships: Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, 1976–1977
• Residencies: Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, 1977–1978
• Fellowships: Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, 1978–1980

Personal overview

Francine Kaufman is married to pediatrician Neal Kaufman, MD. They reside in Brentwood, CA and have two sons, Adam and Jonah.^[4]

Research

Dr. Kaufman's research interests include type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes, galactosemia, bone mineralization, ambiguous genitalia, patterns of growth hormone secretion and growth failure, androgen metabolism in human skin, endocrine manifestations of childhood AIDS, optic nerve hypoplasia/Septo-optic dysplasia and hypopituitarism and homocysteine metabolism.^[4]

Awards

Dr. Kaufman received the 2006 Mathies Award for Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership; the Woman of Valor for 2003 by the American Diabetes Association in recognition of her outstanding dedication and commitment to diabetes; and 35 other prestigious achievement awards.^[3][4]

Notes