Assistant Professor, Scientist, and National Study Leader Bridging Disciplines for Better Health Outcomes
A Multifaceted Role in Population Health and Cardiovascular Research
Dr. Javed Zulqarnain, MBBS, MPH, PhD, holds multiple leadership roles at Houston Methodist, where he serves as Assistant Professor of Population Health and Preventive Cardiology, Scientist at the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston Program Manager for the national PRESSURE CHECK clinical trial, and Principal Investigator on two active research studies, including one funded by the American Heart Association. At the intersection of academia, clinical research, and public health, Dr. Zulqarnain brings an integrated and strategic approach to advancing the prevention and management of cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases.
A Shared Mission: Bridging Cardiovascular and Kidney Health Disparities
Dr. Zulqarnain’s collaboration with the Patient Engagement (PE) Lab began through a shared passion with Dr. Amy Waterman for tackling health disparities in cardiovascular and kidney care. Their connection grew through the AIM-AHEAD initiative, which unites national experts across institutions to design innovative, data-driven, and community-based care models.
“Our goal is to build novel methodological, health system, and community-based models of CVD and CKD care that may advance health equity and improve overall population cardiovascular and kidney metabolic health,” he explains. Their partnership represents a model of what interdisciplinary collaboration can achieve when researchers and clinicians come together around a common goal.
Aligning Vision with the PE Lab’s Mission
Dr. Zulqarnain’s work strongly aligns with the PE Lab’s mission to center research around real patient experiences and community needs. His research focuses on applying methodological tools to identify disparities in cardiovascular health and designing community-centered implementation models that bridge the gap between healthcare systems and underserved populations. Given the close correlation and overlapping risk factors between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), two leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the US, his collaboration with the PE Lab represents a natural and essential extension of his efforts to advance health equity through integrated, patient-centered approaches.
Evolving Roles and Expanding Collaborations
Dr. Zulqarnain’s involvement with the PE Lab is both deep and rapidly expanding. He currently serves as the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) outcomes expert on the AIM-AHEAD project and is actively engaged in a joint NIH grant submission (currently under review), multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts with the PE Lab team, and the development of novel risk scores to predict chronic kidney disease (CKD) and transplant outcomes. In partnership with the PE Lab, he is also working to establish a large regional CKD/chronic kidney management (CKM) data consortium. As the lab transitions into a full-fledged Center, Dr. Zulqarnain sees significant potential to co-develop infrastructure that more effectively integrates clinical insights with research and policy, ultimately advancing patient-centered care and population health.
A Culture of Collaboration and Leadership
What stands out most for Dr. Zulqarnain in his time with the PE Lab is the spirit of teamwork and shared leadership. “Everyone is always open to collaboration and willing to help,” he notes. “This again goes back to Dr. Waterman’s exemplary leadership—leading from the front.”
One of his biggest takeaways has been witnessing the strategic effort and coordination required to build multi-institutional consortia aimed at improving patient outcomes—lessons he is applying across his own projects.
Beyond the Lab: Cricket and Song
When not immersed in data and study design, Dr. Zulqarnain finds joy in fast bowling on the cricket field—a passion he’s held since childhood. He also has a musical side: “I used to sing back in med school,” he shares, revealing a creative spirit behind the scientist.
Vision for Impact: From Local Collaboration to National Reach
Dr. Zulqarnain sees the PE Lab playing a transformative role in the national health landscape. “The lab is already doing critical work to improve prediction of CKD and CVD outcomes and to connect clinical, research, and community teams in powerful ways,” he says. “This work will only continue to grow and expand nationally.”
His Advice to Future Collaborators?
“Please do! Great team, one of the most productive—and just the best people to be around!”
With leaders like Dr. Zulqarnain at the table, the PE Lab continues to blaze a trail toward more inclusive, equitable, and effective health research and care.