Associate Professor of Clinical Cardiology
DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center
Houston, Texas, United States
Dr. Bhimaraj earned his medical degree from Gandhi Medical College and a Master of Public Health from the University of Kansas Medical Center. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine before pursuing a cardiology fellowship at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. His expertise in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology was further honed during a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. In 2011, he joined Houston Methodist Hospital, where he played a key role in developing the heart failure program and held several leadership positions.
Currently, Dr. Bhimaraj serves as the System Director of Advanced Heart Failure for the Houston Methodist System. He is also the Director of the Bradley Z. Naifeh Amyloidosis Clinical and Research Program at the Transplant Center and leads the Heart Failure Disease Management Services, focusing on patient transitions and improving care quality. He has held important roles, including Interim Chief of the Division of Heart Failure and Medical Director of the Heart Transplant and LVAD programs. Dr. Bhimaraj played a critical role in developing a heart failure quality program, contributing to Houston Methodist’s recognition on the American Heart Association’s "Get With the Guidelines" Gold Plus Honor Roll.
Dr. Bhimaraj’s research focuses on innovative therapies, including nano delivery systems for genetic modulation and treatments targeting non-myocyte cells to enhance cardiac recovery in heart failure. His work on chronic graft failure in heart transplantation has led to two NIH-funded projects. He also investigates pressure-volume loops and cardiogenic shock, particularly in post-heart transplant patients. A TEACH-certified educator, Dr. Bhimaraj uses PV loop simulations to teach cardiac physiology. In 2017, he launched a patient-focused heart failure conference, founded a patient-led support group, and established a patient volunteering program at Houston Methodist. He holds leadership roles in national medical societies.
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Thursday, April 3, 2025
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM CST
Session 4: Which Device is Right? (Device Therapy in Shock)
Friday, April 4, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM CST