Dr Sarah Birkhoelzer presents research at global cardiology conference
Dr Sarah Birkhoelzer, a DPhil student in Medical Sciences at Christ Church, proudly represented the College at last month’s American College of Cardiology (ACC) Conference – one of the most prestigious international cardiology meetings. Dr Birkhoelzer, who is also a Cardiology Registrar and Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, presented innovative research into the use of advanced imaging techniques to assess heart function.
The ACC’s 2025 conference brought together thousands of cardiologists, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world to showcase the latest advances in cardiovascular science. In a dedicated heart failure session, Dr Birkhoelzer presented her Phase 2a clinical trial results exploring metabolic modulation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
It was a privilege to present our Oxford-led clinical trial on an international stage.
It was a privilege to present our Oxford-led clinical trial on an international stage.
Dr Birkhoelzer’s research, undertaken as part of her DPhil at the Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, focused on how advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques can assess cardiac energetics in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes and HFpEF. The trial tested the effects of ninerafaxstat, a novel partial fatty acid oxidation inhibitor, on cardiac metabolism and exercise capacity. The study demonstrated improvements in myocardial energetics, stroke volume augmentation, and quality of life, marking an exciting step towards mechanism-driven therapies in a condition with few current treatment options.
Dr Birkhoelzer’s work exemplifies the world-class research emerging from Christ Church and highlights the College’s commitment to supporting clinician-scientists at the forefront of translational medicine.
Reflecting on her experience, Dr Birkhoelzer said: ‘It was a privilege to present our Oxford-led clinical trial on an international stage. The energy at the ACC conference was inspiring – it reinforced the power of collaborative science to drive meaningful change for patients.’
View Dr Birkhoelzer’s ACC poster summarising her recent research.
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