Chief’s message:

As spring is fully upon us, hopefully many of you got to spend sometime outside with family and friends.  We are getting ready for the official launch of Duke Health Campaign to help raise funds for our missions next week/weekend.  We will have our Heart Center Leadership Council meeting friday and Health Campaign events for all the boards this Friday and Saturday.  We are lucky to have Coach K join us Saturday morning for a conversation around Heart Care. 
This weekend we had the joy of celebrating Mike Sketch’s 20 years as our interventional program director from 1999-2019.  We had over 50 past faculty/fellows join us to share in stories and impact that Mike had on their lives.  Congratulations Mike.  We hope to continue the legacy and training program that has had such an impact on the field. Some pictures included here.

Highlights of the week:

Duke Heart Sponsors NC Walk for Victory, Held April 26

Duke Heart and the Duke Center for Aortic Disease were again the annual sponsors of the 2025 North Carolina Walk for Victory held yesterday, April 26 at Laurel Hills Park in Raleigh. The event has grown steadily over the years and continues to be a fun way to gather patients with Marfan Syndrome and related connective tissue disorders along with their friends and family members for camaraderie and celebration.

The event is also a way to raise valuable funds to support research into these disorders. More than 300 participants attended the NC event, which is planned by The Marfan Foundation and was led by Chad Hughes, MD, section chief for Aortic Surgery at Duke, who served as the medical director for the event. Melissa Burkett, APP Team Lead for the Aortic Center, was vital in helping champion the event again this year and helping keep the team on track with fundraising.

 

Overall, $97,000 was raised by volunteer teams and family members, exceeding their $90K goal and nearly doubling fundraising efforts from 2024 — Wow!!!

Great job!

 

Cardiac Ultrasound Students Named ASE Award Winners

We are pleased to announce that three of our current Cardiac Ultrasound Certificate Program students have been named award winners by the American Society of Echocardiography Foundation.

Avery Ongman and Madison Dowdy have each been named a 2025 Alan D. Waggoner Sonographer Student Scholarship Award winner. They will receive $1000 toward program tuition expenses, complimentary student registration and $1000 travel grant to attend the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) 2025 Scientific Sessions in Nashville, TN, which is scheduled for Sept. 5-7, 2025.

The Alan D. Waggoner Student Scholarship Award is given to sonography students enrolled in CAAHEP accredited educational programs who exhibit a passion for the discipline of echocardiography and demonstrate leadership abilities.

Keishawn Roye, an international student from the Bahamas, is one of two award winners of ASE’s distinguished Aaron S. White Grant; the award will enable him to attend the 2025 ASE Conference by covering registration, accommodation and transportation costs. Currently pursuing advanced studies in cardiac sonography, Roye demonstrates exceptional dedication to improving cardiovascular healthcare in the Bahamas. His commitment to excellence and his passion for advancing cardiac care aligns perfectly with the values championed by the Aaron S. White grant program, according to the award announcement.

This travel opportunity will allow Roye to engage with leading cardiology experts, access cutting-edge research, and develop valuable professional connections that will enhance his ability to serve patients in the future. His selection for this grant reflects both his academic merit and his vision for contributing to cardiovascular healthcare in his home country.

Please join us in congratulating Avery, Madison, and Keishawn on their achievements!

 

 

 

 

Camuglia Featured on DCRI Podcast

The Duke Heart Center Clinical Research Unit’s own Krista Camuglia was recently featured on the latest episode of DCRI’s “Beyond the Endpoint” podcast. In a conversation with co-host Dr. Manesh Patel, Krista’s shares valuable insights on why patients may choose to participate in clinical trials. Together, they address common misconceptions about the research process and highlight the extensive safety protocols that protect our participants. This episode builds on a previous conversation with a stage 4 ocular melanoma patient who shares her personal experience participating in research.

About the Podcast: “Beyond the Endpoint” is DCRI’s biweekly podcast that demystifies clinical research and healthcare through conversations with renowned clinicians and scientists. New episodes are released every other Wednesday and are available on major streaming platforms. View all episodes here.

 

Culture Pulse Survey, April 28-May 12

Please help us by taking a quick survey to help us understand the current culture here at Duke Health. The Culture Pulse Survey starts tomorrow and runs through May 12. Please participate – it’s quick, confidential, and will go a long way in helping leadership pave the way for an even stronger Health System. Watch for it in your inbox!

 

Perfusion Week is May 1-7

Perfusion Week starts Thursday – it’s a time to recognize the incredible efforts of perfusionists across the U.S., and especially the ones right here at Duke!

