Dr. Eugene Braunwald's seminal studies at the National Institutes of Health in the 1960s defined the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) as a clinical entity and served as the foundation for advancements in echocardiographic diagnosis, genetic testing, and risk stratification for sudden cardiac death. His early hemodynamic studies characterized idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS), identifying the dynamic nature of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction as a diagnostic hallmark. His pioneering work established the familial aggregation of the disease, creating the framework for the later identification of sarcomeric gene mutations. These pathophysiologic observations provided the basis for early therapeutic strategies, including the use of beta-adrenergic blockade to mitigate dynamic obstruction, and guided the development of surgical septal myectomy for refractory symptomatic obstructive HCM.

In recognition and gratitude for his important contributions, the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Medical Society is honored to establish and cultivate the Eugene Braunwald, MD Endowed Lecture.  The endowed speakership will enable our society to consistently host pioneering researchers and pre-eminent thought leaders from around the world at our annual scientific sessions with the goals of sharing knowledge and improving the outcome of this treatable condition.

The inaugural Eugene Braunwald, MD Endowed Lecture will take place at the 2025 HCM Society Scientific Sessions, November 7, in New Orleans. The speaker will be announced shortly.

As a 501c(3) HCMS offers tax-deductibility for any donations made.