Michael E. Cain MD, FAHA, FACC, FHRS

Michael Cain

Michael E. Cain
MD, FAHA, FACC, FHRS

Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering

Department of Medicine

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences


Specialty/Research Focus

Cardiology; Cardiovascular Disease; Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology; Internal Medicine

Contact Information
955 Main Street, Room 6122
Buffalo, New York 14203-1121
Phone: (716) 829-3956
mcain@buffalo.edu



Professional Summary:

An internationally recognized cardiovascular physician-scientist, Dr. Cain is a specialist in abnormal heart rhythms. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases and clinical cardiac electrophysiology and pacing. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the Heart Rhythm Society.

A former associate editor of Circulation, Cain is a member of the editorial boards of the American Journal of Cardiology, the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine and Heart Rhythm.

His NIH-supported research has focused on determining the mechanisms of life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities that occur in heart attacks and other conditions that damage heart muscle cells. This information is being used to better characterize and more accurately localize the abnormal heart tissue responsible for these abnormal heart rhythms and to improve the identification of patients at increased risk for sudden cardiac death.

Education and Training:

  • Fellowship, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory, Cardiovascular Section, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (1981)
  • Fellowship, Clinical Cardiology, Cardiovascular Division, Barnes Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine (1980)
  • Fellowship, Cardiovascular Division Research Fellowship, Washington University School of Medicine (1978)
  • Residency, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes Hospital (1977)
  • Internship, Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes Hospital (1976)
  • MD, George Washington University School of Medicine (1975)
  • BA, Gettysburg College, Cum Laude (1971)

Employment:

  • Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (2010-present)
  • Professor of Medicine, Medicine, University At Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2006-present)
  • Vice President, University at Buffalo Health Sciences (2011–2021)
  • Vice President for Health Sciences, Medicine, University at Buffalo (2011–2021)
  • Dean Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, University at Buffalo (2006–2021)
  • Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dean‘s Office, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2006–2021)
  • Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (2007–2010)
  • President, Board of Directors, Heart Care Institute, Barnes-Jewish Hospital (2000–2006)
  • Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine (1999–2006)
  • Tobias and Hortense Lewin Professor of Medicine, Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine (1994–2006)
See all (60 more)

Awards and Honors:

  • Gettysburg College Distinguished Alumni Award (2022)
  • UB School of Management Alumni Association Executive of the Year Award (2021)
  • National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York Legacy Award (2021)
  • Member, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Richard Sarkin Medical Emeritus Faculty Chapter, Gold Humanism Honor Society (2021)
  • UB President's Medal (2018)
  • Distinguished Fellowship Award, 18th World Congress on Heart Disease, International Academy of Cardiology (2013)
  • Leadership Buffalo Value Award for Inclusion (2013)
  • Stanley J. Sarnoff Spirit Award, Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation (2012)
  • Resident/Fellow Alumni Achievement Award, Washington University Medical Ctr (2012)
  • Elected/Member, American Clinical and Climatological Association (2012)
  • Distinguished Service Award, Heart Rhythm Society (2007)
  • Distinguished Service Teaching Award, Washington University Medical School (2006)
  • Distinguished Service Teaching Award, Washington University Medical School (2005)
  • Hans-Peter Krayenbuehl Memorial Award for Research in Cardiac Function (2005)
  • Fellow, Heart Rhythm Society (2003)
  • American Heart Association Heart Ball Medical Honoree, St. Louis Chapter (2002)
  • Outstanding Researcher of the Year Award, Missourian American Heart Assoc. (2002)
  • Arthur E. Strauss Award, American Heart Association (2000)
  • Elected/Member, Association of University Cardiologists (1997)
  • Fellow, Council on Clinical Cardiology of the American Heart Association (1985)
  • Fellow, American College of Cardiology (1984)
  • Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Award (1982)
  • American Heart Association Fellowship Award (1980)
  • Calvin Klopp Award, William Beaumont Medical Research Society (1975)
  • Elected/Member, Alpha Omega Alpha (1974)
  • Washington Heart Association Student Research Grant (1973)
  • William Beaumont Medical Research Society, Washington University (1972)
  • George B. Stoner Award, Gettysburg College (1971)

