What does it take to build a career at the intersection of clinical care, research, and global collaboration? In this episode of AtheroTalk, we speak with Prof. Pablo Corral from Argentina, who brings a grounded and insightful perspective on lipid disorders, cardiovascular prevention, and the evolving role of large-scale clinical trials.

From tackling familial hypercholesterolemia to addressing residual risk, he shares both the realities and possibilities of advancing care in Latin America. Along the way, he reflects on mentorship, career choices, and what truly sustains long-term motivation, captured in one simple idea: “Find something you are truly passionate about.”

A thoughtful conversation for anyone navigating science, medicine, and purpose.

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Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush

Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush

In this episode, Prof. Rory Collins shares the personal moments that shaped his career and pulls back the curtain on UK Biobank: how it really works, the tough calls, and the surprises along the way. As more of us rely on UKB for our research, this candid conversation is a must-listen for anyone using the resource: the context, trade-offs, and behind-the-scenes details you don’t usually get.

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Script-prep: Hana Bartuskova, Azin Kheirkhah, Elena Rodriguez-Sanchez

Interviewer: Alexandr Ceasovschih, Azin Kheirkhah

This interview features Magdalena Daccord, CEO of FH Europe Foundation, discussing key challenges and future directions in the management of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The conversation focuses on patient advocacy, early diagnosis, and the importance of international collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. Special attention is given to emerging initiatives, including the Lp(a) International Task Force, and the role of patient networks in improving awareness and access to care.

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Script-prep: Maria Cherska, Azin Kheirkhah, Svetlana Stoica

Interviewer: Maria Cherska, Svetlana Stoica

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we are honored to host Prof. John J.P. Kastelein, one of the most influential figures in lipidology and cardiovascular prevention.

With a career spanning decades of groundbreaking research and innovation, Prof. Kastelein shares his personal journey and reflects on the evolution of lipid-lowering therapy — from the early days of statins to today’s rapidly expanding pipeline of novel therapeutics.

Together, we explore the milestones that have shaped modern cardiovascular prevention, the lessons learned along the way, and the exciting future of precision lipid management. This conversation offers unique insights into the intersection of science, clinical practice, and drug development, from someone who has been at the forefront of it all.

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Script-prep: Fotis Barkas

Interviewer: Fotis Barkas

In this special global episode of AtheroTalk, the EAS Young Fellows move beyond their traditionally Europe-focused conversations to connect with Professor Rodrigo Alonso Karlezi in Chile, bringing a Latin American perspective to cardiovascular science. The discussion explores international advances in familial hypercholesterolaemia, and the power of international collaboration, while also addressing challenges faced in Latin America such as limited resources, differences in guidelines, and the need to build sustainable research networks. Reflecting on perseverance in global science, Prof. Karlezi reminds us that “no doesn’t mean ‘no’, it means ‘not yet’.”

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Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush

Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we discuss with Prof. Gerald F. Watts, a leading world expert in the field of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) and Cardio-metabolic Medicine, about his professional journey, about national strategies and policies in FH and about how can young professionals achieve a successful career.

Prof. Watts shares his insights about the process of adding clinical meaning into research projects, his mentors and overcoming challenges. He also shares ways to address gaps in care, a fresh perspective on cardiometabolic prevention, methods of thinking and ideas that help researchers keep their research relevant.

Tune in and don’t miss the powerful motto that Prof. Watts has followed throughout his exceptional career – “discovery comes to the prepared mind”.

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Script-prep: Laura Gaita, Maria Giovanna Lupo

Interviewer: Laura Gaita

Our guest, Prof. Göran K. Hansson, has spent a lifetime advancing cardiovascular science while helping steward one of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions. His work as a Professor at Karolinska Institutet and former Secretary General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, bridges discovery, leadership, and recognition.

He reflects on his clinical and academic journey and opens a window into his long service on the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine.

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Script-prep: Alexandr Ceasovschih, Maria Cherska

Interviewer: Alexandr Ceasovschih

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we talk with Prof. Ruth Frikke-Schmidt, a clinician and cardiovascular researcher, about curiosity, purpose, and growing into a life in science. She shares insights from her work on cardiovascular disease and genetics, and offers honest reflections on mentorship, setbacks, and balancing research with clinical work. It’s an inspiring listen for students and early-career researchers, ending with a piece of advice that’s both simple and powerful: “One thing at a time.”

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Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush

Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush

In this AtheroTalk episode, Prof. Frederick Raal - a distinguished Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand and one of the world’s leading experts in familial hypercholesterolemia - shares insights from his clinical and research journey.

He discusses balancing clinical duties with leading one of the largest HoFH cohorts globally, highlighting the importance of mentorship, curiosity, and disciplined time management.

Prof. Raal explains the expanding role of PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 inhibitors, emphasizing combination therapy as essential for HoFH.

He reflects also on unanswered questions regarding long-term safety of PCSK9 inhibitors, the promise and challenges of gene-editing approaches, and the urgent need to improve global access to advanced lipid-lowering therapies.

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Script-prep: Fotios Barkas

Interviewer: Fotios Barkas

In this episode of AtheroTalk, Prof. Ron Blankstein, a leading expert in cardiovascular imaging and prevention, discusses his professional journey, the power of coronary artery calcium scoring, innovations in cardiac CT, and the future of cardiovascular risk prediction.

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Script-prep: Tatyana Storozhenko

Interviewer: Tatyana Storozhenko