Our Founder

Name: Dr. Bernard Muriuki Gitura

Position Main cardiologist and founder of Upperhill Cardiovascular Centre

Branch Upperhill

Email address upperhillcardiovascular@gmail.com

Founder and Chief Cardiologist, Dr. Gitura, is highly esteemed by colleagues and peers for his expertise in cardiology, particularly in the fields of rheumatic heart disease and clinical epidemiology. With over twenty years of experience in medical practice, he has made significant contributions to cardiovascular research and education in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa. His leadership at Upperhill Cardiovascular Center reflects his commitment to advancing patient care and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.

Overview

Founder and Chief Cardiologist, Dr. Gitura is a distinguished leader in the field of cardiology, renowned for his contributions to cardiovascular medicine both in Kenya and across Sub-Saharan Africa. With extensive clinical experience and a commitment to research, he has made significant strides in understanding and addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly rheumatic heart disease.

Dr. Gitura’s medical career began with a strong foundation in internal medicine, culminating in his current role as a Senior Medical Specialist in Cardiology at Kenyatta National Hospital, where he has served since 2012. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, he is an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Nairobi’s Department of Medicine, contributing to the education of future medical professionals.

As the immediate past President of the Kenya Cardiac Society, Dr. Gitura has played a pivotal role in advocating for cardiovascular health in Kenya, promoting research and education initiatives to combat heart disease. His over ten years of experience in evaluating risk factors for NCDs has positioned him as a key figure in the region’s healthcare landscape.

Dr. Gitura has been instrumental in leading large-scale, multi-site studies on cardiovascular disease (CVD) across Sub-Saharan Africa. He serves as a principal investigator for the international multicenter clinical trial on rheumatic heart disease (INVICTUS) and is a co-principal investigator for the RHDGen Network, which focuses on the genetics of rheumatic heart disease and the molecular epidemiology of Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis. His collaborative work with the H3Africa consortium has enhanced the understanding of these critical health issues.

A dedicated mentor, Dr. Gitura has worked with Fogarty International Clinical Research Fellows, guiding them in various clinical areas within cardiovascular medicine. His commitment to fostering new talent and promoting collaborative research underscores his belief in the importance of mentorship in advancing the field.