Current research efforts focus on the role of niacin in clinical lipid practice. Despite the ending of a large clinical trial due to lack of benefit, niacin remains the second best lipid-modifying drug after statins. Why this trial did not replicate earlier success with niacin is a matter of great interest. Counterregulatory hormone responses may provide the answer. Another research focus is weight loss counseling in the busy clinic setting. Low glycemic dietary advice achieved average long-term weight loss of 3% (beyond 1 year) in a recently published study. One in four patients had long-term weight loss greater than 6%. Dr. Guyton is recognized nationally as an expert in clinical management of lipid disorders and a leader in postgraduate education in this area. Both nationally and internationally, Dr. Guyton is known for his earlier work on lipid deposition in the arterial wall. Key words: atherosclerosis, lipoproteins, statins, niacin, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins