From one point of view, research is the pursuit of organized questions. Phenomena are observed. One questions why and/or how this can be so. Based on observation and experience, one generates a hypothesis. One investigates sufficiently to prove or disprove the hypothesis. Regardless of outcome, one generates many more questions to be answered. Research is best conducted in a collaborative environment. As no two individuals – not even experts, perhaps especially not experts – can be expected to have the same experiences and thought processes, every research project can benefit from the valuable contributions made by multiple educated opinions. It is for this reason, as well as for reasons of conservation and maximization of resources, that the National Institutes of Health have made collaborative research a fundamental objective of their grant support.

Here at the Florida Heart Research Institute, we have integrated this concept not only in our many collaborative research projects, but in their generation and evaluation as well. FHRI established a Scientific Advisory Panel – a voluntary panel of internationally respected experts who assist in the evaluation and improvement of proposed projects. Each member of the Scientific Advisory Panel is well known in his own right, but is presented here from our perspective – emphasizing those aspects of their attributes which specifically enrich our scientific process.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, perhaps best known to the public for his frequent and informative appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show, is Professor of Surgery and Director of the Cardiovascular Institute of Columbia University. He not only has a wealth of clinical and scientific experience with innovative surgical procedures – transplantation, ventricular assist, minimally invasive, percutaneous valve repair, etc. – but has bridged the great divide between holistic and allopathic healing with research and practice in alternative medical approaches.

Dr. Robert Myerburg, former Chief of Cardiology at the University of Miami is probably best known for translating his extensive knowledge of electrophysiology into public policy with efforts to reduce the 911 response time in cases of sudden cardiac death. He bridges the worlds of clinical and academic cardiology, research and practice, knowledge and public policy, for which he has received countless professional and community awards.

Dr. John Burnett is Professor of Medicine and Physiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. As their Director of Research he was responsible for directing and administering one of the largest research endeavors in the world. He is an insightful investigator who has helped to develop scores of young and bright researchers, and can bring a virtually limitless pool of intellectual resources to bear on any research issue or discussion. His assistance in selecting and directing research projects is therefore invaluable.

Dr. Eugene Blackstone, through his close association with one of the true “fathers” of cardiac surgery, Dr. John Kirklin, developed a virtually remarkably inquisitive and orderly approach to clinical problems. Currently one of the leaders of the clinical research division of the Cleveland Clinic, Gene is world-renown for his innovative, if complex, statistical approaches to data analysis. Single handedly, he has literally changed the way in which cardiac surgeons view their results and their profession, and his keen insights into the structure of research proposals is critical in assessing their viability.

Dr. Richard Elias, Clinical Professor of Medicine of the University of Miami as well as Co-Chair of the Clinical Research Committee of Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York is well known for his dynamic role in the growth and development of the Miami Heart Institute. What is perhaps less widely recognized is how truly visionary a clinician Richard has been throughout his career – he was one of the earliest to introduce anticoagulation into clinical practice, he was one of the first to recognize the need for specialized coronary care units, and he believed and practiced cardiac prevention and the ability to reverse coronary artery disease many decades before the remainder of the profession believed it was even possible. His keen innovative clinical insight and experience is key in evaluating new research programs and approaches.

Dr. Arthur Agatston, probably best known now for his famous South Beach Diet, has been a leader in preventive cardiology throughout his career. The score for assessing coronary calcium – a known predictor of future coronary risk – bears his name in recognition for his work in developing the score and bringing it into clinical practice. Arthur’s vision of transforming cardiology practice from one of intervention to one of prevention is innovative, humane and prophetic. His insight into research efforts therefore extremely welcome.

The Florida Heart Research Institute is therefore indeed fortunate to have a wealth of varied professional opinion and experience upon which to draw, in order to insure that the research projects we pursue are of the highest scientific caliber and clinical relevance – an advantage of the collaborative environment in which we operate.