Overview
My primary research interest is in conduct and methodology of large randomized clinical trials in heart disease. I have led a number of large international clinical studies in heart attacks, unstable angina, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. I have lead clinical studies of blood thinners and coronary intervention for heart attacks, stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, and prevention of heart attack for patients with coronary artery disease. I have been co-director of the Reperfusion of Acute MI in Carolina Emergency Departments (RACE) project that is a North Carolina state-wide program to improve reperfusion care for acute myocardial infarction. I serve as the Chairman of the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline program to improve heart attack care nationally as well as the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline committee for heart attack care. I have also studied the effects of genetic variation on heart disease. I work with the National Institute of Health and the Federal Drug Administration on evaluation of heart disease and of new drugs. I have developed tools to predict which patients are at risk for death, heart attack, and need for hospitalization.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Fred Cobb, M.D. Distinguished Professor of Medicine
·
2024 - Present
Medicine, Cardiology,
Medicine
Professor of Medicine
·
2007 - Present
Medicine, Cardiology,
Medicine
Professor in the School of Nursing
·
2015 - Present
School of Nursing
Member in the Duke Clinical Research Institute
·
1988 - Present
Duke Clinical Research Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
REview and improvement of cardiac implanTable device Infection management qualitY initiative (RECTIFY): Rationale and design for a cardiac implantable electronic device infection quality initiative demonstration project.
Journal Article Am Heart J · February 2026 BACKGROUND: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections are a growing concern due to their associated high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Current guidelines given complete device and lead removal for CIED infection a class I recomm ... Full text Link to item CitePRospective evaluation of the European Society of Cardiology 0/1h-algorithm`s safety and efficacy for triage of patients with suspected myocardial infarction (PRESC1SE-MI): Rationale and design of a prospective international multicenter stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial.
Journal Article Am Heart J · February 2026 BACKGROUND: International practice guidelines recommend the more rapid European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/1h-algorithm for the triage of patients with suspected myocardial infarction (MI) as the preferred option and consider the ESC 0/3h-algorithm as a ... Full text Link to item CiteMedicare coverage gap status, adherence to oral anticoagulation, and stroke rates in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Journal Article Am Heart J · January 2026 BACKGROUND: Prior to 2025, Medicare Part D included a coverage gap during which beneficiaries were responsible for substantially higher portions of medication costs. The impact of this on oral anticoagulant (OAC) prescription fills and subsequent stroke in ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
KARDIA-6 CVOT SUA
Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals · 2025 - 2031Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (StARR) - NHLBI
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2018 - 2028MarTide DMC
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Amgen, Inc. · 2025 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Connecticut ·
1984
M.D.