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Doug E. Wright, PhD

Douglas Wright portrait
Professor, Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine

Vice Chair of Research, Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine

Program Director, Principal Investigator, Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine

Professional Background

Douglas Wright, Ph.D. is a Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Wright completed his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky and his postdoctoral studies at Washington University. He serves as a Professor and the Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Wright’s current research addresses diseases and conditions that alter peripheral sensation and pain. His laboratory uses mouse genetic models to explore the pathogenesis of nerve dysfunction and pain, as well as testing interventions through translational research in human patients suffering from peripheral nerve disease and pain.
Dr. Wright's research is currently funded by grants from the NIH, and his work in diabetes complications has been recognized through the receipt of a KUMC Faculty Research Investigator Award and a Cure Award from the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Wright has received numerous teaching and mentoring awards, including the William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence and the KUMC Excellence in Mentoring Award. Since 2010, Dr. Wright has led the Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE), which supports research training and infrastructure at 10 Universities in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Education and Training
  • BS, Biology, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
  • Post Doctoral Fellowship, Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Dept. Anatomy and Neurobiology, Lexington, KY
  • Post Doctoral Fellowship, Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. Neurology, St. Louis, MO
Professional Affiliations
  • Diabetes Neuropathy Consortium of the Peripheral Nerve Society, Scientific Board , Member, 2018 - 2020
  • University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty Search - Dept. of Anesthesiology, Member, 2018 - Present
  • University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Dept. of Anesthesiology, Vice Chair, 2018 - Present
  • University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Search - Dept. of Anesthesiology, Member, 2015 - 2018
  • Kansas IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence, -, Principal Investigator, 2011 - Present
  • Kansas IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence, Executive Committee , Chair, 2011 - Present
  • Kansas IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence, Network Steering Committee, Chair, 2011 - Present

Research

Overview

We are a research laboratory in Kansas City that studies peripheral nerves, sensation, and pain. Our laboratory, known as the Sensory Nerve Disorder Lab, works to identify interventions and treatments to improve nerve damage, neuropathy and pain. Our laboratory has a rich history of training young scientists for careers in various academic, teaching and industry careers.

Current Research and Grants
  • Painful versus insensate diabetic neuropathy, NIH, PI
  • Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, NIH, PI
  • Translating Obesity, Metabolic Dysfunction and Comorbid Disease States , NIDDK, Co-PI