Prof Rakesh Uppal is a distinguished consultant cardiac and aortic surgeon at Barts Heart Centre and a professor of cardiovascular surgery at Barts and the London School of Medicine. He has been serving in this role since his appointment in 1997. Prof Uppal runs a busy tertiary cardiac surgical service with particular expertise in valve repair and is an integral part of the aortic dissection team.

Prof Uppal has previously held the position of Clinical and Group Director for Cardiac, Renal, and Vascular Services at Barts Health. He is also the lead for the surgical research programme at the Heart Centre. His research interests are diverse, including renal failure following surgery, stem cell treatments for heart failure, and the genetics of cardiac disease. He spent two years at Duke University in North Carolina, focusing on right ventricular function.

In his role as Director of Life Sciences for the university and trust, Prof Uppal is instrumental in establishing a large life sciences cluster in London. This initiative aims to bring together academia, clinicians, and industry to improve health outcomes and develop new therapies.

Prof Uppal has authored over 150 publications and is highly skilled in various surgical procedures. These include mitral and tricuspid valve repair, surgery of the aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and heart valve replacements. He also performs atrial septal defect (ASD) repairs and other complex cardiac surgeries.

Prof Uppal's commitment to advancing cardiovascular surgery and improving patient outcomes is evident in his extensive clinical and research work. His contributions to the field make him a highly respected figure in the medical community.