Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH is a general cardiologist with expertise in preventive cardiovascular medicine as well as managing the most critically ill cardiovascular patients with a range of conditions including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies and vulnerable populations with heart disease such as women and racial/ethnic minorities.
Born and raised in Guyana, Dr. Albert had a fairly austere upbringing. The sudden death of her grandfather by cardiac arrest was probably the trigger for her eventual calling to medicine. In grade school, she was good at math, but a fondness for history found her exploring healthcare disparities among people of color, particularly those in impoverished situations, facing significant life adversity.
Dr. Albert’s extensive clinical experience is acquired from her previous roles as core cardiovascular faculty for over a decade at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston MA and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. She also served as Vivian Allen Beaumont Endowed Professor and Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at Howard University, Washington DC.
Dr. Albert received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Haverford College and Medical degree from the University of Rochester. She trained in internal medicine at Columbia University, New York, where she served as chief medical resident and instructor in Medicine. Dr. Albert then completed her cardiovascular clinical and research fellowships at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, as well as a Masters in Public Health degree with concentrations in Epidemiology and Clinical Effectiveness at Harvard School of Public Health. Additionally, she has completed a one year Brigham Executive Leadership Program at Harvard Business School.
“Find mentors and be a willing and receptive mentee. And don’t be afraid to fail. It’s the complimentary side of success and it builds both character and resilience.” ~Dr. Michelle Albert
RESEARCH
Dr. Albert is the Director of the Center for the Study of Adversity and Cardiovascular Disease at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Cardiology. This new translational center is focused on the overarching theme of “the biology of adversity”, a non-traditional area in cardiovascular research where data are sparse. Dr. Albert’s research requires highly collaborative networks and seeks to understand and develop novel solutions related to poor educational, quality of life and cardiovascular health outcomes across the lifespan. Research themes of specific interest include chronic psychological stress, neurocardiology, longevity, cardiovascular risk biomarkers and cardiovascular health outcomes related to vulnerable populations utilizing national datasets. Dr. Albert is Principal Investigator on a 5 year RO1 grant entitled, “Cumulative Stress and Cardiovascular Disease in Middle-Aged and Older Women” from the NIH/NIA. She is Co-Principal Investigator along with Dr. David Williams at Harvard School of Public Health, on a grant from the Kellogg Foundation about the adversity and health.
| Induction to 2016 Class | 2016 | Elected Member, Association of University Cardiologists | |
| Haverford College | 2015 | The Haverford Award, recognizing an alumnus who uses their knowledge to the benefit of society | |
| Circulation Journal (June 17, 2014) | 2014 | Featured “Editor’s Choice & Scientist”: MA Health Care Reform, Race/Ethnicity and CVD | |
| Women’s Day Magazine | 2014 | Red Dress Award Honoree | |
| American College of Cardiology | 2012 | Second Annual Heart of Women’s Health CREDO Award | |
| Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston MA | 2010 | Nesson Fellowship Award | |
| Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston MA | 2006 | J Ira and Nikki Harris Family Research Award | |
| Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston MA | 2003 | Learner Young Investigator Award, | |
| Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc | 2004 | Herbert W. Nickens Epidemiology Award | |
| Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston MA | 2001 | Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Kraft Minority Faculty Development Award |
Trinispice JJ …. Remember her???
YOU Go girl!
Absolutely loved workiing with Dr. Albert when she was at
Brigham and Women’s Hospital in the CCU! So glad to learn of her current work ….best of luck! Patty Healey RN , BWH
Hi Patty – Thank you for sharing that.