27/08/2026
As the European Society of Cardiology gets underway in Munich tomorrow, we are marking the occasion with a special RBHH Alumni Network interview with its President, Professor Thomas F. Lüscher one of the leading figures in cardiovascular medicine.
After studying medicine in Universität Zürich and completing his training at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, he joined Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals in 2017 as Director of Research, Education and Development and Consultant Cardiologist, alongside his academic roles at King's College London and Imperial College London.
He was drawn to the Brompton’s pioneering history in cardiovascular medicine and its strong links between clinical care, research and education. He has contributed extensively to cardiovascular research and publishing; and mentored more than 150 fellows from around the world, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in their fields.
In this timely conversation, he reflects on the future of cardiology, the rise of AI, and what new technologies could mean for both clinicians and patients. From automated ECGs and imaging to data science, diagnostics and clinical judgment, he offers his views of where medicine is heading, especially as AI takes centre stage at this year’s ESC Congress.
But his message is not only about technology. It is also deeply human: “Patients want to talk to a human being, not to a machine.” As AI helps make medicine faster and more precise, he reminds us that empathy, trust and time with patients remain at the heart of good care.
Sign up to the Alumni Network to watch Professor Lüscher’s full interview and to reconnect with other colleagues who have worked at our inspirational institutions: https://alumni.rbht.nhs.uk/news/13390027
