David Altshuler (physician)

David Altshuler Vertex Portrait

David Altshuler is an American physician and geneticist known for his contributions to the field of genomics and personalized medicine. He is a co-founder of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where he has played a significant role in advancing the understanding of the genetic basis of human diseases.

Early Life and Education

David Altshuler was born in the United States. He earned his B.A. from Columbia University and his M.D. and Ph.D. from Harvard University. His doctoral research focused on the genetic underpinnings of human diseases.

Career

Altshuler began his career as a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital. He later co-founded the Broad Institute, where he served as the Deputy Director and Chief Academic Officer. His work at the Broad Institute has been instrumental in identifying genetic variants associated with common diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Research Contributions

David Altshuler's research has significantly advanced the field of genomics. He has been involved in several large-scale projects, including the HapMap Project and the 1000 Genomes Project. These projects have provided valuable insights into human genetic variation and its implications for health and disease.

HapMap Project

The HapMap Project aimed to develop a haplotype map of the human genome, which has been crucial for identifying genetic variants associated with diseases. Altshuler's contributions to this project have helped to elucidate the genetic architecture of complex traits.

1000 Genomes Project

The 1000 Genomes Project was an international research effort to establish the most detailed catalog of human genetic variation. Altshuler's involvement in this project has provided a comprehensive resource for researchers studying the genetic basis of diseases.

Awards and Honors

David Altshuler has received numerous awards for his contributions to medical research, including the Curt Stern Award from the American Society of Human Genetics and the Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Memorial Award from the American Association for Cancer Research.

Personal Life

Altshuler is married and has children. He continues to be actively involved in research and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

See Also

• Genomics
• Personalized medicine
• Broad Institute
• HapMap Project
• 1000 Genomes Project