Dr Payal Kohli is an Associate Adjunct Professor in Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine at Duke University and at Johns Hopkins University, US. Dr Kohli earned her undergraduate degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a perfect GPA and her medical degree from Harvard Medical School, magna cum laude. She is Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Echocardiography. She has completed four Advanced Fellowships: Cardiovascular Disease, Clinical Research in Cardiovascular Medicine, Advanced Echocardiography and Preventive Cardiology.
She completed her Internal Medicine training at Harvard Medical School/Brigham & Women’s Hospital and her Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship from University of California San Francisco (UCSF). She obtained her Cardiovascular Clinical Research Fellow from the TIMI Study Group in the Cardiovascular Division at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, where she authored and pioneered dozens of original publications. Dr Kohli is an internationally recognised Cardiovascular Disease expert and has an international podium presence. She routinely represents the American College of Cardiology in a number of projects and presents internationally at ACC-sponsored conferences. She has published in leading journals, including JAMA, Lancet, Circulation, and JACC with dozens of original publications. She has received multiple honours and Young Investigator Awards, including from the American College of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association as well as the award for "5280 Top Doctor" in Colorado, "ACC Cardiologist of the Year in 2022", and recently the "2024 Gifted Educator Award" by the American College of Cardiology.
Research Contributions
Her research career has been marked by pioneering work in lipid management and cardiovascular risk reduction. She was an early contributor to clinical trials involving PCSK9 inhibitors, including the LAPLACE Phase II trial, which explored the efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in combination with statins for patients with hypercholesterolemia.
During her fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Dr Kohli led studies on PCSK9 regulation in high-risk populations, particularly those with chronic inflammatory conditions such as HIV and Hepatitis C co-infection. Her work helped illuminate the intersection of infectious disease and cardiovascular risk, earning her multiple national and international research awards.
Dr Kohli has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and maintains an active presence on editorial boards of leading cardiovascular journals. Her research spans topics including:
- Lipid metabolism and cholesterol-lowering therapies
- Women's heart health and sex-specific cardiovascular risk factors
- Cardiovascular implications of systemic inflammation
- Non-invasive imaging and diagnostic techniques
- Public health strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention
- Epidemiological research on barriers to lipid lowering therapy
Media and Public Engagement
Dr Kohli is also a Medical Correspondent for television working for Tegna Broadcasting, a company that owns >60 local news outlets and for the national USA Today Show "Connecting America". She was previously the Medical Expert on the syndicated show Daily Blast Live. She has an incredible talent for simplifying complex medical concepts into easy to understand language for the lay population, and has had >2500 national television appearances all over the country in her role as a Medical Correspondent and is a trusted voice in journalism. Her clear, accessible communication style helped demystify complex medical topics for a broad audience.
In addition to her television, research and clinical work, Dr. Kohli is adept at providing expert second opinions through her contributions to multiple second opinion services. Dr. Kohli has held multiple peer review and editorial positions, where she is responsible for providing feedback on research and clinical submissions by her peers. She was the Associate Editor of JACC Imaging, the inaugural Media Editor for JACC and was the immediate past section editor of Women and Ischemic Heart Disease for Current Atherosclerosis.
Podcasting and Digital Media
Dr Kohli is the host of the podcast Heart of Medicine, where she explores topics related to the practice of medicine and the challenges faced in healthcare today. The show highlights the human side of medicine.
Her podcasting work reflects her commitment to community and public education and evidence-based medicine. Episodes have covered subjects such as navigating personal relationships as a physician, dealing with loss of patients and health policy topics. Through this platform, Dr Kohli continues to expand her reach beyond traditional media, engaging listeners in meaningful conversations about health and science. Dr Kohli is also a prolific writer and enjoys writing about the practice of medicine and challenges faced by physicians, and has published several dozen columns and opinion pieces. She also contributes continuing medical education content for her peers.
Teaching and Mentoring
Dr Kohli is deeply committed to medical education and mentorship. As an Associate Adjunct Professor in the Cardiology Division at Johns Hopkins University and Duke University, she teaches advanced Cardiology fellows and Internal Medicine residents. Her academic roles include leading seminars, giving Grand Rounds, educating trainees on Medical Communication and guiding research projects.
She is known for her dynamic teaching style and her ability to translate complex clinical concepts into practical knowledge. Dr Kohli has mentored dozens of trainees who have gone on to successful careers in cardiology, Internal Medicine, and academic research.
In recognition of her contributions to education, she was awarded the American College of Cardiology’s 2024 Gifted Educator of the Year, an honour given to physicians who demonstrate excellence in teaching and a lasting impact on the next generation of clinicians.
