Lawrence

J.

Appel

,

MD

I am currently Director of the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, a large interdisciplinary research unit that bridges the Schools of Medicine and Public Health at Hopkins.  The mission of the Welch Center is to conduct epidemiologic, clinical and translational research of the highest quality and to train the next generation of interdisciplinary researchers. 
As for my own research, I have conducted clinical research with a particular focus on preventing and controlling elevated blood pressure, and its consequences, primarily cardiovascular and kidney diseases. I have four active lines of research: (1) controlled feeding studies, (2) behavioral intervention trials, that test novel strategies to accomplish lifestyle changes, often related to obesity, (3) cohort studies and trials related to chronic kidney disease and its consequences, and (4) global implementation initiatives to prevent and control hypertension. A notable feature of my research is the focus on conditions and diseases that disproportionately afflict minorities and on interventions that have the potential to substantially reduce racial disparities.
Over the course of my career, I have mentored numerous students, fellows and faculty (and continue to do so).  In addition, I serve as PI of the 1) Renal Disease Epidemiology T32 training grant and 2) Associate Director of the Behavioral Research in Heart and Vascular Disease T32 at Hopkins. Training a diverse cadre of individuals is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my career. As a reflection of my commitment to education, I have received numerous teaching and mentoring awards.