UTHealth Houston Establishes Cardiology Department

April 24, 2026 — University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) has established the Department of Cardiology at McGovern Medical School, marking a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to advance cardiovascular care, research and education across the region. The new department, led by founding chair Biswajit Kar, MD, becomes the school’s 24th academic department and reflects the continued growth and national distinction of UTHealth Houston’s cardiovascular programs.

The Department of Cardiology builds on a long history of excellence and brings together more than 70 physicians and scientists dedicated to advancing the treatment of heart and vascular diseases. The faculty will transition to the new department effective May 1.

“By unifying our strengths into a dedicated department, we will accelerate innovation, elevate patient care, and expand our impact locally and globally,” said LaTanya J. Love, MD, dean of McGovern Medical School, H. Wayne Hightower Distinguished Professor in the Medical Sciences, and executive vice president of university affairs. “It allows us to better align our faculty, enhance coordination across our mission areas, and build on our valued partnerships with Memorial Hermann and Harris Health.”

Kar brings extensive leadership experience to his role as founding chair. In addition to his new role as the founding department chair, he serves as professor, co-chair of UTHealth Houston Heart & Vascular, and Memorial Hermann Chair.

“This is a reflection of how much our work has grown in both scale and reach,” Kar said. “We are caring for patients across the full spectrum of cardiovascular disease while also helping define better ways to understand, treat, and prevent these conditions. Becoming a department allows us to bring that work together with greater clarity and purpose, and I am honored to serve as founding chair.”

The Department of Cardiology will play a central role in advancing UTHealth Houston’s mission to improve health and transform care. As part of the university’s Heart & Vascular service line, the department will continue to collaborate across disciplines and expand access to high-quality cardiovascular services throughout the region.

Anthony Estrera, MD, professor, chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, and co-chair of UTHealth Houston Heart & Vascular, noted the importance of continued collaboration. “Our teams have a long history of working together to deliver comprehensive, integrated cardiovascular care,” said Estrera, the Hazim J. Safi, MD, Distinguished Chair in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery. “The establishment of the Department of Cardiology reinforces that partnership and enhances our ability to serve patients across the Texas Medical Center and beyond.”

Love said the new department reflects the dedication of faculty and the strength of partnerships across the Texas Medical Center. “I am grateful to Dr. Kar for his leadership and to our faculty for their shared commitment to improving cardiovascular health for all,” she said.