Home » Uncategorized » Duke Heart Pulse — April 6, 2025

Duke Heart Pulse — April 6, 2025

By Tracey Koepke in Uncategorized on April 6, 2025.

Chief’s message:

Hopefully all in our community got to spend sometime this weekend with family and friends. Unfortunately, the men’s basketball team came up just one game short of the the national championship with a loss to Houston on Saturday night. We are all proud of the effort and season that the team had.

In more somber news, in the last few weeks we have mourned the sudden loss of Cheryl Woodard, our program coordinator for the CVRC. She was a member of Duke Cardiology since 1987. Please take a moment and read her in-memoriam below that captures some of the light she was to our community and Duke Cardiology. She was a wonderful and generous person that will be missed by many in our Division. She embodied much of the way we look to serve in the Division of Cardiology. We are reminded that life is precious, hug the ones you love.

Updates of the week:

In Memoriam: Cheryl Woodard, Program Coordinator, CVRC

We have been deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague, Cheryl Woodard, program coordinator for the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, on Monday, March 24. Cheryl had been a member of the Duke Cardiology family since 1987. Visitation with the family was held on March 28 at Faith Gospel Tabernacle United Holy Church in Durham, and a celebration of her life was held March 29 at Mt. Calvary United Church of Christ, also in Durham.

Cheryl Denise McAllister Woodard of Durham, North Carolina, was born on December 26, 1965, and transitioned into her eternal rest on March 24, 2025. Cheryl was born to the late Jesse Levirtus McAllister and Ella Louise McKinnon. She was the eldest of three children and is survived by her brother, Jesse Lee McAllister, Jr., and devoted sister Mieke McAllister. She attended Durham public schools and graduated from Hillside High School, where she was crowned “Miss Hillside 1982 -1983”. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Information Science/Health Information from North Carolina Central University. Cheryl loved her work at Duke University and was a cherished and well-respected employee among her colleagues for 37 years.

As Cheryl grew in love and family, so did her musical talent. From a tender age, Cheryl’s affinity for music was palpable, steered by the nurturing guidance of her grandfather, the late Reverend James “Scales” McKinnon, Cheryl’s musical education began. She learned to play the piano at the age of six. It was under his tutelage and that of Mrs. Hallie Lawson Reeves that Cheryl’s musical journey took flight. However, it was her grandfather who instilled in her the ability to play by ear. From playing for the Junior Choir at Faith Gospel Tabernacle United Holy Church at the age of 12, to playing the organ under Rev. Gene Conyers’ mentorship, Cheryl’s talent naturally blossomed. She was mentored by the first female Minister of Music in the United Holy Church of America, Inc., Mother Rosie Johnson. This miraculous alignment, paired with the discovery that Cheryl could play music by ear, wasn’t a mere skill or coincidence, but a phenomenal God given gift. It was also this art that profoundly and distinctly shaped her impressive musical identity. Cheryl’s music was a remarkable “calling” and a ministry that has touched and continues to touch the hearts of countless souls.

Cheryl’s commitment to music extended to her community, and she served as a music teacher for the Harriet Tubman Summer Day Camp, directed the Northern High School Gospel Choir, and assisted the Fayetteville State University Alumni Choir. Her appointment as the Minister of Music for the Central Sub-District Choir solidified her reputation as a respected artist and leader. Cheryl was also installed as the national and international Minister of Music for the General Church of the United Holy Church of America, Inc., which serves countries in South Africa, St Lucia, Bermuda, Haiti, and Barbados. This assignment was yet another prestigious accomplishment to add to Cheryl’s incredible portfolio. Cheryl’s proudest moment was her lifetime commitment as Minister of Music to Faith Gospel Tabernacle United Holy Church in Durham, NC.

Above all, Cheryl was an affectionate and devoted mother to Latesha Ceres, Tiphani Gilbert (Octavius Gilbert), and Zechariah Woodard. Their births changed her life for the better, and they felt that in the endearing love and support she provided. Cheryl took special joy in welcoming her two beautiful granddaughters, Paisley Ella Gilbert and Parker Elaine Gilbert, and was known to them as “GiGi”. They were her pride and joy. Cheryl also leaves to cherish her memory her nephew Matthew McAllister, niece Sarah McAllister, and Meghan Hayes. She also leaves her cherished aunts, Edna Lennon and Dr. Gloria Aghogah.

Cheryl Denise McAllister Woodard’s life journey has been remarkable — rich in love, music, and notable accomplishments. It has been a testament to the transformative power of Jesus Christ, and the impact he has on your life when you are dedicated to serving His Kingdom.

Her online obituary can be found here. Cheryl touched innumerable lives in her time at Duke. In 2017, the Department of Medicine highlighted Cheryl’s career. Please find the link to this story here.

We received many messages regarding Cheryl and wanted to share a few with our Pulse readers:

“She was such a wonderful person, always generous and helpful.” — Sharon Gerecht, PhD, Paul M. Gross Distinguished Professor, and Chair, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University

“I am so sorry to hear this news. She was so helpful to those of us not even in the division.” — Gow Arepally, MD.

