Expanded Collaborations Accelerate Heart Disease Research and Discovery

Translational research is a complex web that transports ideas and knowledge between collaborative minds with expertise in both patient-care settings and research laboratories. The concept that breakthroughs come by bringing disparate experts together in a common cause has been integral to Sarver Heart Center since it was established in 1986. Then, basic life scientists from various academic departments worked with cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery faculty to address the great challenges related to organ transplant rejection and circulatory support systems.

Members’ collaboration grew beyond the walls of the Sarver Heart Center building (which opened 20 years ago in 2000) when the Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program was established in the Carol Gregorio, PhD Medical Research Building in 2006, under the leadership of Carol Gregorio, PhD. Named co-director of Sarver Heart Center in 2007, Dr. Gregorio also serves as assistant vice provost, Global Health Sciences and department head, Cellular and Molecular Medicine at UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson.

During 2020, a significant new opportunity developed that has great potential to develop stronger relationships with Phoenix-based colleagues, said Dr. Nancy Sweitzer, director of the Sarver Heart Center.

Christopher Glembotski, PhD UA College of Medicine - Phoenix appointed Christopher Glembotski, PhD, the inaugural director of the Translational Cardiovascular Research Center. He is a renowned researcher in cardiovascular disease with a wide-range of accomplishments as a scientist, educator and leader. He also is associate dean for research; and a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine.

“The leadership of Dr. Glembotski in our Phoenix college of medicine and his engagement with Sarver Heart Center will ensure development of complementary and highly collaborative expertise on both campuses, with exciting possibilities for exchange and innovative partnerships,” said Dr. Sweitzer.