Professor
1951-2019
Dr. Chen received a BS degree in Science from Penn State University and his MD degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He did internal medicine residency at the University of Pittsburgh and a cardiology fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He was a cardiology faculty there as well as at the University of Louisville, before his arrival to UAB as Director of the Division of Cardiovascular Disease. He is also Director of the UAB Comprehensive Cardiovascular Center. Dr. Prabhu serves as a Consulting Editor of Circulation Research and is a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation.
Dr. Chen will be remembered as a highly respected scientist, collaborator, mentor and esteemed colleague. He carried a sense of continuity and perspective regarding the secrets to success in the rapidly changing world of cardiovascular research. His stellar performance as an innovative researcher, as well as a mentor and role model for aspiring scientists, will always be remembered. Dr. Chen’s distinction as a scientist was evident in his ability to analyze biological problems at the basic level and translate the findings to identify therapeutic targets and specific treatments for previously untreatable cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Chen’s pioneering work on the protective effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor antagonists in the pathogenesis of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in animal models led directly to the development of ET-1 receptor antagonists for treatment of pulmonary hypertension in humans. His robust research also focused on the development of targeted cell-based therapy for cardiovascular disease. Although trained as a basic scientist, the thrust of Dr. Chen’s investigations translated to the advancement of human health.
For over 30 years, Dr. Chen was passionately involved in the mentoring of junior faculty and fellows and set a high standard for excellence as a role model for emerging investigators to advance in their careers and achieve their own success.
Outside of work, he was a loving spouse, father and grandfather, as well as an incredibly gifted player of the Chinese Bamboo Flute.