Researcher Spotlight: Gina Lundberg

What is your professional background?
I’ve been a cardiologist at Saint Joseph’s Hospital since 1998. I became part of the Emory faculty in 2013 when Saint Joseph’s became a part of Emory. My focus has been on heart disease in women ever since I started the first woman’s heart center in the state of Georgia in 1998.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I am in the Division of Cardiology and serve as the clinical director of the Emory Women’s Heart Center (EWHC). As such, Dr. Nanette Wenger has been my mentor, sponsor, supporter, and friend. The EWHC has been expanding across all Emory campuses and we have an excellent group of physicians who provide clinical care to women in the Atlanta area.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
I am the PI of the EWHC 10,000 women hypertension screening project. We focus on screening African-American women in the Atlanta area for hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors. To date, we have screened 1000 women and have had multiple abstracts and presentations based on our findings.

What do you like most about Emory?
I love academic mentoring and teaching!  As I get older, I feel contributing to and shaping the future is much more important and fulfilling than providing individual clinical care. It feels like the difference in giving a man a fish and teaching him how to fish.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I love strong female characters. My favorite series are ‘Outlander’ and ‘The Good Wife.’

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love spending time in the north Georgia mountains and snow skiing. I love traveling to beautiful mountains and beautiful beaches while enjoying museums, good food, and good wine.

What is a fun fact about you?
I met my husband while traveling through the Greek Islands after graduation from medical school. He was from Western Canada so we dated long-distance for five years until we got married. We are both passionate about travel and adventure.