Metabolic Disorders, Obesity, and Diabetes Clinical Research Collaborative (MOD-CRC)

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic conditions represent an urgent public health challenge and a growing research priority. To accelerate progress in this area, faculty across Pitt Health Sciences established the Metabolic Disorders, Obesity, and Diabetes Clinical Research Collaborative (MOD-CRC) in Spring 2025.

Founded by Drs. Ann-Marie Rosland and Kathleen McTigue in the Department of Medicine, MOD-CRC connects researchers focused on improving care for people living with—or at risk for—metabolic disorders. The initiative brings together long-standing Pitt research communities, including the DOM Obesity Task Force, DOM/SPH Epi Healthy Lifestyle Workgroup, the Caring for Chronic Disease Research Center, and teams advancing diabetes prevention and self-management education, into a unified collaborative network.

The Collaborative’s virtual kick-off in May 2025 engaged 22 participants from eight departments and schools, followed by an in-person session in August featuring remarks from Dr. Dhiraj Yadav, Vice Chair for Clinical Research, and a work-in-progress discussion of a member’s funding proposal.

Today, MOD-CRC includes 34 faculty and staff from the Schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Pharmacy, along with colleagues from UPMC, the VA Pittsburgh Health System, and Pitt’s Office of Industry & Economic Partnerships. Through regular meetings, MOD-CRC fosters collaboration, supports grant development, and provides a forum for sharing works in progress—advancing clinical research to improve the prevention and management of metabolic disorders, obesity, and diabetes.

To learn more or join the contact list, email MODCollaborative@pitt.edu.