Adam Bress, PharmD
I am a cardiovascular clinical pharmacist with additional training and expertise in epidemiology. This unique blend of skills and experience positions me within the realm of pharmacoepidemiology - a field concerned with the study of medication usage, underuse, misuse, safety, and quality across diverse populations.
As the leader of a research team funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), our primary goal is to optimize medication use for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and to address health disparities.
Our focus is on the study of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medication use, responses, and outcomes. The insights we generate aim to assist patients and providers, health systems, insurers, governments, and population health managers to make more informed decisions about the treatment and control of high blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease.
In addition, I place great importance on and find deep meaning in mentoring and mentored research. I'm dedicated to equipping my mentees with the skills needed to conduct rigorous and impactful research. My mentoring approach extends beyond their professional growth. I firmly believe in nurturing their holistic development by encouraging them to lead fulfilling, meaningful, and purpose-driven lives that resonate with their individuality and uniqueness.
Who are your partners? I am privileged to have longstanding partnerships with several NIH-funded cohort studies. These include the Jackson Heart Study (JHS), which is the largest African American specific cohort study in the United States. I also work with other notable studies like the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study, the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study, and the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). In addition to these collaborations, I actively participate in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) Research Group.
What is something you’re proud of in your work? Two things come to mind. First, the work we've undertaken towards optimizing equitable use of medication for preventing heart disease has been particularly rewarding. Our efforts in this area not only contribute to scientific understanding but also have the potential for impact. Secondly, I am proud of the training opportunities that this work has offered my mentees. The growth and development I've witnessed in my trainees through these opportunities have been incredibly gratifying and reinforce the value of our work.
What is something you’re excited about? One aspect that excites me is mentored research and the potential for analyzing large databases, cohort studies, trial data, and survey data to provide insights that can inform initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of heart disease. These rich data sources can produce insights that can enhance our strategies for effectively preventing, screening, and controlling high blood pressure and LDL-C cholesterol through optimizing the use of safe, effective and inexpensive preventive medications. The prospect of using these data to drive improve heart health for all is truly inspiring.
What brought you to the Department of Population Health Sciences? I chose to join PHS due to the unique opportunities it presented for me to do enhance and elevate the work I find most meaningful, while working alongside and learning from exceptional colleagues from diverse disciplines engaging in similar pursuits, all within a nurturing and supportive environment. Additionally, being based in Salt Lake City offers an unparalleled access to breathtaking nature and majestic mountain landscapes, adding a layer of enrichment to our professional experience and overall well-being. This harmonious blend of professional fulfillment and natural beauty is indeed a rare find.
What does a perfect weekend look like for you? My ideal way to unwind involves a run or bike ride in the mountains with friends, absorbing the beauty of the outdoors. Following this, I enjoy spending quality downtime with family and friends, usually over a delicious meal. This balance of physical activity in nature with friends and relaxation with good food encapsulates my perfect weekend.