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January 5, 2009 W. Keith Hoots, M.D. joins NHLBI as Director, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources Message from Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Director, NHLBI Dear Colleagues: I am very pleased to announce that Dr. W. Keith Hoots, M.D. has joined us effective January 5th, 2009 as Director of our Division of Blood Diseases and Resources. Dr. Hoots comes to us from the University of Texas (UT) Medical School at Houston where he was Professor of Pediatrics and Division Head of Pediatric Hematology; Section Head of Pediatric Hematology, UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; and Medical Director, Gulf States Hemophilia and Thrombophilia Treatment Center. Dr. Hoots also directed the Fellowship Program at M.D. Anderson. Dr. Hoots received his A.B. in English and Chemistry and his M.D. from the University of North Carolina (UNC) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. While a senior at UNC, he worked in the hemostasis laboratory of Dr. Kenneth Brinkhous. He then completed his Pediatric Internship and Residency at Children's Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He returned to UNC for his Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology Oncology and worked in the laboratory of Dr. Harold Roberts. Dr. Hoots then joined the faculty at M.D. Anderson. Keith's major interests involve the management and diagnosis of congenital and acquired bleeding disorders and clotting disorders. His work includes the creation of longitudinal follow-up of hemophilia cohorts with HIV and hepatitis, gene therapy trials for Hemophilia A and B, clinical trials of new clotting concentrates for Hemophilia A and B, and the impact of care and clotting factor product on Hemophilia patient outcome. He also has a 20 year interest in the diagnosis and treatment of diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC), in particular DIC in head trauma. He has been intimately involved in the development of safe coagulation factor products, having completed his training as the HIV epidemic was evolving in hemophilia patients. By the late 1980’s, he was able to return to the hemostasis focus which initially attracted him to the field, and he has continued to be a productive investigator and collaborator. He has a strong interest in global collaborations and in developing public-private partnerships and recently completed his sabbatical in Belgium. Keith is a past member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Blood Safety and Availability Advisory Committee to the Secretary of Health, past chair of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee for the National Hemophilia Foundation and subcommittee co-chair of the DIC Subcommittee of International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis. He has also been an associate editor for Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis and served on the editorial boards of Haemophilia, Haemophilia Forum and the International Monitor on Hemophilia. He is a past president of the Hemophilia Research Society of North America. Dr. Hoots is looking forward to meeting our talented staff and exploring exciting new directions for the Institute.
December 29, 2008 to January 9, 2009 Recruiting for Director, Office of Global Health The Institute is seeking a dynamic and innovative global health expert to provide strategic leadership for the new Office of Global Health. The Office of Global Health (OGH) will represent the NHLBI to other national and international organizations, governments, and private sector. This office will develop policies and facilitate collaborations related to global health issues, provide leadership and coordination for bilateral programs with selected countries and provide policy guidance and coordination on refugee health policy issues. The OGH Director will provide executive leadership, manage the Office’s resource allocations, and serve as a global health advisor to the NHLBI Director. The OGH Director will promote and support public health research and training initiatives internationally to reduce disparities in global health. The OGH Director will advocate in the areas of critical importance to the global populace, and establish and nurture internationally-renowned programs congruent with NHLBI’s Strategic Plan. As a key member of the senior leadership of the Institute, the OGH Director will have a broad sphere of responsibilities that include the development of priorities and goals and collaborating with closely aligned programs across the NHLBI, NIH, DHHS and other federal agencies. These programs will build public health research capacity and develop human capital in the nations and countries of the greatest need. Working in collaboration with other NIH Institutes, federal agencies, and organizations in the developing world, the OGH Director will address the public health challenges in the most crucial areas, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, emerging infectious diseases, chronic diseases, bioethics, medical informatics, environmental and occupational health, maternal and child health, and others. The Director will support the NIH EEO program. Please apply online at USAJOBS
December 18th, 2008 Addition to Rock Creek Regional Park – Special Gift from Dr. Thressa C. Stadtman Rock Creek Regional Park in Derwood received a 5.8 acre land as a generous gift from the NHLBI Scientist, Dr. Thressa C. Stadtman. She is the wife of the late Dr. Earl R. Stadtman who is regarded as one of the outstanding biochemists of the 20th century. Both Drs. Earl and Thressa Stadtman worked at the NHLBI for more than half a century, mentoring many young scientists, some of whom became prominent scientists including two Nobel laureates. For more information on the news release, please visit Montgomery Parks Media Center. Please visit The Stadtman Way for information on Drs. Earl and Thressa Stadtman.
December 4, 2008 NHLBI Announces New Genetic Target for Sickle Cell Disease Researchers have identified a gene that directly affects the production of fetal hemoglobin, which is instrumental in modifying the severity of the inherited blood disorders sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The discovery could lead to breakthrough therapies for sickle cell disease and thalassemia, which could potentially eliminate the devastating and life-threatening complications of these diseases, such as severe pain, damage to the eyes and other organs, infections, and stroke. Dr. Alan Michelson, Associate Director for Basic Research in NHLBI, through his article 'From Genetic Association to Genetic Switch' gives a scientific perspective to this significant research discovery. For more information, please visit NHLBI Press Release.
