Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes Division
Our Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes physicians provide comprehensive services to patients with hormonal disorders such as diabetes. Treatment includes clinical care, education, nutrition and weight management. Patient care focuses on preventing complications associated with diabetes.
[Division Overview]
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Clinical Activities
Our clinical activities are centered at Hennepin County Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Center and safety net hospital serving a diverse patient population. We care for patients with all types and stages of kidney disease, including pre- and post-kidney transplantation.
We provide comprehensive care for patients with all stages of kidney disease, including kidney transplant. Areas of special emphasis include our kidney transplant program, a kidney stone clinic, and an in-patient service dedicated to the care of patients with end-stage kidney disease staffed by nephrologists, nephrology fellows, and internal medicine residents.
Fellowships
Our wide variety of clinical activities, dedicated cadre of teaching faculty, and broad research endeavors provide the foundation for our fellowship program. Our fellows are exposed to the full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient clinical care and have ample opportunity to participate in research during their training.
Research
Our research is embedded within the Medical Center and the Chronic Disease Research Group, part of the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute. Division research spans a wide spectrum from observational studies to clinical trials and from identifying and addressing racial and ethnic disparities to reducing opioid use among patients on dialysis. We currently direct both the United States Renal Data System and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients.
Hennepin Nephrology has a long tradition of active clinical research. We currently direct the United States Renal Data System and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, which study and disseminate data on the epidemiology and outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, and after solid organ transplantation. We also conduct investigator-initiated research. Current projects include assessment of racial disparities in access to kidney transplantation, a clinical trial to improve pain and reduce opioid use among patients on dialysis, study of the microbiome in kidney disease, among others.
More details about our research activities can be found here:
Diabetes and Endocrinology Faculty
Laura LaFave, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School
Site Lead, Endocrinology Fellowship, University of Minnesota Medical School
Inpatient Diabetes Director, Hennepin Healthcare
Dr. LaFave trained in Internal Medicine at Hennepin Healthcare and in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the University of Minnesota. She sees patients for diabetes as well as thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary disorders. She has expertise in diabetes technology including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. Dr. LaFave is passionate about teaching and community engagement.
Education and training
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Fellowship, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
- Internal Medicine Residency, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, MN
- MD, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
- School for International Training, Madagascar
- BA, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Allison Estrada, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School
Dr. Estrada cares for patients with all types of endocrine issues, including thyroid disease, adrenal and pituitary disorders, hyperlipidemia, obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, and insulin pumps.
Education and training
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism Fellowship, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
- Internal Medicine Residency, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- MD, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
- MD Opportunities, Global Health Clinical Time, Guatemala, Argentina, and Peru
- BS, Arizona State University, Barrett Honors College, Tempe, AZ
Sarah Kempainen, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School
Dr. Kempainen graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School. She completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center where she also served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Kempainen has a special interest in diabetes care and prevention.
Education and training
- Chief Resident, Internal Medicine Residency, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
- Internal Medicine Residency, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
- MD, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
- BA, Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN
Ayesha Mehfooz, MBBS
Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School (pending)
Education and training
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Fellowship, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
- Internal Medicine Residency, University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD
- MBBS, Army Medical College, Pakistan
- Army Public College, Pakistan
Megan McGovern, PA-C