Research Expertise:

  • Risk stratification for sudden cardiac death

UB 2020 Strategic Strengths:

  • Civic Engagement and Public Policy
  • Extreme Events: Mitigation and Response
  • Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan
  • Integrated Nanostructured Systems
  • Molecular Recognition in Biological Systems and Bioinformatics

Grants and Sponsored Research:

  • January 2006–January 2011
    Principles in Cardiovascular Research Training Program
    NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $1,999,987
  • January 2005–January 2009
    Clinical Research Skills Development
    NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Core SCCOR in Cardiac Dysfunction and Disease
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $471,004
  • January 2006–December 2007
    Remodeling and novel biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in Type 2 diabetes
    Washington University/Pfizer Biomedical Research Program
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $2,050,249
  • January 2001–January 2006
    Principles in Cardiovascular Research Training Program
    NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $1,636,895
  • January 2001–January 2004
    The Pathophysiology of T-wave Alternans
    Sponsor: Sanjiv Narayan, M.D.
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $616,895
  • January 1998–January 2003
    Pathophysiologic Basis of Ventricular Tachycardia in Man
    NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $692,154
  • January 1996–January 2001
    Principles in Cardiovascular Research Training Program
    NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $1,160,430
  • January 1992–January 1998
    Multicenter Unsustained Tachycardia Trial - MUSTT
    NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $107,460
  • January 1993–January 1997
    Pathophysiologic Basis of Ventricular Tachycardia in Man
    NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $753,331
  • January 1995–January 1996
    Mechanisms of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in humans
    American Heart Association Fellowship Award, Missouri Affiliate
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $28,000
See all (21 more)

Journal Articles:

See all (101 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Smith TW, Cain ME, Breithardt G, Kirchof P. (2006) Pharmacology of Sudden Death. In: European Society of Cardiologists Educational Series: Sudden Cardiac. Blackwell Publishers, 205-219.
  • Smith TW, Cain ME. (2004) Class III Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Amiodarone, Ibutilide, and Sotalol. In: Cardiac Electrophysiology From Cell to Bedside Ed. 4. Saunders, 932-941.
  • Narayan SM, Cain ME. (2003) Identifying patients at risk for sudden cardiac death: is low ejection fraction alone enough or do we need additional testing?. In: Cardiac Arrhythmias 2003. Springer-Verlag, 387-396.
  • Narayan S, Cain ME. (2003) Non-invasive techniques for assessing arrhythmia risk: T-wave alternans, signal-averaged ECGs and heart rate variability. In: Harrison‘s Principles of Internal Medicine Online 15th Ed. McGraw Hill, Inc.
  • Cain ME, Smith JM, Cox JL. (1998) Surgery for atrial fibrillation: the next step in the development of a nonpharmacologic cure. In: Comprehensive Cardiovascular Medicine. Lippincott-Raven Publishers, 2153-2164.
  • Cain ME, Ambos HD, Arthur RM. (1997) Signal-averaged electrocardiography. Methods of analysis and clinical impact. In: Cardiology. J. B. Lippincott, Co., 1-36.
  • Botteron GW, Cain ME. (1997) Nonpharmacological Management of Atrial Fibrillation. In: Nonpharmacological Management of Atrial Fibrillation. Futura Publishing, 185-200.
  • Cain ME. (1996) Palpitations. In: Medical Management of Heart Disease. Marcel Dekker, Inc., 61-78.
  • Cain ME, Ambos HD, Kavesh NG, Arthur RM. (1996) Signal-Averaged Electrocardiography. In: Hurst's The Heart (Update 1). McGraw-Hill, Inc., 41-66.
  • Sobel BE, Eisenberg PR, Cain ME. (1996) Medical Management of Heart Disease. Marcel Dekker, Inc..
See all (27 more)

Professional Memberships:

