Italian cardiologist Barbara Casadei has reached a historic milestone in international medicine, becoming editor-in-chief of JAMA Cardiology, one of the most influential publications in cardiovascular research. It is the first time an Italian physician has taken the helm of the prestigious American journal, marking a significant achievement both personally and for Italy’s scientific community.
Born and educated in Italy, Casadei earned her medical degree with honors from the University of Pavia before continuing her academic and clinical training abroad. Her professional journey led her to the United Kingdom, where she became a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Imperial College London. Over the years, she has built an international reputation for her research on atrial fibrillation and heart failure, combining laboratory discoveries with clinical insight to improve patient care.
Casadei’s scientific contributions have helped reshape understanding of the mechanisms that drive complex heart rhythm disorders. She has coordinated major research collaborations and played a leading role in European cardiology, previously serving as president of the European Society of Cardiology. In that position, she promoted rigorous research standards, international cooperation, and greater inclusivity in scientific investigation.
Her appointment to lead JAMA Cardiology places her at the center of global conversations about heart health. The journal publishes groundbreaking clinical trials, innovative research, and policy analyses that influence how cardiovascular disease is treated worldwide. As editor-in-chief, Casadei will guide editorial decisions that shape the direction of future studies and ensure the highest standards of scientific integrity.
This milestone underscores not only her individual success but also the growing international dimension of modern medicine. An Italian physician now leading one of America’s foremost cardiology journals highlights how scientific excellence transcends borders. Casadei’s rise to the top reflects decades of dedication and positions her to influence the next generation of cardiovascular research on a truly global scale.