John P. Higgins, MD, MBA (Hons), MPHIL (Cantab), FACC, FACP, FAHA, FACSM, FASNC, FSGC

Biography

Dr. John P. Higgins is an academic cardiologist who combines research, teaching, and sports cardiology to advance heart health and athlete performance. At UT McGovern Medical School, he mentors future physicians as Professor of Medicine. He also serves as Senior Cardiologist at LBJ Hospital and directs Exercise Physiology at Memorial Hermann. He supports the Houston Rockets and Rice Athletics as their Sports Cardiologist.

Education & Training

• M.D., University of Queensland, Australia
• M.Phil. (Philosophy), University of Cambridge, England
• M.B.A. (Honors), George Washington University
• Cardiology Fellowship, Brigham and Women’s Hospital – Harvard Medical School

Honors & Publications

• Ten-time recipient of the UT Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award
• Author of 3 books: Cardiology Clinical Questions, Smartphone Apps for Health and Wellness, and Energy Drinks: Composition, Consumption, and Cautions
• Co-author of the “Marvelous Maxx” picture book series teaching children first aid

Research Focus

• Athlete heart screening
• Energy drink safety
• Health apps and activity trackers
• Traits of great physicians
• First aid education for children

Media & Outreach
Dr. Higgins has appeared over 800 times on local and national TV and radio, including CNN and ABC World News. He’s also a frequent contributor to the Houston Chronicle. He’s passionate about making cardiac science accessible and actionable.

Exercise Philosophy
“Exercise is medicine” is his mantra. Dr. Higgins has completed 13 marathons and the challenging 10×10 running challenge (10 miles daily for 10 days). When not working, he’s usually out for a run.

His favorite quote:
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” 
— Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh (A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh)