Rajiv Mahajan

Associate Professor Rajiv Mahajan

Associate Professor

Adelaide Medical School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

A/Prof Mahajan is a clinical academic appointed as Associate Professor in the Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide and Clinical Lead for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing at the Lyell McEwin Hospital, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, South Australia.

A/Prof Mahajan graduated from the University of Delhi in December 1997. He undertook Physician training from the Delhi University and Cardiology training from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India. He worked in an academic position as Assistant Professor in Cardiology at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Research and Education prior to undertaking Electrophysiology and Pacing Fellowship at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. During this time, he also completed his PhD at The University of Adelaide resulting in ground-breaking work that was instrumental in understanding the mechanistic link between obesity, epicardial fat and atrial fibrillation (AF). During the early career period, he was supported by fellowship co-funded by the NHMRC and NHF (2016-2020) and subsequently by The Hospital Research Foundation (2020-2022).

In 2017, A/Prof Mahajan was appointed to the position of a Clinical Academic in the Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide and Lyell McEwin Hospital. During this time, A/Prof Mahajan has established a clinical electrophysiology fellowship based at Lyell McEwin Hospital and developed and leads an electrophysiology research program based around these clinical services. Thus far, he has amassed a dedicated research team that currently consists of an academic staff, two research staff and HDR students.

A/Prof Mahajan is an invited reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals and currently serving on the editorial board of Journal of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Heart Rhythm Case Reports (Heart Rhythm Society, USA). He was an invited speaker at several international and national conferences including invites to world renowned societies (HRS, ESC, Asia Pacific HRS, CSANZ). He has co-authored the guidelines on behalf of the Heart Rhythm Council of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ and the European Cardiac Society (ESC). He has published chapters in important cardiac electrophysiology textbooks including Cardiac Electrophysiology: From Cell to Bedside, Zipes DP (Ed) (2017). A/Prof Mahajan has over 135 publications in peer review top cardiology journals.

He has a particular interest in precision health and risk factors for atrial fibrillation and interventions aimed at improving outcomes of patients with this common heart rhythm disorder. In addition, he is interested in investigating the potential ways that can reduce the burden of AF related stroke in the general population.

Obesity and AF: His initial research has focussed on the risk factors for atrial fibrillation (in particular obesity). He has undertaken key translational and clinical studies that have produced new information on the mechanism by which obesity predisposes to AF and how its management results in improvement in clinical outcomes. These have been incorporated in national and international AF guidelines. He is now investigation a precision health platform in AF.

Subclinical AF and cognitive impairment: Dr Mahajan's recent focus has been on the impact of subclinical AF on stroke and have published a well cited meta-analysis on the association. He is investigating the association of AF and dementia and evaluating the role in AF screening and whether treatment of subclinical AF may have an impact on dementia in the community.

 

Research Projects Available

Project 1 - COGSaFe

Project description - AF is a heart rhythm disorder which is associated with a 40% increased risk of dementia. AF can be asymptomatic and intermittent in the early course of the disease and thereby remains undetected and untreated during this phase. AF leads to formation of blood clots in the heart. The chances of the formation of blood clots in the heart is dependent on the comorbid conditions and age. These clots break away and migrate to the brain leading to both silent and symptomatic brain infarction. These silent infarctions culminate into cognitive impairment. We are currently investigating the relationship between AF and Cognitive impairment in subclinical AF.
Location: University Precinct, Lyell McEwin Hospital and University of Adelaide
 

Project 2 - Precision AF

Project description - In this MRFF funded project, we develop a scalable precision health platform as an alternative to conventional management of patients with AF. 
Location: University Precinct, Lyell McEwin Hospital and University of Adelaide
 

Project 3- RECORD AF Cohort Study 

Project description - In this database, we collect longitudinal data on patients with AF with aim to assess health literacy, shared decision making and medical data with the aim to answer several un-answered questions in real world scenario. 

Location: University Precinct, Lyell McEwin Hospital and University of Adelaide

  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2022 - ongoing Associate Professor University of Adelaide
    2017 - ongoing Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist Lyell McEwin Hospital
    2016 - 2020 NHMRC and NHF Health Professional Fellow University of Adelaide, Adelaide
    2015 - 2016 Leo J Mahar Lecturship University of Adelaide
    2006 - 2012 Assistant Professor Post Graduate Institute of Medical Research and Education

  • Awards and Achievements
    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2019 Award Young Author Award, JACC Journals The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2017 Award Northern Communities Health Foundation – Derek Frewin Early Career Researcher Award Florey Medical Research Foundation, The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2016 Fellowship Health Professional Research Fellowship- Clinical (Early Career Fellowship), National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2016-2020. NHMRC - -
    2016 Fellowship National Heart Foundation- Post Doctoral Fellowship. Heart Foundation - -
    2016 Research Award Tom Simpson Fund Equipment Grant Heart Foundation - -
    2015 Award Eric Prystowsky Clinical Research Award, Heart Rhythm Society, Boston (2015) Heart Rhythm Society United States -
    2015 Award Travelling Fellowship (University of Adelaide) to Heart Rhythm Society conference, Boston (2015). - - -
    2014 Recognition Dean's Commendation for Thesis Excellence, University of Adelaide 2014 The University of Adelaide - -
    2014 Achievement Doctoral Research medal, University of Adelaide 2014 The University of Adelaide - -
    2013 Award First prize, Best Oral Abstract, Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (2013) Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society - -
    2013 Award First prize, Ralph Reader Young Investigator Award, Cardiology Society of Australia and New Zealand, Brisbane (2013). CSANZ - -
    2013 Award Travelling Fellowship (CSANZ) to Cardiology Society of Australasia and New Zealand conference, Brisbane (2013). University of Adelaide - -
    2013 Award First prize, Young Investigator Award, Heart Rhythm Society (USA), Denver (2013) Heart Rhythm Society (USA) - -
    2012 Award First prize, Nimmo Prize (2012). Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Forum Royal Adelaide Hospital - -
    2011 Scholarship Australian Post Graduate Award, University of Adelaide (2011-2014) - - -
    2011 Scholarship International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, University of Adelaide (2011-2014) The University of Adelaide - -
    2011 Scholarship Leo J. Mahar Electrophysiology Scholarship, University of Adelaide (2011-2013) The University of Adelaide - -
    1995 Scholarship National Council of Educational Research and Training Scholarship, India (1991- 2005 - India -

  • Language Competencies
    Language Competency
    Dogri Can speak and understand spoken
    English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review
    Hindi Can read, write, speak and understand spoken
    Panjabi; Punjabi Can speak and understand spoken

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    2011 - 2014 University of Adelaide Australia PhD
    2003 - 2005 All India Institute of Medical Sciences India DM (Doctorate in Medicine) Cardiology
    1998 - 2001 University of Delhi India MD Medicine
    1992 - 1997 University of Delhi India MBBS

  • Postgraduate Training
    Date Title Institution Country
    2010 - 2014 Fellowship in Electrophysiology and Pacing Royal Adelaide Hospital Australia
    2006 - 2006 Post DM Senior Residency All India Institute of Medical Sciences India
    2003 - 2005 DM All India Institute of Medical Sciences India
    2001 - 2002 Senior Residency MAM College, University of Delhi India
    1998 - 2002 MD University of Delhi India

  • Certifications
    Date Title Institution name Country
    2017 FCSANZ Cardiology Society of Australia and New Zealand -
    2014 FHRS Heart Rhythm Society United States
    2014 FRACP Royal Australasian College of Physicians Australia

  • Research Interests
    Cardiology
Grants and Funding
2022-2024 Cardiovascular Health Mission, Medical Research Future Fund
2020-2022 Mid-Career Fellowship, The Hospital Research Foundation
2016-2020 Health Professional Research Fellowship- Clinical (Early Career Fellowship), National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
  National Heart Foundation- Post Doctoral Fellowship. NHF cofounded with the health Professional Research fellowship with NHMRC
2016 Tom Simpson Fund Equipment Grant
2015 Travelling Fellowship (University of Adelaide) to Heart Rhythm Society conference, Boston
2013 Travelling Fellowship (CSANZ) to Cardiology Society of Australasia and New Zealand conference, Brisbane
2011-2013 Leo J. Mahar Electrophysiology Scholarship, University of Adelaide
2011-2014 Australian Post Graduate Award, University of Adelaide
2011-2014 International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, University of Adelaide
1991- 2005 National Council of Educational Research and Training Scholarship, India

 

Lyell McEwin Hospital and University of Adelaide, 2017-current.

PhD students

1. Ms Anh H Nyugen (May 2023) - Precision Health and AF.

2. Dr Rakesh Agarwal (Feb 2022-current) - Cognitive function and AF.

3. Ms Tira Ratanakosit (submitted thesis) - Biophysics of Radiofrequency ablation.

 

Honours students

1. Ms Bhavya Garg (First class Honours) 2022. Patient Reported Outcomes on health literacy in patients with AF.

 

Electrophysiology and pacing fellows (Lyell McEwin Hospital).

