David Simel

About the Author

David Simel, MD, MHS, is a distinguished physician, researcher, and educator renowned for his contributions to evidence-based medicine. With a career spanning decades at Duke University Medical Center, where he serves as a professor of medicine and chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine, Simel has dedicated himself to advancing clinical decision-making through rigorous scientific inquiry. His work emphasizes the importance of diagnostic accuracy, helping clinicians distinguish between effective and ineffective practices in everyday patient care. As co-editor of the influential JAMA series on rational clinical examination, Simel has shaped how medical professionals approach diagnosis worldwide, promoting a data-driven approach that reduces unnecessary tests and improves outcomes. Beyond academia, he continues to mentor the next generation of physicians, blending sharp analytical insight with a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.