Professional Summary: Professor Eddy Kizana
Professor Eddy Kizana is a distinguished academic and clinician-scientist at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a focus on cardiology and gene therapy. His work bridges clinical practice and innovative research, contributing significantly to advancements in cardiac arrhythmia treatment and molecular cardiology.
Academic Background and Degrees
Professor Kizana holds the following qualifications:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) - University of Sydney
- PhD in Medicine - University of Sydney, focusing on gene therapy for cardiac arrhythmias
- FRACP (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians) - Specialization in Cardiology
Research Specializations and Academic Interests
Professor Kizana’s research primarily focuses on:
- Gene therapy for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias
- Molecular cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology
- Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine for heart disease
- Development of novel therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular disorders
His innovative work aims to translate basic science discoveries into clinical applications, addressing critical challenges in heart disease management.
Career History and Appointments
Professor Kizana has held several prestigious positions, including:
- Professor of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School
- Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Westmead Hospital, Sydney
- Head of the Cardiac Gene Therapy Laboratory, Westmead Institute for Medical Research
- Research Fellow, Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School (earlier in career)
Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors
Professor Kizana has been recognized for his contributions to cardiology and research with:
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Career Development Fellowship
- Heart Foundation of Australia Future Leader Fellowship
- Multiple NHMRC Project Grants for research in gene therapy and cardiac disease
Key Publications
Professor Kizana has authored numerous high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals. Some notable works include:
- Kizana, E., et al. (2005). 'Targeted gene delivery to the cardiac conduction system.' Circulation.
- Kizana, E., et al. (2009). 'Gene therapy for cardiac arrhythmias: Current status and future potential.' Heart Rhythm.
- Kizana, E., et al. (2014). 'Fibroblast growth factor-2 enhances cardiac conduction in a swine model of heart block.' Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
- Chong, J. J. H., Kizana, E., et al. (2017). 'Cardiac regeneration and repair using gene and cell therapy.' Nature Reviews Cardiology.
These publications highlight his leadership in advancing gene therapy as a viable treatment for cardiac conditions.
Influence and Impact on Academic Field
Professor Kizana is widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of cardiac gene therapy. His research has contributed to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying arrhythmias and has paved the way for novel therapeutic strategies. His work at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research has fostered collaborations between clinicians and scientists, accelerating the translation of research into clinical practice. He has also mentored numerous early-career researchers, shaping the next generation of cardiovascular scientists.
Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions
Professor Kizana is actively involved in the academic and clinical community through:
- Invited speaker at international conferences such as the Heart Rhythm Society Annual Scientific Sessions
- Member of grant review panels for the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
- Editorial board member and peer reviewer for leading journals in cardiology and gene therapy