November 17, 2008 to January 21, 2009 Recruiting for Director, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases The Institute is seeking a dynamic physician-scientist to provide strategic leadership for its Division of Cardiovascular Diseases (DCVD). The DCVD Director will have a profound impact upon the national investment in research, and the quality of service to the international research community. The DCVD supports and oversees research in vascular medicine and biology and vascular, cerebral, renal, peripheral, and other cardiovascular disorders. The DCVD fosters biotechnological research in CVD-related genomics, proteomics, nanotechnology, imaging, device development, cell- and tissue-based therapeutics, and gene therapy. DCVD also supports training and career development programs in cardiovascular research at all educational levels, including programs for individuals from diverse populations. The DCVD Director will recruit scientists and scientific administrators, develop and nurture a strong workforce, and build depth in disease-specific branches. As a key member of the senior leadership team of the Institute, s/he will collaborate with closely aligned programs in the Institute, advocate for areas of critical importance to the national and global populace, to improve the health of the public, and to establish and implement programs congruent with NHLBI’s strategic plan. Additionally, the Director will provide leadership for creating and nurturing internationally-renowned programs for an extramural program that integrates basic science and clinical research, including translational research, networks, and multicenter clinical trials and guide a national research program on the causes and prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders such as atherothrombosis; coronary artery disease; myocardial infarction and ischemia; heart failure; arrhythmia; congenital heart disease; cardiovascular complications of diabetes and obesity; and hypertension. Salary is commensurate with the experience of the candidate and a full package of Civil Service benefits is available, including: retirement, health, and life insurance, long term care insurance, leave and savings plan (401k equivalent). Please apply online at USAJOBS
November 9, 2008 Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Recipient of 2008 Eugene Braunwald Mentorship Award Dr. Nabel was honored in New Orleans at the 2008 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association with the Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award. Dr. Braunwald is a highly distinguished researcher and physician whose contributions in the field of cardiovascular disease have improved the health care of people world-wide. The award was established in 1999 and is presented to identify and honor individuals whose academic careers have included a long-term record (spanning at least 20-25 years) of successful mentoring of promising young academicians and is based upon a consistent record of molding the careers of multiple individuals during a continuous academic career. In accepting the award, Dr. Nabel acknowledged the students, fellows, post-docs and faculty members she has worked with over the years and thanked them for their intellectual curiosity, their passion for cardiovascular research, and their commitment to make a difference in the lives of their patients. She concluded her remarks with a special tribute to Dr. Braunwald, who was her "steadfast mentor, trusted friend and faithful colleague for the past 25 years. Dr. Braunwald sets the gold standard for mentorship; in his training of over 1500 individuals in his internal medicine training program and countless additional cardiology fellows, he has taught us the true meaning of being a wise and trusted counselor, and he has inspired us to lead and mentor by his example."
November 9, 2008 NHLBI Issues Statement on the Role of Inflammation on Preventing Heart Disease NHLBI has issued a statement on the role of inflammation on the prevention of heart disease. The statement briefly describes the results of three studies that provide the strongest evidence to date that a simple blood test for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a useful marker for cardiovascular disease. One study, known as JUPITER (the Justification for Use of statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin), demonstrated for the first time that a statin (rosuvastatin) reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in individuals with high levels of hsCRP and normal or low levels of LDL cholesterol. Two other studies, which were supported by NHLBI, reinforce earlier findings that adding hsCRP levels to assess risk of a first heart attack or stroke in middle-aged or older adults improves accuracy over the traditional assessment tools. Together, these studies show great promise in helping clinicians better identify and treat individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease – potentially saving millions more lives. An expert panel convened by NHLBI will include these findings as part of the rigorous scientific review to distill the scientific evidence and generate an evidence-based, comprehensive set of clinical guidelines for primary care practitioners to help adult patients reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease.
October 6, 2008 NHLBI Launches New Website for Parents on Medical Research Studies for Children NHLBI is launching a new web resource that will give health care providers and parents an insider's guide to children's medical research. Children and Clinical Studies (www.ChildrenAndClinicalStudies.nhlbi.nih.gov) combines information about how clinical studies in youth are conducted with award-winning video of children, parents, and healthcare providers discussing the rewards and challenges of participating in research. The new website was developed by NHLBI in collaboration with New England Research Institutes and Hands On Productions. Additional support was provided by the NIH Foundation; NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the National Center for Research Resources; and the National Marfan Foundation. For more information, please read the NHLBI Press Release.
September 10, 2008 to December 1, 2008 Recruiting for Director, Office of Communications and Legislative Activities The Institute is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director, Office of Communications and Legislative Activities. This is a career Federal position in the Senior Executive Service. The individual selected for this leadership position will manage the Institute’s key policy, communications, public affairs, health campaigns and consumer services, legislation, Congressional activities, and Freedom of Information and Privacy Act functions in a manner supportive of the NHLBI research mission. This individual will provide expert advice and guidance to the Director, Deputy Director and other senior Institute officials in initiating, developing, implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of a dynamic, nationally and internationally visible program for these functions and has the responsibility for developing a strategic communication vision and dynamic program to help implement the Institute’s new Strategic Plan; communicating leading edge scientific research results, enhancing effective internal communications, and effectively managing the human and fiscal resources of the Office. The Director of the Office of Communications and Legislative Activities is also responsible for advising the Institute Director on national heart, lung, and blood policy, legislation and regulations, scientific research programs, and external relations with various Institute/DHHS/Federal constituencies, national and international constituencies and stakeholders. S/He provides executive leadership and management in the comprehensive and continuing development and analysis of policies and communications strategies related to the ethical, social and legal implications of heart, lung, and blood research and for matters relating to communications on a national and international level, media relations and public inquiries. This individual also directs the NHLBI Congressional liaison activities and in this role administers and coordinates Congressional testimony preparation, reviews of pending and new legislation and regulations and briefings of members and staff of the Congress. Please apply online at USAJOBS.
