Abinash Achrekar MD, MPH

Dr. Abinash Achrekar, or Dr. Ash, is always look­ing for ways to make the greatest impact in his adopted home of New Mexico. First as a physician, then as President of the American Heart Association, and now as the state’s new Deputy Secre­tary of Health. Governor Lujan-Grisham appointed Dr. Ash as Deputy Secretary of Health because of his commitment to improving the lives of New Mexicans through data-driven public policy. He is an associate professor of cardiology at the University of New Mexico and the immediate past president of the American Heart Association of New Mexico. Dr. Ash obtained his BA from the University of California at Berkeley, Master of Public Health (MPH) from Yale University, and his MD from Michigan State University.

Dr. Ash chose a career in cardiology because cardiovascular dis­ease is America’s number one killer. Exciting advances in cardiolo­gy and opportunities at UNM drew Dr. Ash to pursue his training in Albuquerque. He always wanted to have the greatest impact on his community. While American Heart Association president in New Mexico, he advocated for CPR as a high school graduation requirement. Now, he spends nearly all his professional time in Santa Fe helping lead the Department of Health.