Dr. Sheba Meymandi is a cardiologist who has dedicated her career to advocate for global health equity. As the Founder and Director of the Center of Excellence for Chagas Disease at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, she stands at the forefront of pioneering cardiac care for underserved communities, establishing the first U.S. clinic for Chagas disease in 2007.

Her journey, shaped by resilience as the daughter of a single immigrant mother, exposed her to the disproportionate hardships faced by women, fueling an unwavering commitment to gender equity. Dr. Meymandi’s influential research delves into prevalence rates, conduction abnormalities, and congenital transmission among migrant populations, both in the USA and internationally. Her advocacy for early diagnosis and treatment has helped reshape the narrative surrounding Chagas disease, supported by successful grassroots outreach programs she has conducted over the years.

Beyond clinical care, Dr. Meymandi has supported training initiatives for healthcare workers in Latin America and Africa through grassroots organizations. Her dedication to empowering communities and correcting inequalities is expressed through her support for women health entrepreneurs developing innovative models for healthcare delivery. She is one of the co-founders of the Chagas Coalition and actively engages with patient groups, amplifying the voices of those affected.

In her role as Chair for Chagas at the Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO) and other scientific committees, Dr. Meymandi has championed the inclusion of women in research and leadership positions, challenging prevailing power imbalances in global health.