WASHINGTON:  An Indian American physician has been felicitated with the highest award in clinical cardiology in the US in recognition of his significant discoveries expanding the field of cardiovascular diagnostic imaging.

Dr Sanjiv Kaul of the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland was presented the James B Herrick Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Cardiology by American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology, “in grateful recognition of his highly significant discoveries expanding the field of cardiovascular diagnostic imaging and greatly enhancing the care of patients with heart and blood vessel disease,” a media release said.

“In pioneering research in the areas of contrast echocardiography and nuclear cardiology, Dr Kaul redefined key aspects of coronary physiology and pathophysiology. Almost single-handedly, he has elevated an entire field from basic concepts to practical utilization,” said Clinical Cardiology Council Chair Ileana Pina, who presented the award to him.

“Kaul introduced molecular imaging techniques to better detect the size of a heart attack as well as the extent of coronary artery narrowing and inflammation in arterial plaques – “all invaluable tools widely used for patient evaluation,” Ms Pina said.

A native of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Kaul is the Ernest C Swigert Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine, Professor of Medicine and Radiology, Chief Executive Officer of the Knight Cardiovascular Institute and Associate Dean of the School of Medicine at the Oregon Health & Science University.