August 4, 2008
NHLBI hosts lecture by Nobel Laureate Joseph L. Goldstein NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., introduced Nobel Laureate Joseph L. Goldstein, M.D., who gave a lecture entitled, "The Cholesterol Feedback Story: A Tale of Membrane Proteins and Sterol Sensors”. Dr. Goldstein together with his colleague, Michael S. Brown, M.D., won the 1985 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Goldstein and Brown’s ground breaking work on the regulation of cholesterol metabolism laid the groundwork for the development of statins, drugs that are used by millions around the world to lower high cholesterol and prevent heart attacks. Dr. Goldstein shared the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1968 with Nobel Laureate Marshall W. Nirenberg, Ph.D. From 1968 to 1970, Dr. Goldstein worked in Dr. Nirenberg's NIH lab as a post-doctoral fellow.
June 6, 2008 NIH Director Announces Enhancements to Peer Review Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni, NIH Director, announced critical changes to enhance and improve the NIH peer review system. This marks the end of a year-long effort to determine ways to further enrich the process. An important component of the new plan is an increased commitment to investigator-initiated high-risk, high-impact research to prevent a slowdown of transformative research, despite difficult budgetary times. Collaborative teams of participants worked to tackle challenges of the system and discover solutions. A comprehensive framework was created and implementation will be carried out over the next 18 months. For more information, please visit NIH Director Announces Enhancements to Peer Review, June 6, 2008 News Release.
April 18, 2008 Featured Speaker: NIH Council of Public Representatives Bethesda, Maryland "NIH Policy for Data Sharing of NIH Supported Genome Wide Association Studies" At the meeting of the NIH Council of Public Representatives, Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, described the goals and implementation of the new NIH Policy for Data Sharing for studies of human genetic variation that will help advance our understanding of human health.
View or download Dr. Nabel’s presentation on the
NIH Policy for Data Sharing of NIH Supported Genome Wide Association Studies
March 10, 2008 NHLBI Announces Realignment of Its Sickle Cell Disease Program The NHLBI's National Sickle Cell Disease Program is a major research effort dedicated to improving the lives of patients with sickle cell disease. Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel, Director, NHLBI, announced today a series of innovations to realign its support for outstanding research that will continue to yield benefit for Sickle Cell Disease patients. To read the Announcement and report of the recommendations of the Institute's Advisory Council please visit NHLBI Announcement: Institute to Realign its Sickle Cell Disease Research Program.
February 11, 2008 NHLBI Celebrates American Heart Month with The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2008 Fashion Show in New York and a Special Event at the White House
NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D. welcomed then First Lady Laura Bush, the Heart Truth’s national ambassador, at the campaign’s 2008 Red Dress Collection Fashion Show held on National Wear Red Day, February 1, at Fashion Week in New York’s Bryant Park. Mrs. Bush opened the show with remarks about the power of the red dress in drawing women’s attention to heart disease and Hollywood leading ladies walked the red carpet runway in fabulous red dresses created by America’s top designers. Also on February 1, Mrs. Bush spoke to the nation on a topic "close to my heart—America’s heart health" during the weekly Presidential radio address. She noted that although heart disease deaths among women have decreased every year from 2000 to 2005, more people need to know The Heart Truth, as too many women, especially African Americans, still die of heart disease. Mrs. Bush’s Heart Truth radio address is available at: On February 11, 2008, then First Lady Laura Bush held an event at the White House to honor The Heart Truth and fifth anniversary of the introduction of the Red Dress as the campaign’s national symbol and the support of the many campaign partners. Then President George W. Bush thanked the fashion industry for "stepping up" to fight heart disease and Mrs. Bush for her service and commitment to The Heart Truth. Mrs. Bush talked about the success that is being achieved in raising awareness of women’s heart disease and the power of the Red Dress Symbol. Dr. Elizabeth Nabel gave a brief history of The Heart Truth campaign, recognizing results achieved and the challenges that still remain. More information about this event, including a video, is available on the White House’s Web pages at:
December 10, 2007 to February 1, 2008 Recruiting for Director, Division of Blood Diseases The Institute is seeking a dynamic physician-scientist to provide strategic leadership for its Division of Blood Diseases and Resources (DBDR). The Director will assume responsibility for creating and nurturing internationally-renowned programs which will participate actively in international research in hematologic diseases and disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis across the spectrum of basic science and clinical research including translational research and the conduct of a wide variety of clinical trials. Cellular therapies and the use of a wide variety of blood products and substitutes are within the mission of the Division. The DBDR Director will have a profound impact upon the national investment in research, and the quality of service to the international research community. The Director, DBDR will have the opportunity to advocate for areas of critical importance to the national and global populace, to establish and implement programs congruent with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s strategic plan, and to improve the health of the public. Applicants must possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree, as well as senior level research experience, interpersonal and communications expertise and ability. The successful candidate will be a respected, accomplished researcher with maturity, integrity and outstanding communication skills. Salary is commensurate with experience and a full package of Civil Service benefits is available including retirement, health and life insurance, leave and savings plan (401K equivalent). This vacancy is open to all U.S. citizens.
