Salma Imran Patel, MD, MPH, FACP, FAASM

Dr. Patel joined the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson faculty in 2018. She is a nationally recognized educator, clinician, researcher and mentor who works with learners across the continuum — from undergraduates and graduate students to medical students, residents, fellows and faculty.

Her scholarship bridges sleep medicine with cardiology and vascular science and extends to population-level sleep health, examining the effects of sleep and circadian disruption on cardiometabolic risk and health outcomes. Supported by federal and foundation funding, she translates evidence into practice through guideline development, workforce training and community-engaged education, with a strong record of national presentations and publications.

Dr. Patel is committed to fostering innovative, evidence-informed education — both clinical and non-clinical — that prepares learners with the knowledge, skills and values to excel in their professions. The recipient of numerous awards and honors for teaching and service, she is recognized for her excellence and her lasting impact on students and colleagues. As associate dean of curricular affairs, she provides strategic leadership for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of curricula across academic programs, ensuring alignment with program goals and accreditation standards, strengthening assessment strategies and upholding the highest standards in education across disciplines. Dr. Patel also holds additional leadership positions within the university and Banner Health.