Philippe F. Backeljauw, MD

I am a pediatric endocrinologist who specifically treats patients with growth disorders and patients with Turner syndrome. I believe in an honest, open and completely transparent dialogue with the patient and family.

During my fellowship training, which involved both patient care and research, I developed my passion for improving the diagnosis and treatment of growth disorders. My mentorship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with Dr. Judson Van Wyk and Dr. Louis Underwood, two of the “greats” in this field, convinced me that this was the area I would pursue.

I believe in a rational approach to the work-up and management of children with concerns regarding growth and physical development. I adhere to a cost-conscious approach and guide myself first by a detailed history and exam, rather than jumping to nondiscriminatory testing. I also follow a stepwise approach to solving the medical problem, knowing we may not always find a specific cause for the child’s growth problem. This is something parents should always keep in mind.

I am currently on the board of directors of the Pediatric Endocrine Society and the American Board of Pediatrics Endocrinology Subboard. My past research led to the Food and Drug Administration approval of a growth peptide to treat patients with growth hormone resistance (rhIGF-1), and I’m an international expert in the area of growth hormone resistance.

My current research seeks to find better diagnostic approaches to solving problems related to poor childhood growth. We are also evaluating newer methods for the treatment of growth disorders and how to treat novel growth disorders. In addition, I am involved in several research projects related to the comorbidities of Turner syndrome, for which we are serving the largest clinical cohort in the U.S.

I have published more than 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts, more than 100 abstracts and 17 textbook chapters. I’ve also given more than 90 invited presentations at national and international meetings.

In my free time, I love being in nature. I’m active in hiking, cycling, swimming, kayaking and golf. I also like to read nonfiction books related to philosophy and history.