The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation recently announced the appointment of Natalie Geary , M.D., as executive vice president. As such, she will be responsible for the Foundation's strategic planning operations, major gift development and donor relationship management.
Dr. Geary has extensive world wide public health and medical experience. A graduate of both Harvard College and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, she brings a unique set of skills as both a physician and a development professional to this newly-created position.
Most recently Dr. Geary was the chief patient experience officer at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's UHealth system, where she directed the highly-successful concierge services program. Through that executive role, Dr. Geary became highly familiar with the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute, a Center of Excellence at UM's medical school. The University still lists her as one of their physicians, specializing in pediatrics.
"This is an opportunity to be part of a mission to cure a debilitating disease. The DRIF provides great hope for families suffering from a medical crisis. As a pediatrician, I am especially honored to be part of the team of brilliant scientists, dedicated physicians and committed supporters," said Dr. Geary. "I look forward to watching the cure become a reality and am thrilled to be part of such a critical effort."
Dr. Geary began her career three decades ago in the field of medical anthropology, then in its infancy, and focused on improving healthcare delivery to underserved communities in third-world countries and in the U.S. Her desire to improve the health of children, in particular, led her to New Mexico, one of the poorest states in America, where she founded a non-profit organization called Mobile Pediatrics that provides health care, vaccines and health education to underprivileged children.
A board-certified physician, Dr. Geary earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Harvard College, attended the pre-medical program at Columbia University, and received her medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Pediatrics at New York University Medical Center and also attended Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
In addition to her vast medical background, she has held numerous appointments on many international health committees and non-profit organizations and is recipient of several grant awards. She resides in Miami with her six-year-old daughter, Addie. Her two older daughters, Isabelle and Lily, attend Harvard University.
"We are very excited and fortunate to have Dr. Geary join us at the DRI Foundation, particularly at a time when our researchers are on the cusp of so many promising breakthroughs. Her extensive medical experience, understanding of the philanthropic community and compassion for patients is a rare combination of skills that will be a great asset to our work in supporting the Diabetes Research Institute," said Robert A. Pearlman , president and CEO of the DRI Foundation. "We all look forward to working with her to spearhead a number of special fundraising projects."
Dr. Geary will be based in the organization's national headquarters, located at 200 South Park Road, Suite 100, Hollywood, FL, 33021.
As the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is aggressively working to shrink the timeline toward the discovery of a biological cure for this disease. Having already shown that diabetes can be reversed through islet transplantation, the DRI is building upon these promising outcomes by bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies. The Diabetes Research Institute was created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be its singular focus until that goal is reached. For more information, visit www.DiabetesResearch.org.
Dr. Geary is also the creator of vedapure™, a natural skin care product line naturally combining the principles of Ayurvedic medicine she studied in India with modern pediatric medicine. The line includes soothing baths for babies, diaper balm, body cream, after shave for the men, decongestants, ear defense for ear infections, and scalp relieve for cradle cap. For more information, visit http://www.vedapure.com.
NOTE:
This article was taken largely in part from a press release by Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. It is not intended to replace the medical advice of your physician. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of diabetes, make an appointment with your physician.
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