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Dr Julie Freed, MD, PhD

Julie Freed, MD, PhD

Associate Professor; Executive Vice Chair; Director of Clinical Research

Contact Information

Education

BA, Physiology, University of Minnesota, 2002
PhD, Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2008
MD, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2011
Residency, Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2016
Fellowship, Cardiac Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2017

Research Experience

  • Adult
  • Arterioles
  • Coronary Vessels
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Endothelium, Vascular
  • Humans
  • Microcirculation
  • Nitric Oxide

Clinical Expertise

  • Anesthesia, Cardiac Procedures
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal

Leadership Positions

  • Director of Clinical Research, Department of Anesthesiology

Research Interests

  • Human coronary microvascular dysfunction
  • The role of sphingolipids in vascular function
  • Mechanisms and treatments of vasoplegia
  • Surgical prehabilitation in frail patients

Dr. Freed’s research primarily focuses on the role that sphingolipids have in the development of endothelial dysfunction in the human microcirculation. Elevated plasma levels of ceramide, a prototypical sphingolipid, is now considered an independent risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events in otherwise healthy people. The Freed lab is currently investigating how these bioactive lipids are regulated in human endothelial cells.

As a cardiac anesthesiologist, Dr. Freed is also interested in intraoperative blood pressure control including mechanisms and treatments of vasoplegia. Other interests include translating her work in the lab to improve outcomes for surgical patients.

For more information, visit Dr. Freed's Lab's informational website.

Publications

Lab Members

  • Laura Norwood PhD, Research Scientist
  • Mary Schulz, Research Technician
  • Kelsey Walters, Medical Student