“Cheryl was in EP for a while many moons ago, and I have fond memories of her steady temperament supporting the mission. My condolences to all.” — Tristram Bahnson, MD

“I know she meant a lot to everyone at the CVRC, and she was always so efficient and generous in her dealings with us. Truly a sad day.” — Chris Newgard, PhD

“I’m so sorry about Cheryl’s sudden passing. I am saddened by our loss. Please accept my deepest condolences, and please send my sympathy to her family and friends.” — Victor Dzau, MD

“She had such a vibrant and positive presence, and she made everyone feel special. Those are such rare qualities. She will be missed.” — Dawn Bowles, PhD

Bloomfield Nominated for Winn Award

Gerald Bloomfield, MD, has been nominated by the Division of Cardiology for the Michelle P. Winn Inclusive Excellence Award, sponsored by the Duke Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.

The winner will be announced this summer. The Michelle P. Winn Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the School of Medicine community. Awards are presented in various categories, including student, staff, faculty, trainees, and teams.

The award is named in memory of Michelle Winn, MD, associate professor of nephrology in the Department of Medicine, who passed away in July 2014. She came to Duke in 1992 as an intern and undertook residencies in psychiatry and medicine before focusing her career on nephrology and joining the faculty. She was a wonderful clinician, a generous mentor, and an esteemed physician-scientist who was respected and beloved by her colleagues and deeply committed to diversity and inclusion and to the careers of younger physicians and scientists who orbited around her.

Congratulations, Jerry!

Move to Tier 1 status

DUHS has moved to Tier 1 visitation status as of April 2. Highlights of Tier 1 include:

Visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Up to four visitors are allowed per patient, where space permits.
Visitors of all ages are allowed in inpatient, maternity, and ambulatory spaces.
Visitors age 18+ are allowed in perioperative surgical and procedural spaces.
Visitors age 18+ are allowed to stay overnight; no switching allowed.
Minors must be attended by an adult aged 18+ at all times.
Additional visitation and masking precautions may apply to certain patient populations.
Exceptions to visitation restrictions may be granted based on special circumstances.

Thank you for your support to keep everyone safe and healthy!

Duke Health Completes Acquisition of Lake Norman Regional Medical Center

Duke Health has finalized its $284 million acquisition of Lake Norman Regional Medical Center (LNRMC) and related businesses in Mooresville, N.C., assuming operations on April 1.

During a brief ceremony, the hospital was renamed Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital.

Duke’s acquisition of the 123-bed, acute-care hospital from subsidiaries of Community Health Systems, Inc., represents a significant expansion of Duke Health clinical services outside the greater Triangle area.

“This is an exciting day for Duke Health and the Lake Norman team,” said Craig Albanese, chief executive officer of Duke University Health System (DUHS). “We have a bright future ahead and look forward to bringing the excellence and innovation of Duke Health to enhance the care offered at Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital and clinics.”

Employees and providers have been extended employment offers with Duke, enabling a seamless transition for patients to have continued access to the providers, clinics, and facilities they know and trust. Duke is also providing interim leadership as the search for a new hospital president gets underway.

“We are so excited to be turning the page on the care provided at Lake Norman,” said Randy Marion, chair of the Lake Norman Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees. “The Mooresville community and Iredell County will greatly benefit from Duke Health’s vision for the future and commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.”

Over the next several months, the hospital’s electronic medical records will be integrated into the Duke system, providing patients further access to the full spectrum of Duke Health’s top-ranked specialty care.

Duke Health is a leading academic health system in North Carolina with a vision to improve health outcomes across the region by advancing clinical care, expanding the impact of groundbreaking discoveries, educating and training the next generation of providers, and partnering with communities.

Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital includes 24-hour emergency care, labor and delivery services, cardiology, surgical and orthopedic care, and an outpatient imaging center. The Duke team aims to support and enhance all the hospital’s services in its commitment to keeping high-quality care local.

“Duke Health leadership brings decades of experience in every aspect of health care,” Albanese said. “From clinical quality and safety to operational excellence and strategic planning – we have a legacy of delivering the best care to the communities we serve. We look forward to building a new foundation of excellence in Lake Norman.”

Navigating the Impact of Recent Executive Orders

The following resource page for the latest news and information related to the recent executive orders from the White House is being updated regularly. It includes direct links to policies and guidance documents as they are published. If you have specific questions, please escalate those to your supervisor.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Cardiology Grand Rounds

April 8: 2025 ACC Recap with Nishant Shah and Jennifer Rymer. 5 p.m., Zoom only.

If you missed any of our CGRs from the past year, all Duke Cardiology Grand Rounds recordings are housed on Warpwire. To access recordings, please visit:

NET ID and password are required. Enjoy!

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

April 9: Board Review with Paula Rambarat and Nishant Shah. Noon, DMP 7W70.

