Research vision
To strengthen cardiovascular research and clinical excellence across East Africa through rigorous science, training, and equitable care.
Profile & autobiography
Professor Pilly Chillo
Professor Pilly Chillo is a Professor of Medicine and Cardiology at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), and a practising Cardiologist at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Tanzania. Her work integrates clinical care, research, teaching and mentorship, with a strong commitment to improving cardiovascular health in Tanzania and across East Africa. She leads and contributes to national and international research collaborations addressing major cardiovascular challenges, including rheumatic heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, dilated cardiomyopathy, and cardiovascular disease in pregnancy. She is also passionate about building the capacity of healthcare professionals and future researchers, translating knowledge and research into locally-relevant practical solutions that improve cardiovascular care and patient outcomes.
Mission
Advance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease while mentoring the next generation of clinician-scientists.
Academic philosophy
Patient-centred cardiology grounded in evidence, context-appropriate innovation, and collaborative capacity building.
Career journey
Education and Career Training
Post-doctoral Fellow, HIV Implementation Science (HIS) Project
2023–present
Harvard University and MUHAS · United States / Tanzania
Collaborative HIS project between Harvard and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.
Bernard Lown Scholar in Cardiovascular Health Program
2019–2019
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health · Boston, USA
Clinical Cardiology Fellowship
2005–2006
Haukeland University Hospital · Bergen, Norway
Clinical Cardiology Fellowship
2007–2008
CARE Institute · Hyderabad, India
PhD
2007–2012
University of Bergen · Norway
Thesis title: “Left ventricular geometry and function in Tanzanian patients with hypertension and Diabetes”.
Clinical management of Diabetes
2003–2003
University of Newcastle upon Tyne · United Kingdom
Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine)
1999–2002
Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Internship
1996–1998
Muhimbili Referral and Teaching Hospital · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
1991–1996
Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Career journey
Employment
Professor & Cardiologist
2014–present
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine.
Cardiologist
2015–present
Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Career journey
Leadership
Research Focal Person for East African Centre of Excellence for Cardiovascular Sciences Phase II
2025–present
East African Centre of Excellence for Cardiovascular Sciences · Tanzania
Convener, Clinical Committee for Establishment of MUHAS Academic Medical Center
2016–present
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Department of Internal Medicine’s Master of Science in Cardiology Coordinator
2016–2025
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Member, Steering Committee for Establishment of East, Central and Southern College of Physicians (ECSACoP)
2015–present
East, Central and Southern College of Physicians · East, Central and Southern Africa
Director, Planning and Investment, Mloganzila Campus
2015–2018
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Academic Programs Officer for Mloganzila Cardiovascular Centre of Excellence Project Coordinating Unit
2014–present
Mloganzila Cardiovascular Centre of Excellence · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Head, Department of Internal Medicine, MUHAS
2014–2016
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Secretary to the Steering Committee for development of Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit at MUHAS
2013–present
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences · Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Networks
Professional memberships
Identity