Blue Dean Leaving Duke Heart

We are sad to report that L. Blue Dean, executive director of development for the Department of Medicine and Duke Heart Center will be leaving Duke at the end of June. Blue is stepping away from medicine-oriented philanthropy to oversee Library Development for UNC-Chapel Hill. Blue joined the Duke Heart team in 2011 and has remained in this role for the last eight years while taking on additional responsibilities to oversee the development efforts for the Department of Medicine and, most recently, assisting with Duke University Health System campaigns which included Duke University Hospital, Duke Raleigh, and Duke Regional.

Blue led Duke Heart through the successful completion of the Duke Forward campaign, raising over $25M towards our $15M goal. In addition, Blue has built strong partnerships with our faculty and team that have resulted in meaningful and lasting gifts, including two endowed professorships within the last year, and $6.3M in new commitments this year.

Blue’s last day with us will be Friday, June 28. Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs will work to fill Blue’s vacancy in a timely manner. We are sure Blue will be successful in her new endeavor.  Please join us in wishing Blue and her family the very best. Blue, you will be missed!

Heart Center Leadership Council:
We had our Spring Heart Center Leadership Council meeting with a great visit of the new CVRC space.  The leadership group was given tours by our own Paul and Sudar.  Pictures can be seen.  We also had a great “Shark Tank” like competition with finalist for the Heart Center Leadership Awards presenting.  This was a fun afternoon that let our leadership and philanthropy partners in the heart center see how many great resident/fellows and faculty we have in the Heart Center that could use funding to bridge gaps towards meanginful discoveries.  Thanks to all who participated.

 JD Serfas Presents Grand Rounds

One of our great Fellows JD Serfas gave a great grand rounds this week on Congenital Heart Disease focused on how Fontan repaired patients fail and can have improved outcomes.  The talk was an example of taking deep clinical knowledge and moving to generate the best systems and evidence to care for this growing population of patients.  Great Job

APP Milestone Anniversaries

Congratulations and happy anniversary to the following Advance Practice Providers from Duke Heart who recently have been recognized for their years of service to Duke University Hospital. Great job and many thankJs for your hard work!

CTICU:

Sara Jordan  5 years

Lynn McGugan 20 years

Mary Roberts  5 years

Amy Shing   5 years

Cardiology:

Michelle Martwick  10 years

Paige Rossman 25 years

Diane Sauro  10 years

Ericka Schwengel  5 years

Nicole Smith  5 years

Erica Sparacino  5 years

CTSDU

Sara Alexander  5 years

Catherine McKnight  5 years

Holly Noel  20 years

Alicia Ploeger  5 years

Roman Ross  10 years