Dr. Navin C. Nanda, MD,
(FACC, DSc (Hon), FASE, FAHA)
Dr. Navin C. Nanda is widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Echocardiography.” A Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Nanda’s trailblazing career spans over five decades, with pioneering contributions to cardiac imaging, international mentorship, and global health equity.
About Dr. Navin Nanda
Dr. Navin Chandra Nanda received his medical degree from Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai, India, and completed fellowships in cardiology in London and Rochester, NY. A globally respected academic and physician, he has authored over 1,000 publications, introduced color Doppler echocardiography in the United States, and trained thousands of cardiologists across continents. His influence spans from groundbreaking research to international service and mentorship.
- 1960s: Medical training in India
- 1971: Fellowship at University of Rochester
- 1980s: Introduces color Doppler echo in U.S.
- 2000s: Named Distinguished Professor at UAB
- 2026: ACC renames award in his honor
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Appointments & Leadership
A distinguished career advancing cardiovascular medicine, echocardiography, and interdisciplinary research at UAB.
Distinguished Professor of Medicine & Cardiovascular Disease
University of Alabama at Birmingham • Jul 17, 2011 – Present
Leadership in clinical excellence, research, and mentorship across cardiovascular medicine.
Professor of Medicine
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Director, Heart Station & Echocardiography Laboratories
University of Alabama Hospital
Director, Cardiographics/Echocardiography Laboratory
The Kirklin Clinic, UAB Health Services Foundation
Director, Echocardiography Laboratory
The Kirklin Clinic, UAB Health Services Foundation
Research & Interdisciplinary Roles
Senior Scientist, UAB Center for Health Promotion
School of Public Health • Oct 1, 1997 – Present
Senior Scientist, UAB Center for Aging
Medical Center Joint Departments • Sep 25, 2000 – Present
Senior Scientist, UAB Minority Health & Research Center
Mar 1, 2004 – Present
Scientist, UAB Center for Cardiovascular Biology
Nov 8, 2010 – Present
Selected Publications & Textbooks
Articles
530+ peer-reviewed journal articles including:
- Revolutionizing Cardiology
- Coronary flow abnormalities in chronic kidney disease:
- Current Impact of Three-Dimensional Echocardiography
📚 Recent Publications
- Artificial Intelligence in Echocardiography: Dr. Nanda co-authored a 2024 preprint titled “Revolutionizing Cardiology: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Echocardiography,” discussing the transformative impact of AI on diagnostic accuracy in cardiology. ResearchGate
- Fusion Imaging Techniques: In 2025, he contributed to research on the innovative use of fusion imaging for percutaneous closure of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture, highlighting advancements in interventional cardiology. ResearchGate
🏅 Honors & Awards
- Ellis Island Medal of Honor: Dr. Nanda has received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, recognizing his contributions to medicine and his impact on the global community. The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- UAB Endowment: In 2017, the University of Alabama at Birmingham established an endowment in his name to support faculty scholarship, underscoring his lasting influence on the institution. The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- ACC International Service Award (renamed in his honor 2026)
- Ellis Island Medal of Honor
- Dr. B.C. Roy Award (India)
- Lifetime Achievement Awards (ASE, CSI, AAPI, AACIO)
- Honorary degrees from India, Turkey, and others
Career Highlights
- Academic Positions: Dr. Nanda holds the title of Distinguished Professor at UAB’s Heersink School of Medicine and serves as Director of the Heart Station. UAB Medicine
- Education & Training: He earned his medical degree from Seth G.S. Medical College in Mumbai, India. He completed fellowships at the National Heart Hospital in London and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. News India Times+1Doximity+1UAB Medicine
- Research Contributions: Dr. Nanda has authored over 1,000 publications, including more than 530 peer-reviewed articles and 17 textbooks. His work has been cited over 17,000 times, reflecting his significant impact on cardiovascular medicine. News India TimesResearchGate
🌍 Global Recognition
ACC International Service Award: In 2010, Dr. Nanda received the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) International Service Award. In recognition of his enduring contributions, the ACC announced that, starting in 2026, the award will be renamed the “Navin C. Nanda International Service Award.”
Global Honors: Over 21 organizations worldwide have honored Dr. Nanda with titles such as “Father of Echocardiography” or “Father of Modern Echocardiography.” His innovations have been particularly influential in countries like India and Bangladesh, where his work has improved cardiac care accessibility.
🧠 Innovations in Echocardiography
- Pulmonary Valve Imaging: Early in his career, Dr. Nanda challenged the prevailing belief that the pulmonary valve was unimageable.
- Through contrast echocardiography, he successfully visualized the valve, a breakthrough that advanced pediatric echocardiography and the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases. American College of Cardiology
👥 Leadership & Mentorship
- AACIO Founder: Dr. Nanda is the founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Cardiologists of Indian Origin (AACIO), an organization representing nearly 6,000 cardiologists of Indian descent in the U.S. linkedin
- Mentorship: Throughout his career, he has mentored hundreds of physicians globally, fostering the next generation of cardiologists and promoting advancements in cardiovascular care. American College of Cardiology
🔗 Learn More
- UAB Faculty Profile: Navin Nanda at UAB
- ACC Feature Article: Making A Global Difference: Navin C. Nanda, MD, FACC
- Research Publications: Navin Nanda on ResearchGate
- AACIO Website: American Association of Cardiologists of Indian Origin
If you’re interested in exploring Dr. Nanda’s work further or seeking mentorship opportunities in cardiology, these resources offer comprehensive insights into his contributions and ongoing






