Michelle Van Name, MD, is a pediatric endocrinologist who specializes in treating children with obesity, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Van Name was drawn to pediatric medicine because she enjoys teaching children how they can improve their health.

“A lot of teaching goes into working with my patients. We talk about causes and effects and come up with ways to get healthier,” she says, adding that she also discusses the biology behind what is going on. “For all my patients, I try to work with them to identify treatment strategies that will fit into their lives and partner with them and their families to make these a reality that will carry into adulthood.”

Dr. Van Name also treats adolescents who are interested in sleeve gastrectomy, a type of bariatric surgery for weight loss. “In line with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, our team aims to ensure patients and their families are informed about treatment options, which may include medications or bariatric surgery. Along with patients and their families, our team considers these treatments as part of a comprehensive plan focused on current and future health,” she says.

As an associate professor of pediatrics (endocrinology) at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Van Name is an active researcher, including work to see if medications approved for adults to treat type 2 diabetes or obesity can be effective in adolescents. Her research also focuses on use of technologies and non-insulin medications for patients with type 1 diabetes.

“I am fortunate to work with a wonderful team at Yale, who have been at the forefront of research leading to improvements to improve the health of young people with diabetes or obesity,” she says.