Our Perfusion team are two-time recipients of the Pillar Award for Perfusion Excellence given by the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT). Their first was awarded in 2021; the second in 2024. The AmSECT Pillar Award is a designation for individual perfusion departments that demonstrate excellence as displayed in several key areas including organized orientation and training, QA/QI process, continuing education and performance evaluation, development of institutional protocols and adherence to AmSECT Standards and Guidelines, employee education and commitment to the field of perfusion.

Did you know? Duke has one of the largest and most highly-skilled perfusion teams in the U.S.! Each member of the team is certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, licensed by the North Carolina Medical Board, and most team members hold advanced degrees and credentials.

In addition to proficiency in cardiopulmonary bypass (operating the heart-lung machine during cardiothoracic surgery), Duke perfusionists become further specialized to support a variety of needs across the hospital. We have a dedicated team of pediatric perfusionists, a specialty team for Duke Regional Hospital, an Extra-Corporeal Life Support (ECLS) team that assists with cannulating and retrieving patients from referring hospitals, a team that provides apheresis in the OR, and a team trained in use of the Transmedics Organ Care System.

Be sure to thank our perfusionists when you see them!

 

SOM Leadership Town Hall Recording Available

Thank you to everyone who attended Thursday’s School of Medicine Leadership Town Hall. For those who were unable to join the live event, the recording of the webinar is now available for viewing.

 

DUHS Leadership Update:  

Barazsu Named President, COO for Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital

Greg Pauly, Group President, Duke University Health System, announced on Monday, April 21 that Kristie Barazsu has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer for Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital (DHLN), effective immediately.

Barazsu will be responsible for the overall management and operational performance of DHLN and will work collaboratively with DUHS leaders to develop and implement strategies that enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and support team members. She will also continue in her health system role in leading patient flow, supporting the integration of a shared system throughout our acute care locations.

 

 

Relf Named Dean, DUSON

Michael V. Relf has been appointed dean of the Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) effective May 1, Provost Alec D. Gallimore announced April 15. 

Relf, the Mary T. Champagne Distinguished Professor of Nursing and a research professor in the Duke Global Health Institute, has served as interim dean since 2023. He will continue in his role as associate chief nurse executive for academic innovation and partnership for the Duke University Health System. He is a globally recognized expert on the psychosocial aspects of HIV, particularly focusing on intimate partner violence, HIV-related stigma and interventions to promote engagement in HIV-oriented primary medical care.

Relf succeeds Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, who stepped down in October 2023 to become executive director of the Institute for Policy Solutions at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

 

Congratulations to both!

 

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

May 1-7: Perfusion Week

May 6: Nurses Day

May 6-12: National Nurses Week

May 12: International Nurses Day

 

 

Cardiology Grand Rounds

April 29: Application for Cardiac Computed Tomography: What a Cardiologist Needs to Know with Lonnie Sullivan. 5 p.m. Zoom only.

May 6: The Nuts and Bolts of Evidence-based Preventive Cardiometabolic Care with Darren McGuire. 5 p.m. DN 2002 or via Zoom.

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

• 2025 CGR Recordings
• 2024 CGR Recordings

NET ID and password are required. Enjoy!

 

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

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

May 2: EKG Review with Michelle Kelsey. Noon. Zoom only.                      

May 7: Intro to MRI with Han Kim. Noon. In-person. DMP 7E39                             

May 9: VAD Education and Emergency Response Update for Cardiology Fellows with Stephanie Barnes. Noon. Hybrid — Zoom and DMP 2W91

May 14: DHP with Tess Allan. Noon. In-person. DMP 7E39.

May 16: Pericardial Disease with Nishant Shah. Noon. Zoom only.

May 21: HF/Tx with Cosette Champion. Noon. In-person. DN 2001

May 23: EKG with Neil Freedman. Noon. Zoom only.

May 28: EP with Hannah Schwennesen and Jemi Galani. Noon, in person. DMP 7E39.

May 30: TBD  

                       

Upcoming Duke Heart CMEs

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

• 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)

 

CTSI Research Symposium to Focus on Strengthening Rural Health

May 8: Strengthening Rural Health: Research, Access to Care, and Community Collaboration. 12:30 to 2 p.m., Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main St., Durham, NC.

Panelists will offer in-depth discussion about the importance of including rural communities in research, as well as strategies to overcome barriers to participation. Topics will include social drivers of mental health and the role of faith communities in addressing maternal mental health in rural communities.

To learn more and to register, please visit https://ctsi.duke.edu/news/ctsi-research-symposium-focus-strengthening-rural-health.

