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International Heart Education Consortium

UT Southwestern partners with the University of Zambia School of Medicine (UNZA) and other institutions in the region to strengthen education, training, and research in cardiovascular disease. This collaborative initiative is designed to equip cardiologists-in-training and non-cardiologist with the knowledge and confidence they need to manage the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases in the region.

Together with our colleagues at UNZA, we have developed a dynamic, virtual training program that includes regular lectures, electrocardiogram seminars, and a comprehensive library of recorded sessions and education materials. UT Southwestern's Adult and Pediatric Cardiology Faculty and Fellows voluntarily support and mentor trainees at UNZA, helping shape the next generation of cardiovascular physicians in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

Dr. Strasserking rounding on the wards with UNZA Internal Medicine Residents at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia

Children’s Health team visiting the National Heart Hospital, strengthening the UTSW and University of Zambia’s educational partnership

 
 

Leadership

Headshot of Dr. Lorrita Kabwe-Douglas

Dr. Lorrita Kabwe is Zambia’s first Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and currently serves as Chief of Adult Cardiology at the National Heart Hospital. She specializes in advanced cardiac procedures such as coronary angiograms, stenting, pacemaker implantation, and minimally invasive valve surgeries. With multiple degrees and fellowships from institutions in Zambia, South Africa, and the UK, she is widely recognized for her academic and professional excellence. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Kabwe is a dedicated educator, examiner, researcher, and recently appointed course coordinator for Zambia’s new Master of Specialized Medicine in Adult Cardiology

Dr. Lorrita KabweChief of Adult Cardiology, National Heart Hospital
Headshot of Dr. Agnes Mtaja

Dr. Agnes Mtaja is a Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Cardiologist with over 15 years of experience. She is the Medical Director at Zambia’s first cardiac institute and played a key role in founding the National Heart Hospital and Paediatric Cardiology Training Program. Dr. Mtaja has led national efforts on rheumatic heart disease and paediatric echocardiography training.

She is also an honorary lecturer at two major Zambian universities and has extensive outreach experience. Her research focuses on congenital and rheumatic heart disease. Dr. Mtaja chairs the Paediatric NCD Technical Working Group and is known for her leadership, communication skills, and ability to coordinate teams nationally and internationally.

Dr. Agnes MtajaPaediatric Cardiologist
 
 

Schedules

2026-27 Adult Cardiology Lecture Series

Important Notice

These lectures are provided for educational purposes only. Content may describe clinical practices, medications, devices, or procedures that differ by country, jurisdiction, institution, or regulatory authority.

The presenter’s views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Any mention of commercial products, manufacturers, or therapies is made solely in an educational context and should not be interpreted as an endorsement by UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Discussion of off-label, investigational, or emerging applications may occur. Such information is not intended to guide patient care and should not replace independent clinical judgment, applicable laws and regulations, or consultation of current evidence and prescribing information.

Past Lecture Series

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