The Hodge Lab

Lisa Hodge, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology and Anatomy and the Basic Science Chair for the Osteopathic Research Center at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Lisa Hodge is part of a growing network of basic science researchers using rigorous scientific methodology to understand the biology of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. Her research examines the role of the lymphatic and immune systems during infectious disease, inflammation, and cancer. The lymphatic system preserves tissue health, aids in the digestion of food, and stimulates immunity by moving tissue fluid into circulation. Failure of the lymphatic system has been implicated in diseases such as inflammation, autoimmunity, cardiovascular disease, obesity, lymphedema, and edema. By stimulating the lymphatic system, CAM therapies such as massage, osteopathic manipulation, and physiotherapy may aid to heal diseased tissue by boosting the immune system and draining inflammatory mediators, dead cells, microbes, and toxins from the tissue.

Dr. Hodge serves on both national and international committees that promote research on manual therapies and train clinician researchers for this profession. She is a peer reviewer for several research journals, and she is on the editorial board for the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Hodge also serves as a peer reviewer for funding agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the American Osteopathic Association, and the American Academy of Osteopathy.