Sydney Look, MD
I am currently a second-year pediatric endocrinology fellow at the University of Utah. My inspiration to pursue pediatric endocrinology began soon after my diagnosis with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 16, when I attended a cycling camp for youth with T1D through the Florida Diabetes Camp. Meeting other adolescents with T1D helped me feel less alone, and seeing Dr. Michael Haller as the camp physician showed me firsthand the powerful impact a pediatric endocrinologist can have. My early involvement in Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) and The Diabetes Link (formerly College Diabetes Network) further strengthened my commitment to community engagement, advocacy, and empowerment of youth living with T1D. These organizations shaped my understanding of the broader challenges facing the diabetes community and solidified my passion for this field.
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology through Florida State University’s Honors Program and then earned my MD at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Throughout college and medical school, I sought out diverse research experiences spanning basic science, health equity, and biopsychosocial approaches to chronic illness. These experiences included a summer internship program at the University of Colorado’s Barbara Davis Center learning about pathways of multiple autoimmune disease development in mice, as well as several projects through the University of Florida’s Diabetes Institute. These included recruitment efforts for studies on barriers to T1D research participation, as well as qualitative work conducting focus groups on obstacles adults with T1D face in diabetes care.
I moved to Utah for my pediatrics residency, where I continued to be inspired by our pediatric endocrinology division. It has been a privilege to remain at the University of Utah for fellowship surrounded by mentors and role models who continually shape my growth as a pediatric endocrinologist.
It is such a privilege and so meaningful for me to care for families impacted by T1D – both in the hospital with a new diagnosis and longitudinally in diabetes clinic as we discuss new technology or ways to mitigate diabetes burnout. I have similarly found joy in opportunities to make an impact on medical student and resident education, whether it be an introductory session to diabetes technology to a group of medical students or a chalk talk to better understand the pathophysiology of complex endocrine conditions on rounds. In my future career, I am eager to combine clinical care with my interests in research and education at an academic institution.
I am actively involved in research on barriers to diabetes camp participation through a grant from the University of Utah’s Concept to Community (C2C) program, which helps GME trainees address health needs in rural and underserved areas. I have also recently joined our local TrialNet research team, which focuses on early detection of T1D and strategies that may delay or prevent disease progression. Outside of clinical and research responsibilities, I volunteer at REACH Weber, Utah’s only year-round recreation and education program for youth with T1D and their families. I also enjoy exploring Utah’s beautiful outdoors with my husband, Mike, and our dog, Mozzarella.
I have been fortunate to have exceptional mentors throughout every stage of my training. Early in my academic journey, I was supported by Dr. Kimberly Driscoll and Dr. Maki Nakayama in undergraduate years as well as Dr. Ashby Walker, Dr. Sarah Westen, Dr. Michael Haller and Dr. Desmond Schatz throughout my time in medical school. As the first person in my family to pursue a career in medicine, their encouragement and support has been invaluable.
At the University of Utah, I am continually inspired by our entire division, including our educators and support staff. Dr. Allison Smego and Dr. Scott Clements have connected me with community advocacy opportunities through diabetes camp. Dr. Kathleen Timme has been a mentor for medical education, while Dr. Zoe Raleigh has guided my development as a clinician and researcher. Dr. Vandana Raman has played a meaningful role in offering opportunities that have shaped my fellowship experience and is someone I truly hope to emulate in the future.
As a result of recommendations from mentors and colleagues over the years, I have been very fortunate to engage in several experiential opportunities that have had a large impact on my career trajectory. The Diabetes Link’s NextGen Scholarship program, the Student Endocrinology Exposure Development (SEED) Program, and the PedsENDO Discovery Program have all been impactful as a trainee interested in this rewarding field of pediatric endocrinology! The Florida Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program during medical school was impactful for better understanding social determinants of health and ways to make an impact in underserved communities. The Endocrine Society’s T1D annual Fellows Series was a rewarding program that provided advanced T1D education for trainees in both adult and pediatric endocrinology. I am looking forward to attending this upcoming year’s DiabDocs Retreat through the national NIH Physician Scientist DiabDocs-K12 Program as a way to learn more about a potential career as a physician-scientist passionate about diabetes care.