Rigobert Lapu-Bula

Rigobert Lapu-Bula, M.D., Ph.D. serves as Associate Professor of Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine, where he directs the MDI Curriculum in Cardiovascular Physiology and Cardiovascular Hemodynamic and Ultrasound Core. His academic career bridges clinical cardiology, cardiovascular research, and health disparities elimination through the Community Physicians' Network.

• Medical Degree: University of Kinshasa
• Ph.D.: Catholic University of Louvain (Exercise Physiology and Heart Failure)

Dr. Lapu-Bula's research program focuses on cardiovascular phenotyping with special emphasis on blood pressure regulation, salt-sensitivity, and microgravity adaptation (NASA Space Medicine). His work uniquely examines ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease presentation and outcomes, particularly among African American populations. Key contributions include elucidating nitric oxide-mediated pathways in hypertension progression to heart failure and identifying risk factors for myocardial infarction in patients with normal coronary arteries.

His publication record demonstrates consistent output in high-impact journals including JAMA, Circulation, and American Journal of Cardiology, with recent work addressing vascular disease determinants in African American women. Research trends show evolution from basic mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction toward community-based interventions for healthcare disparities.

• 2011: Certificate of Appreciation for Mentoring in Vivien Thomas Summer Research Program
• 2009: Honorary Class Member Award for Morehouse School Medicine Master of Science in Clinical Research

As Director of the MDI Cardiovascular Curriculum, Dr. Lapu-Bula trains medical students in cardiovascular physiology and ultrasound techniques. His leadership in the Community Physicians' Network demonstrates commitment to translating research into practice through academic-community partnerships that improve hypertension management in underserved populations. The Cardiovascular Research Institute provides infrastructure for his work examining genetic, physiological, and social determinants of cardiovascular health disparities.