NYU Langone Health Appoints New Leaders to Cardiology Division as They Continue to Set National Standards

Leadership Changes at NYU Langone Health's Cardiology Division

In a significant move for the cardiovascular medical community, NYU Langone Health has announced the appointments of Dr. Sunil Rao as the new Director of the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology and Dr. Susheel K. Kodali as the Director of Interventional Cardiology, effective September 1.

Dr. Sunil Rao is not only an esteemed clinician but also a noted investigator. His research has brought forth innovative strategies for treating patients with complex cardiovascular diseases. Under his direction, the cardiology program has once again been ranked No. 1 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Celebrated for his contributions to interventional cardiology, Dr. Rao looks forward to enhancing patient care through cutting-edge techniques and collaborative research efforts.

“I am honored to serve as director of this division alongside such extraordinary faculty, trainees, and staff,” stated Dr. Rao. He aims to continue the legacy of excellence established by his predecessor, Dr. Glenn I. Fishman, who focused on research and transformative advancements during his 25-year tenure. Dr. Fishman will remain on board to contribute his expertise in research and mentorship, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success for the division.

Dr. Rao, who joined NYU Langone in 2022, has expanded access to advanced interventions within the Interventional Cardiology Program, which handles over 17,000 procedures each year. His groundbreaking research includes pioneering techniques that allow for less invasive treatment approaches, such as accessing blocked arteries through the wrist, which minimizes recovery time and promotes better outcomes for patients.

Moreover, he leads a crucial clinical trial funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, focusing on innovations for patients with pulmonary embolism—an urgent health condition linked to blood clots in the lungs.

Welcoming Dr. Susheel Kodali

Joining Dr. Rao in this endeavor is Dr. Susheel Kodali, a prominent figure known for his expertise in structural heart disease, who arrives from NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Kodali has significantly impacted the field of minimally invasive heart therapies, especially transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which he championed as a transformative option for patients with severe aortic valve disease.

“I am thrilled to join the NYU Langone Heart community and collaborate with colleagues who share a commitment to advancing what is possible in cardiovascular care,” remarked Dr. Kodali. His focus will be on further developing programs that utilize cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures, thereby expanding treatment options for complex heart conditions.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kodali has participated in vital clinical trials that have defined new standards in treating patients with heart valve diseases, establishing him as a leader in structural heart care.

The Legacy of Excellence

The Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology at NYU Langone has a storied history, dating back to the establishment of the first adult cardiology clinic in the U.S. With Dr. Fishman’s influential leadership, the division has become a beacon of innovation in cardiovascular medicine, bringing together top-tier faculty and researchers dedicated to cutting-edge patient care.

As NYU Langone Health continues to achieve exemplary outcomes, the introduction of Dr. Rao and Dr. Kodali to these pivotal roles promises to further solidify its standing as a leader in cardiovascular health. Both appointments indicate a future-oriented approach to medical care that prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and, most importantly, patient well-being.

NYU Langone Health remains committed to delivering comprehensive health care services characterized by exceptional quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. The integration of these distinguished professionals into its leadership signifies not only an exciting chapter in the institution’s history but also a robust commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine for the communities they serve.