Harvard's Dr. Jane Newburger Honored with Prestigious Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award

The American Heart Association has announced that Dr. Jane W. Newburger, a distinguished professor at Harvard Medical School and associate chair for academic affairs in the department of cardiology at Boston Children's Hospital, will be awarded the 2024 Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award. This prestigious recognition, to be presented at the AHA's Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago, honors Dr. Newburger's outstanding 45-year career dedicated to mentoring and shaping the next generation of cardiovascular researchers and clinicians.

The Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award is bestowed annually to an individual with a long-term record of successful teaching and mentoring in the field of cardiovascular science. Dr. Newburger's selection for this award underscores her significant contributions to the field and her commitment to fostering the careers of numerous trainees and early career faculty.

Throughout her tenure at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Newburger has been the primary research mentor for nearly 60 mentees, many of whom have gone on to achieve leadership positions in academia both nationally and internationally. Her mentorship extends beyond the classroom, as she has directed a large T32 program for over three decades and guided many fellows and junior faculty through various career development awards and grants.

Dr. Newburger's impact on pediatric cardiology has been particularly notable. Her expertise in Kawasaki disease, a condition affecting young children that can cause serious heart and blood vessel damage, has led to significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Her research has influenced guidelines and practices in pediatric cardiovascular disease, improving outcomes for countless young patients.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Newburger's leadership proved invaluable as she spearheaded research into multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but serious condition associated with COVID-19. Her expertise and public communication efforts helped inform both medical professionals and the general public about this emerging health concern.

The recognition of Dr. Newburger with this award highlights the critical importance of mentorship in advancing medical science and patient care. By fostering the development of new generations of researchers and clinicians, mentors like Dr. Newburger ensure the continuity of progress in cardiovascular medicine and the ongoing improvement of patient outcomes.

Dr. Newburger's contributions extend beyond her mentorship roles. With over 600 peer-reviewed articles, chapters, and statements to her name, she has significantly advanced the understanding of pediatric cardiovascular diseases. Her work on neurological and developmental outcomes of children with congenital heart disease has been particularly influential, leading to improved surgical techniques and long-term care strategies.

The impact of Dr. Newburger's career on the field of pediatric cardiology cannot be overstated. Her dedication to mentoring, combined with her groundbreaking research, has not only shaped the careers of numerous individuals but has also directly contributed to improving the lives of children with heart conditions. As the recipient of the 2024 Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award, Dr. Newburger's legacy in cardiovascular medicine and academic mentorship is firmly cemented, inspiring future generations of medical professionals to follow in her footsteps.