CVD researcher/clinician named Editor-in-Chief of Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine
( NewMediaWire ) - April 15, 2025 - DALLAS — Ferhaan Ahmad, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, is the new editor-in-chief of Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine, a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the American Heart Association, effective with the journal's April issue, published today. Ahmad is the founding director of the Cardiovascular Genomics Program and associate professor of internal medicine-cardiovascular medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa. He takes the helm leading Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine from Kiran Musunuru, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H, FAHA, who served as interim editor-in-chief since April 2024.
'Dr. Ahmad's extensive cardiology expertise and leadership in the field of cardiovascular genomics, his commitment to innovation and drive for scientific advances will guide Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine to new heights as the specialty continues to evolve,' said Eldrin F. Lewis, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association's Scientific Publishing Committee, which oversees the Association's 14 peer-reviewed scientific journals. Lewis is the Simon H. Stertzer, M.D., Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and chief of the division of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University in Stanford, California.
Ahmad most recently served as an associate editor and senior associate editor of the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) for the past 10 years. He stepped down from JAHA to assume his new role with Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine. 'Thank you to Dr. Ahmad for his integral role in advancing JAHA's impact and reputation for scientific excellence over the last decade,' said Lewis.
Ahmad's additional roles at the University of Iowa include associate professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, associate professor of radiology and director of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Training Program. He also leads a laboratory conducting basic and translational research into the genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying inherited cardiovascular disorders, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, glycogen storage cardiomyopathy, inherited arrhythmias and pulmonary hypertension, and the mechanisms by which the SGLT1 protein contributes to heritable and acquired heart failure. Ahmad's clinical expertise includes coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy and other inherited cardiovascular conditions, and he continues to mentor countless postdoctoral fellows and medical, graduate and undergraduate students.
'Cardiovascular genetics combined with genomics is a quickly evolving field that is highly dependent on the contributions of many professionals from various disciplines, and advances are emerging quickly,' said Ahmad. 'In my new role as editor-in-chief, I am excited to build on the journal's success while elevating the inclusion of studies that advance implementation science, community-engaged/community-based participatory research, as well as papers highlighting equitable health and social drivers of health. These are critical areas to understanding the genetic and genomic basis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Translating these findings to practice is key to improving care and outcomes for patients,' said Ahmad.
Ahmad also plans to champion initiatives that strengthen the journal's position within the specialty, such as:
Ahmad earned his doctor of medicine degree at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, followed by postgraduate clinical training at McGill University, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. He subsequently earned a Ph.D. in human genetics from Baylor College of Medicine and completed a Howard Hughes Medical Institute postdoctoral fellowship in mouse genetics at Harvard Medical School.
In addition to his role with JAHA, Ahmad has served in several leadership roles in the American Heart Association's Council on Genomic and Precision Medicine, the Council on Epidemiology and Prevention, and the Committee for Scientific Sessions Programming. He also serves on the Association's Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Science Advisory Group.
Ahmad has received numerous research grants and is active in several clinical trials of novel therapies for heritable cardiomyopathies. He has co-authored more than 60 published, peer-reviewed research articles including serving as the chair of the writing group for the 2019 American Heart Association Scientific Statement, " Establishment of Specialized Clinical Cardiovascular Genetics Programs: Recognizing the Need and Meeting Standards.' He also authored the chapter on cardiovascular genetics in the American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (ACCSAP).
Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine, which launched in 2008, is the leading scientific journal for original research detailing mechanistic, diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic advances in genetics and genomics, including studies in human subjects, laboratory animals, in vitro and in silico, focused on relevance to human cardiovascular biology and disease. Areas of interest include investigations of clinical genetics as applied to cardiovascular disorders, the molecular basis of complex cardiovascular disorders, and novel applications of precision medicine. The online-only journal publishes six issues per year, and accepted articles are published online ahead of issue.
Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine is part of the American Heart Association's portfolio of 14 peer-reviewed scientific journals: Circulation; Stroke; Hypertension; Journal of the American Heart Association; Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology; Circulation Research; Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology; Circulation: Heart Failure; Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes; Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology; and Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases. Each journal is editorially independent of one another and the Association in support of open dialogue and discourse, which are essential to the dynamic nature of scientific discovery. Editors-in-chief are selected by the Association's volunteer-led Scientific Publishing Committee, and each editor-in-chief assembles and manages the editorial board, vision and strategy for their journal. The Association is the publisher of the journals; however, the Association has no oversight on the science content published.
Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability.
The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here.
Additional Resources:
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Michelle Kirkwood: [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Taiwan Goes All-In for BIO in Boston: 2025's Pavilion Promotes Biotech Innovation, Tech Power, and Global Partnerships
BOSTON, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiwan's delegation, led by BPIPO (Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Promotion Office), organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and supported by various government agencies, will attend the BIO International Convention 2025, taking place June 16–19 in Boston. The Taiwan Pavilion, themed "Taiwan, Your Best Partner in Asia," brings together 35 companies, one industry association, and six research institutes to showcase advancements in AI-driven healthcare, biomanufacturing, and precision medicine. Building on BIO 2024's success with 19,608 attendees and 61,508 business matchmaking meetings, Taiwan aims to strengthen its role as a global biotech leader by highlighting innovations and expanding international partnerships. The Taiwan Pavilion highlights "Full-Age Precision Medicine," showcasing over 50 technologies addressing healthcare needs across all life stages. Key innovations - Taiwan's expertise in AI enhances medical informatics and smart healthcare solutions, while its biomanufacturing supports global pharmaceutical production. These advancements position Taiwan as a leader in regenerative medicine, medical devices, and contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). Adding further momentum to Taiwan's presence at the convention, two Taiwanese biotech startups — AnHorn Medicines and Pharmasaga Company Limited — have been selected as finalists in the Start-Up Stadium, a global competition that drew 57 teams from around the world. Their selection reflects the rising profile and competitiveness of Taiwan's biotech sector and provides finalists with a valuable opportunity to engage with global pharmaceutical leaders and venture capitalists, potentially leading to strategic partnerships and funding opportunities. Taiwan's BIO 2025 Key Events to Attend – Tuesday, June 17 Global Innovation Hub – Taiwan (3:15–3:30 p.m., Meeting Room 152):A focused session spotlighting Taiwan's biomedical breakthroughs and collaboration opportunities, reflecting the broad coalition behind Taiwan's delegation across industry, government, academia, and clinical sectors. Taiwan Pavilion Networking Event (4:00–5:00 p.m., Booths 1545 & 1645):An open networking event welcoming global biotech leaders, featuring a Happy Hour and showcasing next-generation technologies, promising products, and emerging opportunities for cross-border collaboration. The Taiwan Pavilion at BIO 2025 (Booth No. 1545 & 1645) showcases numerous biotech companies. Coordinated by BPIPO, it promotes global partnerships in biotech, CDMO, and precision health. Exhibited technologies include cell and gene therapy, novel drug development, smart medical devices, and integrated solutions for all stages of healthcare. As BIO 2025 approaches, Taiwan's delegation prepares to showcase its biotech strengths and global strategy to shape the industry's future. More details and delegation links are available at or by contacting BPIPO. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Promotion Office (BPIPO) Sign in to access your portfolio
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Miami Herald
MTV VJ Ananda Lewis dead at 52 following lengthy battle with breast cancer
Eight months after opening up about her breast cancer diagnosis, former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis has died at the age of 52. The news of her death comes after Lewis sat down at a CNN roundtable to talk about her initial cancer diagnosis and the decisions she made following receiving that news. Lewis' sister Lakshmi confirmed the news of her death in a June 11 Facebook post. 'She's free, and in His heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul.' In a 2020 Instagram post, Lewis revealed she was first diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2019, admitting that she had been forgoing her regular mammograms out of a fear of radiation. Additionally, after receiving her diagnosis, Lewis also opted out of undergoing a double mastectomy, a surgery her doctors recommend she endure. Five years later, during her sit down with CNN, published on Oct. 15, Lewis revealed that her cancer had progressed to stage 4. While talking with her friend, CNN correspondent Stephanie Elam, Lewis shared she had some regret for how she handled her original diagnosis in 2019. 'I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,' Lewis explained. 'Looking back on that I go, 'Girl, maybe I should've (had the surgery).'' Lewis continued, sharing that she 'was not ready for' all of the 'big things' the doctors were encouraging her to do at the time. 