Dr. Kenneth Feingold is a distinguished endocrinologist and Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco, where he has made seminal contributions to the understanding of metabolic processes over a career spanning more than four decades. He established himself as a prominent figure in endocrinology and metabolism research through his rigorous scientific approach and sustained contributions to the field. Throughout his tenure at UCSF, Dr. Feingold served as a dedicated educator and clinician, mentoring countless medical students, residents and fellows while maintaining an active research program that received continuous NIH funding. His leadership in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism helped establish UCSF as a nationally recognized center for metabolic research and clinical care. Dr. Feingold's early-career achievements were recognized with his election to the prestigious American Society for Clinical Investigation in 1990.
Dr. Feingold's groundbreaking research has significantly advanced our understanding of lipid metabolism, particularly in the areas of ceramide biology and the regulation of the cutaneous permeability barrier. His extensive NIH-funded research portfolio, spanning from the 1980s through the 2000s, has elucidated key mechanisms in epidermal lipid metabolism, permeability barrier homeostasis and the relationship between barrier function and inflammatory responses. His seminal work on the role of ceramides in skin barrier function, recently published in the Journal of Lipid Research, has provided critical insights into the pathophysiology of various dermatological conditions. These contributions have not only deepened our fundamental understanding of metabolic processes but have also informed clinical approaches to managing metabolic disorders and skin conditions. His research on psychological stress effects on the stratum corneum and PPARs regulation of epidermal differentiation represents innovative intersections between endocrinology, dermatology and stress physiology.
Beyond his direct research contributions, Dr. Feingold has profoundly influenced the field through his leadership in medical education and his role in shaping clinical guidelines for dyslipidemia management. As an editor for Endotext, he has contributed comprehensive chapters on lipid disorders that serve as essential references for clinicians worldwide. His mentorship has cultivated a generation of endocrinologists and researchers who continue to advance the field of metabolic medicine through both basic science and clinical investigations. Even in his emeritus status, Dr. Feingold remains actively engaged in scholarly work, with recent publications continuing to contribute to our understanding of metabolic processes and their clinical implications. His enduring legacy lies in the integration of rigorous scientific inquiry with clinical practice, establishing paradigms that continue to guide research and treatment in endocrinology and metabolism.
