David Gurka

David Gurka is an Associate Professor of Optometry at Illinois College of Optometry and a Professor of Medicine at Rush University Medical Center. He is a part-time faculty member with expertise in Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Pulmonary Disease, integrating medical knowledge into optometric practice.

• B.A. in Biochemistry from Northwestern University (1977)
• Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Northwestern University (1985)
• M.D. from University of Illinois College of Medicine (1987)

His research focuses on clinical medicine with direct ocular relevance, particularly in general medicine for optometrists. Special interests include the medical management of critically ill patients, nutritional interventions in critical care, and understanding ocular manifestations of systemic diseases.

Recent publications span critical care, septic shock, and respiratory therapy, with methodological emphasis on cohort studies and clinical tools. Key topics include septic shock mortality prediction, obesity's impact in cirrhotic patients, and respiratory support optimization.

• Fellow, American College of Physicians
• Fellow, American College of Chest Physicians

Gurka collaborates with the Cooperative Antimicrobial Therapy of Septic Shock (CATSS) Database Research Group and contributes to clinical guidelines like Critical Care Medicine: Principles of Diagnosis and Management in the Adult. His work bridges medical research with practical optometric applications.