Cardiovascular medicine is advancing rapidly as physician leaders drive breakthroughs in heart failure care, cardiac electrophysiology, structural heart procedures and precision cardiovascular research. At the same time, many of the field’s top clinicians are helping shape national policy, clinical guidelines and the future of academic medicine.
The following five cardiologists stand out for their leadership in cardiovascular innovation, research and patient care, as well as their influence across some of the nation’s leading heart programs.
Editor’s note: This is not a comprehensive or ranked list. Becker’s does not endorse any individual featured. To nominate a cardiologist for a future list, contact seydis@beckershealthcare.com
- Glenn Fishman, MD. NYU Langone Health (New York City): Dr. Fishman is director of cardiology at NYU Langone Health and an internationally recognized leader in cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia research. His work has focused on the molecular mechanisms of cardiac electrical signaling and arrhythmias, helping advance the understanding of heart rhythm disorders and translational cardiovascular science.
Dr. Fishman has held major leadership roles across academic medicine and cardiovascular research organizations, including serving as president of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, and is widely respected for his contributions to molecular cardiology, physician-scientist mentorship and cardiovascular research innovation.
- Roxana Mehran, MD. Mount Sinai (New York City): Dr. Mehran is president of the American College of Cardiology and one of the world’s leading interventional cardiologists and cardiovascular clinical trialists. She serves as director of the Women’s Heart and Vascular Center at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and is internationally recognized for her work in personalized cardiovascular medicine, outcomes research and women’s cardiovascular health.
A prolific researcher with thousands of peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Mehran has led numerous global cardiovascular studies and clinical guideline efforts, and is widely respected for advancing opportunities for women in medicine through initiatives, including Women as One.
- Clyde Yancy, MD. Northwestern Medicine (Chicago): Dr. Yancy is chief of cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and associate director of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. An internationally recognized leader in heart failure, outcomes research and health equity, his work has helped shape modern cardiovascular care through major clinical trials, national guideline development and policy leadership.
Dr. Yancy is a former president of the American Heart Association and past chair of the ACC/American Heart Association Heart Failure Clinical Practice Guideline Writing Committee, and is widely respected for advancing diversity, inclusion and mentorship in cardiovascular medicine alongside his contributions to heart failure research and personalized care.
- Lars Svensson, MD, PhD. Cleveland Clinic: Dr. Svensson is chief of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic and an internationally recognized cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon specializing in complex aortic and valve surgery. Widely known for advancing minimally invasive cardiac surgery, aortic repair techniques and transcatheter valve therapies, he has helped pioneer innovative approaches for thoracic aortic aneurysms, bicuspid valve repair and connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome.
A past president of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Svensson is also respected for his leadership in cardiovascular surgery guidelines, outcomes research and surgical quality improvement.
- Paul Friedman, MD. Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.): Dr. Friedman is the Betty Knight Scripps-George M. Gura Jr., MD, professor of cardiovascular medicine at Mayo Clinic and a nationally recognized leader in cardiac electrophysiology and cardiovascular innovation. Specializing in atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, complex cardiac ablation and implantable cardiac devices, he is widely respected for advancing remote monitoring, leadless pacemakers and minimally invasive electrophysiology procedures.
Trained as an electrical engineer, Dr. Friedman also holds more than 40 patents and has authored more than 250 scientific publications, helping drive innovation in cardiac rhythm management, cardiovascular technology and physician education.
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