Jean-Bernard Durand, MD, FHA, FACC , FHSA

Clinical Trials

• Cardiomyopathy Tissue Bank in a Cancer Population

Media Releases

Get to know Cardiologist Dr. Jean-Bernard Durand, who serves patients in Texas.

Helping patients maintain a heart-healthy life, Dr. Durand is a highly trained cardiologist. He serves as a Professor within the Department of Cardiology, Division of Internal Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Among his other administrative appointments/ responsibilities at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Durand is on the Graduate Medical Education Committee and Chair, Co-Chair of the Institutional Review Board, Chair of the Multidisciplinary Cardiac Tumor Board, Board Member of the Institutional Review Board, Founder and Medical Director of Cardiomyopathy Service, as well as Director of Cardiovascular Genetics Research within the Department of Cardiology.

His other positions include: Associate of the Clinical Alarm Safety Multidisciplinary Committee, Council Member on the Executive Council of the Institutional Review Board, Co-Chair of the Institutional Review Board, Founder of the Heart Success Cardiomyopathy Program, Cardiovascular Consultant at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Co-Chair of the Patient Cardioncology Forum Heart House of the American College of Cardiology Forum Heart House.

Graduating with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiology and Chemistry from California State University in 1984, Dr. Durand went on to earn his Medical Degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1988.

After completing his residency in internal medicine at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, he went on to complete an American Heart Association/Bugher Foundation Fellowship in Molecular Biology, investigating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. He was awarded a Robert Woods Johnson Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Molecular Genetics. This body of work led to localization of a gene to chromosome 1q32 and identification of the gene as Troponin, one of the first genes for familial dilated cardiomyopathy.

After completion of his clinical fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Durand completed a clinical fellowship in immunology/advanced heart failure/ circulatory support and cardiac transplantation. He then served as Assistant Medical Director of the Heart Transplant Service at Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. Durand was recruited to MD Anderson Cancer Center to establish a cardiomyopathy program and a fully integrated interventional cardiology program. He was the first to establish a cardiomyopathy service within a cancer hospital. He was also able to establish standards for cardioprotection prior to Anthracycline-based therapies and investigate novel mechanisms which lead to recovery of cardiac function in chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy from Anthracyclines, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, and radiation-induced cardiomyopathy.

In his line of work, Dr. Durand developed the largest DNA/tissue bank of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy to detect polymorphisms to predict risk of development of heart failure. He developed the first cardiac device clinic at MD Anderson, utilizing mobile device monitoring of patients with arrhythmias’ and heart failure. 

Board certified in cardiovascular disease, Dr. Durand is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world.

To boot, he is board certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS). The NBPAS is a pro-physician organization that reduces practice burdens, advocates for necessary changes, and supports professional development and lifelong learning goals.

Holding fellowship status, Dr. Durand is a Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA), a Fellow of the College of Chest Physicians (FCCP), a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), a Fellow of the Heart Failure Society of America (FHFSA), and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP).

Moreover, he is an active member of the European Association of Physician Health, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Cardiology Safety Research Consortium, the International Cardioncology Society – Milan, the American College of Physician Executives – Tucson, the American Society of Echocardiography, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Houston Heart Failure Society, the Harris County Medical Society, Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research, the American College of Physician Executives, the Texas Medical Foundation, the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions, the Association American College of Physicians, and the Texas Genetics Society.

Since 2009, Dr. Durand has been an Expert Grant Reviewer for Cardiovascular Diseases on the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the disorders of the heart, as well as some parts of the circulatory system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology. Cardiologists are doctors who diagnose, assess, and treat patients with diseases and defects of the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system).

With over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Durand serves as an IRB Co-chair and is a national and international speaker for cardioncology. Recently, he was appointed to the American Heart Association New Cardioncology Council and serves as Co-PI on several clinical trials for stem cell therapy for anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy.

Named “America’s Top Cardiologist,” MD Anderson’s “Best Teacher,” and one of “Houston’s Top Doctors”, Dr. Durand has also been the recipient of Distinguished Alumni Award, California State University Long Beach (2015); Best Teacher Award, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Cardiology Fellows (2013); Houston’s Top Doctors, Houston Magazine (2010); Young Investigators Award, MD Anderson Cancer Center (2005); and MD Anderson Cancer Center Young Investigators Symposium Top Ten Research Award, MD Anderson Cancer Center (2005). 

Recommended Articles

• What is Diaphragmatic Breathing?

  Diaphragmatic breathing, belly breathing, or abdominal breathing is a popular breathing technique. Breathing, according to this technique, is not only a need but a skill to make life more enjoyable. It is a way to bring in maximum benefits from any physical activity. The movement of the abdomen...

• Treatment Options for Depression and Anxiety

  Anxiety and depression are similar conditions that develop when neurotransmitters, like serotonin, are not as effective. Low serotonin levels, as well as dopamine and epinephrine levels, play an important role in the development of both anxiety and depression. Since both conditions affect the same...

• The Shakespeare Workshop for Kids with Autism

  The Shakespeare and Autism project is a collaborative project between the Ohio State University Department of Theatre and the Nisonger Center, a part of Wexner Medical Center. It is made possible through funding by the Office of Outreach and Engagement Impact Grant program, which is an Ohio State...

• What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?

  Cancer of the cells in the butterfly shaped thyroid gland at the base of the neck was not a common disease in this country. However, as of late, the number of reported cases of thyroid cancer has increased over the years. These glands are very important, as they produce hormones that regulate the...

• Natto: Surprising Benefits for Your Heart, Brain, and Skin

  What is Natto?Natto is a staple food in Japan made from soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis. It is usually served with soy sauce, karashi mustard and Japanese bunching onion. Natto is rich in macronutrients and micronutrients. Natto is a great source of proteins, vitamins,...

• Invasive Dental Treatments May Increase the Risk of Heart Disease

  Invasive dental treatments, like tooth extractions, may increase the risk of heart disease or stroke, according to a new study published in, Annals of Internal Medicine. The results show the risk as a short-term one, which can return back to normal after six months.Earlier studies have shown a link...