Dr. Gregory Payne’s career as a physician-scientist is driven by his commitment to uncovering the early mechanisms of vascular disease, which are often precursors to cardiovascular deaths. His training in both Medical Scientist and Physician Scientist Training Programs has equipped him with specialized translational scientific skills, enabling him to delve into vascular and cellular biology. At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Dr. Payne serves as an academic cardiologist, providing care for patients with diverse cardiovascular conditions. He also co-directs the Translational Program in Cardiopulmonary Research at UAB, focusing on novel inflammatory pathways involved in cardiopulmonary diseases. His team’s research particularly examines how extracellular matrix fragmentation leads to cardiovascular inflammation and vascular endothelial dysfunction. In his role as the Assistant Director of the NIH-funded Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at UAB, Dr. Payne is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of physician-scientists. His involvement with the American Heart Association (AHA) includes serving on the ATVB Early Career Committee, where he supports career development for emerging scientists. Additionally, Dr. Payne advocates for diversity in research through various regional and national organizations, including the AHA-sponsored Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program (AHA/AMFDP).
