The Chief Research Officer, has determined that UTMB research should be prioritized into six health communities. This researcher has received the following badge(s):

I am a cardiologist, NIH-funded physician-scientist, and clinical leader with experience in healthcare transformation and a strong academic background. As the Chief Transformation Officer and Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and former Medical Director of the University of Michigan’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center Clinics, the largest multi-disciplinary cardiovascular center in the UM system, I am specialized in innovative physician compensation models and data-driven optimization of clinical processes, significantly improving patient care and operational efficiency. My leadership has involved the development and implementation of novel care models, workflow streamlining, and utilization optimization, all while integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence and research findings into actionable practices. My research expertise lies in bench-to-bedside translational science, deciphering the mechanisms of inflammation underlying the association between kidney and cardiovascular disease, and the use of novel biomarkers and high-throughput technologies such as proteomics in risk-prediction, personalization of therapy, and implementation of preventive strategies. I also lead cohort development as an Associate Director of Precision Health at the University of Michigan and direct the Research Development Core for the University of Michigan George O’Brien Kidney Center. I have authored close to 200 peer-reviewed publications, many in the highest impact journals, and my works have been cited over 14,000 times, with an h-index of 52 and i10-index of 133. My contributions have been recognized through several prestigious awards, including the American College of Cardiology Douglas P. Zipes Distinguished Young Scientist award, American Heart Association Samuel Levine Early Career Investigator award, Juanita L. Merchant Early Career Endowment award, and the Jerome W. Conn Award for Excellence in Research. My multifaceted experience and strong understanding of healthcare operations, quality improvement methodologies, and change management position me well to provide strategic leadership, foster innovation, and ensure the seamless integration of academic and clinical missions.