Leadership transition

Kenneth Ellenbogen, M.D., steps down as chair of Division of Cardiology after more than a decade in the role

Kenneth Ellenbogen, M.D., has stepped down as chair of the Division of Cardiology. He served as chair for 11 years and vice chair for seven years. He will continue to serve as the director of clinical cardiac electrophysiology and pacing at VCU Medical Center.

Ellenbogen was integral in the foundation and development of Pauley Heart Center. He has been an inspirational and influential leader, gaining Pauley’s Division of Cardiology international recognition for its excellence and contribution to cardiovascular health, publishing over 600 manuscripts and 10 textbooks. He has mentored hundreds of professionals while also attracting significant donor support, leading numerous clinical trials and lecturing all over the world.

As a researcher, he is responsible for the largest international ongoing clinical trial of the WATCHMAN device and serves as principal investigator on more than 100 grants and contracts. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Heart Rhythm Society and numerous editorial boards.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements in clinical cardiology, Ellenbogen was named the VCU Health MCV Campus Clinician of the Year for 2001.

“Ken has been my closest mentor and has challenged us to rethink how we practice cardiovascular medicine and cardiac surgery,” said Vigneshwar Kasirajan, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Surgery. “His impact goes far beyond cardiovascular sciences in this institution with global impact across research, education and clinical care for more than 20 years. He is also tremendously kind and caring. Truly one of the immortals.”

Ellenbogen joined the VCU faculty in 1986 and earned the rank of full professor of medicine in 1997. In 2015, the Heart Rhythm Society awarded him the Distinguished Teacher Award, and in 2018 he was awarded the American College of Cardiology Simon Dack Award for Outstanding Scholarship. In 2020, he received the VCU School of Medicine Distinguished Mentor Award.

“When I think about my tenure as chair, the best part for me has been the opportunity to be surrounded by so many talented and spectacular individuals, from faculty to fellows, nurse practitioners, nurses, researchers, administrators/support staff and all the personnel who support our mission on a daily basis,” Ellenbogen wrote in a letter to his peers. “I am looking forward to focusing on clinical care and clinical research, and continuing to expand our electrophysiology program. I will continue to work hard and collaborate with the many talented amazing people we have in our division for many more years.”

Greg Hundley, M.D., has accepted the role of chair of cardiology and will continue to serve as director of Pauley Heart Center, a position he has held since 2018.

The transition was effective July 1.