  • American Clinical and Climatological Association (Member) (2012–present)
  • Association of American Medical Colleges; Council of Deans (2006–2021)
  • American Association of Medical Colleges Council of Deans (2006–2021)
  • Associated Medical Schools of New York (2006–2021)
  • Clinical Research Forum (2006–present)
  • Association of University Cardiologists (1997–present)
  • Association of Professors of Cardiology (1994–2006)
  • International Society for Computerized Electrocardiography (1987–2000)
  • Heart Rhythm Society; Formerly North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (1985–present)
  • American Heart Association, Council of Clinical Cardiology (1984–present)
See all (5 more)

Presentations:

  • "Well Beyond Medical School Curriculum" 32nd Annual International Congress on Preventive and Optimal Tratment of Cardiovascular Disease (2024)
  • "Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Ventricular Tachycardia" Catholic Health System Citywide Medical Surgical Grand Rounds (2024)
  • "Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Ventricular Tachycardia" Medical Surgical Grand Rounds Catholic Health System (2024)
  • "Leadership" UB Academy for Higher Education Leadership (2023)
  • "Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Ventricular Tachycardia" UB Department of Medicine Grand Rounds (2023)
  • "Evolution of Nonpharmacologic Therapy for Ventricular Tachycardia" Association of University Cardiologists Sixty-Second Annual Meeting (2023)
  • "Evolution of the Electrophysiology Program at Washington University in St. Louis" 75th Anniversary of the Cardiovascular Division at Washington University (2022)
  • "Stereotactic Radiation Treatment for Ventricular Tachycardia" 30th Annual International Congress for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention/Egyptian Society of Cardiogy (2022)
  • "Evolution of the Non-Pharmacological Treatment for Ventricular Tachycardia" 28th Annual International Congress for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention/Portuguese Society of Cardiology (2019)
  • "Evolution of the Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia" 27th Annual International Congress for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (2018)
See all (122 more)

Service Activities:

