Researcher Spotlight: David Markham

What is your professional background?
I grew up in Atlanta and attended Emory University for college and medical school, and I am so thankful for the training and experiences Emory has given me. My other training in internal medicine and cardiology took me to Virginia, Texas, and North Carolina, where I developed specific interests in molecular cardiology, clinical research, and the practice of cardiology in the areas of heart failure, transplantation, and assist device therapy. I have been lucky to participate in a vast array of exciting projects, from investigating cardiac progenitor cells to studying unusual cardiomyopathies and heart failure in the community as a whole.

In what division do you work?
I work in the Division of Cardiology.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
My main interests include physiology of assist devices, unusual cardiomyopathies, and heart transplantation. Our current assist devices or heart pumps, which we use in patients with worsening heart failure, do not produce a pulse. This is an unusual physiological situation, since humans have always had pulsatile blood flow. There are many benefits of the pumps we now use to sustain life, but we have much to learn. Hopefully we can continue to develop new technologies to help patients live longer and have better quality of life.

What do you like most about Emory?
I love our team. The vast experience, camaraderie, knowledge, and collaborative spirit of the team is exceptional.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Right now, I am watching “Ted Lasso.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Fishing, hiking, and biking (or any other outdoor activity) are my favorites. I think it is particularly important now to get outdoors and enjoy nature.

What is a fun fact about you?
I regularly visit Haiti and help take care of young women with heart failure. My Haitian Creole is not great, but I can get by.