Our team is working around the clock.
Our team includes experts in cardiology, internal medicine, epidemiology, data technology, informatics, social media, and mobile technology. When we're not doing research, we're taking care of patients with heart disease.
Principal Investigators
Dr. Jeffrey E. Olgin
Professor of Medicine, Chief of Cardiology, UCSF
Dr. Olgin is a practicing cardiologist and cardiovascular researcher. He runs a coordinating center for cardiovascular clinical trials, and his research interests includes atrial fibrillation, arrhythmias, and risk prediction and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
What he does to stay heart healthy: Rides his bike to work — even in the rain.
Dr. Mark J. Pletcher
Associate Professor of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Medicine, UCSF
Dr. Pletcher is a practicing internal medicine physician and an epidemiologist. His research focuses on prevention of cardiovascular disease, and how exposure to cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol during young adulthood may contribute to heart disease later in life.
What he does to stay heart healthy: Plays Ultimate Frisbee every Sunday!
Dr. Gregory M. Marcus
Associate Professor of Medicine, Director of Clinical Research for Cardiology, UCSF
Dr. Marcus is a practicing cardiologist and cardiovascular researcher. His research interests include investigating causes and optimal treatments for abnormal heart rhythms, prevention of stroke, and the influences of common exposures (such as alcohol) on cardiovascular health.
What he does to stay heart healthy: Takes the stairs to and from his office on the 11th floor.
Co-Investigators
Dr. James H. Fowler
Professor of Medical Genetics and Political Science, UCSD
Dr. Fowler's work lies at the intersection of natural and social sciences, focusing on social networks, behavioral science, evolution, politics, genetics, and big data. His research has been featured New York Times Magazine, Time, Discover Magazine, and Harvard Business Review.
What he does to stay heart healthy: Runs 1 to 3 miles a day, 5 to 6 days a week.
Dr. Michael Blum
Professor of Medicine in Cardiology, Chief Medical Information Officer, UCSF
Dr. Blum is a practicing cardiologist with a special interest in preventative cardiology. He is also an expert in electronic medical records and the intersection of technology and health care. He is the Chief Medical Information Officer at UCSF, responsible for the implementation and management of the electronic medical record systems at UCSF Medical Center, and Director of the Center for Digital Health Innovation at UCSF. His research interest is in developing new technologies to improve health care delivery.
What he does to stay heart healthy: Cycles up mountains, plays golf, and coaches Little League.
Dr. Ida Sim
Professor of Medicine, Co-Director of Biomedical Informatics of the CTSI, Co-Founder of Open mHealth, UCSF
Dr. Sim is an expert in the methodologies and technologies at the intersection of mobile health and clinical research. She sees Health eHeart as a creative new approach to conducting research that matters — for our patients and for science. She's also a primary care physician.
What she does to stay heart healthy: Always, always takes the stairs.
Technical Team
Tuhin K. Sinha, Ph.D.
Technical Project Director Emeritus
Why this study is important to him: "I have a number of family members who have struggled with heart disease, including my own father who missed out on the best years of his life because of his heart health."
What he does to stay heart healthy: Walks to work every day and takes the stairs when possible.
Todd Parsnick
Web Programmer
Why this study is important to him: "It's an exciting project involving new technologies with the goal of bringing the clinic experience to the comfort of your home."
What he does to stay heart healthy: Swims, hikes daily, and plays disc golf on weekends with his wife and daughter.
Laura Bettencourt
Data Management Group Resource Manager
Why this study is important to her: "Hearts are at the core of good health, and I am excited to use new technology, networks, and innovation to bring a whole new community of people together to gather ideas and information to help advance heart care."
What she does to stay heart healthy: Hikes and kayaks, shops at her local farmers' markets, and just says "no" to trans-fats.
Research Staff
Carol Maguire, RN
Project Director
Why this study is important to her: "I am passionate about cardiology and have dedicated my time to helping researchers pinpoint the predictors of sudden cardiac death and develop a plan to prevent cardiovascular disease."
What she does to stay heart healthy: Follows a serious heart-healthy diet for her entire family.
Kourtney Imburgia
Clinical Research Coordinator
Why this study is important to her: "Many of my family members have risk factors for heart disease."
What she does to stay heart healthy: Swims three times a week and does long-distance swimming races.
Jameze James
Clinical Research Coordinator
Why this study is important to him: "It's important to understand how heart disease affects not just the patient, but their loved ones and caregivers alike."
What he does to stay heart healthy: Plays basketball and football, and runs.
Gevorg Stepanyan
Clinical Research Coordinator
Why this study is important to him: "It can provide a broad base of data — while attempting to remove limitations such as geography and age — which will provide opportunities to understand behavioral aspects that may contribute to CVD and its risk factors."
What he does to stay heart healthy: Keeps active and limits In-N-Out runs to a minimum.
Julia Healy
Clinical Research Coordinator
Why this study is important to her: "It will provide a valuable tool in learning more about heart disease."
What she does to stay heart healthy: Runs, plays volleyball, and hikes.