Agarwal has wide-ranging experience in health care leadership and the advancement of academic medicine. As the Senior Vice President for Medicine and Dean of the Heersink School of Medicine and the James C. Lee, Jr., Endowed Chair, he has a comprehensive understanding of the biomedical sciences and health care landscape throughout the southeastern United States. His leadership focuses on strengthening the medical and scientific workforce in the Deep South, with particular attention to addressing health care gaps in rural regions, including areas lacking maternal, primary care, and pediatric specialties. To that end, he is passionate about expanding the next generation of health care providers and scientists and is an expert in the mentorship of medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows.

With extensive expertise in kidney disease, Agarwal's research focus includes Acute Kidney Injury and comorbidities such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes—which often worsen kidney health. He is dedicated to preventive kidney care, emphasizing the importance of a well-balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure, reducing stress, regular exercise, and proper blood glucose control to protect kidney function. His work is critical in advancing both the treatment and prevention of kidney diseases.