Two prominent Indian American heart specialists from Duke University have stepped into top national leadership roles for the American Heart Association’s 2026-27 fiscal year beginning July 1.
Dr. Manesh R. Patel, the chief of the Division of Cardiology at Duke Health, is serving as the association’s new volunteer president. Joining him is Dr. Svati H. Shah, an associate dean for translational research at the Duke University School of Medicine, as the volunteer president-elect.
Patel noted that the personal significance of the milestone upon stepping into the position, stating that he is proud to be the first South Asian person to hold the role of volunteer president. He credited the achievement as a moment that reflects his family’s journey and the values they instilled in him.
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As the volunteer president, Patel functions as the organization’s lead volunteer scientific and medical officer. He brings nearly three decades of cardiovascular medicine experience to the position. Patel earned his medical degree from the Emory University School of Medicine before moving to Duke University to complete his residency and cardiology fellowship.
Throughout his career, he has focused heavily on interventional cardiology, clinical trials, and antithrombotic therapies. He was previously named the American Heart Association Physician of the Year in 2023.
Shah on the other hand, working alongside Patel as president-elect, supports the volunteer leadership structure with a focus on innovation, scientific discovery, and health outcomes.
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Her career integrates genetics and cardiovascular care. She serves as the Ursula Geller Distinguished Professor of Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and directs both the Duke Center for Precision Health and the Adult Cardiovascular Genetics Clinic.
Shah earned her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine, completed her residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and obtained a Master of Health Sciences from Duke University.
The chief executive officer of the American Heart Association Nancy Brown emphasized that the organization relies on the vision and expertise of its volunteer leaders. According to Brown, the newly appointed leadership team aims to help advance health resources globally.
The two Duke specialists will collaborate with other national volunteer officers, including chairperson Lee A. Shapiro, who is continuing the second year of a two-year term, chairperson-elect Linda Gooden, and treasurer Robert H. Swan.