Herman A. Taylor Jr.

Herman A. Taylor Jr., MD, MPH, is an endowed professor and director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, where he leads research and advocacy in cardiovascular health and health equity. Board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease, Taylor has authored nearly 300 peer-reviewed journal articles and is a Fellow of the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. His academic background includes a biology degree from Princeton University, a medical degree from Harvard Medical School, and a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Taylor is known for his role as principal investigator and founding director of the Jackson Heart Study, a major epidemiological study of cardiovascular disease in Black Americans. He also directs the Morehouse-Emory Center for Health Equity and serves as director of player engagement and education, as well as co-investigator, in the Harvard University Football Players Health Study, which addresses the health of former NFL players. His research has contributed to national discussions on health disparities, and he has testified before the U.S. House, Senate, and Civil Rights Commission on cardiovascular disease prevention and health equity.

Taylor's career has been recognized with honors including the American Heart Association Clinical Research Prize and the American College of Cardiology’s Pamela S. Douglas Distinguished Award for Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion. His expertise in precision prevention and care, particularly for underserved populations, positions him as a speaker and leader in medicine, public health, and diversity in healthcare. Taylor’s work informs ongoing efforts to achieve equity in cardiovascular health.