[1][2] He is well known for his contributions to the study of syncope and disorders of the autonomic nervous system (in particular postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome).
He graduated from South Carroll High School in 1972, and later earned a BA in biologic sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in 1976.
While doing a rotation in cardiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital he became interested in cardiac electrophysiology after watching some of the first human defibrillator implants.
He was among the first researchers in the United States to employ head upright tilt table testing for the diagnosis of vasovagal (neurocardiogenic) syncope.
He has also been a principal investigator in using permanent pacemakers with closed loop stimulation capacity (CLS) in the treatment of refractory neurocardiogenic/vasovagal syncope.
His current focus of research is in exploring the role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of POTS and other autonomic disorders.
Grubb was presented with the Northwest Ohio American Heart Associations' "Legacy of Achievement" Award in 2001.
In 2018 he was given the University of Toledo's President's Award for Outstanding Contributions in Scholarship and Creative Activity.
Also in 2020 UT presented him with the "Blair P. Grubb Endowed Chair in Syncope and Arrhythmias", one of the highest honors the University can bestow upon a faculty member.