S.3 Ep. 1 | The Foundation & the Future: 30 Years with Califf & Hernandez
Streaming now on: Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Soundcloud | YouTube
Learn More About Beyond the Endpoint | View All Episodes
To mark the Duke Clinical Research Institute's 30th anniversary, hosts Manesh Patel and Emily O'Brien kick off season three with a special two-part series revisiting the leaders who shaped its history, and one who continues to steer the future of the organization. In this first installment, founding director Robert Califf and current Executive Director Adrian Hernandez join the hosts for a candid look back at DCRI's evolution, from a single cardiovascular registry to one of the world's leading academic research organizations. Califf and Hernandez reflect on the technological shifts, funding pressures, and academic skepticism they navigated along the way, as well as what has stayed constant: a patient-centered mission and a willingness to take on questions no one else will. Looking ahead, they discuss how global competition, artificial intelligence, and the shrinking divide between research and clinical care will define DCRI's next chapter. Woven throughout is a lighter thread of friendship and mentorship. The second half of this DCRI 30th anniversary conversation will launch Sept. 23 with former directors Bob Harrington, Eric Peterson, and Leslie Curtis.
Related Resource
- DCRI’s History: 30 Years and Beyond: Learn about DCRI’s legacy, which is defined by three decades of innovative science, effective partnerships, and reliable results—and by the people who have made it all possible.
About Our Guests
Robert Califf, MD, is a cardiologist and medical researcher who recently returned to Duke University following his tenure at the FDA. As the founder of the Duke Clinical Research Institute, Califf established what became one of the world's largest academic research organizations dedicated to improving patient care through innovative clinical research. Califf has dedicated his career to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based approaches. At Duke, he continues his work in cardiovascular health while sharing his expertise in regulatory science and clinical trial methodology.
Adrian Hernandez, MD, MHS, is a cardiologist and clinical research leader who serves as Executive Director of the Duke Clinical Research Institute and Vice Dean at Duke University School of Medicine. As head of one of the world's largest academic research organizations, Hernandez provides strategic direction for clinical trials, health services research, and innovative approaches to improving patient care. His work spans cardiovascular disease to health policy, with a focus on translating evidence into better outcomes for patients. An internationally recognized researcher with over 800 publications, Hernandez has led multiple large-scale studies as principal investigator and steering committee chair. At Duke, he continues to advance clinical research, working to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world patient care.