Core Clinical Team
Louis H. Philipson, MD, PhD
Medical Director, University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center;
Professor of Medicine
Dr. Philipson is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, and in internal medicine. He is the Medical Director of the Kovler Diabetes Center, and is a highly respected endocrinologist who treats many people with diabetes, as well as individuals with hypoglycemia and lipid disorders.
In addition to his work with patients, Dr. Philipson is an active scientist whose lab research focuses on islet cells of the pancreas. He is investigating the defect that blocks the body from releasing insulin in people who have diabetes. His research may someday help diabetics restore insulin production.
Dr. Philipson has a special interest in genetic components of diabetes and neonatal diabetes, a rare condition found in some individuals diagnosed with diabetes during infancy. He is also leading a new initiative in adolescent and teen diabetes management.
George Bakris, MD
Director, Hypertension Clinic;
Professor of Medicine
Dr. Bakris is a nephrologist (kidney specialist) with expertise in how hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney disease affect people with diabetes. He is board certified in nephrology, hypertension and internal medicine. His work focuses on controlling hypertension and kidney disease in order to reduce serious complications in people with diabetes. Dr. Bakris works directly with patients and also conducts research in the lab. He has published more than 300 articles and book chapters on kidney disease, hypertension and nephropathy (protein buildup in the kidneys). He has served as a consultant to the National Kidney Foundation and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Cardio-Renal Advisory Board. Currently, he sits on the editorial boards of several medical journals.
Plamen Penev, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Dr. Penev is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, and in internal medicine. He works primarily with adult patients who have diabetes. In addition to his work treating diabetes, Dr. Penev also specializes in thyroid ultrasound and biopsy.
Rebecca Brown, MD
Instructor of Medicine
Dr. Brown is board certified in internal medicine, and works with many adult patients who have diabetes. Dr. Brown has a special interest in the management of athletes with diabetes. In addition, she also treats patients with disorders of the thyroid or pituitary glands.
Suma Dronavalli, MD
Instructor of Medicine
Dr. Dronavalli is board certified in internal medicine, and treats adults with various endocrinologic disorders. In particular, she is interested in the management of individuals both pre- and post- transplant, as well as individuals with steroid-induced diabetes. Dr. Dronavalli has a special interest in cystic fibrosis, and collaborates with The University of Chicago Pulmonary Medicine team to provide clinical management for adults with cystic fibrosis.
Silvana Pannain, MD
Instructor of Medicine
Dr. Pannain is board certified in internal medicine, and works with adults who have a wide range of endocrinologic disorders. Much of her work addresses the needs of patients with Type 1 diabetes. In particular, Dr. Pannain is interested in metabolic syndrome, obesity and clinical initiatives in weight management.
Sirimon Reutrakul, MD
Clinical Associate of Medicine
Dr. Reutrakul is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, and in internal medicine. She specializes in the management of individuals with type 1 diabetes. She has a special interest women and diabetes. In particular, she has created specialty programs for women with type 1 diabetes in the pre-conception phase and during pregnancy women. Dr. Reutrakul also specializes in gestational diabetes.
Ann Zmuda, DPM
Instructor in Podiatry
Dr. Zmuda is board certified in podiatric medicine. As a podiatrist, she focuses on foot care for people with diabetes, as well as general preventive foot care. Dr. Zmuda works to minimize diabetic complications and prevent the need for amputation of the toes, foot or lower limbs.
Amy Hess-Fischl, MS, RD, LDN, BC-ADM, CDE
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Program Coordinator-Teen Transition Program
As Program Coordinator for our Teen Transition Program, Amy plays a crucial role in helping older children and adolescents with diabetes move from relying on their parents to manage their disease, to being able to manage their disease independently. In addition to working primarily with children, adolescents and their parents, Amy is a certified trainer who teaches patients how to use different models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, and how to manage nutritional needs. She has been involved in multiple clinical trials in a study coordinator role.
Donna Prost, MS, RD, CDE Registered Dietitican, Certified Diabetes Educator and Program Coordinator- Adult Diabetes Education Program
Donna has a wealth of experience and knowledge as an expert in adult diabetes education. Her role focuses on the needs of individuals with diabetes and creates new programs, classes and education materials for individuals who visit the Kovler Diabetes Center. As a registered dietitian, Donna counsels patients on the best ways to live a healthy lifestyle and maintain a balanced diet in partnership with good diabetes management. Also a certified pump trainer, Donna educates individuals on the use of insulin pumps and other technologies. She is a valued educational leader as a member of the Kovler Diabetes Center Team.
Marla Solomon, RD, LDN, CDE Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator
Marla's unique role as a diabetes educator and community resource provides individuals with the opportunity to receive diabetes education in partnership with Access Community Health Network. With over 20 years experience as a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, Marla partners with Dr. Christine Yu, Board Certified in Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, to educate children and adults with diabetes. Marla's unique experience with both adults and children is rare, and her role is vital in educating members of the community with diabetes.
Susan McLaughlin, RN, BSN, CDE Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator
As a nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator, Susan coordinates all specialized testing for individuals with diabetes in the Kovler Diabetes Center. These tests may include Glucose Tolerance Testing, Special Insulin Tolerance Testing, and other unique tests required to make a specific diabetes diagnosis. Susan also manages inpatient diabetes education for the Medical Center, partnering with our Endocrinology Consult to educate and manage individuals with diabetes or altered glucose patterns while in the hospital. With over 25 years of experience as a critical care nurse, Susan has a special place on the Kover Diabetes Center Team.
Erin De Valk, BS, RN
Registered Nurse
Erin has extensive experience working with individuals challenged by diabetes and other endocrinology disorders, as well as vascular and orthopedic issues. In the Kovler Diabetes Center, she focuses on caring for wounds and ulcers that often result from diabetes-related vascular problems. Additionally, she is pursuing certification as a diabetes educator, which will further enhance her role in patient education.
Barbara Passman, LCSW, ACSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Barbara, Senior Social Worker,has more than 35 years of experience working with adults with chronic diseases such as diabetes. As outpatient clinical social worker for the adult specialty clinics at the University of Chicago Medical Center, she helps many adults with diabetes in their efforts to manage their symptoms and adapt to their disease.
