Dr. Christine Seidman of the Harvard Medical School has uncovered the genetic basis of many human cardiovascular disorders, from cardiomyopathy and heart failure to congenital heart malformations. In this interview, she speaks about her early intrigue with atrial natriuretic factor and her more current gene-intensive investigations. She also shares many more stories about her interest in the ear, an early inspirational patient, and her thoughts on work-life balance.