UMSOM’s Bradley Maron appointed editor-in-chief of Circulation journal

Bradley A. Maron, MD, a distinguished physician-scientist renowned for his contributions to cardiovascular medicine, has been appointed editor-in-chief of Circulation, the American Heart Association’s flagship journal. His leadership marks a pivotal moment for the journal, which stands at the forefront of publishing transformative cardiovascular research that informs clinical practice worldwide.

Dr. Maron’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of cardiovascular science, particularly his pioneering work in pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. His research has illuminated the intricate mechanisms by which pulmonary vascular disease impacts cardiac function, advancing the understanding of cardiopulmonary interdependence. Now as editor-in-chief, he is set to propel Circulation’s mission to disseminate high-impact studies that merge molecular biology, computational analytics, and clinical investigation.

Currently serving as Senior Associate Dean for Precision Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and director of its Pulmonary Hypertension Center, Dr. Maron has been instrumental in integrating precision medicine with clinical analytics. His recent work includes developing an AI-driven clinical support tool that leverages electronic health records to detect underdiagnosed pulmonary hypertension cases, exemplifying how computational biology can directly influence patient outcomes.

Under his direction, Circulation is poised to introduce innovative editorial formats that bridge research and clinical utility, including sections dedicated to expert interpretation of diagnostic data and real-world clinical decision-making. These initiatives aim to enhance the journal’s accessibility and relevance to practicing clinicians, researchers, and patients alike.

Dr. Maron’s appointment comes on the heels of significant research achievements, such as leading a 2020 Lancet Respiratory Medicine study that refined the clinical definition of pulmonary hypertension and discovering the protein NEDD9 as a key driver of pulmonary vascular fibrosis—a finding that has generated patent interest. His scientific contributions, supported by substantial NIH funding, reflect a robust foundation for steering Circulation into a new era of editorial excellence.

Moreover, his recent collaborative study published in JAMA Network Open has linked exposure to wildfire smoke with increased cardiopulmonary events, underscoring the environmental dimensions of cardiovascular health. This breadth of research underscores his capability to address multifaceted challenges in cardiovascular medicine.

With a commitment to transparency and expediting science communication, Dr. Maron plans to streamline manuscript submissions and peer review processes, enhancing the journal’s rigor and responsiveness. His vision aligns with the evolving landscape of cardiovascular research, where integration of big data, AI, and translational studies are reshaping clinical paradigms.

Colleagues laud Dr. Maron for his rare combination of deep mechanistic insight and computational proficiency—qualities deemed essential for guiding one of the field’s most influential journals. As the next editor-in-chief of Circulation, he is set to lead a dynamic editorial team focused on amplifying cutting-edge science and accelerating innovations that will improve cardiovascular care globally.