ORLANDO, Nov. 6 — An interventional cardiologist-researcher received the American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology’s highest honor.
David R. Holmes, Jr., M.D., of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, was presented the James B. Herrick Award “for his exemplary contributions to interventional cardiology” dramatically improving techniques for re-opening diseased heart arteries.”
“Dr. Holmes is an international leader in research who has brought unprecedented precision to the translation of new interventional cardiology methods to patient care,” said Gerald Fletcher, M.D., chair of the council.
Holmes “has gained worldwide acclaim for his achievements at the forefront of the development of new techniques that dramatically advanced coronary revascularization, particularly balloon angioplasty and stenting,” Fletcher said.
Holmes, professor of medicine and former director of the Mayo Clinic cardiac catheterization laboratory, received the award during the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2007 at the clinical cardiology council’s annual meeting, held this year at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando.
The award, a medallion and citation honoring outstanding achievement in cardiology, is named for pioneer physician James B. Herrick, author of the first clinical definition of coronary disease.
Fletcher said Holmes “has contributed significantly” to understanding the cellular blockages that clog coronary stents, tiny metal tubes inserted to keep diseased heart arteries open after angioplasty. The Mayo physician has been co-investigator in 30 clinical trials including major National Institutes of Health-sponsored coronary studies.
Holmes has been a Mayo College of Medicine faculty member since 1976.