Being a different kind of doctor at The Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering can be challenging and rewarding. Dr. Steven Steinbul is an MD, not a PhD.

“Once I went to medical school, I became very interested in research,” shares Steinhubl. “I have been seeing patients and performing research the majority of my career.”

Returning to Purdue in 2022, this career-long clinician-scientist is now the Vincent P. Reilly Professor of Biomedical Engineering. Prior to returning to Purdue, Steinhubl was founding Director of Digital Medicine at Scripps Research’s Translational Institute. He remains clinically active as a cardiologist in both Indiana and Alaska.

Alaska? Steinhubl spends his summers in Alaska, where his wife runs a B&B and he serves as the breakfast cook.

“Unlike me, she is very good at speaking to complete strangers for long periods of time and in my biased opinion is an amazing B&B hostess,” shares Steinhubl.

Steinhubl’s research centers on the development of individualized digital biomarkers made possible by wearable sensors as well as the implementation of health research and care programs built around the unique capabilities of the full range of digital health technologies including, personal digital health technologies, AI-based analytic insights, and precision communications to provide personalized, real-time value to individuals.

A particular focus of his digital-solution building is for addressing long-standing disparities and inequities in healthcare, and the lack of diversity in health research. He is a Faculty Champion for Infectious Diseases for Purdue’s Health Equity Initiative and is a member of the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering.

Steinhubl has been the principal investigator of dozens of nationwide and global clinical trials, has published ~300 peer-reviewed manuscripts and was the founding Editor-in-Chief of Nature Partner Journal - Digital Medicine.

Steinhubl received his undergraduate training in chemical engineering at Purdue, his medical degree at St. Louis University and cardiology training at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

Learn more about his research into wearable solutions for healthcare:

Hands-on experience with wearable sensors provides students with the knowledge necessary to help transform healthcare

Karaoke and wearable health devices: Weldon School students hit a high note exploring the future of wearable sensors in new course

Wearable sensor data and self-reported symptoms for COVID-19 detection.

Inter-individual variation in objective measure of reactogenicity following COVID-19 vaccination via smartwatches and fitness bands

Visiting Alaska? Check out Susitna Place, in Anchorage Alaska.