Dr. Keith L. March graduated as Valedictorian of his class at St. Francis College, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He completed the Combined MD, PhD training program at Indiana University School of Medicine in 1985, graduating with Highest Distinction. His thesis in Chemistry was, Electrostatic Interactions and Ion Binding in Trypsin, Bovine Pancreatic Trypsin Inhibitor, and Other Proteins. Following an Internal Medicine Residency and Fellowship in Cardiology, Dr. March joined the faculty of Indiana University. In 1999, Dr. March became the first Director of the Indiana Center for Vascular Biology and Medicine. He has developed a world-renowned laboratory while maintaining an active clinical practice.
His research areas include 1.) the molecular mechanisms of vascular remodeling and its relationship to smooth muscle cell cycle control; 2.) local therapeutic interventions to treat the heart and blood vessels; and 3.) energy-tissue interaction mechanisms and applications for minimally-invasive therapies.
His professional service includes participation in NIH grant review study sections, on editorial boards, and as an advisee and mentor to students. Dr. March has published more than 50 original papers and reviews and edited the first book dedicated to cardiovascular gene transfer. He has served as a scientific advisor to numerous pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies. His research has led from fundamental concepts to clinically useful approaches, resulting in the development of several novel technologies. A device developed for use after cardiac catheterization is now used in approximately 500,000 patients yearly. These innovations, involving cardiovascular devices as well as device/drug and device/gene combination approaches, have led to the issuance of numerous US and worldwide patents, many of which have been out-licensed.