Laura Pat Svetkey, MD

Laura P. Svetkey, MD MHS is Professor of Medicine, Director of the Duke Hypertension Center, Director of Clinical Research at the Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Diversity in the Department of Medicine. She is also the Director of Duke’s CTSA internal career development award program (KL2).She is a faculty member of the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (DMPI) and the Cardiovascular Research Center (CVRC). She is co-Director of the Clinical and Translational Core of the Duke O’Brien Center for Kidney Research (DOCK).

Dr. Svetkey has over 30 years of experience in the investigation of hypertension, obesity, and related areas, conducting NIH-sponsored clinical research ranging from behavioral intervention trials to metabolomics and genetics, with a consistent focus on prevention, non-pharmacologic intervention, health disparities and minority health. Her research has affected national guidelines, having served on the 2013 national Hypertension Guideline Panel (JNC) and the Lifestyle Guideline Working Group. She is a member of the Association of American Physicians (AAP).

Dr. Svetkey is Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Diversity in the Department of Medicine.  In this role she implements a wide range of programs to enhance the experience and advancement of faculty and trainees, with particular emphasis on under-represented minorities and women.