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Best of Both WorldsMedicine + Scienceby Ross Tomlin 
Douglas Mann, M.D. Before entering medical school, BCM cardiology chief Dr. Douglas Mann had his mind set on becoming the next great clinician. But a funny thing happened on the way to the laboratory. Initially Mann, a resident at the time, was not looking forward to the basic research portion of his clinical cardiology training. But his first foray into a lab setting, where all novel therapies originate, prompted a change of heart. "I found that everything I liked about internal medicine was encapsulated in the research process," said Mann, professor of medicine and molecular physiology and biophysics at BCM. "You ask a question, determine which tools you need, and then find the answer through critical evaluation." Mann's dual pursuits of both medicine and science crystallized during his fellowship in cardiology at the University of California at San Diego, whose faculty served as role models whom he would later emulate. BCM's rich academic environment drew Mann to Texas in 1991, where he embraced both clinical medicine and basic sciences. His expertise and widely respected track record eventually paved the way toward his appointments last year as chief of cardiology at both BCM and the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. "The wealth of information, resources, and combined talent here is unsurpassed in my experience," Mann said. "The great thing about the medical community in the Texas Medical Center is that people like to work together. Plus, there is a certain sense of pride that enables people to do it better here than elsewhere." Many of BCM cardiology's latest clinical and research programs are coordinated through the Baylor Heart Clinic, including two new clinical programs: a unique multidisciplinary women's center for comprehensive care and an adult congenital heart disease program that interfaces with Texas Children's Hospital and the Texas Heart Institute. Mann is also proud of the fact that the Baylor Heart Clinic routinely sees patients within 48 to 72 hours of calling for an appointment. Mann is quick to point out that BCM cardiology's road to the present could not have been paved without the help of others, an observation reciprocated by the College's leadership. "His collaborative spirit and work ethic have resulted in a number of important discoveries," said Dr. Jay Stein, senior vice president and dean of clinical affairs, as well as interim chair of medicine at BCM, citing Mann's findings on cardiac remodeling and inflammation. "We are fortunate to have him at the helm of our cardiology section." Winning the Michael E. DeBakey, M.D., Excellence in Research Award in 1995 validated Mann's research at a time when some questioned its utility. That award, among others, steeled his resolve to continue pushing innovative ideas from the laboratory setting into clinical trials. Accolades aside, Mann's proudest accomplishment—mentoring others in his field and watching them blossom into cardiovascular leaders in their own right—shows his heart remains in the right places: the clinic and the lab. |
Patient CareHealthy Living for a Thousand, Alex ResearchFighting Obesity one Molecule at a Time Doctors are from Jupiter, Patients are from Saturn EducationA Lot's Changed in 40 Years... Sort Of Community ServiceAlumni & DevelopmentBuilding BCM and Biochemistry History Following Father's Bedside Manner More than a Street Sign: Advocates for Medicine College NewsAn Artist in the Medical Arena
Educating the Next Generation of Leaders
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Volume 2, Issue 3, Fall 2006 |
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