'They wanted to take both (breasts),' she told CNN. Instead, Lewis said she moved forward with chemotherapy treatments and alternative methods, such as improving her mental health, getting more sleep and drinking less alcohol. At the end of every month, Lewis would monitor the cancer's grow with ultrasounds. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that she was told the cancer was spreading. In October 2023. A 'scan showed that I had this kind of up my spine, through my hip, almost everywhere but my brain,' Lewis said. 'I've never been in pain like that in my life.' 'I don't get afraid of things,' Lewis continued. 'I was just like, 'Fudge, man, I really thought I had this.' I was frustrated. I was a little angry at myself.' In an Oct. 16 interview with The New York Times, Lewis explained that she iwas no longer a candidate for surgery or chemotherapy. At the time, she was taking a drug that treats metastatic cancer. 'Those medications are working beautifully for me in combination with the other things I'm doing that help support my body,' she said at the time. 'I'm really thriving right now,' adding that some of the tumors have shrunk so much that they are 'almost undetectable.' 'I wish I could go back,' she said, according to The New York Times. 'It's important for me to admit where I went wrong with this.' As the National Breast Cancer Foundation reports, those diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer have a five-year relative survival rate of 86%. Stage 4 breast cancer, which metastasizes throughout a person's body, is considered incurable, but is treatable. The survival rate for Stage 4 breast cancer in women is 31%.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Newsweek
Service Dog's Reaction After Boy's Blood Sugar Crash Melts Hearts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An English cocker spaniel has melted hearts on the internet after he alerted his family to a dangerous drop in his young owner's blood sugar—30 minutes before medical devices caught it. Mom and owner Aubrie Lewis (@typeonederfulwells), from North Carolina, posted footage of Ducky nudging her with his nose on Instagram, despite all her kids being upstairs in bed with their doors closed. Like any parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes, Lewis goes to check her son's blood sugar, first showing a normal 102, then a slight drop to 88. Split view of Ducky the English cocker spaniel nudging owner and sitting at the top of the stairs. Split view of Ducky the English cocker spaniel nudging owner and sitting at the top of the stairs. @typeonederfulwells "Ducky alerts at 85 and under," Lewis wrote on the text overlay. After setting another 15-minute timer, then came the number they had been waiting for: 84. Lewis's son, Wells, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in November 2023, just after his third birthday. "It was completely life-changing," the 31-year-old told Newsweek. "One day, he was a perfectly healthy toddler, and the next we were learning how to keep him alive 24/7 with insulin." The daily reality of living with Type 1 diabetes is intense, and the condition affects every part of Wells's day. "His blood sugar has to be constantly monitored, even when he's sleeping," Lewis said. Even with continuous glucose monitor and an insulin pump, diabetes is unpredictable. "Meals, snacks, playtime, illness, stress [and] travel can all cause fluctuations," Lewis added. "There's never a true break from it, for him or for us as his caregivers." However, in April 2025, a new kind of support entered their home: Ducky, a service dog trained by the nonprofit M.D. Dogs to detect dangerous blood-sugar changes through scent. And as the reel shows, the canine is remarkably good at it. "When Ducky senses that Wells's blood sugar is too high or too low, he nudges us with his nose," Lewis said. "It's amazing. He often alerts before the medical devices even register a change." The reel capturing Ducky's alert has been viewed almost 5 million times since it was posted a few days ago. Thousands of viewers sparked a wave of emotional comments. "As a nurse, I am absolutely floored at how a dog can sense a glucose drop before it's a problem. This is magical. That pup is something special for sure," one user wrote. "Makes me teary every time I see his alerts! This is the dream. One day we will have a dog like Ducky!" another wrote. "The response has been overwhelming in both the best way and in a difficult way," Lewis said. "So many people have reached out saying they didn't know dogs could be trained for diabetes. Parents of newly diagnosed kids have messaged us saying our story gives them hope." Still, as is common on the internet, not all the feedback has been kind. "There is a lot of misinformation about Type 1 diabetes and children, and it can be frustrating when people in the comments don't want to learn," she said. "The good outweighs the bad, though, and that's exactly why we started our page in the first place!" Beyond his medical value, Ducky has become a lifeline for the family—bringing not just safety, but peace of mind. "Before him, we didn't feel like we could rest because we didn't fully trust his medical devices," Lewis said. "Ducky gives our son freedom and gives us all a little breath of relief."