Please apply online at USAJOBS.
November 29, 2007 Surgeon General and Zerhouni Announce Expanded Efforts to Address Childhood Overweight Epidemic NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., participated in a national We Can! event to announce three new We Can! Cities - Boston, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas - and a partnership with the Association of Children’s Museums. We Can! is a national education program developed by the NIH to help prevent obesity in overweight youth ages 8 - 13. Acting U.S. Surgeon General Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H. and NIH Director Elias Zerhouni, M.D., addressed the nation on the topic of childhood overweight and recognized We Can! for its contribution to the prevention of childhood overweight. Across the country, other We Can! Community Sites held simultaneous events to announce or demonstrate their efforts to prevent childhood obesity. Events were held in Boston, MA; New York, NY; Las Vegas, NV; Pittsburgh, PA; Memphis and Oak Ridge, TN; Rockford, IL; and Carson City, NV. For more information on the We Can! event, please see: http://public.nhlbi.nih.gov/newsroom/home/GetPressRelease.aspx?id=2494
November 29, 2007 Nabel Joins HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and NIH Director Elias Zerhouni to Honor Participants in the Framingham Heart Study NHLBI Director Elizabeth Nabel joined the nation's top health officials at an event in Framingham, Mass., to pay tribute to the more than 9,000 current participants in the long-running Framingham Heart Study, spanning three generations and funded by the NHLBI. The Framingham Heart Study has made countless contributions to the nation's health, and is known for identifying the major risk factors for heart disease. For more information on the Framingham Heart Study event, see: http://public.nhlbi.nih.gov/newsroom/home/GetPressRelease.aspx?id=2492
November 29, 2007 to February 1, 2008 Recruiting for Director, Office of Communications The Institute is seeking an exceptional candidate to serve as Director of the new Office of Communications. The Director of the Office of Communications will provide executive leadership to a dynamic and complex communications program for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The individual selected for this leadership position is a person with vision who works in partnership with the scientists and leadership of NHLBI to provide comprehensive, integrated and technology supported communications. The NHLBI’s communications program is highly visible nationally and internationally and has an extensive impact on a broad range of constituencies in the public and private sector, serving as both a resource and model by the many components of the public and private sectors that influence the funding, conduct, and utilization of the Institute’s research. The Director of the Office of Communications will provide authoritative analysis and advice to the NHLBI Director and other senior staff on the formulation of communication strategies and on sensitive and complicated communications issues that will be conveyed nationally and abroad and may be of concern to the National Institutes of Health Director, Office of the Secretary, the Legislative Branch, or the Executive Office of the President. Salary is commensurate with experience and a full package of Civil Service benefits is available including retirement, health and life insurance, leave and savings plan (401K equivalent). This vacancy is open to all U.S. citizens.
Please apply online at USAJOBS.
November 13, 2007 NIH Director's Pioneer and New Innovator Award Programs Launch 2008 Application Cycles NIH is calling for applications for 2008 NIH Director's Pioneer Awards and New Innovator Awards. Both programs are part of the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research and support exceptionally creative scientists who take highly innovative approaches to major challenges in biomedical or behavioral research. Pioneer Awards provide $2.5 million in direct costs over 5 years and are open to scientists at any career stage. New Innovator Awards provide $1.5 million in direct costs over the same period and are for new investigators who have not received an NIH regular research (R01) or similar grant. NIH expects to make 5 to 10 Pioneer Awards and up to 24 New Innovator Awards in September 2008. To continue its strong record of diversity in these programs, NIH especially encourages women and members of groups that are underrepresented in NIH research areas to apply. The Pioneer Award application period is from December 16, 2007 to January 16, 2008. Visit 2008 NIH Director's Pioneer Award Program for application instructions. For more information, visit NIH Director's Pioneer Award - Overview. Send questions to pioneer@nih.gov. Submit New Innovator Award applications between March 3 and 31, 2008. Application instructions are at 2008 NIH Director’s New Innovator Award Program (DP2). For additional information, visit NIH Director's New Innovator Award - Overview. Send questions to newinnovator@nih.gov.
