Keith March,

My name is Keith L. March, MD, PhD, and I am a cardiologist, inventor, passionate pioneer in the field of regenerative medicine and the founding director of the University of Florida Center for Regenerative Medicine. My lifelong curiosity and dedication to medicine are rooted in my personal history, dating back to the age of 6 when my grandfather experienced a heart attack. This pivotal moment sparked a fascination with cardiology and a growing interest in biology and chemistry that shaped my career trajectory.

Aided by the guidance of exceptional mentors, I chose cardiology as my specialization, enticed by the profound potential of interventional devices, imaging, molecular biology and gene therapy. I was excited by the idea of delivering genes and cells by developing advanced delivery devices for use in catheterization laboratories. I saw a great opportunity in the field of cardiology to significantly contribute to the then-emerging understanding of vascular cell and molecular biology.

I bring a very personal perspective to my practice, which is underpinned by deep respect for my patients and gratitude for the opportunity to care for them, especially in the context of leading-edge trials addressing unmet medical needs. The empathetic connection I foster with my patients and their families is a cornerstone of my approach to medicine, as I work to integrate breakthrough cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches into medical practice.

My research interests are centered around utilizing adult stem cells, or cell-based therapeutics, to repair the body and provide relief for patients grappling with a wide array of diseases. My ultimate goal is to introduce innovative new therapeutics to treat patients both locally and globally.

Over the years, I have been actively involved in several organizations. I am a past president of the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science, the leading organization advancing adipose (fat) cell-derived therapies, and have served as its board member for two decades. I have also had the privilege of chairing the National Institutes of Health Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) gene and cell therapy for several years, overseeing clinical trials in that arena.

Under my leadership, the UF Center for Regenerative Medicine is proceeding with clinical trials for patients battling diseases such as advanced heart failure, autoimmune diseases like dermatomyositis and polymyositis, inherited diseases including muscular dystrophy and degenerative diseases such as arthritis pain syndromes.

In my spare time, I am an avid outdoorsman, having spent the last two decades horse riding with my family. I particularly enjoy gaited horses, such as the Tennessee Walker, and my family has also trained Icelandic horses. On the other end of the transportation spectrum, I am also an instrument-rated pilot, a skill acquired during my medical training and residency. Although the demands of my profession have limited flying in recent years, I have greatly enjoyed piloting various aircraft, particularly high-wing retractable gear four-place aircraft, taking colleagues and friends on trips across the country for professional meetings and vacations.

I consider myself a medical professional who blends passion, dedication and empathy. My unwavering commitment to advancing medical research and providing patient-centered care continues to move the UF Center for Regenerative Medicine forward.

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