  • Faculty Coach, Learning Communities Program, Office of the Curriculum; Faculty Coach (2024–present)
  • Search Committee Dean School of Law; Member (2023–2024)
  • Neurology Clerkship Review adhoc Task Force of the Course Evaluation Subcommittee; Member (2023–2024)
  • Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences adhoc Committee on promotions to academic (tenurial) ranks; Member (2023–2026)
  • Joseph Robert Love Scholastic Leadership Award Selection Committee; Member (2023–present)
  • Psychiatry Clerkship Review adhoc Task Force of the Course Evaluation Subcommittee; Member (2022)
  • Department of Medicine Promotions Committee; Member (2022–present)
  • Review all candidates for academic promotion; Member, Department of Medicine Promotions Committee (2022–present)
  • Western New York COVID-19 Vaccination Hub; Co-leader (2020–2021)
  • Selected awardees for Heart Rhythm Society annual awards; Chair, Awards Committee Heart Rhythm Society (2020–2024)
  • Heart Rhythm Society; Chair, Awards Committee (2020–present)
  • UB COVID-19 Guideline Committee; Chair (2020–2021)
  • New York State Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul's COVID-19 Control Room; Member (2020–2021)
  • Institutional Self-Study Task Force Committee (LCME accreditation); Chair (2017–2019)
  • HEALTHeLINK Board of Directors; Secretary (2017–2022)
  • HEALTHeLINK Executive Committee; Member (2014–2022)
  • Board of Directors, University at Buffalo Associates (UBMD); Chair (2011–2021)
  • President's Cabinet; Member (2011–2021)
  • HEALTHeLINK; Board Member (2011–2022)
  • Associated Medical Schools of New York; Vice-Chair (2011–2021)
  • Women and Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo Advisory Council Buffalo, NY; Member (2009–2017)
  • Women and Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo, Professional Steering Planning Committee‘s Inpatient Subcommittee Buffalo, NY; Member (2009–2013)
  • UB Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) Steering Committee; Chair (2009–2012)
  • Institutional Self-Study Task Force Committee (LCME accreditation); Chair (2009–2012)
  • Clinical and Translational Research Center Planning Committee; Chair (2009–2012)
  • The Palliative Care Institute Board of Directors Buffalo, NY; Member (2009–2012)
  • Web Content Initiative Steering Committee; Member (2009–2012)
  • Women and Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo, Professional Steering Planning Committee‘s Transition Care Subcommittee Buffalo, NY; Member (2009–2010)
  • University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Diane and Morton Stenchever Memorial Lecturer; Guest Lecturer (2009)
  • Great Lakes Health of WNY, Professional Steering Committee Buffalo, NY; Member (2008–2021)
  • Great Lakes Health System of WNY Board of Directors Buffalo, NY; Member (2008–2021)
  • Circulation: Arrhythmias and Electrophysiology; Guest Editor (2008–2016)
  • UBMD Management Council; Member (2008–2015)
  • IT Student Services Executive Committee; Member (2008–2015)
  • Internal Campaign Advisory Group; Member (2008–2013)
  • Student Services Executive Committee; Member (2008–2012)
  • The Sarnoff Endowment for Cardiovascular Research Governance Committee; Member (2007–2010)
  • The Sarnoff Endowment for Cardiovascular Research Board of Directors; Immediate Past Chair (2007–2008)
  • Circulation; Guest Editor (2007–2016)
  • CUBRC Board of Directors Buffalo, NY; Member (2007–2013)
  • Deans Coordinating Committee, Health and Wellness Across the Life Span, UB 2020 Strategic Strength; Co-Chair (2007–2012)
  • Provost‘s Faculty Recognition Task Force; Member (2007–2011)
  • Provost's Enrollment Growth Task Force; Member (2007–2008)
  • Search Committee, Dean School of Nursing; Chair (2007)
  • University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Distinguished Lecturer, Alpha Omega Alpha; Guest Lecturer (2007)
  • President's Communication Task Force; Member (2007)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) Publications Committee; Chair (2006–2010)
  • The Sarnoff Endowment for Cardiovascular Research Board of Directors; Member (2006–2010)
  • The Sarnoff Endowment for Cardiovascular Research Board of Directors; Chair (2006–2007)
  • The Sarnoff Endowment for Cardiovascular Research Governance Committee; Chair (2006–2007)
  • Associated Medical Schools of New York; Board Member (2006–2021)
  • ECMC Lifeline Foundation Board of Directors Eric County Medical Center Buffalo, NY; Member (2006–2021)
  • Board of Directors, University at Buffalo Associates (UBA); Member (2006–2021)
  • Deans Coordinating Committee, Molecular Recognition and Bioinformatics, UB 202 Strategic Strength; Chair (2006–2012)
  • Deans Coordinating Committee, Civic Engagement, UB 2020 Strategic Strength; Member (2006–2012)
  • Deans Coordinating Committee, Extreme Events, UB 2020 Strategic Strength; Member (2006–2012)
  • Deans Coordinating Committee, Integrated Nanostructured Systems, UB 2020 Strategic Strength; Member (2006–2012)
  • Heart Rhythm; Editorial Board Member (2004–2010)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) International Coalition of Pacing and Electrophysiology Organization; Co-Chair (2004–2007)
  • The Sarnoff Endowment for Cardiovascular Research Strategic Planning Committee; Co-Chair (2004–2006)
  • The Sarnoff Endowment for Cardiovascular Research, Scientific Board; Immediate Past Chair (2004–2005)
  • Heart Rhythm Society, Board of Trustees; Past President (2004–2005)
  • Association of Professors of Cardiology; Past President (2004–2005)
  • Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine Advisory Board; Member (2004–2010)