November 8, 2007 Nabel Briefs COPD Congressional Caucus NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., was honored to provide an update on COPD research and awareness- building activities to the Congressional COPD Caucus at a Capitol Hill briefing sponsored by the U.S. COPD Coalition. Dr. Nabel shared the dais with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), two members of the COPD Caucus, as well as Grace Anne Dorney Koppel, patient advocate and spokesperson for the NHLBI's COPD Learn More Breathe Better campaign. For more information on the NHLBI campaign, see: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/index.htm
October 1, 2007
Featured Speaker at NHLBI Symposium on Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine
Bethesda, MD Stem cell therapies to repair or regenerate tissue or blood vessels could provide a revolutionary approach to helping patients with cardiovascular disease. To accelerate the advancement of stem cell biology from bench to bedside for treatment of cardiovascular disease, NHLBI and the Foundation for NIH hosted the scientific symposium Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine. The goal of the symposium was to stimulate discussion about tissue specification in stem cell biology and cardiovascular development, and identify areas of opportunity for applying regenerative therapies to cardiovascular disease.
Read the Science.com article on the symposium at:
Read more about the Symposium on Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine or view the symposium agenda
October 1, 2007 NIH Launches Extensive Open-Access Dataset of Genetic and Clinical Data The NIH is launching one of the most extensive collections of genetic and clinical data ever made freely available to researchers worldwide. Called SHARe (SNP Health Association Resource), the Web-based dataset will include data from the Framingham Heart Study on more than 9,300 participants spanning three generations. NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., said, "As one of the most comprehensive studies ever undertaken, the Framingham Heart Study will play a vital role in laying the foundation for this vast dataset to help researchers link genes and disease." For more information about SHARe, please visit the NHLBI News Room
September 25, 2007 Then First Lady Laura Bush acknowledges The Heart Truth campaign at Global Health and Literacy Luncheon NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., was honored to attend the September 24th Global Health and Literacy Luncheon hosted by then First Lady Laura Bush in New York. Invited guests were spouses of world leaders attending the 62nd United Nations General Assembly. Mrs. Bush acknowledged the importance of NHLBI's Heart Truth campaign to raise women's awareness about heart disease. "Through the 'Heart Truth' campaign, the U.S. government, media organizations, and the fashion industry have joined to raise public awareness of this disease . . . Nothing draws attention like a red dress, so this is the Heart Truth's symbol. Over the last five years, women have come to recognize that little red dress. They're reminded to pay attention to the symptoms of heart disease." Mrs. Bush, who serves as ambassador for the Heart Truth campaign, called upon the world’s first ladies and other dignified guests to pick up a red dress pin after the luncheon and "join the campaign to tell the 'Heart Truth.'"
Read Mrs. Bush's luncheon remarks at: Learn more about the Heart Truth at: http://www.hearttruth.gov
August 29, 2007 Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D. Featured Speaker and Moderator: Revised Asthma Guidelines Press Briefing The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program issued the first comprehensive update in a decade of clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. The guidelines emphasize the importance of asthma control and introduce new approaches for monitoring asthma. Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel led a telephone briefing for the media and is appearing on national news programs to announce the guidelines.
Watch a video clip of Dr. Nabel on the guidelines. For more information, please visit the NHLBI Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma.
August 10-September 17, 2007 NHLBI Recruiting for Director, Center for Biomedical Informatics Message from Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Director, NHLBI: The Institute is seeking a strategic-minded scientist with expertise in research informatics and information technology who will bring significant experience in a research environment to operate in an intellectually challenging Federal biomedical research institution engaged in a national research program to understand, treat, and prevent heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders throughout the world. Applications should be received by September 17, 2007.
The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities and individuals with disabilities. HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.
July 25, 2007
Featured Story: NIH Heart Center at Suburban
WUSA 9 News Now "Using cameras that are mounted on surgeons’ heads and taking that video and sharing it on multiple monitors, everyone in the operating room can see what’s going on. Video of EKG’s and of angiograms along with other medical information can also be fed to the monitors. Dr. Keith Horvath, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Suburban Hospital allowed us in to watch a mitral valve repair...."
To see this video, please visit:
April 30, 2007
Featured Speaker: University of Minnesota,
Center for Lung Science and Health,
Minneapolis, MN The Center of Lung Science and Health held a special event for those interested in lung science and health on Monday April 30, 2007. The Lung Center works to facilitate interdisciplinary research, education and outreach activities in order to promote lung health and improve care of patients with lung disease. Research topics included: translational control of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer, proteomic methods to find novel markers for lung transplant rejection, tobacco cessation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease research.
View or download Dr. Nabel’s presentation on the
NHLBI Strategic Plan: Future Opportunities for Lung Research
April 17, 2007
Featured Article: The New York Times, Health Section Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel, a practicing cardiologist and researcher studying the genesis of plaque in coronary arteries, answers questions about ways to prevent and control heart disease.
For more information, please visit:
April 8, 2007 Feature: Quotation of the Day, The New York Times Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel shares a comment using the "rule of halves" to describe the level of treatment relating to people in need.
For more information, please visit:
April 7, 2007
Special Article Series: The New York Times, Health Section Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel highlights 5 distinct factors relating to heart disease, and what signs to look for in the prevention and control of this deadly killer.
For more information, please visit:
April 6, 2007 Release of NHLBI Strategic Plan Message from Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Director, NHLBI: I am very pleased to share with you the Institute's new Strategic Plan, Shaping the Future of Research, which will guide the NHBLI's scientific directions over the next five to ten years. This plan is the result of an inclusive, bottom-up approach involving the efforts of over 600 individuals and feedback from our many intermediary groups. Even though the Strategic Plan is complete, our work is not yet done -- implementation is our next, critical step. The detailed implementation of the Plan will be developed by the Institute over the life of the Strategic Plan in consultation with our Advisory Council and in partnership with our research community and constituency groups in the public and private sector. I encourage you to visit our Strategic Plan website, where you can access and copy of the plan and obtain information about the strategic planning process and subsequent updates.
