Meet VHL’s New Associate Director
We are pleased to introduce you to Michael Loushin, MD the new Associate Director of the Visible Heart® Laboratories (VHL) and Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology. He will lend his clinical and research leadership to support IEM’s cross-disciplinary initiatives. His deep expertise in translational systems physiology and medical technology will be instrumental in advancing collaborative research and educational programming across the institute.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to the University of Minnesota?
Michael: My connection to the University goes back to 1992 while I was an undergraduate at Concordia College. I was accepted into the Medical School’s Advanced Admissions Program and was paired with Dr. Paul Iaizzo as my advisor. Before starting medical school in 1994, I began working in Paul’s lab [the Visible Heart® Laboratories] and continued doing research with him throughout medical school, residency, and my time on campus. My research focused on thermoregulation, muscle physiology, and developing a muscle force assessment device for patients with polyneuropathies; specifically chronic inflammatory demyelating polyneuropathy (CDIP).
After my residency, I stayed on with the University's Medical School as Clinical Faculty from 2002 to 2016 through Twin Cities Anesthesia Associates (TCAA). TCAA eventually shifted to private practice sites like Regions Hospital and Lakeview Hospital. I remained in private practice until returning to the University to officially take on my current role on August 17th.
What excites you most about your new role with the VHL?
Michael: The primary driver for my return was the opportunity to mentor students—including undergraduates, medical students, residents, and fellows. I’ve had fantastic mentors like Paul throughout my career, and being able to help early-stage researchers innovate, establish their careers, and grow is one of the things that excites me the most.
In addition to your role in the VHL, you are also a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology. What does this mean to you?
Michael: It is a great honor to serve as both a Professor of Anesthesiology and Associate Director of the VHL. This dual role allows me to bridge clinical practice with translational research. One of my key goals is to encourage more early-career physicians, residents, and fellows to engage with the research conducted in the VHL.
With the VHL being a vital part of the Institute for Engineering in Medicine (IEM), how do you approach building relationships across academia, clinical care, and industry?
Michael: All of these groups share a common goal: advancing healthcare and medical device technology to improve patient outcomes. I see significant potential in connecting the University’s clinical and academic resources with startups and early-to-mid-stage medtech companies. Combining clinical expertise, engineering, and academic research ensures that new device innovations are supported by rigorous data before reaching patients.
What are your primary goals for your first few months with the VHL?
Michael: This year marks the 30th anniversary of the VHL and a major priority is ensuring the lab's long-term sustainability for future decades of educational and research success. Specifically, we plan to expand the Atlas of Human Cardiac Anatomy—an online human heart library and educational tool.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about returning to the University of Minnesota community?
Michael: People who train at the UMN maintain strong ties to the institution, whether they stay in academia or work in private practice and industry. I’m excited to be back on campus. Being a part of the energy and creativity of the students is incredibly rewarding.
What is something special about the VHL that people might not know?
Michael: Whenever visitors enter the lab, I tell them to look at the wall near the entrance. It is covered with photos of past students, trainees, and researchers who have come through the VHL and continue to make an impact across the medtech ecosystem as senior engineers, clinical leaders, researchers, and executives. It’s a powerful visual representation of the lab's legacy of impact on global patient care.
Outside of your research and clinical work, what do you enjoy about the University?
Michael: I’ve always enjoyed Gopher athletics, including football. I watched them play in the Metrodome during the Jim Wacker coaching era, true Gopher football fans.
More broadly, I appreciate that the UMN offers endless opportunities and networks for anyone motivated enough to pursue them.
Note: Interview conducted by IEM’s Strategic Communications Manager, Trisha Huntosh. Summary generated with the assistance of Zoom AI and Google Gemini, edited by Trisha Huntosh and reviewed and approved by Michael Loushin prior to publication.
