Dan R. Tilden, MD MPH

Professional Background

I am currently an assistant professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) in the division of endocrinology, diabetes and genetics. I have a unique background as a former high school science teacher in rural North Carolina from 2008-2010 as well as subspecialty training in both pediatric and adult endocrinology. My research focuses on developing and implementing interventions to improve outcomes for adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes living in rural areas. With my background as a rural educator and as a fellowship trained pediatric and adult endocrinologist, I have a unique perspective and skillset to develop interventions to address the issues that face patients at this life stage.

• BS, Biochemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
• MD, Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
• MPH, Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
• Residency, Internal Medicine / Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
• Clinical Fellowship, Pediatric and Adult Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN

• Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Board Certification, American Board of Internal Medicine
• General Internal Medicine Board Certification, American Board of Internal Medicine
• General Pediatrics Board Certification, American Board of Pediatrics
• Kansas Medical License, Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
• Missouri Medical License, Missouri State Board of Healing Arts
• Pediatric Endocrinology, American Board of Pediatrics

• National Rural Health Association, Member, 2023 - Present
• Society for Behavioral Medicine, Member, 2021 - Present
• American Diabetes Association, Member, 2020 - Present
• Endocrine Society, Member, 2018 - Present

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Research

Overview

My long-term research goal is to become a leader in the development and implementation of clinical interventions to improve outcomes among adolescents and young adults with T1D in rural areas. As a fellow and now as an early career researcher, I conducted EHR-based studies examining disparities in T1D care including those experienced during the transition to telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, disparities in care delivery for patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care and most recently disparities in diabetes technology use between rural and urban patients with type 1 diabetes. I have also developed expertise in qualitative methods including conducting a mixed-methods investigation of the post-transfer experience of young adults with type 1 diabetes and developing innovative methods for evaluating diabetes conflict among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their primary caregivers. The aims of my current NIH funding have allowed me to use and further develop my skills in EHR-based and mixed-methods research and position me to develop further insight into the needs of adolescents and young adults from rural backgrounds as well as expertise in recruiting patients in this population. The data obtained in the proposed project will provide pilot data key to the successful implementation and testing of a multidisciplinary clinical intervention to improve outcomes among adolescents and young adults with T1D living in rural areas.

• A Multidimensional Approach to Understanding Outcomes and Barriers to Care for Rural Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes., NIDDK, PI