Paul Gurbel, MD, Awarded Honorary Doctorate Degree from Nicolaus Copernicus University

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Feb. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World-renowned interventional cardiologist at the Inova Heart and Vascular Institute (IHVI), Paul A. Gurbel, MD, today was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland.

The "Doctor Honoris Causa," the University's highest distinction, was presented to Dr. Gurbel by Rector Andrzej Tretyn and Dean Andrzej Kowalczyk in recognition of his contributions to cardiovascular clinical research, his leadership in the discovery and development of breakthrough clinical pharmacology and medical devices, and his service to the international scientific community.

As Director of Interventional Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Research at IHVI, Dr. Gurbel leads research and clinical trials focused on the effects and development of antiplatelet agents. His laboratory pioneered the concept of antiplatelet response variability and his research led to the development of new P2Y12 inhibitors. He holds patents in the fields of interventional cardiology and antithrombotic therapy.

"Dr. Gurbel's research is fundamental to our understanding of the risk of bleeding and clotting in cardiovascular patients," said Christopher O'Connor, MD, CEO and Executive Director, IHVI. "It has changed the way we treat patients today."

Dr. Gurbel recently assisted in the implantation of a state-of-the-art heart monitoring device called CardioMEMS, making Inova one of the first hospitals in the United States to use this device to treat a patient with advanced heart failure.  He continues to make significant advancements in interventional cardiology, treatment of complex coronary artery disease, and personalized care.

"The Doctor Honoris Causa is a great honor," said Dr. Gurbel.  "It is an acknowledgement of the dedication of our team and the important advances we have made in the areas of platelet physiology, antithrombotic drug development and personalization of antiplatelet therapy. I am indebted to my research team who has worked tirelessly over the last 15 years to make this award possible. This award is as much theirs as it is mine, and I look forward to continuing ground-breaking research and care at Inova."

Dr. Gurbel earned his medical degree at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Duke University Medical School. 

About Inova

Inova is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that serves more than 2 million people each year throughout the Washington, DC, metro area and beyond. Inova is a comprehensive network of hospitals, outpatient services and facilities, primary and specialty care practices, and health and wellness initiatives.

Inova encompasses the full array of health services, including the area's only Level 1 Trauma Center and Level 4 neonatal intensive care unit. We are home to many nationally and internationally recognized programs, including Inova Heart and Vascular Institute (IHVI), Inova Translational Medicine Institute (ITMI), Inova Dwight and Martha Schar Cancer Institute (ISCI).  

Inova is a global leader in the science of genomics and the new era of personalized health, which uses a person's genetic make-up, family and medical history, and lifestyle to determine the best prevention and treatment. We connect researchers, clinicians and empowered consumers to improve patient care, enhance prevention and encourage wellness. 

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SOURCE Inova