Humans of MGRI: Yirong Zhou, MD, PhD

By Sakura Chen | Communicating Science, Researcher Profiles, Series | 0 comment | 24 August, 2023 | 0

The Mass General Research Institute (MGRI) is home to a research community of 9,500+ individuals working to understand disease and develop solutions to medicine’s most pressing challenges.

But who are they and what do they do when they’re not conducting research? Learn more about them in the #HumansOfMGRI series.

From clinical research coordinators to postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate students and principal investigators—they are all part of the Mass General Research Institute.

Our next guest in the series is Yirong Zhou, MD, PhD

What lab department do you work in?

I work in Dr. Aaron Aguirre’s lab at Wellman Center and Center for Systems Biology.

My research focus and role is to investigate coronary microcirculatory dysfunction, using state-of-the-art intravital multiphoton microscopy and optical coherence tomography angiography.

What does Dr. Aaron Aguirre’s Lab focus on?

My laboratory is both at the Center for Systems Biology at MGH and the Wellman Center for Photomedicine. We are also closely affiliated with the MGH Cardiovascular Research Center.

We both develop and apply innovative molecular imaging and advanced microscopy technologies to investigate the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and circulatory shock.

We have pioneered the use of cardiac intravital microscopy to study the beating heart at cellular resolution in animal models and have explored multiple applications of this technology. ” ——– Aaron Aguirre, MD, PhD.

What is Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction (CMD)?

Inside our heart, there are some small blood vessels. And these vessels are called the coronary microvasculature. They help delivery oxygen and carry most of the blood flow to support the heart muscular activities.
“Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction refers to abnormal dilation and constriction of the small blood vessels in the heart” (Merz, 2019).

When and why did you get interested in the work that you are doing?

My passion lies in the heart. I loved cardiology in medical school and my dream is to be a physician scientist. The imaging world is fascinating and medical imaging techniques continue to thrive.

Have you ever considered doing something else, or has cardiology been on your mind since your first day of college?

I wanted to be a doctor when I was young since my mom is a surgeon.

When I was in medical school, I was doing intern rotations in different departments and found cardiology to one of the most challenging fields.

The development of new diagnostics, therapies and innovations in patient care relies on translational research, including mechanism investigation and imaging technologies.

In my third year of medical school, I decided to focus my career on cardiology and cardiovascular science.

Have you thought about switching majors/jobs?

Of course. Life comes with difficulties and obstacles, but there are always silver linings.
When I finished my master’s in Cardiology and got my physician license in China, I felt I had not learned enough about the mysterious cardiovascular system.
I came across the ocean to pursue a PhD degree in biomedical science here and learn more about heart science.
I chose research over clinical practice and I’m glad that I did. I embrace the challenges.
Now I am doing imaging studies which require a lot of biomedical engineering knowledge. I am enthusiastic about learning new things and keeping self-motivated.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I am vigorous participant in sports and social activities. I love playing tennis and hiking.

In addition, I enjoy volunteering in the International Medical Graduate (IMG) community.

Below you can see some pictures of my colleagues and myself at different IMG events throughout the year!

What is your favorite TV show, podcast, book, or movie?

I love watching TV shows such as Game of Thrones, except for season 8.

I also like The Big Bang Theory, and I like to watch all seasons. I truly enjoy listening to JJ Redick for podcast.

My favorite book is The Three-Body Problem. I love watching The Lord of the Rings Trilogy movie.

Dr. Zhou’s Favorite TV Shows

Dr. Zhou’s Favorite TV Shows

Dr. Zhou’s Favorite TV Shows

A fun fact about yourself

I am a huge fan of Lebron James and the Lakers. So… sorry Celtics!

About the Mass General Research Institute
Research at Massachusetts General Hospital is interwoven through more than 30 different departments, centers and institutes. Our research includes fundamental, lab-based science; clinical trials to test new drugs, devices and diagnostic tools; and community and population-based research to improve health outcomes across populations and eliminate disparities in care.
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