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Department of Medicine October 08, 2025

Gregory Payne, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB Division of Cardiovascular Disease, has been appointed director of the UAB Comprehensive Cardiovascular Center, a university-wide interdisciplinary research center, effective. Oct. 1.

In this role, Payne will lead efforts to advance research in high-impact areas of cardiovascular science, support collaboration across basic, clinical, population, and translational research, foster strategic partnerships, and enhance the center’s educational and training environment.

"I am honored to help lead UAB’s efforts in advancing cardiovascular research,” Payne said. “In a state facing a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease and health barriers, our mission at the CCVC carries both urgency and immense potential for impact. Together, through clinical, translational, and basic science discovery, we will drive UAB’s research enterprise to new levels of excellence and innovation."

A physician-scientist, Payne has led numerous initiatives advancing cardiovascular discovery and care. He directs the nationally recognized Payne Vascular Research Lab, where his research focuses on how the dysregulation of the extracellular matrix contributes to atherosclerotic diseases, including coronary artery disease. His work has led to significant advances in vascular biology and has been widely published in leading academic journals. His most recent study, “Spatial transcriptomic approach to understanding coronary atherosclerotic plaque stability,” was published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology and was recognized as a Featured Discovery by the Heersink School of Medicine.

In addition to his prominent roles in research, Payne’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular care is demonstrated through multiple key leadership positions including director the Stable Coronary Artery Disease Clinic at the Birmingham VA, associate program director for research and quality for the cardiology fellowship program, assistant director of the NIH-sponsored Medical Scientist Training Program at UAB, and committee member of the Department of Medicine’s DREAM Council. Nationally, Payne serves as chair-elect of the American Heart Association’s Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology Early Career Committee, as well as in a five-year term as a councilor for the Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.

An Indiana native, Payne earned a Bachelor of Science from Yale University in 2005. He completed his M.D. and Ph.D. through the Medical Scientist Training Program at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2011. He came to UAB in 2011 as part of the ABIM Training Pathway, completing both his residency and fellowship at the institution. He joined the UAB faculty in the Division of Cardiovascular Disease in June 2018.

Congratulations to Dr. Payne on his new role as director of the UAB Comprehensive Cardiovascular Center. He succeeds Dr. Nicole Lohr, who served as director since November 2022.


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