April 2 - May 12, 2007 NHLBI Recruiting for Director, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases Message from Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Director, NHLBI: The Institute is seeking a dynamic physician-scientist to provide strategic leadership for its newly organized Division of Cardiovascular Diseases (DCVD). Applications should be received by May 12, 2007.
Salary is commensurate with experience and a full package of Civil Service benefits is available including retirement, health and life insurance, leave and savings plan (401K equivalent). The NHLBI provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders. With nationwide responsibility for improving the health and well-being of all Americans, the Department of Health and Human Services oversees the biomedical research programs of the NIH. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities and individuals with disabilities. HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.
March 27, 2007
Keystone Speaker: Keystone Symposia Conference,
Nuclear Receptor Pathways to Metabolic Regulation,
Steamboat Springs, CO The most exciting current research on nuclear receptors and metabolism takes a systems approach, utilizing functional genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to understand the role of nuclear receptors in physiology and in the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel, presents to investigators "Obesity, Risk Factors and CV Disease: NHLBI Perspectives" contributing to the meetings goal to present the latest and most exciting paradigmatic and technical breakthroughs.
View or download Dr. Nabel’s presentation on
Obesity, Risk Factors and CV Disease: NHLBI Perspectives
February 27, 2007 Michael S. Lauer, M.D. to Join NHLBI as Director, Division of Prevention and Population Sciences Message from Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Director, NHLBI Dear Colleagues: I am delighted to announce that Dr. Michael S. Lauer has been tentatively selected for the position of Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) extramural Division of Prevention and Population Sciences to provide leadership for the Institute's national program for population- and clinic-based research on the causes, prevention, and clinical care of cardiovascular, lung, and blood diseases. We anticipate that Dr. Lauer will be joining us on July 1 pending the appropriate approvals. Dr. Lauer is currently Director of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Exercise Laboratory, Vice Chair of the Clinic's Institutional Review Board, and a Contributing Editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association; he has served as Co-Director of the Coronary Intensive Care Unit and Director of Clinical Research in the Clinic's Department of Cardiology. Mike has an exceptionally strong background in cardiovascular epidemiology and medical research and in leadership of the cardiovascular community. He earned his B.S. degree summa cum laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Biology in 1983 and his M.D. magna cum laude from Albany Medical College in 1985. Following internal medical training at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, he completed a clinical fellowship in cardiology at the Boston Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School. His further training in epidemiology included a research fellowship at the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University; the Program in Clinical Effectiveness, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University; and a Josiah Macy Scholar in Physician Education in the Program for Physician Educators, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Lauer is an Elected Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, and has been elected to membership in the American Society for Clinical Investigation. He has served as Chairman of the Exercise, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Prevention Committee of the American Heart Association's Council of Clinical Cardiology, and has received numerous awards in recognition of his scientific and teaching accomplishments. Dr. Lauer's knowledge, experience, and leadership skills will be a tremendous asset to the Institute and the constituencies we serve, and he is looking forward to working with our many partners.
October 30, 2006
Distinguished Lecturer: The Robert G. Petersdorf Lecture at
the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Association of American
Medical Colleges,
Seattle, WA The AAMC seeks to improve the nation's health by enhancing the effectiveness of academic medicine. Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel lectures at the Monday, October 30 AAMC Plenary Session.
View or download Dr. Nabel’s presentation on
Frontiers in Personalized Medicine
October 13, 2006
Keynote Speaker: Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Medical College 25th Anniversary Reunion,
New York, NY Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D. ’81, Director, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health Member of the Medical College 25th Anniversary Reunion Classes of 1980-1981.
View or download Dr. Nabel’s presentation on
Personalized Medicine: Are We Ready?
August 2, 2006 to October 15, 2006 NHLBI Recruiting for Two Senior Positions Message from Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Director, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Dear Colleagues: I am pleased to announce that the NHLBI is seeking exceptional candidates with an M.D., Ph. D., or M.D./Ph.D. to provide strategic leadership in two senior positions and would appreciate your help in informing your friends and colleagues:
Applications should be received by October 15, 2006; the positions will be filled in early 2007. For your reference, the announcements have been posted on the NHLBI Web site with the same text that will appear in major journals. We are committed to fostering an exceptional cardiovascular research program that funds innovative, creative, cutting edge research and is viewed as an international leader. I foresee an array of opportunities to build and diversify the strengths of the NHLBI and encourage all interested individuals to apply.
August 8, 2006 NHLBI Offers Complete Guide to Physical Activity for a Healthy Heart "Your Guide to Physical Activity and Your Heart" presents comprehensive and easy-to-understand information on the impact of physical activity on your heart, as well as the power of physical activity to keep you healthy overall. Since physical inactivity is one of several major heart disease risk factors that you can do something about, the 44-page guide is full of practical tips, including sample walking and jogging programs, instructions for finding your target heart rate zone, ideas for making fitness a family affair, and an overview of the best physical activities for a healthy heart. For more information please visit NIH/NHLBI News Release.
