John Higgins MD, Professor of Medicine at McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, and renowned cardiologist, as seen in a professional portrait.
John Higgins MD is a distinguished figure in the field of medicine, renowned for his expertise in cardiology and sports medicine. As a Professor of Medicine at The McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), Dr. Higgins dedicates his career to patient care, medical education, and promoting the vital role of exercise in overall health. His multifaceted roles extend to serving as a Senior Cardiologist at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital and the Director of Exercise Physiology at the Memorial Hermann Institute for Sports Medicine and Human Performance, showcasing his commitment to diverse aspects of cardiovascular health and wellness. Furthermore, his expertise is sought after by professional sports organizations, as he acts as a Sports Cardiologist for both the Houston Rockets and Rice Athletics, ensuring the cardiovascular well-being of elite athletes. Dr. Higgins also contributes to the academic community through his membership on the Admissions Committee at McGovern Medical School, shaping the future generation of medical professionals.
Dr. Higgins’s impressive academic journey includes a Medical Degree from the University of Queensland, Australia, demonstrating his early pursuit of medical excellence. He furthered his academic qualifications with a Masters in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Cambridge, England, highlighting his intellectual breadth and critical thinking abilities. His commitment to leadership and healthcare administration is evidenced by his MBA with Honors from George Washington University in Washington, DC. Dr. Higgins completed his Cardiology Fellowship at the esteemed Brigham and Women’s Hospital-Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, solidifying his foundation in cardiovascular medicine. His dedication to education has been consistently recognized, earning him the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award an impressive 8 times, a testament to his impact on medical students.
Dr. Higgins’s contributions extend beyond clinical practice and academic teaching. His research interests are diverse and impactful, focusing on critical areas such as athlete screening to prevent sudden cardiac events, the health implications of energy drinks, the use of smartphone apps and activity trackers in health management, and even pioneering efforts in teaching first-aid to young children. He is a prolific author and communicator, with over 700 appearances on local and national media outlets including CNN and ABC World News, effectively disseminating crucial health information to the public. His written works include 3 books, contributions to book chapters, over 50 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, and numerous web-based publications, demonstrating his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and public health literacy. He has also shared his expertise through abstracts, YouTube channels and even contributed to the Houston Chronicle newspaper on nine occasions. Dr. Higgins serves as Chief Editor for a book on medical applications and is a co-author of the “Marvelous Maxx” picture book series, ingeniously designed to educate children about first-aid, expand their vocabulary, and ease anxieties associated with doctor visits.
A central tenet of Dr. Higgins’s professional philosophy is the powerful message that “exercise is medicine.” He embodies this belief in his personal life, having completed 13 marathons and the challenging 10×10 challenge, running 10 miles daily for 10 consecutive days, totaling 100 miles. This personal dedication to fitness underscores his advocacy for the integration of exercise into healthcare and preventative medicine. Dr. John Higgins’s work is guided by his favorite quote, attributed to Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh: “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” This quote encapsulates his empowering approach to medicine, encouraging both patients and aspiring medical professionals to recognize their inner strength and potential.
For further information on Dr. Higgins’s scholarly work, please visit his PubMed profile page.
