Photo of Doug Kiel, Senior Scientist at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research in Boston, MA

Douglas P. Kiel, MD, MPH

  • Senior Scientist
  • Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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Areas of Research

Dr. Kiel's research focuses on the epidemiology of osteoporosis and related fractures, including lifestyle factors, biomarkers, and genetic factors. He is also interested in sarcopenia and its consequences, including falls and disability. He also has conducted multiple clinical trials targeting the musculoskeletal system. He leads the Framingham Osteoporosis Study, and serves in leadership roles for many organizations including the NIH, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, National Osteoporosis Foundation, and the Joint Commission. Dr. Kiel also heads the Geriomics program as a part of the Musculoskeletal Research Center. The Program includes faculty and post-doctoral fellows appointed through Harvard Medical School who study the "omics" of age-related disease, primarily diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as the aging process itself.

Read more about Geriomics.

Dr. Kiel’s research includes: 

  • Osteoporosis, related fractures, and falls
  • “Omics” of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, aging
  • Clinical trials to prevent fracture and maintain bone strength in older persons
  • Vascular calcification and bone mineralization
     
2020  Shirley Hohl Service Award  
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
2019 Frederick C Bartter Award  
 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
2013Fellow, American Geriatrics Society and Fellow 
Gerontological Society of America
2010A. Clifford Barger Excellence in Mentoring Award        
Harvard Medical School
2008 Elected to Council 
 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
2007Nomination for Excellence in Mentoring 
Harvard Medical School
2005Outstanding Excellence in Geriatric Research, All Categories 
American Geriatrics Society
2004Nomination for Excellence in Mentoring Award 
Harvard Medical School

Dr. Kiel is an Associate Member of the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard and an Adjunct Professor at Brown University School of Public Health.

Research Areas

Learn more about the topics Dr. Kiel focuses on.
A researcher at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research in Boston, MA holds a vial of blood.

Biomarkers and Genetics

As precision medicine enters the mainstream of clinical care, Marcus Institute researchers are working to advance the understanding of disease biomarkers and genetics.

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A research subject at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research stands on a measuring platform with a computer read-out reflected on the wall behind.

Physical Health and Function

Through the Marcus Institute’s research we are learning how older adults can maintain independence and quality of life.

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Current Projects

View Dr. Kiel's current projects. 

Determinants and Outcomes of Age-related Muscle Loss

This research aims to measure total muscle mass (via the D3-creatine dilution method) in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) and determine its association with genetic and non-genetic risk factors, and their relation with falls, injurious falls, and fractures in two large, community-based cohort of older adults.

NIH 1R01AG065265

Principal Investigator

Novel Molecular Biomarkers of Bone Microarchitecture

This research aims to determine the role of metabolomics in age-related bone loss and fractures; and if clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential contributes to bone density, microarchitecture, and strength.

NIH R01AR041398

Principal Investigator

Combining Testosterone Therapy and Exercise to Improve Function Post Hip Fracture (STEP-HI)

This research aims to evaluate, in elderly female hip fracture patients, the benefits of short-term testosterone therapy combined with supervised exercise, on mobility and quality of life during the year following the fracture.

NIH R01AG051647

Principal Investigators

The Gut Microbiome and Bone Microarchitecture

This research aims to test the central hypothesis that the gut microbiome is associated with BMD, microarchitecture, and strength.

NIH R01AR061445

Principal Investigator

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