LBCC alumnus (1980) and Hall of Fame (2001) member, Jean-Bernard Durand, MD, is an associate professor in the Department of Cardiology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Durand graduated from LBCC with an Associate of Arts degree in 1980. During his time at LBCC, he received the LBCC Outstanding Student Award, the Outstanding Scholar Award and won first place in the National French Competition. He received his bachelor’s degrees in Physiology and Chemistry from California State University, Long Beach in 1984.  He went on to receive his medical degree in 1988 from the Medical College of Wisconsin.  

Durand is currently the Medical Director of Cardiomyopathy Services, the Director of Cardiovascular Genetics Research, and the Cardiology Fellowship Program Director at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX.  As a faculty member and researcher, Durand revolutionized the study of the relationship between cardiovascular disease and cancer. His research seeks to understand the molecular genetics of cardiomyopathy, and he launched the first program specifically designed to manage chemotherapy-induced cardiovascular complications.

Durand established the world’s largest database of DNA from patients with heart failure secondary to chemotherapy and has future plans to perform genotyping to identify genes that indicate risk for heart failure linked to chemotherapy. 

He is a frequent contributor to leading medical journals, and his honors include being named “America’s Top Cardiologist,” MD Anderson’s “Best Teacher,” and one of “Houston’s Top Doctors.” Durand currently serves as a volunteer for an inner-city high school football team and on the board of directors of the Houston French Society. 

Each year, the American Association of Community Colleges recognizes community college alumni who have excelled in their chosen fields.  This year our very own Dr. Jean-Bernard Durand was selected to receive this prestigious honor.  The March ceremony was postponed and a virtual ceremony video was created during summer.   Congratulations Dr. Durand!