Akshay S Desai, MD, MPH

Akshay S Desai, MD, MPH

Not currently accepting new patients

4.930256 average rating from 195 patient reviews

Specialties

Affiliation

Mass General Brigham

Provider Locations

  • South Weymouth, MA
  • Boston, MA

Dr. Akshay Suvas Desai is a cardiovascular medicine specialist and the director of the Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH). In addition, he is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School (HMS).

Dr. Desai received his medical degree from HMS. He completed an internal medicine residency, as well as fellowships in cardiovascular medicine, vascular medicine and advanced heart disease at BWH. He is board certified in and cardiovascular disease, as well as advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology.

His clinical interests include advanced heart failure, cardiomyopathies (myocarditis, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis), congenital heart disease and cardiac transplantation. The author of over 80 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Desai’s research focuses on improving care and outcomes for heart failure patients, as well as strategies to reduce heart failure readmissions. His research has received support from the American College of Cardiology and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Education & Training

  • Fellowship: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cardiovascular Disease, 2005
  • Residency: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Internal Medicine, 2001
  • Medical Education: Harvard Medical School, 1998

Board Certifications

  • Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Disease, American Board of Internal Medicine

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish
  • English

Age Group Treated

  • Adults

Patient Feedback

4.930256 average rating from 195 reviews

  • I feel very, very fortunate that Dr. Desai is my cardiologist. I am so comforted by his expertise, his thoroughness, his compassionate and respectful care. [redacted] Though there is always a bit of a wait beyond my appt time, I am happy to accommodate given that Dr. Desai never rushed, always listens to my concerns, and always seems to know my history in a way that he can make adjustments to my care that improve my health. I am so very grateful. [redacted]

    2026-08-05

  • Feel extremely confident in the care I have received and his expertise in his field

    2026-08-05

  • I appreciate that Dr. Desai spends a generous amount of time on our visits and does not make it feel rushed even though it is evident he has a demanding schedule (e.g., he was running an hour late the day of my visit--which I was informed of in reception). He answers my questions thoughtfully and respectfully and considers my preferences in his recommendations. I am grateful to have him as my HCM specialist.

    2026-07-31

  • Dr. Desai is the best provider a patient could ask for. He knows everything about my illness and treatment, but we always talk about family as well. He takes his time, never rushes, when he is in the room he is only there for you. He makes new studies and treatments plans easy to understand.

    2026-07-29

  • I feel very fortunate to have Dr. Desai as my cardiologist.

    2026-07-30

  • ALWAYS COURTEOUS AND EFFICIENT. ALWAYS FEEL THE DOCTORS ARE VERY THOROUGH ON PERSONILIZED CARE

    2026-07-26

  • Very kind considerate listen to questions and answered accordingly.

    2026-07-25

  • Dr Desai is awesome he's so busy but still spends the time needed and aware of all your medical history, he's great!

    2026-07-24

  • This doctor is great. He listens to everything it's good to get.I have to say in comments when necessary ,

    2026-07-17

  • An outstanding physician!

    2026-07-08

  • Dr. Desai is thorough a knowledgeable about my history and care. He provided an overall picture of my health and options going forward. He is very kind and respectful.

    2026-07-06

  • He is very knowledgeable in his field and treats his patients well.

    2026-06-13

  • Dr Desai was terrific! He listened carefully and his treatment plan was also terrific.

    2026-06-10

  • I am so appreciative of the care I receive from Dr. [redacted] and Dr. Desai. They always take a good amount of time with me as well as with my wife to answer numerous questions and explain whatever is happening. While we live from from Boston, I could not consider seeing any other cardiologists.

    2026-06-11

  • Dr. Desai and his entire team are incredible. He's a true leader. He's a professional. He's intelligent. I can't say enough about how wonderful Dr. Desai is and how he's put together such a wonderful team. Thank you, Dr. Desai. [redacted]

    2026-05-29

  • Dr. Desai was very prepared for the visit & spent plenty of time explaining test & medications moving forward.

    2026-05-28

  • It was a pleasure speaking with Dr. Desai. Thorough and thoughtful.

    2026-05-19

  • Dr. Desai is an outstanding physician. He is very caring. He is very smart. He is very compassionate. And I feel totally comfortable with my visits with him. And he is just a blessing for me to have as my cardiologist. Thank you.

