Pamela L. Thornton, Ph.D.

As the Acting Director for National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Office of Minority Health Research Coordination (OMHRC), Office of the Director, I lead the coordination of institute-wide activities to address the burden of diseases and disorders that disproportionately impact minority populations, people living in rural communities, and various patient populations in underserved healthcare settings. OMHRC helps implement the Institute’s Strategic Plan for Research to address NIDDK diseases and conditions. OMHRC also coordinates with NIDDK program staff in developing and evaluating workforce development initiatives designed to train new and young investigators with multidisciplinary backgrounds and lived experience relevant to advancing biomedical research.

As a Senior Advisor for the Office of the Director, NIDDK, I also lead engagement initiatives to better partner with communities and researchers to address some of the most chronic, common, consequently, and costly conditions within NIDDK’s mission. My background includes a focus on scientific workforce development and organizational transformation, addressing the health determinants in chronic disease prevention and treatment, dissemination, and implementation science, and promoting equity in diverse healthcare and community settings.