Henry B. Burch, M.D.
Responsibilities & Activities
I administer a portfolio of thyroid research grants including clinical investigations of non-neoplastic disorders of the thyroid, and basic research related to autoimmune thyroid disease, cell-signaling, and thyroid-related epigenetic studies. In addition, I manage a portfolio of grants related to the application of digital health technology to the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. The latter program encompasses research on digital technologies (e.g., telemedicine, mobile phone applications, patient portals, and wearable technology) focused on diabetes management or prevention in adults with type 2 diabetes. This program also studies the use of digital technologies in health clinics to facilitate delivery of care for adults with type 2 diabetes. Research in this program may include observational studies, efficacy and effectiveness trials, natural experiment evaluation, pragmatic trials, and implementation science at the patient, family, or healthcare provider level. I am also the project scientist for two clinical consortia, including GRADE (Glycemic Reduction Approaches in Diabetes: A Comparative Effectiveness Study), which has been completed and major outcomes results published in 2022, and the CLEAR Study (Closed-Loop and Education for Hypoglycemia Awareness Restoration) (initial award period 2022-2027), which focuses on interventions to prevent hypoglycemia and restore hypoglycemia awareness in patients with Type 1 diabetes. My career-long interest has focused on disorders of the thyroid, with emphasis on hyperthyroidism, devising the Burch-Wartofsky point scale for thyroid storm, and serving on three American Thyroid Association clinical practice guidelines committees, including the 2022 ATA-ETA Consensus Statement on the Management of Thyroid Eye Disease. My selected bibliography NIH external link can be found here NIH external link.
In addition to my work at the DEM, I also support the Endocrinology Clinic at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Research Programs
Clinical Research in Type 2 Diabetes
Progression and treatment of type 2 diabetes in children and adults. Dissemination and Implementation science. Community engaged research methodologies.
Diabetes: Treatment, Prevention, & Complications
The Diabetes: Treatment, Prevention, and Complications Program supports both basic and clinical studies aimed at addressing the prevention, treatment and pathophysiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes across the lifespan.
Endocrinology & Hormone Signaling
Hormone and nutrient sensing by the central nervous system, and coordination of energy homeostasis with the stress and reproductive axes in the brain.
Select Experience
Endocrinology Consultant to the US Army Surgeon General, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Washington, D.C., 2011-2016
Chief, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, 2000-2011