John Ambrose, MD

Expert Publications

• A new paradigm for plaque stabilization.
• Heavy and light cigarette smokers have similar dysfunction of endothelial
• Smoking is associated with altered endothelial-derived fibrinolytic and antithrombotic factors: an in vitro demonstration.
• The impact of plasma levels of C-reactive protein, lipoprotein (a) and homocysteine on the long-term prognosis after successful coronary stenting: The Global Evaluation of New Events and Restenosis After Stent Implantation Study.
• Peripheral conduction disease in left ventricular dysfunction.
• C-reactive protein and ST-segment monitoring by continuous 12-lead electrocardiogram in patients with primary unstable angina pectoris.
• Reactive oxygen species are involved in smoking-induced dysfunction of nitric oxide biosynthesis and upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase: an in vitro demonstration in human coronary artery endothelial cells.
• Pilot study of oral rapamycin to prevent restenosis in patients undergoing coronary stent therapy: Argentina Single-Center Study (ORAR Trial).
• Luminal recovery from six to twelve months after implantation of "thicker strut" coronary stents.
• Value of low-dose dobutamine addition to routine dual isotope gated SPECT myocardial imaging in patients with healed myocardial infarction or abnormal wall thickening by echocardiogram.
• Identification of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
• The evolving role of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor blockade during percutaneous coronary intervention of saphenous vein bypass grafts.
• Classification of systemic therapies for potential stabilization of the vulnerable plaque to prevent acute myocardial infarction.
• Preprocedural plasma C-reactive protein levels, postprocedural creatine kinase-MB release, and long-term prognosis after successful coronary stenting (four-year results from the GENERATION study).
• Plaque rupture and intracoronary thrombus in nonculprit vessels: an eyewitness account.

Media Releases

Get to know Cardiologist Dr. John A. Ambrose, who serves patients in Fresno, California.

Dr. Ambrose stands as a globally recognized authority and trailblazer in the realm of coronary artery disease, earning distinction as a pioneer in the field of acute coronary syndromes. Over a span of more than four decades, he has dedicated himself to medical practice and extensive research, contributing significantly to the foundational theories surrounding unstable angina, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease and the vulnerable plaque, among other critical areas.

Currently, Dr. Ambrose holds the position of Professor of Medicine within the Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Fresno. In addition, he is actively engaged in clinical practice through his association with the University Cardiovascular Center, an affiliate of UCSF Fresno.

Having graduated as valedictorian from New York Medical College in 1972, Dr. Ambrose completed his internship, residency, and fellowship training at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, where he dedicated 25 years of his career. Ascending to the rank of Professor of Medicine and serving as the Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory for 14 years, it was during this period that Dr. Ambrose formulated the pivotal concepts underpinning the pathogenesis of acute syndromes. His seminal papers, produced in collaboration with esteemed mentors such as Richard Gorlin and Valentín Fuster, underscore his enduring contributions.

Following his tenure at Mount Sinai, Dr. Ambrose assumed the role of Director of the Cardiovascular Center at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in New York City. However, he departed after five years, predating the hospital’s declaration of bankruptcy. In 2005, he relocated to Fresno, where he served as Chief of Cardiology and Director of the Cardiology Fellowship Program at UCSF Fresno until 2017.

A Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, Dr. Ambrose is board certified in both cardiovascular disease and internal medicine by 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.

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).

In the course of his professional journey, Dr. Ambrose has mentored over 250 fellows, authored more than 300 papers featured in various journals and books, and has a dedicated Wikipedia page. Consistently acknowledged in the “Best Doctors in America” publication, he attributes his accomplishments to his meticulous attention to detail, sound common sense, sharp judgment abilities, and a voracious reading habit.

On a more personal note, Dr. Ambrose and his wife, Avis Ambrose, share a passion for opera, both being trained singers and active members of the Fresno Grand Opera Chorus. Their joint performances span over two decades, encompassing engagements with opera companies in New York and Fresno. The couple, proud parents of three children and grandparents to seven, find joy in travel and exploring the scenic California coast. Notably, Dr. Ambrose cherishes Saturday mornings as a particular favorite especially when walking above the beach in Carmel.

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