Ashley Thorsell, MD was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000, and has been involved at SDRI as a patient, intern, and clinical researcher since her diagnosis. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and obtained her Medical Degree from St. George’s University in Grenada. Dr. Thorsell completed her internal medicine residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and fellowship training at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. She has worked as a clinical Endocrinologist on the Central Coast for the past 8 years, providing care to thousands of patients with Diabetes. She has published papers with Dr. Lois Jovanovic regarding “The Fidgety Fetus Hypothesis” and benefits of continuous glucose monitoring as a steppingstone in the journey towards a cure for diabetes. From 2012 to 2014, Dr. Thorsell was the principal investigator for an IRB-monitored study examining the impact of prescribed physical activity on diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular profiles, and quality of life.
 
As an Endocrinologist with type 1 diabetes, Dr. Thorsell is intimately aware of the challenges of the disease and can provide her patients with the compassionate care that is needed. She aspires to bring her personal and clinical expertise to the forefront of diabetes research, motivated by a passion to improve the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes. She hopes to disseminate her proficiency in developing and integrating novel approaches to the management of type 1 diabetes, with a focus on nutrition, exercise, innovative technology, and pioneering uses of oral and injectable diabetes treatments.
 
Dr. Thorsell was born and raised in Santa Barbara. She is married and has 2 children. On the weekends, you might find her hiking the foothills of Santa Barbara, at the beach surfing, or riding bikes with her family.