Thomas P. Flagg

Dr. Thomas P. Flagg is a Professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) School of Medicine in Bethesda, MD. He serves as Co-Module Director for the Foundation in Medicine Module, demonstrating significant leadership in medical education curriculum development. With over two decades of research experience, Dr. Flagg has established himself as a leading expert in cardiac ion channel physiology, particularly focusing on KATP channels and their role in cardiac function and disease.

Dr. Flagg's educational background includes:

• B.S. in Chemical Biology (minor in History) from Stevens Institute of Technology (1989-1993)
• M.S. in Physiology from University of Maryland, Baltimore (1994-1996)
• Ph.D. in Physiology from University of Maryland, Baltimore (1996-2001) under mentor Paul A. Welling, M.D.
• Postdoctoral training at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (2001-2004) with Colin G. Nichols, Ph.D.

His research primarily investigates the structure and function of cardiac ion channels, with particular emphasis on KATP channels and their role in cardiac electrophysiology, arrhythmogenesis, and response to metabolic stress. Dr. Flagg's work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with clinical implications, exploring how ion channel dysfunction contributes to cardiac disorders and how therapeutic interventions might target these pathways. His laboratory employs diverse techniques including molecular biology, electrophysiology, transgenic models, and human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.

Analysis of Dr. Flagg's recent publications (2017-2023) reveals evolving research trajectories. While maintaining his core focus on cardiac ion channels, his work has expanded to include connections with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), where he investigates how SMN protein deficiency affects cardiac calcium signaling. More recently, his research has branched into nutritional approaches for warfighter health optimization, examining how flavonoids and berry extracts might provide cardioprotective and neuroprotective benefits. This represents a strategic expansion from pure cardiac electrophysiology toward translational applications with military relevance.

Dr. Flagg maintains an active research program with consistent publication output across high-impact journals including Circulation, Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, and Journal of the American Heart Association. His collaborative network spans multiple institutions, with frequent co-authorship with experts in cardiology, electrophysiology, and neuromuscular disorders. While specific grant information isn't provided in the available materials, his sustained research productivity suggests successful funding history from agencies supporting cardiovascular and military-relevant medical research.