Ankur Kalra, MD, MSc

Dr. Ankur Kalra is a leader in cardiovascular medicine whose work bridges continents, cultures and disciplines. As the founder of makeadent.org and host of the Parallax podcast, Dr. Kalra has created platforms that spark global conversations on heart health, innovation and the human side of medicine. Parallax, now in its seventh season, brings together national and international colleagues to discuss not only the science of cardiology, but also the art of building meaningful careers, fostering resilience and addressing health disparities.

Dr. Kalra’s dedication to improving cardiovascular health is reflected in his leadership of an initiative focused on exploring and addressing the distinct genetic and clinical risk factors for heart disease within South Asian communities. Through this collaborative, Dr. Kalra and his colleagues are working to develop targeted strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in these communities — an area of urgent need given the high burden of heart disease among South Asians.

In addition, the Ram and Sanjita Kalra Aavishqaar Fund, established in honor of Dr. Kalra’s parents, supports innovative research and clinical programs aimed at transforming cardiovascular care. The fund’s mission is to foster new ideas and approaches, from intervention to community-based prevention, ensuring that advances in heart health reach those who need them most.

Dr. Kalra’s impact extends beyond research and clinical care. Through makeadent.org, he champions education, mentorship and collaboration, inspiring clinicians worldwide to pursue excellence and compassion in their work. His podcast, Parallax, is recognized as one of the top global cardiology podcasts, consistently ranked #1 in the UK, and is known for its thoughtful exploration of topics ranging from innovation and health disparities to mindfulness and spirituality in medicine.