Stroke, neurology leader to receive 2026 Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award

Embargoed until 8 a.m. CT/9 a.m. ET, Tues., Nov. 3, 2026

DALLAS, Nov. 3, 2026 - Bruce Ovbiagele, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.S., M.B.A., M.L.S., FAHA, professor of neurology, health policy and global health, and associate dean at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine and chief of staff of the San Francisco VA Medical Center, will receive the American Heart Association's 2026 Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award. Named for legendary cardiologist Eugene Braunwald, M.D., who was widely regarded as the father of modern cardiology and who died in April 2026 at age 96, the award honors his extraordinary legacy as a physician-scientist, educator and mentor. The Association's Scientific Sessions 2026, to be held Nov. 6-9, in Chicago, is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science. Dr. Ovbiagele will be recognized with the award during the Presidential Session on Sunday, Nov. 8.

In addition to his roles with UCSF and the San Francisco VA, Dr. Ovbiagele is editor-in-chief of the Association's open access, peer reviewed scientific journal, Journal of the American Heart Association. He is also the founding president of the Society for Equity Neuroscience (SEQUINS), vice president of the American Neurological Association, an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, a master of the American College of Physicians, and a fellow of numerous national and international scientific organizations including the American Heart Association.

The Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award recognizes an individual with a sustained record of excellence in teaching and mentoring the next generation of faculty researchers, educators and health care professionals. Recipients are recognized for their lasting impact on cardiovascular care and research through their extensive mentoring of residents, fellows and early-career investigators.

"Mentoring young clinicians and scientists was among Gene's greatest passions. He believed deeply in preparing physicians to provide exceptional care while inspiring the next generation of clinicians, researchers and allied professionals to advance cardiovascular medicine. This award holds special meaning for our family, and we are deeply grateful that his legacy will continue through the exceptional mentors and future leaders it recognizes," said Mrs. Elaine Smith Braunwald, Dr. Eugene Braunwald's widow.

Dr. Ovbiagele has devoted his career to mentoring physician-scientists and clinical leaders while advancing stroke prevention, neurological health and equitable care. As principal investigator of multiple National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research and training programs, his mentoring environment fosters scientific rigor and leadership development, and advocates equitable access and care. Dr. Ovbiagele's leadership impact spans institutions, disciplines and continents, supporting the next generation of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular clinicians and researchers to build successful research careers, secure competitive funding and become leaders in academic medicine, public health and global neuroscience, with the foundation principle of improving care for populations disproportionately affected by stroke and cardiovascular disease.

"Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele represents the ideals celebrated by the Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award," said Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association's 2026-2027 volunteer president, the Richard S. Stack, M.D. Distinguished Professor of Medicine, chief of the division of cardiology and vice president of heart and vascular services at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. "Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Ovbiagele has combined scientific excellence with an unwavering commitment to mentoring future leaders. By nurturing investigators worldwide, especially those working to reduce health disparities, he has strengthened the cardiovascular and stroke research community and created a legacy that will influence the fields for generations. As we mourn Dr. Braunwald's passing earlier this year, we also celebrate the thousands of lives influenced by his extraordinary research and leadership."

Dr. Ovbiagele is an internationally recognized vascular neurologist whose research has transformed stroke prevention and neurological care. He has authored more than 700 peer-reviewed publications, edited six books and leads NIH-supported research programs focused on improving neurological outcomes among underserved populations. His scholarship has earned widespread recognition from organizations, including the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association, the American Academy of Neurology, the World Stroke Organization, the World Hypertension League, the American Brain Foundation, the National Medical Association, and the National Academy of Medicine.

Dr. Ovbiagele has also played a major leadership role within the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, serving on numerous scientific committees, councils and leadership groups while helping to advance research, education and professional development for cardiovascular and stroke investigators. His service reflects a longstanding commitment to creating pathways for early-career scientists to succeed within the American Heart Association and beyond.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ovbiagele has championed the idea that mentorship extends beyond teaching research methods. It means helping future leaders develop the skills, confidence and collaborative networks needed to improve health around the world. Having mentored more than 150 people from 18 different countries throughout his career, 85% of them have gone on to faculty positions, while 40% of them have received notable grants. His legacy is reflected not only in his scientific discoveries, but in the growing community of investigators whose work continues to advance stroke prevention, cardiovascular science and health equity.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award," said Dr. Ovbiagele. "This recognition is especially meaningful following Dr. Braunwald's passing. Mentorship has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Every trainee brings new perspectives, ideas and energy that ultimately advance science and improve patient care. I have been fortunate to learn as much from my mentees as they have learned from me, and I hope to continue building opportunities for the next generation of leaders dedicated to advancing health equity and reducing the global burden of stroke and neurological disorders that are so often connected to cardiovascular conditions."

Dr. Ovbiagele earned his medical degree from the University of Lagos in Nigeria and a master of science in clinical research from the University of California, Los Angeles. He also earned a master of advanced studies in health care leadership and management from the University of California, San Diego; a master of business administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst; and a master of legal studies from Washington University in St. Louis. He completed his residency in neurology at the University of California, Irvine, and a fellowship in vascular neurology at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Additional Resources:

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• For more news at American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2026, follow us on X @HeartNews, #ScientificSessions26

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

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