Present

1. Dr Rakesh Agarwal

Past

1. Dr Chris Wong (co- shared with RAH)

 

MBBS Year 4-5 medical students for Arrhythmia rotation.

 

Royal Adelaide Hospital and University of Adelaide, 2013-2017.

 

PhD students

1. Anand Thiyagarajah (Co-supervised)- Posterior wall isolation in AF ablation. 

2. Dian A. Munawar (Co-supervised)- Pacing for the prevention of atrial fibrillation.

3. Thomas Agbaedeng (Co-supervised). Obesity and Sudden Cardiac Death. He presented for the Ralph Reader prize at the annual scientific sessions of the CSANZ 2017 and received 1st prize, Young Investigator Award at annual scientific meeting of European Heart Rhythm Association (2017).

4.  Christian Vincent Verdicchio (Co-supervised). Co-supervisor. Exercise and AF. Awarded University Medal for his PhD and finalist for the Young Investigator Award at the EuroPrevent (2019).

 

Electrophysiology and pacing fellows: clinical training, supervision in the electrophysiology laboratory and research mentoring of 5 fellows.

MBBS Year 4-5 medical students for Arrhythmia rotation.

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2023 Principal Supervisor Use of a Next Generation Precision Health Platform to support Atrial Fibrillation Management Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Anh Hong Nguyen
    2022 Principal Supervisor To determine asymptomatic cognitive decline in atrial fibrillation patients and to investigate their mechanistic links Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Rakesh Agarwal
    2016 Co-Supervisor Typical Atrial Flutter: Determinants of Progression to Atrial Fibrillation in Humans Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Anand Thiyagarajah

  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2017 - 2023 Co-Supervisor CHARACTERISATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RADIOFREQUENCY CATHETER ABLATION PARAMETERS AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION ABLATION LESION FORMATION Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Tira Rattanakosit
    2015 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Atrial Fibrillation and Sudden Cardiac Death in Obesity:An Investigation of the Arrhythmogenicity of Epicardial Fat Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Thomas Adam Agbaedeng
    2015 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Exercise in Atrial Fibrillation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Christian Vincent Verdicchio
    2015 - 2020 Co-Supervisor Clinical Outcomes Associated with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Andina Munawar

  • Committee Memberships
    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2021 - ongoing Chair State Electrophysiology Meetings SA - Australia
    2021 - 2021 Co-Chair Annual Electrophysiology and Pacing Meeting Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Australia
    2021 - ongoing Chair Cardiac Electronic Implantable Device Sub-Committee for Remote Monitoring of Cardiac Devices Commission on Excellence and Innovation in Health, South Australia Australia
    2015 - ongoing Member Clinical Events Committee for the CAAN-AF multicentric randomised clinical trial. - -

  • Editorial Boards
    Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
    2016 - ongoing Board Member Heart Rhythm Case Reports (Heart Rhythm Society, USA) Heart Rhythm Society United States

  • Offices Held
    Date Office Name Institution Country
    2022 - 2023 Advisory Board Member South Australian Indian Medical Association (SAIMA) Australia
    2020 - 2022 Treasurer South Australian Indian Medical Association (SAIMA) Australia
    2015 - 2019 Education Secretary South Australian Indian Medical Association (SAIMA) Australia

  • Review, Assessment, Editorial and Advice
    Date Title Type Institution Country
    2022 - 2022 Invited External Reviewer Grant Assessment Medical Research Council United Kingdom
    2020 - 2021 Manuscript Review Journal Review European Heart Journal -
    2019 - ongoing Ideas Grants Review Panel Member Grant Assessment National Health and Medical Research Council Australia
    2019 - 2019 Manuscript Review Journal Review Circulation -
    2018 - 2018 Project Grants External Reviewer Grant Assessment National Health and Medical Research Council Australia
    2017 - 2017 Vidi Grants Invited External Reviewer Grant Assessment Dutch Research Council Netherlands
    2017 - 2017 National Heart Research Grant Assessment National Heart Research -
  • Position: Associate Professor
  • Phone: 81829439
  • Email: rajiv.mahajan@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: Lyell McEwin Hospital
  • Building: Lyell McEwin Hospital
  • Org Unit: Medical Specialties
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