At Johns Hopkins, research is a core pillar of the Heart and Vascular Institute’s mission, advancing cardiovascular care through rigorous, patient-centered investigation and clinical innovation. These programs are embedded within the Institute's multidisciplinary clinical ecosystem, uniting cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, physician-scientists and research coordinators, all working collaboratively to ensure successful enrollment and regulatory compliance.

The Cardiac Surgery Clinical Trials Unit

Over the past fiscal year, the Cardiac Surgery Clinical Trials Unit has contributed extensively to the scientific community, publishing numerous studies in leading peer-reviewed journals and driving advancements that directly affect patient care. Our research portfolio spans basic science, translational studies and clinical trials, all designed to improve diagnostic precision and therapeutic outcomes for patients with complex cardiac conditions. We maintain strong partnerships with federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, as well as commercial industry leaders and academic collaborators.

The Cardiology Shared Clinical Trial Resources Program

The Cardiology Shared Clinical Trial Resources Program provides the infrastructure to support a broad and active portfolio of industry-sponsored clinical trials. This collaborative model enables multidisciplinary teams to design and execute clinical research across a broad range of cardiovascular therapies, accelerating translation from discovery to patient care. Clinical trials are supported by a coordinated team led by Manal Al- Suqi, who oversees trial operations and directs a dedicated group of clinical trial coordinators. Faculty leadership from Wendy Post, Gary Gerstenblith and Thorsten Leucker ensures efficient study startup, rigorous protocol execution and successful enrollment, with more than 260 active patients currently participating across the cardiology research portfolio. Complementing this clinical trial enterprise, the cardiology division receives approximately $32 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health and other governmental agencies, as well as from foundations including the American Heart Association, underscoring the division’s strong and sustained commitment to cardiovascular discovery.