Those facing eating disorders today have much better tools and resources to overcome them than ever before, thanks in large part to our founder, Walter Kaye, MD.
The Pioneering Work of Walter Kaye, MD
Leading a New Era in Eating Disorder Treatment
Walter Kaye, MD, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at UC San Diego, has long been a trailblazer in the field of eating disorders. Through his groundbreaking research, innovative treatment models and unrelenting dedication to patient care, Dr. Kaye has revolutionized both the understanding and treatment of eating disorders. As the founder of the Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research (EDC) at UC San Diego, Dr. Kaye has left an indelible mark on the treatment landscape. He has not only advanced scientific knowledge; he has also redefined the approach to care, helping those living with eating disorders navigate a path to recovery through evidence-based treatments.
Walter Kaye, MD
Founder
Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry
Breaking Ground in Eating Disorders Research
Dr. Kaye’s pivotal work in the field began during a fellowship at the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) followed by two decades of research at the University of Pittsburgh, where he launched one of the first eating disorders centers in the country. At a time when eating disorders research and clinical treatment were still in their infancy, Dr. Kaye instilled the values of innovation and clinical excellence into his approach to caring for patients. His research focused on understanding the roles of temperament, genetics and neurobiology in the development of eating disorders. In particular, he identified key inherent risk factors that predispose individuals to conditions such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, laying the groundwork for more personalized and effective treatment strategies.
Building on this foundational research, Dr. Kaye joined UC San Diego in 2005, where he continued his work and established the EDC. His goal was not only to advance scientific understanding but also to translate that knowledge into tangible, life-saving and effective treatment models for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
Family-Based Treatment and Temperament-Based Treatment
One of Dr. Kaye’s most profound contributions to the field was the adaptation of Family-Based Treatment (FBT) to the partial hospital level of care setting, which has revolutionized how clinicians and families approach recovery. Prior to the development of FBT by researchers Ivan Eisler of King’s College London, Daniel LeGrange of UC San Francisco, and James Lock of Stanford Medicine, eating disorders were often seen as a manifestation of family dysfunction. FBT flipped this perspective by positioning families as essential allies in the recovery process. Dr. Kaye’s program at UC San Diego has emphasized and built upon the critical role that family support plays in helping individuals recover from eating disorders.
Dr. Kaye and colleagues at UC San Diego also developed temperament-based treatment (TBT), an innovative model that tailors interventions to each patient’s unique personality and temperament traits. This approach recognizes that individuals have different emotional responses, coping mechanisms and motivation for treatment, which can significantly influence their recovery trajectory. By adapting the therapeutic approach to align with a patient's temperament and leveraging these traits as strengths in the recovery process, Dr. Kaye and his colleagues were able to enhance the effectiveness of treatment, particularly for individuals with severe eating disorders who had previously struggled with traditional interventions.
TBT has also been instrumental in addressing the comorbidities that frequently accompany eating disorders, including anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Its focus on the multifaceted nature of eating disorders provides patients, families and clinicians with powerful tools to better understand and manage the illness — and to foster a belief that recovery is attainable.
The UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center: A Beacon of Innovation and Hope
The EDC at UC San Diego, under Dr. Kaye's leadership, has become a renowned hub for innovative research, excellence in training, and compassionate patient care. The center has gained national and international recognition for its contributions to the field, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to address the diverse needs of individuals with eating disorders.
The EDC's success can be attributed to its dedicated team of clinicians, researchers and staff, all of whom share Dr. Kaye's vision for treating eating disorders with a balance of scientific rigor and deep empathy. The center's approach emphasizes the development of a strong therapeutic alliance between patients and clinicians, fostering trust and understanding. As a result, the treatment process is characterized by resilience, compassion and a sense of safety — key ingredients in the recovery process.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Kaye’s influence reaches far beyond the walls of the EDC. His research, innovative treatment models and commitment to mentorship have shaped a generation of clinicians, researchers and advocates dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with eating disorders.
As a distinguished professor emeritus of psychiatry at UC San Diego, Dr. Kaye exemplifies the ideal clinician-scientist, blending compassionate care with groundbreaking research. His contributions have helped transform the global treatment landscape, equipping care teams worldwide with the knowledge and tools to improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Kaye’s legacy is visible not only in the thousands of lives he has touched directly, but in the lasting advancements he has made in the field. His leadership and vision stand as a powerful reminder of the importance of science, empathy and family support in the path to recovery — ensuring his impact will endure for generations to come.