April 11: Nuclear Cardiology Physics and Radiation with Robert Reiman. Noon, Zoom.

April 16: TBD

April 18: No Conference/ Good Friday

April 23: HF/Txp with Joshua Sink. Noon, DMP 7W70.

April 25: DHP Case presentation with Jonathan Kusner. Noon, hybrid: Zoom & DMP 7W70.

April 30: EP with Jawan Abdulrahim and Aarti Thakkar. Noon, DMP 7E39.

Upcoming Duke Heart CMEs

The following CME activities, sponsored by Duke Heart, have been scheduled. Registration coming soon; now open for April 26^th and June 7^th symposia.

April 26, 2025: Duke Structural Heart Symposium (live event at Trent Semans Center in Durham). Registration is required; the event is free.
June 7, 2025: Duke Heart Failure Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center in Durham). Registration is required.
October 4, 2025: Duke Cardiac Sonography Symposium (live event at Trent Semans Center)
October 31, 2025: 17th Annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center)

New Duke-NUS-Funded Research Opportunities

The Office of Duke-NUS Affairs is accepting applications from Duke University faculty interested in visiting and collaborating with Duke-NUS Medical School. Below are details on two Duke-NUS-funded opportunities.

Duke/Duke-NUS Research Collaboration Pilot Project 2025

Duke University and Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS) are seeking applications for collaborative research pilot projects that bring together faculty from both institutions. This year’s research theme is “Comparing USA and Singapore Populations Using Novel Technologies and Strategies.”

Duke-NUS Travel Grant 2025

Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS) is seeking applications from Duke University faculty interested in visiting and collaborating with Duke-NUS faculty on potential research projects.

This initiative aims to foster partnerships in key basic science areas, including cancer and stem cell biology, neuroscience and behavioral disorders, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, health services and systems, emerging infectious diseases, and clinical sciences in partnership with SingHealth.

Preparing for Transition from GME to DHIP Attending, April 9

Duke trainees who have accepted or are considering a Duke faculty position may find this event helpful.

This onboarding preparation session is for current Duke trainees who have accepted or are considering a Duke Faculty position. Members of Duke Health’s onboarding team will walk you through the process to prepare you for an efficient and successful transition. It’s an opportunity to meet leadership and network with colleagues who will also be staying at Duke.

When: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 — 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Medical Center Amphitheater @ Duke Clinics (Basement level)

Please RSVP by March 31, 2025. Contact: Kylee.Mace@duke.edu.

2025 McGovern Lecture – April 16

The 2025 McGovern Lecture will be delivered by Kimberly D. Manning, MD, Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair, RYSE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusions Initiatives at Emory University Department of Medicine.

#HumanismAlways: Remembering the Person in Front of You

Wednesday, April 16, 5:30 p.m., Great Hall, Trent Semans Center

Reflection and storytelling are integral pieces of medical education and patient care. How we see ourselves, the world, and our patients comes through experiential learning that is strengthened when we pause for deeper meaning. In this lecture, we will explore the importance of recognizing the human in front of us, which can sometimes be the one in the mirror, and all of the richness and growth that can happen if we just pay attention.

Kimberly D. Manning, MD, MACP, is a general internist whose clinical work is provided at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta’s safety net facility, where she has been for over two decades.

The event is free, and registration is required. To learn more, please visit: https://trentcenter.duke.edu/2025-mcgovern-lecture. A reception will follow.

This event is presented by the Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities, and the History of Medicine and is made possible by the McGovern Prize Endowment. The McGovern Prize is awarded to an individual for outstanding contributions to the art & science of medicine.

Duke SON Global Health Lecture to Feature Sheila Davis, April 17

Duke University School of Nursing’s Office of Global and Community Health Initiatives invites you to attend the 14th Annual Dorothy L. Powell Global Health Lecture, featuring the esteemed Dr. Sheila Davis, Chief Executive Officer at Partners In Health, as the keynote speaker. This event is a unique opportunity to engage with a global leader whose work has profoundly impacted healthcare and advanced health equity worldwide.

The event will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The location has not yet been announced.

Dr. Davis’s dedication to improving the lives of individuals and her extensive experience in both clinical and leadership roles make her an ideal speaker for this prestigious lecture series. Her insights will shed light on the critical role healthcare workers play in addressing social determinants of health and resolving pressing global health issues.

Registration is free; register here.

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart & Vascular at tracey.koepke@duke.edu. We would love to hear about your latest accomplishments, professional news, cool happenings, and any events or opportunities that may be of interest to our team. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon on Wednesdays will be considered for weekend inclusion.

Duke Heart in the News:

March 28 — Karen Alexander

Texarkana Gazette

New insights into older hearts

March 28 — Robert Califf

CGT Live

Robert M Califf, MD, MACC, on Urgency of Funding and Equity in Neuromuscular Research and Care

March 29 — Pamela Douglas

tctMD

WARRIOR: No Clear Answers on How to Best Treat INOCA

March 31 — Douglas Overbey and Joseph Turek

Medscape