Dr Sanjay Patel has led the HRI’s Cell Therapeutic Group since 2012. The Cell Therapeutic Group is a close knit team of researchers composed of two postdoctoral fellows, three PhD students and a research assistant.
Sanjay began his scientific career by completing a Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery, for which he received first class honours. He underwent basic training at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Concord Repatriation Hospital, before returning to RPAH to complete his cardiology training in 2005.
Sanjay began his association with the HRI with the commencement of his PhD studies. He worked with Professors David Celermajer, Philip Barter, and Kerry-Ann Rye to investigate the biology of high density lipoproteins. During this time he maintained ties with the RPAH as Cardiology Research Fellow and later as Interventional Cardiology Fellow.
In 2009, Sanjay began a clinical interventional cardiology and postdoctoral fellowship in stem cell biology at Stanford University School of Medicine under Professor John Cooke. Professor Cooke is another pivotal figure for Sanjay, a vascular biologist of world acclaim who has inspired Sanjay’s own career.
Sanjay is enthusiastic about his future with the HRI.
“I have been with the HRI since starting my PhD studies and the supportive research environment has enabled me to now head a growing research team of my own,” explained Sanjay. “A particular strength of the HRI is its strong collaborative links,”
Sanjay preserves a strong collaborative relationship with Professor Celermajer, the Clinical Director of the HRI, whom he credits with teaching him the inherent rewards in translating high quality research into a clinical setting. Sanjay’s diverse skill set combines expertise in fundamental vascular biology along with interventional cardiology, uniquely placing him to lead research from the laboratory bench to the patient bedside.
Sanjay aims to establish a comprehensive research program at the HRI, tasked with suppressing inflammation in the setting of atherosclerosis.
“In the future, I see our basic science and translational research moving forward into world class multicentre clinical trials,” Sanjay explained. “Importantly, our research has the potential to dramatically improve health outcomes and alleviate the burgeoning costs associated with heart disease.”
Drawn to the honesty, rigour and precision of scientific research, Sanjay enjoys applying this same discipline to his clinical work. He appreciates the variety research gives to his working life, and the opportunity to apply fundamental science directly to the patients he treats.
Sanjay was born into a strong medical lineage. Having a cardiologist father and general practitioner mother, Sanjay and his sister showed an early aptitude for science at school.
Naturally energetic and driven, Sanjay makes an extra effort to switch off and unwind. He spends his free time running, cycling and enjoying the company of his young family.