  • Association of Subspecialty Professors Advocacy Committee; Member (2004–2006)
  • The Sarnoff Endowment for Cardiovascular Research Scientific Board; Chair (2003–2004)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) Board of Trustees; President (2003–2004)
  • Association of Professors of Cardiology; President (2003–2004)
  • The Sarnoff Endowment for Cardiovascular Research, Scientific Board and Program Director; Vice-Chair (2002–2003)
  • Association of Professors of Cardiology (President elect); Other (2002–2003)
  • Journal of American College of Cardiology; Editorial Board Member (2002–2006)
  • Heart Rhythm Soceity (NASPE), Board of Trustees (President elect) Heart Rhythm Society; Other (2001–2003)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) 23rd Annual Scientific Sessions (Program Chair); Chair (2001–2002)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) Board of Trustees; First Vice President (2001–2002)
  • Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology; Editorial Board Member (2001–2005)
  • American College of Cardiology, Cardiac Arrhythmia Section, Annual Scientific Session Program Committee; Chair (2001–2002)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) 22nd Annual Scientific Sessions (Abstract Chair); Chair (2000–2001)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE), Board of Trustees (Second VP) Heart Rhythm Society; Vice President (2000–2001)
  • Association of Professors of Cardiology; Secretary/Treasurer (2000–2001)
  • ABIM Committee for Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (CCEP) American Board of Internal Medicine; Member (2000–2006)
  • The Sarnoff Endowment for Cardiovascular Research Scientific Board; Member (1999–2006)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) Executive Committee; Member (1999–2005)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) Annual Scientific Sessions Program Committee; Member (1999–2004)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE), Board of Trustees Now Heart Rhythm Society; Secretary (1999–2000)
  • American College of Cardiology, Annual Scientific Sessions Program Committee; Member (1999–2002)
  • Heart Rhythm Society Board of Trustees formerly North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology; Member (1998–2006)
  • Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology; Editorial Board Member (1998–2011)
  • ABIM Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Self-Evaluation Process (SEP) American Board of Internal Medicine; Member (1998–1999)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) Committee on Health Policy; Member (1997–2000)
  • Association of University Cardiologists; Member (1997–present)
  • American Heart Association, Board of Directors (Missouri Affiliate); Member (1996–1998)
  • American Heart Association, Board of Directors (St. Louis Chapter); President (1996–1998)
  • Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Training Programs, Residency Review Committee for Internal Medicine; Reviewer (1996–1997)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) Publications Committee; Chair (1995–1998)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) Long Range Planning Committee; Member (1995–2001)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) and American College of Cardiology Board Review Course in Clinical Electrophysiology and Pacing; Co-Director (1995–2000)
  • American College of Cardiology, Board of Governors Steering Committee; Member (1994–1995)
  • American College of Cardiology, Board of Governors Working Group on Academic Medical Centers; Member (1994–1995)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) Government Relations Physicians Workforce, Clinical Resources and Education Committee; Member (1994–1995)
  • Coronary Artery Disease/Review-in-Depth Management of Sustained Ventricular Arrhythmias 1994; 8:649-685; Editor (1994)
  • Association of Professors of Cardiology; Member (1993–2006)
  • Journal American College of Cardiology; Editorial Board Member (1993–1997)
  • American College of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Technology Assessment Committee; Member (1993–1994)
  • American Heart Association, Board of Directors (St. Louis Chapter); Vice President (1992–1996)
  • American College of Cardiology Board of Directors (Missouri Chapter); President (1992–1995)
  • American College of Cardiology Board of Directors (Missouri) College Governor; Other (1991–1995)
  • Coronary Artery Disease/Review-in-Depth High Resolution Electrocardiography 1991; 2:1-41; Editor (1991)
  • American College of Cardiology Board of Directors (Missouri) College Governor-Elect; Other (1991)
  • American Heart Association, Board of Directors (St. Louis Chapter); Assistant Secretary (1990–1992)
  • American Heart Association, Committee on Electrocardiography and Electrophysiology, Council on Clinical Cardiology; Member (1988–1990)
  • American Heart Association, Task Force Committee on Standards for Analysis of Ventricular Late Potentials Present Using High Resolution Electrocardiog American Heart Association American College of Cardiology European Society of Cardiology; Member (1988)
  • American Journal of Cardiology; Editorial Board Member (1987–present)
  • Heart Rhythm Society (NASPE) Publications Committee; Member (1986–2000)
  • American Heart Association, Board of Directors St. Louis Chapter; Member (1986–2004)
  • The Video Journal of Cardiology; Editorial Board Member (1985–1997)
  • Circulation; Associate Editor (1983–1988)

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Contact Information

955 Main Street, Room 6122
Buffalo, New York 14203-1121
Phone: (716) 829-3956
mcain@buffalo.edu