Kartik Agusala, M.D.

Kartik Agusala, M.D.

Medical Director of Nuclear Cardiology

  • Internal Medicine - Cardiology
  • General Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging

Biography

Kartik Agusala, M.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and a member of its Division of Cardiology.

A native Texan, Dr. Agusala is a general cardiologist with special expertise in cardiovascular imaging – particularly echocardiography and nuclear cardiology.

Dr. Agusala earned his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine. He completed his medical training and an internal medicine residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University and then received advanced training in cardiology through a fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine.

He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both internal medicine and cardiovascular disease, with subspecialty certification in echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. He joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2014. 

Dr. Agusala’s background in finance and investment banking prior to medical school led to his strong interest in clinical and business operations, quality improvement, and health care venture development.

He was selected to participate in the 2017 Leadership Emerging in Academic Departments (LEAD) program for junior faculty physicians and scientists. The team of UT Southwestern directors, co-directors, and faculty for this highly competitive program includes internationally recognized physicians, researchers, and administrators.

Dr. Agusala’s other professional honors include receiving one of 12 Mayo Cardiovascular Board Review Scholarships in 2013 and earning first place for his research-poster presentation at the 2009 conference of the Northern Illinois American College of Physicians.

A reviewer of cardiovascular imaging cases for Heart, Dr. Agusala is a member of both the American College of Cardiology and the Texas Medical Association.

In 2019, Dr. Agusala was named a Texas Monthly Super Doctor Rising Star.

Personal Note

His wife, Bethany Agusala, M.D., is also an internal medicine specialist at UT Southwestern.

Meet Dr. Agusala

Noninvasive Cardiology Specialist in Dallas

With a strong clinical background in all aspects of general cardiology and special expertise in cardiovascular imaging, Dr. Kartik Agusala expertly evaluates and treats people with a broad range of heart-related conditions and concerns.

These include hypertension, angina, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, valve disease, and most everything in between.

The patients Dr. Agusala counsels and cares for at UT Southwestern Medical Center are just as varied. Fellowship trained and board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease, Dr. Agusala assesses and treats patients on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

“Part of what I love about cardiology is the ability to make a difference in the lives of a wide range of people – from younger patients who are seeking help to prevent heart disease to the critically ill patients who require the advanced, cutting-edge therapies we offer at UT Southwestern,” he says.

Dr. Agusala has a particular focus on echocardiography and nuclear cardiology, in which he holds subspecialty certifications.

Team Approach Gets Results

Dr. Agusala notes that a big part of his job satisfaction comes from working with and contributing to a highly regarded care team involving multiple departments across the institution.

“Being part of this reputable, high-volume academic medical center is not only about delivering the best individual care we can; it’s also about how that care fits into our comprehensive, multidisciplinary system so we can truly improve people’s health and lives,” Dr. Agusala says.

“Our whole cardiovascular team – from our excellent proceduralists and surgeons to our diabetes specialists and cardiac rehabilitation program – makes a big difference in how we can be effective cardiologists.”

The admiration Dr. Agusala has for his team members is evident.

“I’m surrounded by colleagues whom I deeply respect – people who have an honest interest in UT Southwestern’s academic mission and the humanitarian mission of delivering high-quality health care,” he says.


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Education & Training
  • Medical School - Baylor College of Medicine (2004-2008)
  • Fellowship - Emory University School of Medicine (2011-2014), Cardiology
  • Residency - McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University (2009-2011), Internal Medicine
  • Internship - McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University (2008-2009), Internal Medicine
Professional Associations & Affiliations
  • American College of Cardiology (2011), Member
  • Texas Medical Association (2014), Member
  • Heart Journal (2014), Reviewer for Imaging Section
  • Dallas County Medical Society (2014), Member
Honors & Awards
  • Texas Monthly Super Doctors, Rising Star (2022)
  • Texas Monthly Super Doctors, Rising Star (2021)
  • Advanced Practice Provider Champion of the Year (2021)
  • Texas Monthly Super Doctors, Rising Star 2020
  • Texas Monthly Super Doctors, Rising Star 2019
  • American College of Cardiology - Emerging Faculty Leadership Academy​ 2018
  • Mayo Cardiovascular Review Course Scholarship 2013
  • Northern Illinois ACP Conference 1st Place Research Poster Presentation 2009
Books & Publications
Research
  • Quality improvement

Clinical Focus

  • General Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Echocardiography

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Q&A by Dr. Agusala