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David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD

David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, the Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor of Neurology, is recognized for his outstanding contributions to the understanding of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and 2 (NF2) and the biology of brain tumors.

Gutmann, also a professor of neurosurgery, of pediatrics and of genetics, is a world leader in neurofibromatosis research and clinical care. A set of complex genetic disorders, neurofibromatosis can affect almost every organ system, causing a predisposition for tumors to grow on nerves in the brain and throughout the body.

Considered the ultimate physician-scientist, Gutmann’s generosity as a collaborator and mentor and his talent for multidisciplinary investigation epitomize the power of translational research. He has made many seminal contributions to the understanding of NF, including developing critical mouse tumor models, identifying several therapeutic drug targets, and establishing the molecular bases for several clinical problems affecting patients with NF1 and NF2. He has published more than 300 peer-reviewed papers.

Gutmann has played a critical role in advancing the care of patients with NF. He is the founder and director of the Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital Neurofibromatosis Clinical Program, and he established the Washington University Neurofibromatosis Center in 2004, now one of the world’s largest NF research centers. He is an international thought leader in NF clinical practice and research, and has received many honors for his contributions, including the National Neurofibromatosis Foundation Crystal and Center of Excellence Awards, the Walker Lecture in Neurofibromatosis, the Takao Hoshino Lectureship, and the Frederick von Recklinghausen Award.

He earned his doctoral degree in 1984 and his medical degree in 1986, both from the University of Michigan. He completed his residency at the University of Pennsylvania and a fellowship at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, working with Francis Collins, MD, PhD. He joined the Washington University faculty in 1993.

Published: 02/08/2013