    2026-05-21

  • Dr. Desai is an incredible doctor and emphathetic listener who takes time with me. He listens to my concerns and explains things clearly to me. I am grateful to have found such a doctor.

    2026-05-14

  • Dr. Desai is definitely the best physician at any Boston hospital and we count ourselves fortunate to benefit from his ongoing care !!

    2026-05-10

  • Dr. Desai was tremendously responsive. He was attentive and listened to my history and details about my condition, was very thoughtful in his responses and approach, and I look forward to working with him.

    2026-05-13

  • Everything about the provider was good. [redacted]

    2026-05-04

  • Extremely professional, good listener and provider

    2026-04-20

  • Very good patient listening and was very understanding of my complaint. Treated me with respect. Very nice.

    2026-04-20

  • He is always caring and professional

    2026-04-18

  • Good

    2026-04-15

  • Dr. Desai was great - knowledgeable, thoughtful, thorough, understanding. He gave me excellent insights and guidance and I feel good under his care.

    2026-04-13

  • Dr. Desai was the best. It was our first visit with him and he took the time to review my complicated medical history thoroughly. He answered all our questions and reviewed with us his recommendations. He explained everything so that we could understand why he was making medication changes.

    2026-04-01

  • I'm fortunate to have him as my cardiologist; excellent!

    2026-03-28

  • Love Dr Desai great person and always a gentlemen

    2026-03-26

  • Dr. Desai always explains everything so it's easy to understand. He answers all questions.

    2026-03-25

  • I found Dr Desai very knowledgeable, caring, and he provided very clear clear explanations on my condition.

    2026-03-23

  • In every interaction I've had with Dr. Desai, I've been thoroughly impressed with his knowledge and the interest he's shown in my health. He is a wonderful physician in whom I have profound confidence.

    2026-03-21

  • Dr Desai is a great doctor, very knowledgeable and very informed. He spends time going over the test that I had and listens to my questions carefully before answering my concerns. He is very nice. I'd like the fact that he takes an interest in my health and spends time explaining my options. He is smart and shares his knowledge. I feel very confident and comfortable knowing that Dr Desai is my doctor.

    2026-03-20

  • This practice is outstanding. Dr. Desai is an exceptional Cardiologist. I am happy I transferred my care to this site.

    2026-03-18

  • Dr DeSai is the best!

    2026-03-18

  • Dr. Desai has always been a professional and always been very good and very helpful.

    2026-03-16

  • good information

    2026-03-14

  • Dr. Desai is one smart & confident man. Very impressive stuff. We have been together for 17 years. Cheers

    2026-03-09

  • Dr Desai is an excellent doctor and communicator in person, [redacted]

    2026-02-19

  • All I can say is that Dr. Desai is the best.

    2026-02-27

  • Most excellent provider

    2026-02-09

  • My experience with the doctor was unbelievable. He's one of the best doctors in the country and I cannot ever say one thing about him because he was terrific in all phases of my coming to see him. Just, you can't even rate him. He's so good.

    2026-02-05

  • Dr. Desai has been my cardiologist for a number of years and I think he is the best

    2026-01-22

  • Very pleasant experience. It's time at the hospital. I felt very safe and well cared for

    2026-01-21

  • Dr Desai is great. He's thorough, professional and listens to the patient. 10 out of 10 !

    2026-01-21

  • He was thorough and informative and had answers to any questions I had and took the time to explain anything to me that I needed to be explained.

    2026-01-19

  • Overall a good experience

    2026-01-14

  • Perfect! Dr. Desai listened and carefully explored my symptoms. He reviewed and explained relevant prior test results and performed a careful examination. He then provided reasonable reassurances but also recommenced additional testing to help exclude the possibility of coronary artery narrowing which was on my mind. I feel especially fortunate to have Dr. Desai as my Cardiologist.

    2026-01-13

  • Excellent, intelligent, kind and thoughtful.

    2026-01-12

  • Excellent, smart, on top of things, spent a lot of time with me. [redacted]

    2026-01-12

  • Great

    2025-12-23

  • He is awesome.

    2025-12-19

  • HE'S THE BEST!!!

    2025-12-16

  • Very caring and professional.

    2025-11-28

  • very attentive to my needs

    2025-11-26

  • Dr. Desai spent plenty of time with me, & we reviewed all the meds & medical issues.

