Theresa McDonagh

Theresa McDonagh is a clinician, researcher, and leader in cardiovascular medicine.

Originally from Bathgate, Theresa has made significant strides in cardiovascular medicine since graduating from Edinburgh Medical School in 1987. 

Her early medical training at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary laid the groundwork for her future research in cardiology. In 1991, she moved to Glasgow to delve deeper into this field, culminating in an MD with Distinction in 1999. She then became a Senior Lecturer in Cardiology at the University of Glasgow and a Consultant Cardiologist at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

In 2004, Theresa took charge of the Heart Failure Service at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London, and later became the Professor of Heart Failure at King's Hospital in 2010. Her work has consistently focused on improving heart failure care, both nationally and internationally. Her contributions include seminal epidemiological studies on the prevalence of left ventricular dysfunction and pioneering work on natriuretic peptides which revolutionised heart failure diagnostics.

Theresa’s leadership in developing the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Guidelines in 2021 and its 2023 update has been instrumental in setting global standards in heart failure management. Her career is a testament to the profound impact that dedicated research, coupled with strategic leadership, can have on public health.