David Rimoin is one of the pioneers in the field of medical genetics. His work in describing the genetic and molecular triggers of skeletal abnormalities led to the discovery of several new syndromes, and helped develop new methods for preventing and treating dwarfism.

Rimoin completed his undergraduate work and received his M.D. from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He went on to receive his Ph.D. in Human Genetics from Johns Hopkins University. In 1970, Rimoin was appointed chief at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center's division of medical genetics. Three years later, Rimoin became a professor of pediatrics and medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine. In 1986, Rimoin was made chairman of the department of pediatrics and director of the Medical Genetics-Birth Defects Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Rimoin's research is focused on the genetic basis of skeletal dysplasias, or skeletal abnormalities. Rimoin led some of the earliest studies on disorders of growth hormone metabolism, and investigated new treatments and methods for preventing short stature. Rimoin is also credited with increasing public awareness and understanding of dwarfism.

In 1979, Rimoin became the founding president of the American Board of Medical Genetics. He was also the founding president of the American College of Medical Genetics and president of the American Society of Human Genetics.

Rimoin has published over 350 papers and edited 11 books, including Principles and Practice of Medical Genetics (with Alan E.H. Emery), considered one of the most comprehensive texts on the science of genetics. Dr. Rimoin also played an integral role in developing the Skeletal Dysplasia Center at UCLA.