Dennis J Kerrigan, PhD

Member of the Henry Ford Cancer Institute

Biographical Statement

Dr. Dennis J. Kerrigan is a senior clinical exercise physiologist and researcher at Henry Ford Health whose work focuses on improving health outcomes through exercise and lifestyle-based interventions. He specializes in preventive cardiology and has dedicated his career to helping patients with cardiovascular disease, cancer and other chronic conditions improve their physical function, quality of life and long-term health.

At Henry Ford Health, Dr. Kerrigan serves as the director of the ExCITE program, a comprehensive clinical exercise program designed to support patients during and after cancer treatment. He is also the director of the Preventive Cardiology Weight Management program, which is part of the non-surgical arm of the Henry Ford Healthy Weight Comprehensive Obesity Treatment Program. His work bridges clinical care and research, evaluating how structured exercise programs can improve outcomes for individuals facing complex health challenges, including heart disease, cancer and obesity.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kerrigan has contributed to research and education in preventive cardiology, exercise oncology and obesity management. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and educational resources including the first US-based randomized exercise trial in patients with a left ventricular assist device. Through his clinical and research efforts, Dr. Kerrigan seeks to advance the use of evidence-based exercise interventions to improve health, recovery and overall well-being.

Research Interests

• Cardiac rehabilitation and preventive cardiology
• Exercise oncology and cancer survivorship
• Exercise training and response for patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices
• Body composition
• Clinical exercise physiology
• Exercise interventions for cardiovascular and chronic disease management
• Exercise capacity, physical function and quality of life
• Obesity, weight management and metabolic health
• Heart failure and cardiovascular disease
• Health outcomes associated with physical activity and exercise

Email: dkerrig1@hfhs.org