Distinguished Scientist pushes forward for equity
For the next era of AFib research, veteran epidemiologist calls for a focus on primary and secondary prevention, equitable health and responsible AI.
After three decades at the forefront of atrial fibrillation research, Emelia J. Benjamin, MD, ScM, FAHA, is looking beyond her accomplishments to the challenges that will define the next generation of cardiovascular science.
In her Distinguished Scientist Lecture, "30 Years of Epidemiologic Discovery: Challenging the Next Generation to Realize Equitable AFib Prevention," Benjamin will call for action dedicated to atrial fibrillation primary and secondary prevention, equitable health and emerging technologies.
“We cannot achieve major advances in the health of people at risk and with AFib unless we intensify our commitment to addressing inequities in atrial fibrillation prevention to reduce the onset and complications in AFib,” she said.
Benjamin will also trace AFib research from foundational epidemiology and risk factor identification to today’s increasingly sophisticated approaches incorporating imaging, genomics, artificial intelligence and precision medicine.
“I am not merely presenting the greatest hits of my research. I am capturing where the field has been and is going. It involves the work of many, and I have been blessed to have been able to play a part,” said Benjamin, who is a professor of epidemiology at Boston University School of Public Health. She is also interim associate dean for faculty development and the Jay and Louise Coffman Professor in Vascular Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine in Massachusetts.
Benjamin points to AI as a recent major potential advancement but cautions it still requires scrutiny.
“There is promise, and there are perils associated with AI in advancing AFib prediction, prevention (and) management as well as the prevention of complications,” she said.
The AFib arena has traditionally focused on treating established disease through anticoagulants and rate or rhythm control strategies, she said. This has resulted in primary and secondary prevention research lagging behind coronary heart disease research.
She encourages the next generation of researchers and clinicians to accelerate prevention-focused approaches while addressing longstanding inequities in diagnosis, management and outcomes that are experienced by multiple demographic groups (based on factors such as education, race and ethnicity, and rural communities).
Despite challenges, Benjamin sees reasons to be optimistic. Recent European and U.S. AFib guidelines now place greater emphasis on prevention strategies, she said, with U.S. guidelines and performance and quality statements highlighting the importance of measuring and ensuring equitable care for patients. These developments signal a promising shift toward a more proactive and inclusive approach to AFib management, she said.
Reflecting on her own career, Benjamin is grateful for her collaborations with trusted organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association on scientific statements and research priorities. But mentorship has meant the most to her.
“My most substantive career achievements include founding faculty development at the Boston University Medical Campus, and mentoring, sponsoring and coaching my many early career colleagues who will continue to advance public health and health sciences decades after I retire,” she said.
Benjamin said she will end her talk by sharing some lessons from her journey. As in most careers, she encountered hurdles. Yet she credits resilience, viewing obstacles as opportunities and investing in future generations as essential to long-term success and professional fulfillment.
“The key to having a fulfilling career is to reframe and learn from setbacks, enjoy the collaborations and invest in those who come behind us,” she said. “I am truly grateful for my collaborators and mentees, who have been responsible for my success.”
