About the OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute
The OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute integrates research, education and patient care related to cardiovascular disease throughout a person’s lifetime — from conception through the end-of-life. We strive to advance care for patients at all life stages. This is fueled by cutting-edge research and training of the cardiovascular specialists of tomorrow.
We are made up of eight OHSU divisions, centers and consortiums: The Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology, Adult Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery (including heart transplant) and Vascular Surgery, VA Cardiology and the Center for Developmental Health, Epigenetics Consortium and Center for Preventive Cardiology.
Leadership Team
Joaquin Cigarroa, M.D.
Director of the Knight Cardiovascular Institute and Head of the Division of Cardiology
Professor of Medicine, OHSU School of Medicine
Jonathan Q. Purnell, M.D.
Director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology
Professor of Medicine, OHSU School of Medicine
Leslie Myatt, Ph.D.
Director of the Center for Developmental Health
Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, OHSU School of Medicine
Director of the Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness
Lucia Carbone, Ph.D.
Director, Knight Cardiovascular Institute Epigenetics Consortium
Lars Grosse-Wortmann, M.D., FRCP
Head of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology
Professor of Pediatrics, OHSU School of Medicine
Sherene Shalhub, M.D., M.P.H., FACS
Head of the Division of Vascular Surgery
Associate Professor of Surgery, OHSU School of Medicine
Howard K. Song, M.D., Ph.D., FACS
Head of the Division of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
Professor of Surgery, OHSU School of Medicine
George Giraud, M.D., Ph.D.
Head of Cardiology at VA Portland Health Care System
Professor of Medicine, OHSU School of Medicine
Nabil Alkayed, M.D., Ph.D.
Director of Research, Knight Cardiovascular Institute
Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, OHSU School of Medicine
Hind Rahmouni, M.D.
Program Director, Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship
Assistant Professor of Medicine, OHSU School of Medicine
History
The modern era of cardiology began at OHSU with innovations such as the first artificial heart valve (1960) and the first angioplasty (1964). These breakthroughs have since saved or improved the lives of countless people with serious heart and related conditions.
In 2012, Phil and Penny Knight rewarded that legacy with a $125 million donation. OHSU used it to launch the Knight Cardiovascular Institute. It was directed by pioneering heart valve developer and surgeon Dr. Albert Starr and cardiologist Dr. Sanjiv Kaul.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute was directed by Dr. Kent Thornburg, professor of medicine and director of the Center for Developmental Health and the Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness. Dr. Thornburg built on his own research and expanded the institute to focus on research, education and patient care from conception through old age.
In 2023, Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa, professor of medicine and clinical chief of cardiology, was named director. He plans to build on Dr. Thornburg’s vision and enhance our cutting-edge heart valve replacement program, carrying on the legacy of Dr. Starr.
Accolades
OHSU was the first to receive the Cardiac Center of Excellence certification from DNV, an organization that accredits hospitals. Since then, OHSU has received this highest level of certification every year for all three DNV-certified heart programs: heart failure, ventricular assist device and cardiac ischemia (chest pain).