David Sokal
Chair
David Sokal is an adjunct associate professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health, UNC/Chapel Hill. He retired from Family Health International (FHI) 360 in 2012 after 25 years working on HIV prevention and contraceptive technology.
David led FHI 360’s clinical research on vasectomy techniques. He was also was the only non-surgeon member of the American Urological Association’s committee. This committe developed the first comprehensive vasectomy guidelines for US surgeons. David also led FHI 360’s clinical research on a device for adult male circumcision designed for HIV prevention. The FDA approved the device in 2012.
While at FHI 360, David also worked on research studies related to female sterilization. He prepared clinical data for two pre-IND meetings with the FDA, and prepared clinical presentations for review panels for two devices for permanent female contraception. The FDA approved both devices: the Filshie Clip (1996), and the Essure device (2003). His work with FHI has included obtaining several patents.
Prior to joining FHI 360, David obtained a B.A. from Columbia University, followed by an M.D. degree from SUNY Buffalo in 1976, and trained clinically in pediatrics in Phoenix, Arizona. He became a public health physician at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta in 1978, and worked in Burkina Faso, West Africa for five years before joining FHI 360 in Durham in 1987. David also speaks French fluently.