Biography :
Richard Kones MD began as a mathematically inclined chemical engineer, and then attended NYU School of Medicine in a special pilot program. Inspired by a mentor in the Physiology department, he conducted independent research studying aldosterone with a novel technique, and became a full member of the New York Academy of Sciences while still in medical school. He completed training in New York and continued a NIH Fellowship in cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine, also working at the Charity Hospital and Veterans Administration Hospital in New Orleans.
He returned to New York Medical College to continue researching actions of inotropic agents, myocardial function, preservation of ischemic myocardium, and cardiogenic shock, eventually relocating in Texas. An avid supporter of applications of biochemistry and physiology, he continued teaching and publishing, emphasizing translational research. In addition to presentations, lectures, has mentored medical students and house staff at several medical schools and affiliated hospitals. His interests gradually turned to the role pathological signaling plays in the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis, especially the interaction of inflammatory mechanisms, endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial involvement in disease, lipid metabolism, metabolic syndrome and related evidence-based interventions to improve clinical outcomes. Fundamental mechanisms and molecular and cellular cardiology have been central to his work, as well as the practical aspects of how simple lifestyle and dietary changes may be powerful tools to minimize risk factors.
During the course of his academic career he has received several scholarships, awards, and grants. His work includes publications in peer-reviewed medical journals, books, presentations, and lectures. He serves on a number of committees in various medical organizations, peer reviews for over 158 medical journals, and volunteers for the mentoring programs in the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and American Heart Association. Over the years Dr. Kones’ biography has appeared in a number of editions of Who’s Who and other biographical registries. At its inception, he was appointed one of the founding editors of Medpedia online, a collaborative educational project among several medical schools, and served as a Board Member of the Committees on Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, and Nutrition of the Medpedia project. Currently he is Editor-in-Chief of Research Reports in Clinical Cardiology and sits on the Editorial Boards of several other journals.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and the Royal Society of Public Health, a Fellow of the New York Cardiological Society, now merged with the New York Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, a Founding Fellow of the American Geriatrics Society, and the European Society of Cardiology. He is a member of the American Public Health Association, European Society of Cardiology Council for Cardiology Practice, European Heart Rhythm Association, Acute Cardiovascular Care Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, and the Heart Failure Association. Dr. Kones is an emeritus member of the American Physiological Society, a member of The Physiological Society in London, as well as the International Union of the Physiological Sciences. He is also a member of Councils in the American Heart Association, the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, a Fellow of the American College of Pharmacology, and Fellow in both the American College of Angiology and International College of Angiology. His other affiliations include the Society for Critical Care Medicine, European Atherosclerosis Society, International Atherosclerosis Society, American Society for Hypertension, European Council on Hypertension, European Council on Stroke National Lipid Association, American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, American Society for Preventive Cardiology, Society of Atherosclerosis Imaging and Prevention, European Society for Cardiovascular Imaging, International Society for Heart Research, Heart Failure Society of America, American Diabetes Association, Endocrine Society, American Thoracic Society, Inflammation Research Association, and the Metabolic Syndrome Institute (Fr). He has also been a long-standing active member of the French Society of Cardiology and other notable scientific organizations and working groups. In all these organizations, Dr. Kones has always emphasized preventive and public health approaches first and foremost.
The American Physiological Society has recognized Dr Kones for sustained years of active service, as did the American College of Sports Medicine with a commemorative award. He is a supporter of, and volunteer in, the American Heart Association’s Advocacy Program. Finally, Dr. Kones has been active in the nutrition community, having been member and serving on committees, councils, sections, and working groups in The Nutrition Society (London), American Society of Nutrition, American College of Nutrition (Fellow) and International College of Nutrition (Fellow). Recently, The Royal Society of Biology elected Dr. Kones a Fellow.