Dr. Wirka is an Instructor in the Department of Medicine at Stanford University, investigating novel mechanisms driving coronary artery disease in the laboratory of Thomas Quertermous. Genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of areas in the human genome containing the genes that drive coronary artery disease. Dr. Wirka's work involves identifying the causal genes in these genomic areas and determining their cellular and molecular function in vivo in the vessel wall during atherosclerosis. Beginning with human genetics in this manner allows the discovery of truly novel disease mechanisms and ensures that these mechanisms are important in human disease. He also sees general cardiology patients within the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health System.