Distinguished Scientists

The Distinguished Scientist designation honors American Heart Association professional members who have made extraordinary contributions to cardiovascular and stroke research.

The American Heart Association's Distinguished Scientists are a prominent group of scientists and clinicians whose work has importantly advanced our understanding of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. This award was created over 10 years ago to recognize AHA members for significant, original and sustained scientific contributions that have advanced the association's mission "Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke." Recipients of this prestigious award are honored during the Presidential Session at AHA Scientific Sessions.

2022 AHA Distinguished Scientists Awardees

Emelia J. Benjamin, MD, ScM, FAHA

Boston University School of Medicine and School of Public Health
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health
Associate Provost for Faculty Development, Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, Massachusetts

View the bio of Emelia J. Benjamin, MD, ScM, FAHA

Lisa A. Cooper, MD, MPH, FAHA

James F. Fries Professor of Medicine and Bloomberg Distinguished Professor
Johns Hopkins University Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health
Baltimore, MD

View the bio of Lisa A. Cooper, MD, MPH, FAHA

David A. Kass, MD, FAHA

Abraham and Virginia Weiss Professor of Cardiology
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Professor of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences
Director, Institute of CardioScience
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland

View the bio of David A. Kass, MD, FAHA

Bruce Ovbiagele, MD MSc, MAS, MBA, MLS, FAHA

Professor of Neurology and Associate Dean
The University of California, San Francisco
Chief of Staff
San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System
San Francisco, California

View the bio of Bruce Ovbiagele, MD MSc, MAS, MBA, MLS, FAHA

Susan E. Quaggin, MD, FAHA

Charles Horace Mayo Professor and Chief, Nephrology/Hypertension;
Director, Feinberg Cardiovascular & Renal Research Institute
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois

View the bio of Susan E. Quaggin, MD, FAHA

Ralph L. Sacco, MD, MS, FAHA

Professor, Chair of Neurology and Sr. Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research
University of Miami
Miami, Florida

View the bio of Ralph L. Sacco, MD, MS, FAHA

Kevin G. Volpp, MD, PhD, FAHA

Mark V. Pauly Presidential Distinguished Professor
Perelman School of Medicine and the Wharton School
Director, Penn Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics
Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

View the bio of Kevin G. Volpp, MD, PhD, FAHA