About
Calum MacRae, MD, PhD, practices as an internist, cardiologist, and geneticist with a focus on understanding disease mechanisms at the individual patient level. Born on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, he attended college and medical school at the University of Edinburgh. He trained in internal medicine and cardiology in London at the national center for inherited heart diseases, then completed a PhD in human molecular genetics. A postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School led him to repeat his internal medicine and cardiology training at Mass General Brigham, where John Levinson mentored him during his fellowship.
Dr. MacRae joined the Harvard Medical School faculty in 2002 and has been a member of the MGH cardiac unit and the Cardiovascular Medicine and Genetics Divisions since then. He previously served as Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine and Co-Director of Genomic Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He currently holds the role of Vice Chair for Scientific Innovation in the Department of Medicine at BWH and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. An integral member of the Harvard Undiagnosed Diseases program since its founding, he holds fellowships in the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the Royal Colleges of Physicians in both Edinburgh and London. Outside work, he enjoys cycling, flyfishing, golf, and theater.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Edinburgh
Medical School
University of Edinburgh
Residency
Internal Medicine residency at Mass General Brigham; prior Internal Medicine and Cardiology training in London
Fellowship
Cardiology fellowship at Mass General Brigham; Postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School
Additional Training
PhD in human molecular genetics, London
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. MacRae right for?
Dr. MacRae is a strong fit for patients with complex or inherited cardiovascular conditions. Adults seeking a physician who investigates root-level disease mechanisms will find his approach valuable. Patients with undiagnosed conditions benefit from his deep experience in genomic medicine. His training spans internal medicine, cardiology, and human molecular genetics, giving him a rare cross-disciplinary perspective.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. MacRae specializes in cardiology, internal medicine, and genetics. He focuses on inherited heart diseases, cardio-metabolic conditions, and complex or undiagnosed disorders. His work in genomic medicine allows him to investigate disease at the molecular level for individual patients.
Dr. MacRae holds fellowships in the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. He also holds fellowships in the Royal Colleges of Physicians in both Edinburgh and London. These reflect his training and recognition across both American and British medical institutions.
Dr. MacRae earned his medical degree at the University of Edinburgh. He trained in internal medicine and cardiology in London, then completed a PhD in human molecular genetics. He later completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School and repeated his clinical training through an internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at Mass General Brigham.
Dr. MacRae serves as Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He also holds the role of Vice Chair for Scientific Innovation in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He has held a Harvard Medical School faculty appointment since 2002.
Yes. Dr. MacRae previously served as Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine and Co-Director of Genomic Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He currently serves as Vice Chair for Scientific Innovation in the Department of Medicine there.
Dr. MacRae has been an integral member of the Harvard Undiagnosed Diseases program since its founding. His background in genetics and genomic medicine makes him well-suited to evaluate patients with conditions that have resisted prior diagnosis.
Yes. Dr. MacRae trained at the national center for inherited heart diseases in London and holds a PhD in human molecular genetics. He brings specific expertise to patients with familial or genetically driven cardiovascular conditions.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026