By: Richard L. Smith
A leading New Jersey cardiologist has been recognized on the national stage for groundbreaking work aimed at improving how heart disease is diagnosed and treated.
Partho Sengupta, who serves as Chief of Cardiology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, has been named a 2026 Distinguished Scientist in the Translational Domain by the American College of Cardiology during its national conference in New Orleans.
The honor recognizes physicians whose work helps bridge scientific research and real-world patient care, advancing new approaches to treat cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Sengupta, an internationally recognized expert in cardiac imaging and digital health, has authored more than 330 peer-reviewed studies.
His research focuses on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced ultrasound imaging, robotics, and wearable health tools designed to detect heart disease earlier and more accurately.
Among his contributions, Sengupta helped pioneer early applications of machine learning in echocardiography and played a key role in developing modern standards used to evaluate artificial intelligence in cardiac imaging.
At RWJUH, he also established a Center for Innovation that brings together physicians, researchers, and private industry partners to develop new medical technologies and clinical trials aimed at improving patient outcomes.
In addition, Sengupta is leading a multi-year, federally funded study supported by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute to create more precise tools for identifying heart attack patients at risk of future cardiac events—an effort that could help doctors intervene earlier and tailor treatment to individual patients.
Health system leaders say the recognition highlights not only Sengupta’s research but also its real-world impact, particularly in helping clinicians detect serious heart conditions sooner and improve long-term care.
The Distinguished Scientist Award is one of the highest honors presented by the American College of Cardiology, recognizing major contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in cardiovascular medicine.