David Schwartz, M.D, Ph.D.
Dr. David Schwartz is a Professor of Medicine, Immunology, and Pediatrics, and is internationally recognized for his contributions in environmental and occupational lung disease. Dr. Schwartz serves as director of the Pulmonary Division and Center for Genetics and Therapeutics at NJH. His research contributions have focused on the interface between basic and clinical science in investigating environmental and occupational lung disease. These efforts have provided new insights into the genetics, epigenetics, and genomics of interstitial lung disease, asthma, and innate immunity. His research has identified endotoxins or lipopolysaccaride (LPS) as an important cause of airway disease among those exposed to agricultural dusts. He is recognized for identifying a specific genetic variation in the Toll-4 gene that is associated with a diminished response to LPS, and places individuals at higher risk of sepsis and a lower risk of atherosclerosis. Dr. Schwartz has recently discovered that epigenetic mechanisms may be contributing to the development of asthma, and has identified a major gene variant that predisposes individuals to develop pulmonary fibrosis. Dr. Schwartz' research uses a variety of model organisms - C. elegans, mice, and humans. Prior to joining NJH in 2008, Dr. Schwartz served as Director of the NIEHS and the NTP at the NIH between 2005 and 2008. During his tenure at the NIH, he developed the Genes, Environment and Health Initiative, the Epigenomics and Human Health Roadmap Initiative, and a program in translational research in environmental sciences. Between 2000 and 2005, Dr. Schwartz served at Duke University where he played a leadership role in establishing three interdisciplinary NIH funded Centers in Environmental Health Sciences, Environmental Genomics, and Environmental Asthma, illustrating his commitment to bring together an array of scientific expertise with state-of-the-art technology to tackle critical health concerns and public health issues. Dr. Schwartz is a member of ASCI and AAP, is a recipient of the 2003 American Thoracic Society Scientific Accomplishment Award, and has served on numerous study sections and editorial boards.
