Episode 115

Mr. T (Episode 115)

Guest: Jacob Goldsmith

Today we’re talking with Dr. Jacob Goldsmith. Jacob is a research scientist at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Our conversation will explore the interesting relationship between Testosterone and Spinal Cord Injury.

We discuss the role of Testosterone in humans, why the presence of this critical hormone may subside after spinal cord injury, and how it might be linked to motor function recovery after SCI.

Jacob presented his work on this topic during our poster session talks at U2FP’s Annual Science and Advocacy in Atlanta this past fall. After that presentation we were determined to get him on the podcast for a conversation and we’re so glad he agreed. This was an enlightening conversation for us - I hope you enjoy it!

Don't forget to email us your thoughts and inquiries about this episode at curecast@u2fp.org. Thanks for listening!

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Soundcloud

Bumper music: Dig a Hole by Freaque

Guest Bio

Dr. Jacob A. Goldsmith (Jake) is a research scientist at the James J Peters VA Medical Center and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He is primarily interested in using testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), neuromodulation techniques (e.g., brain and spinal cord stimulation), and task-specific exercise to evoke favorable health outcomes and improve function in persons with SCI.

He received his PhD in 2020 from Florida State University and completed two postdoctoral training experiences in clinical SCI research in the VA system. He received his VA Career Development Award-1 entitled “The Role of Androgens in Neurophysiological and Autonomic Function in Male Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury” in April 2024. This will be the first study to examine the associations between endogenous testosterone profiles and neural function in men with SCI.

The results of this pilot study will inform the design of larger eventual trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intranasal TRT and test the effects on multiple bodily systems in men with SCI compared to other delivery methods, as well as combinatory therapies, including neuromodulation and task-specific exercise.

Connect with Jacob Goldsmith here: