Researcher Spotlight: Kiran Ejaz

Kiran Ejaz
Associate Director, Research Programs – Cardiology

What is your professional background?
After graduating from Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan, I completed my Master of Science in epidemiology and biostatistics. Currently, I am on track to graduate this summer from the Juris Master program at Emory School of Law. After my clinical internship, I realized there was a less explored area of clinical research that I began seriously exploring. I had the opportunity to be a lead at a clinical trials unit in Houston, Texas, for two years. I then moved to Emory at the Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute (ECCRI) in 2018. I am currently the Associate Director, Research Projects at ECCRI, and maintain a portfolio of 18 studies and trials and a team of 20 coordinators, students, and researchers.

Which division do you work in? Who is your mentor? 
I work in the division of cardiology as an associate director under Dr. Arshed Quyyumi.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
I am primarily involved in clinical research, including the Emory Cardiovascular Biobank registry with more than 8,000 patients. Currently, I am evaluating the impact of SomaSignal Tests on medical management and the change in risk in patients with diabetes, as well as the use of a biomarker risk score to optimize therapy in patients with coronary artery disease (The Precision CAD trial). This trial employs precision medicine using novel biomarkers to improve interventions in people with diabetes and cardiac diseases. Other studies involve the investigation of novel management of acute myocardial infarction, lipoprotein (a) heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease, to name a few. Previously, I worked on the ESCaPE-CMD and Mesoblast DREAM HF1 clinical trials.

What do you like most about Emory?
The pervasive culture of collaboration and encouragement of the staff to help them grow professionally is most appealing to me. I joined ECCRI as a Clinical Research Coordinator and was able to expand my horizons here at Emory University.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I am a fan of the sitcom ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’. English translation: Inverted spectacles of Taarak Mehta.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to listen to relaxing sitar music and try my luck with gardening in my spare time.

What is a fun fact about you?
I love traveling and trying new cuisines.