Luis E. Okamoto, MD
Research Associate Professor of Medicine
Division
Clinical Pharmacology
Research Assistant Professor of Medicine
Professional Bio
Luis Okamoto, MD, FAHA, is a Research Assistant Professor of Medicine within the Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Dr. Okamoto received his M.D. degree from the Cayetano Heredia University in Peru. After earning clinical experience in internal medicine and intensive care, he joined the Division of Research and Development at Pfizer-Peru, where he led the organization and conduct of several phase II-IV clinical trials. In 2012, Dr. Okamoto completed the fellowship in Clinical Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University and was promoted to Research Instructor of Medicine in the Division of Clinical Pharmacology and the Autonomic Dysfunction Center.
Dr. Okamoto’s research area has been the role of the autonomic nervous system in blood pressure regulation, particularly the interactions between the autonomic nervous system and the cardiovascular abnormalities present in autonomic failure, chronic fatigue syndrome, postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and obesity hypertension. More recently, his research interest has focused on elucidating the role of the autonomic control of capacitance vessels in these conditions. His research work has led not only to the discovery of autonomic mechanisms underlying these conditions, but also to the development of novel pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, supine hypertension, and POTS.
Dr. Okamoto has been well-funded over the years by the AHA and NIH, including two recent R01s as PI/MPI. He has authored 45 papers and holds a patent as co-inventor of an automated compression garment to treat neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. He has been invited to participate in several grant review panels, including NIH, and has spoken at national and international scientific meetings. He serves as a manuscript reviewer for multiple peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Okamoto has played a pivotal role in Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center and the Division of Clinical Pharmacology.
Dr. Okamoto received his M.D. degree from the Cayetano Heredia University in Peru. After earning clinical experience in internal medicine and intensive care, he joined the Division of Research and Development at Pfizer-Peru, where he led the organization and conduct of several phase II-IV clinical trials. In 2012, Dr. Okamoto completed the fellowship in Clinical Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University and was promoted to Research Instructor of Medicine in the Division of Clinical Pharmacology and the Autonomic Dysfunction Center.
Dr. Okamoto’s research area has been the role of the autonomic nervous system in blood pressure regulation, particularly the interactions between the autonomic nervous system and the cardiovascular abnormalities present in autonomic failure, chronic fatigue syndrome, postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and obesity hypertension. More recently, his research interest has focused on elucidating the role of the autonomic control of capacitance vessels in these conditions. His research work has led not only to the discovery of autonomic mechanisms underlying these conditions, but also to the development of novel pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, supine hypertension, and POTS.
Dr. Okamoto has been well-funded over the years by the AHA and NIH, including two recent R01s as PI/MPI. He has authored 45 papers and holds a patent as co-inventor of an automated compression garment to treat neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. He has been invited to participate in several grant review panels, including NIH, and has spoken at national and international scientific meetings. He serves as a manuscript reviewer for multiple peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Okamoto has played a pivotal role in Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center and the Division of Clinical Pharmacology.
Education
MD - Universidad Peruana Cayetano - 2001
Internship - Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia - 2001
Fellowship - Clinical Pharmacology - Vanderbilt University - 2012