Michael E. Cain

Michael E. Cain, MD, is a Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at the University at Buffalo, affiliated with the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, and clinical cardiac electrophysiology, and has held significant leadership roles including Dean of the Jacobs School (2006–2021) and Vice President for Health Sciences (2011–2021). He is a Fellow of the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and Heart Rhythm Society.

Dr. Cain's education includes an MD from George Washington University School of Medicine (1975) and a BA from Gettysburg College (1971). His postgraduate training includes residencies and fellowships at Washington University School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania.

His research focuses on the mechanisms and risk stratification of life-threatening arrhythmias, particularly sudden cardiac death. He has led NIH-funded studies on signal-averaged ECGs, T-wave alternans, and myocardial denervation. His work integrates clinical cardiology with biomedical engineering to improve noninvasive diagnostics and patient outcomes. Over decades, his research has contributed to major advances in understanding ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation.

His recent publications reflect a sustained focus on sudden cardiac death risk prediction, electrophysiological testing, and clinical decision-making in arrhythmia management. Trends in his work show a progression from mechanistic studies to large-scale clinical applications and policy-oriented scientific statements.

• Distinguished Service Award, Heart Rhythm Society (2007)
• UB President's Medal (2018)
• Gettysburg College Distinguished Alumni Award (2022)
• Fellow, American College of Cardiology (1984)
• Member, American Clinical and Climatological Association (2012)

Dr. Cain has been a principal investigator on numerous NIH and industry-sponsored grants, including multiple iterations of the Principles in Cardiovascular Research Training Program. He has served on editorial boards of major journals such as Circulation and Heart Rhythm, and has advised national organizations on device guidelines and research strategy. He has also mentored numerous trainees and led large academic and clinical initiatives.

He has been actively involved in institutional leadership, including chairing the Institutional Self-Study Task Force for LCME accreditation and co-leading the Western New York COVID-19 Vaccination Hub. He continues to contribute through service on the Department of Medicine Promotions Committee and as a Faculty Coach.