Professor Gemma Figtree AM is internationally recognised for her work in early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease.
As Chair of the University of Sydney’s Cardiovascular Initiative and President of the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance, Gemma leads research that integrates advanced heart imaging and molecular science to prevent life-threatening heart attacks before symptoms appear.
A Rhodes Scholar with more than 150 scientific publications, she is committed to innovative, equitable approaches to heart health that improve outcomes for patients in Australia and beyond.
Q&A with Gemma
Tell us about your connection to North Sydney
I was born at Royal North Shore Hospital, and grew up on the North Shore. I did my early swimming lessons at North Sydney Olympic Pool, and have fond memories of the parks and Harbourside. I now live in Wollstonecraft, and work at RNSH and University of Sydney (Northern Clinical School- Faculty of Medicine and Health) as a cardiologist and researcher. I run with the Northshore Running Group, swim with Lane Cove Masters swim club and my kids enjoy participating in various club sports across North Sydney.
What are you working towards at the moment that you’re excited about?
My research and clinical work are committed to early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease before symptoms or a life-threatening heart attack. We have a large program of work integrating advanced CT imaging of coronary plaque with blood-based molecular signatures, unravelling unexpected markers and therapeutic targets.
What are you most proud of?
• Design and implementation of the BioHEART Study- including discovering new markers and clinical pathways for early detection of coronary artery disease that we are now validating and translating.
• Qualifying for and completing the Boston Marathon after my breast cancer and chemotherapy.
• My two boys - 13 and 11, continue to astonish me with their amazing knowledge and creative thoughts
What or who inspires you?
I am very grateful for the unusual experiences I have had that have allowed me to build knowledge and skills from fundamental molecular and vascular biology, through to clinical cardiology, and policy work. This inspires me to help shift the global paradigm in cardiology towards innovative approaches for early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease in its silent phase (pre symptoms or life-threatening heart attack). I am committed to an equitable and scalable approach to this- with consideration of the potential for inequity when new technology is introduced (e.g. imaging).
Tell us about another notable woman that you admire?
Dame Marie Beshir- incredible female pioneer in her field of medicine, who balanced community leadership with her clinical responsibilities. I admired her intelligence, service to community, humility, and composure.