Clinical lipidology is a branch of medicine focusing on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and associated disorders. A physician who specializes in the field of lipidology treats patients with lipid disorders and cardiovascular disease. This physician specialist studies and treats cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins in the blood, all of which contribute to heart disease and atherosclerosis. The field of lipidology is growing rapidly because of the number of patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Rhode Island is the smallest of the 50 states, its population is 1,076,189, and the state capital is Providence. Providence is home to historic cathedrals, the John Brown House Museum, and the Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design. In Newport, one can visit a historic mansion, take the Cliff Walk, which is a National Recreation Trail that overlooks the ocean, or tour the Rhode Island Fishermen & Whale Museum. Every August, thousands of people attend the world-renowned Newport Jazz Festival.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Rhode Island has a population of 1,076,189. Of this population, 237,782 are under the age of 18 and 149,047 are at or above the age of 65.