M.D., PhD, FAHA

Pulmonary Hypertension

Heart Failure

Dr. Champion was born in Opelika, Alabama and raised in Thomasville, Georgia. He received his B.S. in Biological Science from Emory University and his MD as well as a PhD in Cardiovascular Pharmacology from Tulane University. After his medical school training, Dr. Champion joined the Osler Housestaff Service of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where he completed his internship and residency. He subsequently completed his training in Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology at Johns Hopkins where he was invited to join the faculty of the Cardiology division as an Assistant Professor in Medicine. From 2005-2009, he directed the Bernard Laboratory for the Study of Cardiovascular Disease. In July 2009, Dr. Champion was recruited to the University of Pittsburgh where he joined the faculty of the Divisions of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute as an Associate Professor of Medicine where he directed Translational Research for the University of Pittsburgh Vascular Medicine Institute. In addition, he directed the Clinical and Translational Vascular Unit of the University of Pittsburgh.

 

In 2014, Dr. Champion and his family moved closer to home (and warm weather) to join Southeastern Cardiology.   Dr. Champion is the only Heart Failure trained specialist and only Pulmonary Hypertension trained specialist in the Chattahoochee Valley and surrounding areas, bringing unique and highly specialized diagnostic and treatment options to patients with these conditions.  In addition to heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, Dr. Champion treats patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart rhythm issues, and valvular disease.

 

When he is not in clinic or at the hospital, Dr. Champion enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife Lark have three children, Hunter Clay, Callaway and Spencer. Dr. Champion is a renaissance man – while he is passionate about hunting, fishing and golf, he equally enjoys cooking with friends. 

 

Dr. Champion is on staff at Midtown Medical Center and Northside Medical Center.