July 24, 2006
Featured Speaker: Association of American of Medical Colleges,
The Fifth Fulfilling the Promise: Celebrating the Academic
Medicine and NIH Collaboration, Advancing Women's Heart
Health — NIH-Funded Research in Cardiovascular Disease,
Washington, DC At the AAMC's fifth Fulfilling the Promise briefing, speakers Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, and Marcia L. Stefanick, Ph.D., Stanford University School of Medicine, addressed research into women's cardiovascular health. For more information, please visit:
July 12, 2006 Study Shows Heart Failure in Parents is Associated with Increased Risk for Offspring New results from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) Framingham Heart Study demonstrate that having a parent who has had heart failure confers a 70 percent greater risk of developing the disease, even when accounting for common heart failure risk factors. Study participants with a parental occurrence of heart failure were about twice as likely to have a poorly functioning left ventricle, a heart abnormality which can lead to the development of heart failure. For more information please visit NIH/NHLBI Media Availability.
June 28, 2006 NHLBI Offers Updated Guide with Practical Information for Lowering High Blood Pressure through Diet "NHLBI studies have shown that the DASH eating plan can significantly lower high blood pressure, even within the first few weeks," said NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D. "They demonstrate that by making healthy choices in diet and physical activity, you can get on track to a healthier life." For more information please visit NIH/NHLBI News Release.
June 16, 2006
May 31, 2006 Study Finds Ways to Improve Detection of Blood Clots in the Lung "There are many effective ways to prevent and treat blood-clotting diseases," noted NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, MD. "Pulmonary embolism is under diagnosed and therefore often untreated. If detected early, however, blood clots can often be prevented from causing permanent damage or death." For more information please visit NIH/NHLBI News Release.
May 21, 2006 Study Answers Long-Debated Questions on Fluid Management in Critical Care of Patients with Severe Lung Injury "A key focus of caring for these critically ill patients is management of fluids," said NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, MD. "Fluid management in patients with ALI/ARDS has been the subject of intense debate for decades. We now have answers to two important questions to help guide critical care specialists on the best ways to support patients with severe lung injury." For more information please visite NIH/NHLBI News Release.
May 10, 2006 Inhaled Corticosteroids Benefit Young Children with Frequent Wheezing but Do Not Prevent Development of Chronic Asthma "Asthma is an enormous public health problem, and this study was designed to see if we could stop the development of asthma in its tracks - while the lungs are still developing - in young children known to be at high risk," said NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, MD. "Although this study shows that inhaled corticosteroids do not prevent chronic asthma, it provides clear evidence that inhaled corticosteroids benefit even some of our youngest patients." For more information please visite NIH/NHLBI News Release.
April 18, 2006 The Heart Truth Road Show Travels to Three Cities and Features Free Screenings and Counseling, Health Information, and Designer Red Dresses on Display Only 13 percent of women consider heart disease to be their own greatest health risk. Yet, an astonishing 80 percent of midlife women have one or more risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol. "We know that there is a disconnect among women as it relates to heart disease and their own personal risk," said NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D. "Therefore, it is critical for NHLBI and our partners to be in communities that are at high risk of heart disease to help women better understand their own personal risk and empower them to take action for heart health." For more information please visite NIH/NHLBI News Release.
April 11, 2006 NHLBI Offers New Resources on Heart Health A recent national survey shows that only 3 percent of U.S. adults practice all of the "big four" habits to help prevent heart disease: eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health has combined the latest information and guidance on all of the factors that increase risk for heart disease-or may contribute to worsening heart disease-into two new heart health guidebooks for men and women. For more information please visite NIH/NHLBI News Release.
April 11, 2006 Women's Health Initiative Updated Analysis Shows No Increased Risk of Breast Cancer with Estrogen-Alone "Longer follow-up is needed to fully explain the reduced number of breast cancers in women taking estrogen. However, this new analysis does not alter the overall conclusion from the WHI that hormones, including estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin, should not be used for the prevention of chronic disease," said NHLBI Director and WHI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D. "The findings still support current recommendations that hormone therapy should only be used to treat menopausal symptoms and should be used at the smallest effective dose for the shortest possible time." For more information please visite NIH/NHLBI News Release.
April 4, 2006 IOM Report Released on Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation Statement from Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Director, NHLBI Today, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies released a report on the status of academic sleep research and sleep medicine in the United States. The report includes recommendations to improve public awareness and strengthen the field of sleep medicine. The project was initiated and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Research Society, and the National Sleep Foundation. For more information please visite NIH/NHLBI News Release.
April 3, 2006 Making Multiple Lifestyle Changes is Beneficial in Lowering High Blood Pressure "This study underscores the value of lifestyle changes-namely improving diet and increasing physical activity-in reducing high blood pressure, an important public health problem," said NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D. "For the millions of Americans with prehypertension and hypertension, this shows that individuals can make healthy lifestyle changes to keep blood pressure under control without the use of medications." For more information please visite NIH/NHLBI News Release.
