Michael Clark, MD

Cardiology Fellow, Department of Medicine

What is your professional background? 
As an undergraduate chemistry student at Northwestern University, I became fascinated with the structure and dynamics of proteins, and in particular, how seemingly minute changes on the atomic level could mean the difference between health and disease. I then joined the integrated MD/PhD program at the University of Chicago, and worked with Dr. Eduardo Perozo to determine how cell membrane potential (voltage) controlled ion channel and electromotor proteins, processes which underlie how our hearts beat and our ears hear.  I then completed internal medicine residency training as part of the Translational Investigator Program at Stanford, and came here to Emory as a cardiology fellow in the Basic Science Research Track. 

Which division do you work in? Who is your mentor? 
I work in the Division of Cardiology with Hanjoong Jo, PhD.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. With my colleagues in the Jo lab, I study how endothelial cells (which make up the inner lining of blood vessels) impact cardiovascular disease.

Healthy blood vessels are constantly exposed to stable blood flow; however, in multiple cardiovascular diseases, blood flow patterns become disturbed, leading to local inflammation and damage to the blood vessels, heart, brain, and kidneys. Current medical therapies do not directly address these local changes in the blood vessel wall, and diseases like hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and heart failure remain major medical problems. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of how endothelial cells sense blood flow, we hope to develop new treatments to prevent and repair blood vessel damage. To do this, we use multiple techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing, multimodal CRISPR screening, advanced imaging, animal models, and patient biobanks.

What do you like most about Emory?
My favorite aspect of Emory is the people. One of the best parts of my job is working with my colleagues across labs, divisions, and departments who together form an exciting, open, and collaborative environment for research. 

What is your favorite movie or TV show? 
"The Last Dance," a documentary capturing the Chicago Bulls' iconic 1997-1998 season.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 
I enjoy spending time with my family, and watching our newborn daughter grow more quickly than I could have believed.

What is a fun fact about you?
I share a birthday with my grandmother!