Dr. Robert H. Eckel is a distinguished endocrinologist and cardiometabolic specialist whose pioneering work has fundamentally advanced the understanding of metabolic disorders and their relationship to cardiovascular disease. He holds the Charles A. Boettcher Endowed Chair in Atherosclerosis at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where he serves as Professor of Medicine Emeritus in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes and Professor of Physiology. Dr. Eckel earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine before completing his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals in Madison and fellowship in Metabolism and Endocrinology at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. His visionary leadership established the Lipoprotein Apheresis Program at CU Anschutz, which has since evolved into the renowned Cardiometabolic & Advanced Lipid Clinic, reflecting his commitment to translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice.
Dr. Eckel's groundbreaking translational research has systematically elucidated the complex mechanisms linking obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease through innovative studies spanning population data, human clinical investigations, genetically-modified mouse models, and tissue culture experiments. His extensive publication record of over 300 peer-reviewed articles has profoundly influenced clinical practice and therapeutic approaches to cardiometabolic disorders, with particular emphasis on lipid disorders, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. As co-chair of the influential 2013 ACC/AHA Lifestyle Guideline for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and member of the 2013 ACC/AHA Cholesterol Guideline Committee, he helped establish national standards that have transformed cardiovascular risk assessment and management protocols across the United States. His laboratory investigations into tissue-specific overexpression or deletion of lipid-related gene expression have provided critical mechanistic insights that have informed the development of novel diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions for patients with complex dyslipidemias.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Eckel has demonstrated exceptional leadership as past president of the American Heart Association, the Obesity Society, and the Association of Patient Oriented Research, significantly advancing these organizations' scientific agendas and professional development initiatives. He assumed the presidency of the American Diabetes Association in January 2020 and remains active on the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Observational Safety and Monitoring Board, continuing to shape national diabetes research priorities. His ongoing consulting work with pharmaceutical companies including Novo Nordisk, Amgen, and Amarin reflects the continued relevance of his expertise in bridging basic science with clinical applications. As Professor Emeritus, Dr. Eckel maintains his dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers while ensuring his legacy of integrating metabolic and cardiovascular medicine endures through the countless clinicians and scientists he has trained throughout his illustrious career.