 

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: 

April 18 — Sean Pokorney

Medical Dialogues

Nasal Etripamil Nearly Twice as Effective as Placebo in Halting PSVT Episodes, Trial Finds

 

April 23 — Robert Califf

CNN

Former FDA commissioner reacts to RFK Jr.’s plans to phase out artificial food dyes

 

April 24 — Craig Albanese

Modern Healthcare

Hospital competition heats up as capacity wanes

 

April 24 — Harry Severance

Becker’s Physician Leadership

What’s disrupting the physician-patient relationship?

Chief’s message: Happy Easter & Chag Sameach!

To all who are celebrating Easter and the end of Passover, we hope you’re having a wonderful weekend with family and friends.

The last few weeks and months have seen significant challenges for health care and academic medical centers with reduced research funding and reductions in budgets that are putting significant strain on our mission to discover and deliver cardiovascular health while training the next generation of leaders. This week’s edition of the  Pulse we highlight several stories and actions that demonstrate the resilience and work that will continue to move us forward in Duke Heart and academic medicine.  We share stories of complex care for patients, team comradery with an outing to support a colleague performing in a musical, clinical trial enrollment firsts in two different studies for patients in Durham and Raleigh, a listing of faculty who were awarded increasingly difficulty to obtain research funding, and the expansion of our services with non-emergent cardiac caths on Saturdays.  We will continue to work to identify ways to improve how we can get closer to meeting the needs of our community and patients, and hope to describe important partnerships and work in the upcoming months that will enable us to continue to achieve our missions.

Duke Heart CRU is on FIRE

The Duke Heart Clinical Research Unit is on fire with the first enrollments of patients into two clinical trials for patients with heart failure (HF).

Late last month, a team led by Marat Fudim (Duke PI) enrolled their first and second patients into the Early Feasibility Study of the NORM™ System in Heart Failure Patients (FUTURE-HFII), an industry-funded trial sponsored by Foundry Innovation & Research 1, Limited (FIRE1). 

The study is examining the use of the FIRE1 NORM remote sensor system, which offers a way to manage HF by directly measuring fluid volume in the inferior vena cava (IVC). The sensor is implanted into the IVC in a cath lab procedure. It then expands and contracts with the IVC. Once out of the cath lab, a belt worn by the patient for a few minutes daily will activate the sensor and capture data regarding their IVC fluid volume. The belt sends data to “the cloud,” where software will process and generate additional information on the patient’s IVC, monitoring the patient’s condition and then alert their care team if involvement is needed.

The first Duke patient enrolled was the first patient in the world to have the NORM system implanted.

There are five study locations for the FUTURE-HFII trial in NY, OH, TX, and NC. Duke was the first enroller, but all are currently recruiting.  The overall study will enroll up to 25 patients.

This week, Dan Friedman and his team at Duke Raleigh Hospital enrolled the first patient in the U.S. into the Fast Induced Remodeling in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (FIRE-HFpEF) industry-funded clinical trial sponsored by Medtronic. There are 8 trial locations in the U.S. with sites in FL, IL, KS, NC, OK, TX, and VT. Dan Friedman is serving as Duke’s site PI.

 

FIRE-HFpEF is a multi-center, 70-patient randomized feasibility study of pacemaker algorithms to improve cardiac output and decrease concentric remodeling in patients with HFpEF and LVH:

1. Personalized lower rate – allometrically defined based on height and ejection fraction.

2. Remodeling pacing – pacing at ~100 bpm at night via the conduction system pacing lead. This has been experimentally shown to reduce hypertrophy and improve LV diastolic filling.

All patients undergo implantation of a commercially available Medtronic dual-chamber pacemaker with a left bundle branch area pacing lead. The study employs a crossover design so all patients will receive treatment with the investigational pacing algorithms at some point during the 12-month study. The primary endpoints are MRI and echo measures of remodeling, and quality of life.

Please contact Dr. Friedman if you have any questions or a patient who may be appropriate for the study.

Excellent work — way to go!!

 

Saturday Caths

Last weekend, our Duke University Hospital interventional cardiology team began a six-week pilot of performing cardiac catheterizations on Saturdays as a means of improving care for patients, reducing wait times and overall patient volume going into the work week. The Saturday teams consist of an attending interventionalist and four catheterization lab staff members — two nurses and two cardiovascular invasive specialists. Overall daily catheterization volumes have been steadily increasing, which has posed challenges for the team. The ability to work cardiac caths into the weekend should help ease schedule volumes, especially on Mondays.

“We really appreciate the team and their willingness to help support patient care in this aspect,” says Rebecca Dial, RN, nurse manager, operations for the Adult Invasive Labs and CVSSU for Duke Hospital. “It’s good for the health system overall and for patients to be seen more quickly where possible — particularly if they have an event late in the week. We appreciate our staff being willing to help support this effort and to have a little fun and great attitudes while doing so.”

