Genetic and Therapeutic Approaches to Heart Diseases

Professor Christine Seidman is the Thomas W. Smith Professor of Medicine and Genetics at Harvard Medical School, an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Director of the Cardiovascular Genetics Service at Brigham and Women's Hospital. While many scientists master either basic research or clinical practice, Seidman has blazed a trail in cardiovascular science with her unique approach to research focused on elucidating the genetic causes for heart disease and other disorders. Dr. Seidman has pioneered the discovery of the genetic basis for heart muscle disorders, including hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies and congenital heart disease. Her work has enabled development of clinical gene-based diagnostics, early and accurate identification of at-risk individuals, and pre-emptive interventions to limit the progression and devastating outcomes associated with these disorders. Professor Seidman has received numerous accolades for her research including the Schottenstein Prize in Cardiovascular Science, the Grand Prix  Lefoulon-Delalande, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Award, the American Heart Association’s Basic Science Prize, and the American Society for Clinical Investigation Award. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Heart Association Distinguished Scientists.