March 27 - April 2, 2006 NIH Offers New Comprehensive Guide to Healthy Sleep as a part of National Sleep Awareness Week In today's "24/7" society, many people cut back on sleep to squeeze in more time for work, family obligations, and other activities. But skimping on sleep can be harmful. A comprehensive new handbook from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that sleep is not merely "down time" when the brain shuts off and the body rests. For more information please visite NIH/NHLBI News Release.
March 24, 2006
Interview of the then First Lady by Larry King Live at Mrs. Bush's East Wing Office Tonight, here in Washington, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, the Larry King Cardiac Foundation will celebrate another one of its dinners with gala entertainment in which the funds go to help people who can't afford it to get various types of heart treatment. And in that connection, we have invited, and she has accepted, the then First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush, to kick off the show tonight, which later will deal in depth with heart disease with a panel to talk about. What got you interested in it? For more information, please view:
March 11, 2006
Distinguished Lecturer: The Simon Dack Lecture
American College of Cardiology, 55th Annual Scientific Session
Atlanta, GA "Virtually all diseases, except maybe trauma, have a genetic component," Dr. Nabel said." "The discovery of hereditary factors in cardiovascular diseases will allow a future in which medicine is predictive, preemptive and personalized." For more information please view: Please click
The Simon Dack Lecture 
March 2, 2006 Distinguished Lecturer: The Duke University Distinguished Lecturer Series: Duke Institute for Genome Science and Policy, Durham, NC "Genomic Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease" The Duke University Distinguished Lecturer Series was instituted to bring inspiring, accomplished, distinguished lecturers to campus to illuminate progress and future areas of excitement in genetic and genomics. Dr. Nabel shares her insight with students.
View or download Dr. Nabel's presentation on
Genomic Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease
March 1, 2006 Conclusions from 15 year $735 million Womens Health Initiative sponsored by the National Institute of Health challenge conventional thinking on how older women can reduce risks for heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. We'll discuss results of the study and implications for women's health. For more information please view:
February 22, 2006 Conference to be Held on Study Results, Ongoing Extension Study, and Future Research of the Women's Health Initiative - The Largest Study of Older Women's Health Many of the nation's leading scientists and experts on women's health will join Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study participants February 28 -- March 1, 2006 at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus in Bethesda, MD to celebrate the legacy and probe the findings and future directions of the WHI. The WHI is the largest and most comprehensive study of postmenopausal women's health ever conducted in the United States. From revealing the effects of a low-fat diet and calcium/vitamin D supplements to the dangers of hormone replacement therapy, the study has helped to shape and advance the health care of women for more than a decade. For more information please visit NIH/NHLBI News Release.
February 6, 2006 NHLBI to Launch Framingham Genetic Research Study A comprehensive genetic research study to identify genes underlying cardiovascular and other chronic diseases will be launched by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in collaboration with the Boston University (BU) School of Medicine. For more information please visite NIH/NHLBI News Release.
January 31, 2006 NHLBI Highlights National Wear Red Day with the Red Dress Collection 2006 - Female Musical Artists Rock the Runway to Remind Women of Their No. 1 Killer New York, NY-The Heart Truth, NHLBI's national awareness campaign for women about heart disease, celebrates National Wear Red Day with the debut of its annual Red Dress Collection Fashion Show. Reminding women that "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear-It's the No. 1 Killer of Women," The Heart Truth will bring to life the Red Dress, the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness. A star-studded cadre of female musical artists, including Sheryl Crow, LeAnn Rimes, Amerie, Lindsay Lohan, and Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, will model designer Red Dresses by 21 of America's most influential designers, including Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Calvin Klein. For more information please visit NIH/NHLBI News Release.
January, 2006 I am writing to provide information about policies and activities that may be of interest to you as a recipient of support from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). For more information, please visite Dear Colleague
October 4, 2005 Notes from the NHLBI Director As mentioned in my inaugural column, I am strongly committed to ensuring the continuing vigor of the research enterprise through training and career development of new investigators. The nurturing of young talent was a high priority during my tenure in academic medicine, in particular because it coincided with a time of constrained budgets that resulted in the virtual loss of a generation of promising young investigators. For
more information, please view:
September 13, 2005 Message from the Director, NHLBI, to Investigators Affected by Hurricane Katrina I recognize that this is a time of unprecedented disruption and hardship for those of you affected by Hurricane Katrina and that rebuilding will be a long process. My colleagues at the Institute and I want you to know that we will work with you to help resolve whatever problems may arise during this difficult time. For more information, please view:
August 1, 2005
Notes from the NHLBI Director It is a pleasure and a privilege to address the readership of American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine in my new capacity as Director of the NHLBI. Our Institute has a long and distinguished record of scientific progress in cardiovascular, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders, and the present transition affords an opportunity for reflection and critical assessment of our future directions. For
more information, please view:
July 15, 2005 "A vision for the future: notes from the NHLBI director" It is a pleasure and a privilege to address the readership of Blood in my new capacity as director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Our institute has a long and distinguished record of scientific progress in cardiovascular, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders, and the present transition affords an opportunity for reflection and critical assessment of our future directions. For more information, please view: |
![Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel [left] with Nobel Laureates, Dr. Joseph L. Goldstein [center] and Dr. Marshall W. Nirenberg [right]](images/Drs_Nabel_Goldstein_Nirenberg.jpg)
