Colin M. Barker, MD, cardiologist at the Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute - Texas Medical Center and assistant professor of cardiology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), has received the Thomas J. Linnemeier Spirit of Interventional Cardiology Young Investigator Award from the Cardiovascular Research Foundation.
The award recognizes innovative clinical care and academic excellence in fellowship trainees in interventional vascular medicine. Barker, who joined the Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute in 2009, received the award at the recent Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Conference in Washington, D.C.
Genetic research by Barker revealed that cardiology patients with a particular gene defect may need a stronger dose of anticoagulant medication to prevent blood clots. His genetic research is now being studied in larger randomized, controlled clinical trials.
"Dr. Barker is a rising young star in interventional cardiology worldwide. Being chosen as the Linnemeier award winner distinguishes him as the best of the best among his peers in academic cardiology. We look forward to his continued innovation in both clinical care and basic research in the years to come at UTHealth and the Memorial Hermann Heart and Vascular Institute," said Richard W. Smalling, MD, PhD, professor and director of Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine at UTHealth and the Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute.
Barker earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine and served his residency at Vanderbilt University. He completed fellowships in interventional cardiology and peripheral endovascular interventions at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines/Scripps Green, and in cardiovascular disease at New York University Medical Center.