East Lansing, MI – Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, David R. Neff, DO is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions in Medicine, Education, and Research.
David R. Neff, DO, has built a distinguished career spanning more than 45 years in medicine, healthcare leadership, medical education, and pharmaceutical research. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to advancing patient care, promoting medical innovation, and mentoring future generations of healthcare professionals.
As Principal and Chief Executive Officer of David Neff DO PLLC, Dr. Neff provides comprehensive medical care focused on infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes, cardiometabolic disorders, pain management, hospice and palliative care, and family medicine. His practice emphasizes patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and improving quality of life through personalized treatment strategies.
Dr. Neff earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and Biochemistry from Michigan State University before receiving his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1980. He completed a rotating internship and family medicine residency at Lansing General Hospital and later pursued a fellowship in clinical biomechanics at Michigan State University. He is board certified in family medicine.
Widely respected for his expertise in family and community medicine, genomics, pain management, infectious disease diagnostics, diabetes care, and pharmaceutical development, Dr. Neff has dedicated his career to integrating scientific innovation with compassionate patient care. His work also includes consulting on cardiometabolic, renal, and hepatic syndromes, muscular dystrophy, and long-acting injectable antipsychotic therapies.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Neff spent approximately 20 years in direct clinical practice before transitioning into the pharmaceutical industry, where he served for 15 years in leadership roles. His positions included Medical Science Liaison at Merck and Senior Chief Medical Director for Medicaid Medical Affairs. During this time, he played an important role in advancing pharmaceutical research, physician education, and healthcare policy initiatives.
When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, Dr. Neff returned to direct patient care, serving patients in urgent care and family medicine settings. His decision reflected a lifelong commitment to serving communities and addressing healthcare needs during times of crisis.
In addition to his clinical and industry accomplishments, Dr. Neff has made significant contributions to medical research and education. His research has been published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, including work involving genomics and advanced diagnostic methodologies. He has also co-authored multiple publications with members of the American College of Cardiology and has been a frequent regional and national speaker on pain management and pharmaceutical drug discovery.
Today, Dr. Neff serves as a Clinical Professor at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he helps educate and mentor future physicians. He is actively involved in numerous professional organizations, including the American Osteopathic Association, Michigan Osteopathic Association, Michigan Health and Hospital Association, National Lipid Association, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, and American College of Cardiology.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Dr. Neff volunteers with the U.S. Pain Foundation and serves on the board of the Care Free Clinic in Lansing, Michigan, helping expand access to healthcare services for underserved populations.
Outside of medicine, he enjoys golfing and downhill skiing. He credits much of his success to the guidance of early mentors, including a high school guidance counselor who encouraged him to pursue his goals and professional aspirations.
Dr. Neff is grateful for the support of his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children, whose encouragement has been an important part of his personal and professional journey.
Looking ahead, Dr. Neff plans to devote more time to teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows while continuing to advance healthcare through education, research, and clinical excellence. Guided by a philosophy rooted in compassion, partnership, and informed medical decision-making, he remains committed to helping patients achieve the highest possible quality of life while inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders.
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