Mehul D. Patel, MD, FAAP

Biography

Mehul D. Patel, MD, FAAP, is an associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and a pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. He is a nationally recognized expert in advanced cardiac imaging, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, cardiac computed tomography (CT), and the care of children with complex congenital heart disease, with particular expertise in single ventricle physiology and hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Dr. Patel earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in Literature, from The University of Texas at Dallas before receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed his pediatric residency at UT Southwestern/Children’s Medical Center Dallas, followed by fellowship training in pediatric cardiology and an advanced non-invasive cardiac imaging fellowship at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

Prior to joining McGovern Medical School in 2019, Dr. Patel served on the faculty at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he directed the Interstage Home Monitoring Program and High-Risk Infant Clinic. At UTHealth Houston, he serves as site lead physician for the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative, director of the Single Ventricle Home Monitoring Program, lead physician for Congenital Cardiac Cross-Sectional Imaging Quality Assurance and Improvement, and associate director of the Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratory.

Dr. Patel’s clinical practice focuses on congenital heart disease, multimodality cardiovascular imaging, cardiac MRI, cardiac CT, fetal and pediatric echocardiography, and the longitudinal care of children with complex heart defects. His work has helped advance imaging-based diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcomes for patients with congenital and acquired heart disease.

An award-winning educator and mentor, Dr. Patel is deeply committed to training future pediatric cardiologists. He provides extensive teaching and mentorship to medical students, residents, fellows, and advanced imaging trainees and has been recognized with the McGovern Medical School Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award in both 2021 and 2024.

Dr. Patel has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and national presentations focused on congenital heart disease, single ventricle outcomes, pediatric cardiac MRI and CT, myocarditis, and cardiovascular imaging innovation. His research and leadership continue to shape best practices in pediatric cardiovascular care and quality improvement initiatives nationwide.

Through his dedication to clinical excellence, education, and collaborative research, Dr. Patel remains committed to improving outcomes for children with congenital heart disease while advancing the field of pediatric cardiovascular imaging and innovation.