Featured Researcher: Robert Cole

What is your professional background?

I am an Emory “lifer,” having received my MD from the School of Medicine in 2004, then staying on for internal medicine residency (’04-’07), chief residency (’07-’08), cardiology fellowship (’08-’11), and a combined year as chief cardiology fellow/advanced heart failure and transplant fellow (2011). I then accepted a faculty position with the Center for Heart Failure Therapy and Transplantation, where I have worked since 2011.

What is your division, and who is your mentor?

I am in the Emory University Division of Cardiology. I have had many mentors along the way, but Dr. Andrew Smith and the dynamic duo of Drs. Howie Gebel and Bob Bray have had a particular influence on my career and research interests, respectively.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?

Although technically my job description is 100% clinical, I have a true passion for clinical research involving heart transplant outcomes. More specifically, my work has focused on the conundrum of post-transplant de novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA) and the role these antibodies play in graft dysfunction and death. My current project seeks to determine what role dnDSA may play in racial disparities in long-term transplant outcomes.

What do you like most about Emory?

My favorite thing about Emory is the people. They keep me coming back to work every day.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

My favorite movie is “Gladiator.” I try to watch it the night before anything challenging (e.g., when I took my MCAT)

What do you like to do in your spare time?

When I’m not chasing around my two daughters, Zarina (3) and Cyra (1), I enjoy exercising/running, cheering for our local sports teams, and searching for the best Old Fashioned in the city.

 

Related Links

• Nominate a Featured Researcher
• Emory Department of Medicine Research Newsletter (“What’s Up”)
• Emory Department of Medicine – Office of Research
• Emory University Department of Medicine
• Emory FAME Grant
• Robert Cole, MD

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