    2025-12-03

  • Dr Desai is kind, knowledgeable and explains well

    2025-11-24

  • Dr Desai is outstanding. He listens to me and incorporates my history and data into his treatment algorithm. I am extraordinarily happy with Dr Desai and his whole team.

    2025-11-19

  • Always very thorough & courteous

    2025-11-19

  • Dr Desai is just the best! He is extremely knowledgeable and shares this with me.He knows my history and provides with the up to date advice and treatment.Even though I am elderly he hasn't given up on me or my condition.I feel very fortunate that to have him as my cardiologist.

    2025-11-14

  • Dealing with health issues is never pleasant, but my care provider makes me feel comfortable and reassured.

    2025-11-12

  • Exceptionally knowledgeable and kind

    2025-11-12

  • Professional and thorough

    2025-11-10

  • I really felt heard. He had reviewed my records and really took his time to explain things to me.

    2025-11-08

  • He is an excellent cardiologist. Knows me and my history. Explains all tests and results as they apply to me. I am more than satisfied with him.

    2025-11-06

  • He listens to my questions and we have excellent conversations about the next steps.

    2025-11-07

  • Excellent visit with great dialogue regarding all aspects of my concerns

    2025-11-05

  • Dr Desai was patient and understanding about my concerns and explained them

    2025-10-29

  • Dr. Desai has been my cardiologist for over 20 years. I have the utmost faith and trust in him. He has always provided me with sound advice and reliable care. I trust him implicitly.

    2025-10-29

  • Dr Desai's been my cardiologist about 20 years, though it seems like yesterday we first met. We have a very open, honest, trusting, respectful, professional patient/doctor relationship, yet more like a pair of good friends. He's the best of the best! I trust him totally, and even my adult kids are grateful for his expertise & gentle caring for their old mom. There's none better!

    2025-10-24

  • Dr. Desai is an exceptional doctor. Charming, compassionate, and caring. The visit exceeded all my expectations.

    2025-10-23

  • Dr. Desai is extremely thorough and kind.

    2025-10-22

  • I felt the provider was very courteous and thoughtful in any concerns or questions me and my wife had.

    2025-10-13

  • Dr. Desai is the best in his field.

    2025-10-11

  • Dr. Desai is the best provider you can wish for. Extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of his field, yet approachable and very easy to talk to. I feel I am in excellent hands.

    2025-10-08

  • Great

    2025-09-30

  • I could not ask for a better doctor.

    2025-09-25

  • Dr Desai has alway been wonderful for me over the years. He takes time with me and explains everything so well. He never rushes the appointment. And he always gives me time to ask any question I have. I am so glad I have Dr. Desai as my cardiologist. [redacted]

    2025-09-24

  • EXTREMELY knowledgeable; very comprehensive in his evaluation of the patient; asked a lot of relevant questions; made me feel welcome and acknowledged as a new patient. evaluated options for treatment and testing. g.buckley

    2025-09-24

  • Excellent

    2025-09-22

  • I'm extremely satisfied with Dr. DeSai ... my trust in him is implicit. In my humble opinion, Dr. DeSai is everything one could ask for in their cardiologist!

    2025-09-19

  • Dr. Desai listens, ask questions, and provides answers to all your questions in a way that you understand. Great Doctor!

    2025-09-24

  • He is very knowledgeable but is always running late.

    2025-09-14

  • He's very knowledgeable, understands and focuses on my health issues, listens to my concerns, and very kind.

    2025-09-14

  • The first stop ECO was on time and well done. The second appointment was late but the doctor apologized that he was tied up and was great to talk to as always.

    2025-09-11

  • very informative

    2025-09-10

Accepted Insurance

  • Tufts Medicare Preferred
  • Medicaid VT
  • Wellpoint
  • Cigna
  • Medicaid CT
  • Medicare
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Tufts Health Plan
  • Medicaid NH
  • Mass General Brigham Health Plan
  • MassHealth
  • United Health Care
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Humana
  • Aetna
  • Medicaid ME
  • Senior Whole Health
  • TriCare
  • WellSense
  • Beech Street
  • Railroad Medicare
  • Commonwealth Care Alliance
  • Medicare ACO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare
  • Fallon Health
  • Medicaid RI
  • Coventry
  • Multiplan