Eric Topol has been director and chief academic officer of Scripps Translational Science Institute and Scripps Health since 2006. In addition to his continued role as a cardiologist, Topol is a pioneer of genomic and wireless digital innovative technologies. Before his post at Scripps, Topol led the Cleveland Clinic to become the nation’s top heart-care center. During his time at Cleveland Clinic, he started a new medical school, led worldwide clinical trials, and spearheaded the discovery of multiple genes that increase susceptibility for heart attacks. Topol pioneered the development of many medications that are routinely used in medical practice and was the first physician to raise safety concerns about Vioxx. Topol belongs to the National Academy of Sciences and is one of the top-ten, most-cited researchers in medicine. His book The Creative Destruction of Medicine was published this year.