Ferhaan Ahmad, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, has been appointed the new editor-in-chief of Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine, a prestigious peer-reviewed scientific journal under the American Heart Association umbrella. Effective with the journal’s April 2025 issue, Ahmad assumes leadership of a publication renowned for its focus on cutting-edge cardiovascular genetics and precision medicine. He succeeds Kiran Musunuru, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., FAHA, who served as interim editor-in-chief since April 2024, marking a significant transition for the journal as it continues to evolve within an expanding scientific specialty.
Dr. Ahmad’s multifaceted expertise combines clinical cardiology with molecular genetics and genomics, lending a unique perspective that is primed to propel the journal into new scientific territories. He currently serves as the founding director of the Cardiovascular Genomics Program at the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine and holds associate professorships in internal medicine-cardiovascular medicine, molecular physiology and biophysics, and radiology. These overlapping roles underscore his interdisciplinary approach to unraveling the complex genetic architectures of cardiovascular diseases.
His research laboratory focuses on elucidating the genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying a spectrum of inherited cardiovascular conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, glycogen storage cardiomyopathy, inherited arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. By leveraging both basic and translational research modalities—including in vitro systems and animal models—Ahmad seeks to translate genomic insights into therapeutic avenues. One notable investigative thread in his work explores the role of the SGLT1 protein in heritable and acquired heart failure, highlighting molecular pathways with direct clinical relevance.
During his decade-long tenure as associate editor and senior associate editor of the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA), Dr. Ahmad helped to shape a dynamic editorial vision that elevated the journal’s scientific rigor and global reputation. Resigning from this role to focus fully on his new position, he expresses commitment to expanding Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine’s reach by amplifying emerging fields in cardiovascular genomics and fostering scientific innovation. His leadership aims to balance fundamental research discoveries with clinical implementation, an approach critical to bridging the gap from bench to bedside.
A hallmark of Ahmad’s editorial philosophy is the incorporation of community-engaged and equitable research frameworks. Recognizing that cardiovascular genetics is deeply intertwined with social determinants of health, he plans to spotlight studies that integrate implementation science and participatory research methodologies. These approaches are pivotal in addressing disparities and ensuring that genomic medicine advances inclusively, benefiting diverse populations and improving outcome stratifications across socioeconomic and ethnic groups.
Moreover, Dr. Ahmad envisions broadening the journal’s scope to encompass interdisciplinary collaborations that intersect with other medical specialties, health professionals, and early-career scientists. By fostering an editorial platform that invites contributions from underrepresented communities and perspectives—including patients and their families—he aims to cultivate a holistic scientific dialogue enriched by diverse voices. This strategy is designed to reflect the multifactorial nature of cardiovascular diseases, where genetics, environment, and patient experience converge.
The expansion of the editorial board is another priority under Ahmad’s stewardship, with targeted inclusion of international experts to enhance the journal’s global footprint. As cardiovascular genomic research transcends geographic boundaries, this move will facilitate cross-cultural scientific exchange and ensure that the journal remains a vanguard publication in disseminating state-of-the-art precision medicine discoveries worldwide.
Dr. Ahmad’s academic journey laid the foundation for his multidisciplinary expertise. He attained his M.D. degree from McGill University in Montreal, followed by postgraduate clinical training at McGill, Baylor College of Medicine, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Pursuing a Ph.D. in human genetics at Baylor, he subsequently completed a Howard Hughes Medical Institute postdoctoral fellowship in mouse genetics at Harvard Medical School, underscoring his strong background in both clinical and experimental genetics.
Involvement with the American Heart Association spans many leadership roles beyond editorial duties. Ahmad has been actively engaged in the Council on Genomic and Precision Medicine, Council on Epidemiology and Prevention, and the Committee for Scientific Sessions Programming. His service on the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Science Advisory Group further exemplifies his commitment to clinically impactful research and guideline development within inherited cardiovascular disorders.
Scientifically, Ahmad has been prolific, authoring over 60 peer-reviewed articles and contributing significantly to the field’s foundational literature. Notably, he chaired the writing group for the 2019 American Heart Association Scientific Statement on establishing specialized clinical cardiovascular genetics programs, a landmark document emphasizing standards and frameworks for integrating genetic medicine into cardiology practice. His expertise also extends to educational resources, authoring the chapter on cardiovascular genetics in the American College of Cardiology’s Self-Assessment Program.
Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine commenced publication in 2008 and has since established itself as the leading journal dedicated to mechanistic, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic innovations in cardiovascular genetics and genomics. The journal’s scope spans human studies, animal models, in vitro assays, and computational analyses, with an emphasis on translational relevance. An online-only platform publishing six issues per year, it ensures rapid dissemination of emerging science pertinent to cardiovascular biology and disease.
The journal occupies a vital niche in the portfolio of 14 American Heart Association peer-reviewed scientific journals, including flagship titles such as Circulation, Stroke, Hypertension, and the Journal of the American Heart Association. Each operates with editorial independence, governed by volunteer-led scientific publishing committees that select editors-in-chief responsible for shaping the journal vision. This model encourages open scientific discourse crucial for advancements in cardiovascular research and clinical care.
Peer review and scientific integrity remain paramount within the American Heart Association’s journals. Manuscripts undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure methodological soundness and potential clinical impact. Importantly, the Association maintains a clear separation between its administrative role and scientific content, safeguarding editorial freedom and accuracy. Funding structures prioritize diverse sources, including individual and foundation contributions, with strict policies preventing corporate influence to maintain the integrity of published science.
Under Dr. Ahmad’s leadership, Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine is poised to embrace a future where cardiovascular genomics is deeply integrated with precision health paradigms. His vision emphasizes collaborative engagement, diversity, patient-centered research, and global perspectives. This trajectory aligns with the broader movement in medicine towards personalized interventions shaped by genomic data, environmental context, and social determinants—ultimately transforming cardiovascular care and outcomes on a global scale.
Subject of Research: Cardiovascular genomics and precision medicine, inherited cardiovascular disorders, implementation science in genomic cardiovascular medicine.
News Publication Date: April 15, 2025
Web References:
- Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine Journal
- 2019 AHA Scientific Statement on Clinical Cardiovascular Genetics Programs
Keywords: Cardiovascular genomics, precision medicine, genetic cardiomyopathies, inherited cardiovascular diseases, SGLT1 protein, cardiovascular genetics programs, implementation science, equitable health, translational research, clinical cardiology, peer-reviewed scientific journals, American Heart Association
