The Clinical Cardiovascular Research Program in the Department of Molecular Medicine at Scripps Research under the direction of Dr. Robert Russo is dedicated to physician-initiated single and multi-center studies designed to improve patient care and directly impact clinical outcomes. This research effort which began in 1994 and moved to its present location in 2021 has involved collaboration with research scientists at more than 100 US clinical centers. Research efforts are funded through competitive grants, unrestricted educational grants, and philanthropic sources (see Giving).
Dr. Russo is recognized nationally and internationally for his clinical research regarding intravascular imaging, cardiac MRI, and the risks of MRI for patients with an implanted cardiac device. He is passionately committed to cardiovascular care, post-graduate medial education, and investigator-initiated clinical research. He was a Fellow and Board Member of the Hewitt Medical Research Foundation, and a former Skaggs Scholar for Translational Medicine at Scripps Research. His academic record includes more than 35 publications, 75 scientific abstracts, and 150 invited lectures.
Dr. Russo is continuing his efforts to improve medical care through the development of two new clinical trials designed to determine the risks of MRI risks for patients with a pacemaker, and assessment of cognitive health of patients who undergo cardiac surgery. In addition, his group is also interested in the process of aging as it relates to cardiovascular health. His clinical practice includes the areas of coronary artery disease, cardiac imaging, and the safety of pacemakers in the MRI environment.
There are three fundamental types of biomedical research: (1) Basic science research which probes the basis of the biologic process and greatly improves our knowledge of biology in general and a disease process in particular. However, the findings from this type of research, even if it leads directly to drug development may not be implemented in clinical care for several years; (2) Pharmaceutical and device vendor/manufacturer research in the latter stages is performed for the purpose of gaining FDA approval for the marketing of a product. This type of multi-million or in some cases billion dollar research is designed, funded, and conducted by industry. These studies must have a very high likelihood of demonstrating a favorable result for the manufacturer’s product for the effort and expense to be undertaken. Keep in mind that it is believed that approximately 75-90% of national professional society treatment guidelines in cardiology (American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology) are based upon the results of pharmaceutical and device industry research; And (3) Physician-initiated or investigator-initiated clinical research that is designed, conducted, funded, and published by a physician-scientist. This type of research is performed for the purpose of improving patient care and clinical outcomes using available or approved medications, medical devices, or treatment strategies. The results of physician-initiated research, if favorable, may be implemented immediately. In addition, negative results are also reported and published which may not be true of industry-initiated studies.