David E. Sandberg, PhD

David is Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School. He obtained his doctorate in Psychology from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada and completed postdoctoral research fellowships at the University of Miami Medical School and at the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University. David is a pediatric psychologist and clinical researcher. As a clinician, he delivers psychoeducational and behavioral health services to persons with endocrine disorders and their families, in particular those affected by a difference of sex development (DSD) and conditions affecting growth. David‘s research program is closely linked to his clinical service and is currently concentrated on the psychosocial adaptation of persons born with DSD, and their families. He shares the role of principal investigator in a registry-based clinical research network for DSD designed to extend discoveries in the genetics of these conditions (DSD-Translational Research Network, NIH R01 HD068138), improve the diagnostic process and reduce variability in the healthcare received by patients. The network works towards standardizing procedures in diagnosis and clinical decision making and develops tools necessary to translate diagnostic and treatment protocols into clinical best practices. David‘s focus on the psychosocial aspects of DSD is also reflected in the development of a psychoeducational treatment manual for clinicians caring for newborns with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) identified by newborn screen (National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center). This preliminary work led to the creation of a web-based platform for both providers and parents of newborns/young children with CAH. David and his research team have also designed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures that focus on issues specific to, and shared by young children with DSD and their families, which are not otherwise covered by generic HRQoL measures. Genital and gonadal surgery in young children with DSD is among the most controversial topics in the management of these conditions. To ensure that decisions made by parents in consultation with their child’s providers are evidence-based, balanced, and fully informed, David’s team is developing decision aids for parents of newborns and young children with DSD. David was among a very small group of clinical psychologists invited to participate in consensus conferences formulating guidelines for clinical care in patients with endocrine-related conditions first presenting in children and adolescents, including: the Consensus Statement on Management of Intersex Disorders (2006, and its 2016 update); Consensus Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Children with Idiopathic Short Stature (2008); Guidelines for the Development of Comprehensive Care Centers for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (2010); and the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Care of Girls and Women with Turner Syndrome (2017).

Details regarding David’s scholarly activities.

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