Our Previous Distingushed Keynote Speakers

Bridging Global Research and Local Care.

The Arkansas Diabetes and Endocrinology Education Foundation (ADEEF) is committed to bringing world-class medical expertise to our local clinical community. Our annual symposium serves as a premier platform where global leaders in metabolic research and patient care share groundbreaking insights. By hosting these distinguished voices, we ensure that Arkansas healthcare providers remain at the forefront of the fight against diabetes.

A Tradition of Excellence

Since our inception, ADEEF has been honored to host legends in the field, including renowned faculty from institutions such as Harvard University, Washington University in St. Louis, and UT Health San Antonio. From Dr. Ralph DeFronzo’s foundational research to Dr. Sun Qi’s public health insights, our past speakers represent a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire the 4th Annual Symposium and beyond.

The ADEEF Hall of Fame: Previous Keynote Speakers

Dr. Ralph DeFronzo Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Diabetes Division at UT Health San Antonio. Expanded Content: > A true pioneer in the field, Dr. DeFronzo is renowned for his work in the development of the "Ominous Octet" theory of Type 2 Diabetes. His research has led to the development of many of the pharmacological treatments used globally today. He is a recipient of the Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement from the ADA and continues to lead clinical trials that shape the future of metabolic care.

Dr. Janet McGill Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipid Research at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. McGill is a leading clinical researcher specializing in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. She has served as a principal investigator on numerous landmark NIH-funded studies, including the DCCT/EDIC and GRADE trials. Her work focuses on integrating advanced technology into patient care to improve long-term outcomes and prevent complications.

Dr. Sun Qi Associate Professor Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Qi’s research focuses on identifying dietary and lifestyle factors in relation to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. At Harvard, his work utilizes cutting-edge metabolomics and genetic data to understand how nutrition impacts metabolic health at a cellular level, providing a bridge between public health policy and clinical practice.

Dr Tim Garvey-Our incoming 2026 Keynote Master of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (MACE) Butterworth Professor of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Dr. W. Timothy Garvey is a world-renowned physician-scientist and a transformative leader in metabolic medicine. As the Past President of The Obesity Society, Dr. Garvey has been a driving force in redefining our clinical approach to weight management on a global scale. A Pioneer in "Obesity as a Disease" Dr. Garvey was the chief architect of the landmark position statement designating Obesity as a Chronic Disease. He famously moved the needle away from simple BMI-based metrics toward a "Complications-Centric" medical model. His work ensures that treatment is dictated by a patient’s health and metabolic risk, rather than just a number on a scale. Defining the ABCD Framework A visionary in diagnostic terminology, Dr. Garvey pioneered the term Adiposity-Based Chronic Disease (ABCD). This framework provides a precise medical label that focuses on the function and distribution of abnormal fat tissue, effectively reducing the social stigma of "obesity" while providing clinicians with a clear, actionable path for primary and secondary prevention of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. With over 350 publications and decades of NIH-funded research, Dr. Garvey continues to lead at the intersection of molecular biology and clinical practice, ensuring that the next generation of metabolic care is both evidence-based and deeply compassionate.

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