Dr. Jeffrey Towbin is a distinguished leader in pediatric cardiology with a career spanning over thirty-five years of clinical excellence and research innovation. He currently serves as Chief of Pediatric Cardiology and Executive Co-Director of the Heart Institute at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he has held this position since his recruitment in 2015. Previously, he served as Chief of Pediatric Cardiology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, elevating the program to a top five ranked cardiology center within just three years of his appointment. His career began with fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, where he established his foundational expertise in pediatric cardiomyopathies and heart failure, developing a single-minded research focus that has defined his professional trajectory.
Dr. Towbin's pioneering research has fundamentally transformed the understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias, with over 600 peer-reviewed publications that rank among the highest impact factors at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. His work establishing the molecular basis of cardiac muscle diseases has led to significant advances in diagnosis and treatment protocols for children with heart failure worldwide. While at Le Bonheur, he developed the Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Program, created the first Molecular Cardiology Laboratories at UT Health Science Center, and established the Cardiovascular Genetics Program, creating a comprehensive infrastructure for translational research in pediatric heart disease. His research has been consistently supported by National Institutes of Health grants throughout his career, reflecting the significance and impact of his contributions to understanding the genetic causes of cardiac muscle disease.
Beyond his research and clinical contributions, Dr. Towbin has profoundly shaped the field of pediatric cardiology through leadership roles in major professional organizations, including receiving the prestigious 2025 American College of Cardiology Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2023 HFSA Pioneer Award. He has mentored generations of pediatric cardiologists and researchers, fostering a collaborative environment that has advanced the understanding and treatment of pediatric heart conditions globally. His development of the Cardio-Oncology Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital demonstrates his commitment to addressing emerging challenges in pediatric cardiology through interdisciplinary approaches. Dr. Towbin is scheduled to retire from clinical and administrative roles at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center on June 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence that continues to influence pediatric cardiology practice and research worldwide.
