Anand Rohatgi, M.D.
Professor of Internal Medicine
Division of Cardiology
For Dr. Anand Rohatgi, mentoring is both an official role and a passion.
Dr. Rohatgi was named Associate Program Director of the Cardiovascular Fellowship program at UT Southwestern in 2018. As such, he is the lead mentor for cardiology fellow research and meets with senior cardiology fellows in groups each week throughout their third year of training. He also organizes cardiology fellow research conferences and meets with all fellows individually to discuss career development as well as research and academic plans.
“I have been told by numerous fellows how much they value these meetings and that they have been transformative for their careers,” said a faculty member who nominated Dr. Rohatgi for the Mentoring Award.
Dr. Rohatgi’s research is supported by several National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, including one specifically designated for mentoring. Through his research lab, which focuses on finding biomarkers for cardiovascular disease risk, Dr. Rohatgi has mentored more than 25 medical students and residents interested in research careers.
At the faculty level, Dr. Rohatgi has been “beyond generous” with his time, his nominator said. “He has sought to expand his own research success into success by his colleagues. He regularly meets with faculty who are seeking to develop their research portfolio, particularly those who need assistance with the daunting task of writing grants.”
Dr. Rohatgi has been so successful in this capacity that he was named lead coach for the UTSW Successfully Obtaining an R (SOAR) grant writing workshop.
One colleague who received an NIH grant said Dr. Rohatgi walked him through the SOAR writing workshop, coached him on various iterations of his grant application, and provided advice on budget planning and the mechanics of grant submission. After the grant was awarded, Dr. Rohatgi shared his research coordinator with this colleague to help get the study launched.
Dr. Rohatgi is also a mentor leader and coach for faculty applying for K and R grants through the new Clinical Researcher Catalyst program. These activities are in addition to his busy clinical career in preventive cardiology, and his coaching includes research activities as well as clinical efforts.
“The most important characteristics that make Dr. Rohatgi an exceptional mentor are dedication and selflessness,” his nominator said. “He is passionate about developing future researchers and truly gets excited when he sees his mentees flourish.”
Last year, Dr. Rohatgi founded the South Asian Heart Program, which aligns his research and clinical interests. Numerous UTSW medical students have participated in South Asian health fairs, learning about community engagement, while medical professionals have gained valuable experience in clinical management.
Despite a full schedule of mentoring activities, Dr. Rohatgi took part last year in formal professional coach training through the Office of Faculty Wellness. In this role, he provides peer coaching to faculty throughout UTSW.
Dr. Rohatgi earned his medical degree at Duke University School of Medicine. He trained as a resident in internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Health System and completed a cardiology fellowship at UT Southwestern. He also holds a master’s degree in clinical science from UTSW.
“I have never had a research mentor of this caliber,” one trainee said about his experience working with Dr. Rohatgi. “He is truly committed to developing the next generation of investigators.”
In his words: It is an honor to be recognized for serving others in a mentoring role. What a privilege to engage in guiding others on their journey toward professional development. I have cherished all my mentor-mentee relationships with nothing but the most exuberant enthusiasm. Most importantly, we have had tons of fun along the way and motivated each other to push the limits of our potential. I appreciate the grace that my mentees have provided for my own development as a mentor. For that I am extremely grateful. I am also indebted to my own mentors, especially James de Lemos, who exemplifies unconditional support; Philip Shaul, who exemplifies thoughtful supervision; Sharon Reimold, who exemplifies the ultimate fairy godmother of championing and benevolence; Amit Khera, who exemplifies adviser, big brother, and friend; and Susan Matulevicius, my peer-mentor extraordinaire, best friend, and life partner.
James de Lemos, M.D., is Professor of Internal Medicine and Chief of the Division of Cardiology. He holds the Sweetheart Ball-Kern Wildenthal, M.D., Ph.D. Distinguished Chair in Cardiology.
Amit Khera, M.D., is Professor of Internal Medicine and holds the Dallas Heart Ball Chair in Hypertension and Heart Disease.
Susan Matulevicius, M.D., is Associate Dean of Faculty Wellness and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine.
Sharon Reimold, M.D., is Professor of Internal Medicine and holds the Gail Griffiths Hill Chair in Cardiology.
Philip Shaul, M.D., is Professor of Pediatrics and holds the Associates First Capital Corporation Distinguished Chair in Pediatrics.
