Gary D. Hammer

Dr. Gary D. Hammer is Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine (Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes), Cell & Developmental Biology, and Molecular & Integrative Physiology at the University of Michigan Medical School. He serves as Director of the Endocrine Oncology Program in Rogel Cancer Center where he holds the Millie Schembechler Professorship in Adrenal Cancer, and was previously Director of the Center for Organogenesis: Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine.

Dr. Hammer's research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms by which growth factor signaling and transcriptional programs initiate adrenal-specific growth and differentiation, with emphasis on dysregulated adrenocortical stem cells in development and homeostasis. His work has implications for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment, particularly for adrenal diseases. He has brokered the recent renaissance of the Michigan team of adrenal scientists that includes leading researchers in adrenal disease.

His extensive publication record shows a consistent focus on adrenal biology, stem cell regulation, and cancer mechanisms, with recent work exploring β-catenin functions, epigenetic subtyping of adrenal cancer, and adrenocortical stem cells. His research often involves international collaborations, including the A5 (American Australian Asian Adrenal Alliance) that he helped form.

• UofM Jerome Conn Award for Outstanding Research in Internal Medicine
• Endocrine Society Edwin B. Astwood Award for Outstanding Research
• Member of ASCI and AAP
• Editor of four textbooks including Pathophysiology of Disease: An Introduction to Clinical Medicine
• Adrenal Section Editor for Degroot's Endocrinology

Dr. Hammer has served in numerous leadership roles at the University of Michigan and in professional organizations, including as President of the Endocrine Society (2020-2021). He served on the Board of Scientific Advisors for NCI and as an Advisor to the Congressional H.E.L.P. committee, co-authoring the 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act. He co-founded two companies - MILLENDO and SLING THERAPEUTICS - that focus on rare endocrine diseases. His laboratory work has led to new national and international therapeutic trials with biological-based therapies for adrenal cancer.

Dr. Hammer leads the Endocrine Oncology Program at Rogel Cancer Center and has formed international cooperative groups including the A5 Adrenal Alliance. His work with colleagues has catalyzed collaboration to secure projects from Pharma and funding agencies across the spectrum of adrenal diseases, resulting in new therapeutic approaches that target molecular defects in endocrine disease while sparing normal tissue.