Sean P. David

Biography

Dr. Sean P. David is a family doctor and physician scientist interested in translational research to improve preventive health and public health strategies to improve population health. His research focuses on the integration of clinical and translational research into nicotine dependence using genomic and neuromaging investigations to identify and validate biomarkers for smoking cessation, to reduce health disparities in cardiovascular disease and cancer, and to employ community engagement and clinical implementation science approaches to fill critical gaps in preventive medicine. Recent work includes the identification of a genome-wide significant genetic marker for smoking intensity in African Americans that is associated with pharmacogenetic treatment response for smoking cessation and risk of lung cancer in African Americans. Current and future research is translating evidence in systematic reviews and meta-analyses to evidence-based guidelines, investigations of publication bias and proposed reforms to improve the fidelity of research through open science, and training the primary care workforce in core competencies of genetic medicine to enable precision health for all.

Research Interest

His research encompasses a collaborative, transdisciplinary initiative to translate molecular insights to genomically-tailored and patient-centered personalized medicine. Investigations are focused on the integration of three translational streams of investigation. The first stream triangulates genome-wide association studies with preclinical research using functional neuroimaging and other modalities aimed at elucidating biobehavioural mechanisms nicotine dependence and smoking cessation. The second stream investigates moderating effects of genotype on health-related behavior and drug response (particularly in smoking cessation treatment) in multiple ancestral populations. The third stream investigates the efficacy of genomically-tailored drug and behavioural therapies in prospective first-in-human clinical trials and evidenced-based medicine and policy research (e.g., systematic review/meta-analyses, cost-effectiveness analyses, healthcare delivery systems & educating the primary care workforce).