All About Doreen Nakagaayi: Advancing Cardiovascular Care and Research in Uganda
As a clinician, researcher, and educator, Dr. Doreen Nakagaayi is helping shape the future of cardiovascular health in Uganda. Doreen is an Associate Consultant in Adult Cardiology at the Uganda Heart Institute and PhD candidate under the NIH Fogarty D43 IMPACT Program. She bridges patient care, training, and implementation research to strengthen access to quality heart care across Uganda.
A Journey of Dedication and Growth
Doreen’s medical journey began at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology, where she earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). She went on to specialize in Internal Medicine at Makerere University, followed by super-specialization in Adult Cardiology at the Uganda Heart Institute.
Her pursuit of excellence continued through the American Heart Association’s Strategically Focused Research Network (AHA-SFRN) Fellowship, where she earned a Diploma in Clinical and Translational Research Methods from the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. During her time there, she also completed clinical observation in Adult Congenital Heart Disease, further broadening her expertise in advanced cardiovascular care.
Research that Drives Change
Currently pursuing her PhD at Makerere University under the IMPACT Program, Doreen’s doctoral research focuses on the early identification of patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and those at high risk for poor outcomes. By developing practical strategies for early detection and better management, her work aims to generate evidence that can inform policy and improve care delivery across Uganda’s health system.
Her research interests are rooted in improving access to quality cardiovascular care in resource-limited settings. Through her work with the Rheumatic Heart Disease Research Collaborative in Uganda (RRCU), Doreen has contributed to pioneering initiatives that decentralize cardiac services and integrate echocardiographic screening into primary healthcare. She is also exploring task-shifting models, allowing trained health workers in rural areas to identify heart disease earlier and refer patients for timely care.
As a co-investigator for the ADUNU Project (Accelerating Delivery of Rheumatic Heart Disease Preventive Care in Uganda), Doreen is helping pilot new approaches for preventive care in Northern Uganda. The project is building a scalable model that strengthens collaboration among healthcare providers, communities, and policymakers—ensuring that effective RHD prevention becomes part of routine care across the country.
Clinical Excellence and Mentorship
At the Uganda Heart Institute, Doreen provides comprehensive cardiovascular care to a wide range of patients, combining clinical expertise with compassion and innovation. She also serves on the training committee for the cardiology fellowship program, where she mentors postgraduate and undergraduate students, fellows, and nurses.
Beyond her work at the institute, Doreen supports satellite RHD clinics in Kitgum, Oyam, Gulu, and Lira districts that often lack direct access to cardiac specialists. Through these engagements, she strengthens early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for heart patients while helping to build local healthcare capacity.
She also participates in community outreach activities organized by the Uganda Heart Institute, which extend specialized care to remote areas and foster collaboration with district hospitals.
A Vision for Stronger Health Systems
Doreen’s work exemplifies the power of combining science, clinical practice, and mentorship to drive sustainable progress in heart health. Through her research and leadership, she strives to bridge the gap between evidence and action—ensuring that every patient, regardless of location, has access to quality cardiovascular care.
Her vision is to contribute to a stronger, more equitable health system—one that empowers healthcare providers, informs national policy, and ultimately improves lives.
Notable Publications
“A decentralized delivery program for rheumatic heart disease treatment and prevention in Uganda” https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02646-4
“Integrating secondary prevention of rheumatic heart disease into the primary healthcare system in Northern Uganda” https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2024-018835
“The Use of Artificial Intelligence Guidance for Rheumatic Heart Disease Screening by Novices” https://doi.org/10.1016/j.echo.2023.03.001
“Development and User Testing of a Dynamic Tool for Rheumatic Heart Disease Management” https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1774812