David H. Viskochil, MD, PhD

David Viskochil, MD, PhD, is professor of pediatrics and one of the clinical geneticists in the Division of Medical Genetics. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Arizona, and his doctorate in biochemistry and medical degree from the University of North Carolina 1985. He completed his pediatric residency and clinical genetics fellowship at the University of Utah Affiliated Hospitals.

His research has focused on the molecular genetics of the neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene, and bone health and cancer malignancy in patients with NF1. He performs translational research in NF1-related manifestations, and is the local principal investigator for the NF Clinical Trials Consortium. He is involved in clinical trials for NF1 and lysosomal storage disorders. He was the recipient of a Young Investigator Award from the National Neurofibromatosis Foundation (NNFF) and a K-08 award for NF1-related research. Ongoing funding has come from the Department of Defense NF Research Program, NINDS of the NIH, and the Shriners Research Foundation. He has published over 50 research and clinical reports and serves on study sections for the Department of Defense and NIH.

David has an academic clinical practice that includes genetics patients who access care through Primary Children’s Medical Center, Huntsman Cancer Institute, the University of Utah Neurosciences Center (Adult NF Clinic), and the Shriners Hospital. He serves as co-Director of the NF Clinic at the University of Utah and is the Director of Clinical Genetics Services in the Division of Medical Genetics.

David’s administrative roles are varied and include University and national positions. He serves as Chair of the Clinical Care Advisory Board of the Children’s Tumor Foundation (national NF support organization), Chair of the Utah State Department of Health Genetic Advisory Committee, and is member on the Advisory Board for the Mucopolysaccharidosis I Registry. He serves as Medical Director for the University of Utah Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling, and is one of the associate editors of the American Journal of Medical Genetics. He serves on the IRB for the University of Utah, and he supervises the Clinical Genetics Research Program embedded in the Center for Clinical Translational Science at the University of Utah. David shoots hoops and plays golf.