The American Heart Association will honor Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.S., M.B.A., M.L.S., FAHA, with the 2026 Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award. The award, named for the legendary cardiologist Eugene Braunwald, M.D., who died in April 2026 at age 96, recognizes individuals with a sustained record of excellence in teaching and mentoring the next generation of cardiovascular researchers, educators, and health care professionals. Dr. Ovbiagele, 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 be recognized during the Presidential Session on Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Association's Scientific Sessions 2026 in Chicago.
The award holds special significance as it commemorates Dr. Braunwald's legacy as a physician-scientist, educator, and mentor. "Mentoring young clinicians and scientists was among Gene's greatest passions," said Mrs. Elaine Smith Braunwald, Dr. Braunwald's widow. "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."
Dr. Ovbiagele's career exemplifies the award's criteria. He has devoted his work 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, he fosters scientific rigor and leadership development, and advocates for equitable access and care. His mentoring has reached more than 150 people from 18 different countries; 85% of them have gone on to faculty positions, and 40% have received notable grants. 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.
"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. "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."
Dr. Ovbiagele is also editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Heart Association and founding president of the Society for Equity Neuroscience (SEQUINS). His 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. "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."
Additional multimedia is available on the right column of the release link. For more information about the American Heart Association, visit heart.org or stroke.org.
