Researcher Spotlight: Gerardo Jose Blanco

Gerardo Jose Blanco
Post-doctoral Fellow – Endocrinology

What is your professional background? 
In 2019, I graduated from medical school at the University of Zulia in Venezuela. During my second year, I had the opportunity to be involved in diabetes research participating in multiple studies. Shortly after graduation, I immigrated to the United States, and had the great honor to join the diabetes and endocrinology section at Emory University/Grady Hospital as a postdoctoral fellow.

Which division do you work in? Who is your mentor? 
I work in the Division of Endocrinology-Diabetes Research team. My mentors are Dr. Maya Fayfman and Dr. Guillermo Umpierrez.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
I am most passionate about two different projects. I am the lead research coordinator in an NIH study investigating the use of oral agents in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes. This study compared the safety and efficacy of oral agents compared to insulin therapy for the hospital management of diabetes. Our preliminary data indicate that the use of oral agents is safe and effective in most subjects with mild to moderate hyperglycemia, which has historically been managed with insulin alone as the standard of care. The second study is around diabetic foot infection and limb salvage. There are over 250 amputations performed at Grady Hospital per year secondary to complications of diabetes. We work in collaboration with podiatry, vascular surgery, and infectious diseases on the limb salvage program using standard therapy and artificial intelligence. We are striving to improve the outcomes of diabetic foot disease and the lack of data in this field within minority populations. I hope one day, the management of diabetic foot disease will be my first NIH grant.

What do you like most about Emory? 
Emory stands for opportunity and diversity. I knocked on many doors looking for someone who believed in my talent and ideas until I came to Emory. From day one, my mentors have not only supported me as a person but nurtured my academic goals. I am proud to be an immigrant and to be a member of this elite team. I would love to transition from a postdoctoral fellow to a resident and ultimately, a faculty member in this place which I call home.

What is your favorite movie or TV show? 
I seldom watch TV, but my favorite book is Harry Potter written by J.K Rowling. I have read all seven in both Spanish and English. Now, with more limited time, I read mostly medicine and diabetes journals including Diabetes Care and Endocrine News.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 
I love working out at the gym and attending picnics at Piedmont Park.