Thanks to team members Tony and Sarah, the team celebrated the start of Saturday shifts with special t-shirts that read, “Saturdays are for the Caths,” meant to generate enthusiasm and some team bonding. After the program pilot period, leadership will reevaluate overall case volumes to determine if the effort has been beneficial.

Great work, everyone!

 

ICYMI: AHA Scientific Statement on Prevention of HF Released in Circulation

Congratulations to Carolyn Lekavich and her co-authors on their publication out this week in Circulation! Risk-Based Primary Prevention of Heart Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association was published online April 16, 2025.

Great work!

 

On the Move Again After Chronic Total Occlusion

Duke Catheterization Advances Treat Complex Coronary Artery Blockages

Mitchell Doub, 64, could barely walk across his living room without experiencing debilitating chest pain thanks to an advanced form of coronary artery disease called chronic total occlusion. After Doub was told nothing could be done, Duke Health’s Islam M. Othman, MD, offered a solution. Dr. Othman performed a complex catheterization procedure that opened Doub’s blocked artery and gave him immediate symptom relief. Now Doub is back to working out and looking forward to an upcoming trip to Colorado. “If you have a chronic total occlusion, don’t walk; run to Duke,” he said.

As Mitchell Doub of Winston Salem, NC, celebrated an exciting win for Appalachian State University football in 2005, a burning pain in his sternum quickly brought him back to Earth. He soon learned he had a major blockage in one of the arteries that supplied blood to the left side of his heart. Doub underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a minimally-invasive procedure that involves inserting a catheter into a major artery and through blood vessels to reach a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque that comprises the blockage. Once there, his interventional cardiologist inflated a tiny balloon to compress the plaque and placed a mesh tube called a stent to keep the artery open. Two weeks later, Doub was back on his feet playing basketball with his buddies.

Nearly two decades later, in January 2024, Doub noticed a familiar pain during his workout. “I kept trying to run, and each time I would feel that sternal pain, but it went away if I slowed down to a walk. And I thought, ‘Well, this is not good,’” Doub said.

Before long, Doub was undergoing another PCI procedure to treat a 95% blockage in the same place as before. This time, the blockage was calcified, meaning it was hard like a rock and much more difficult to treat. When his doctor tried to clear the obstruction, Doub’s artery ruptured — a life-threatening complication. Five days later, Doub had to undergo open heart surgery to bypass his blocked artery.

About six weeks into recovery from open heart surgery, Doub started having chest pains again. His new bypass vessel had collapsed, putting him right back where he started. The original obstruction was now a chronic total occlusion (CTO) — a long-lasting and complete blockage in a coronary artery. Doub’s local doctors told him there was nothing else they could do. His heart bypass surgery had failed, and attempting another PCI procedure was too risky. Instead, Doub would have to hope his heart would adapt by growing more blood vessels on its left side. “I was basically going to be an invalid for the rest of my life or until I built up sufficient collateral vascularization, which could take years,” Doub said.  Doub’s daughter made an appointment for him with Dr. Othman.

For Doub’s procedure, Dr. Othman performed an intravascular lithotripsy, which uses sonic sound waves to break up calcifications. This technology was first designed to treat kidney stones. “In less than 90 minutes, he had me fixed,” Doub said. “Right after he did the procedure, I had no chest pain at all, immediately.” Within weeks, Doub was back to running and working.

*This story was posted April 15 on dukehealth.org.

 

Duke Arringdon Team Outing Supports Turgeon, Musical

One of our nurse clinicians, Natalie Turgeon, is appearing in the musical Merrily We Roll Along at the Burning Coal Theater Company in Raleigh. A number of her colleagues from Duke Cardiology of Arringdon went as a group to see her performance on Friday, April 11.

 

We heard it was a great performance! The show runs through April 27, so there is still time to see it. For tickets, please visit: https://burningcoal.org/.

 

New Funding Awards, March 2025

Congratulations to the following faculty members in the Division of Cardiology who received new funding award notifications in March:

Sponsored Research:

• Adrian Hernandez has received an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for a project entitled “PCORnet Governance, Collaboration, and Operations to Facilitate PCORnet(R) Studies of National Scope.” Total funding will be $6,998,274.
• Raymond Kim has received a sub-award (1R01HL171150-01A1) through the Houston Methodist Research Institute for a project entitled “Sudden Death Risk Assessment and Mechanistic Insights in Arrhythmic Mitral Valve Prolapse Using Cardiac MRI and Circulating Proteomic Biomarkers.” Total funding will be $151,459.
• Gedion Ngeno has received a sub-award through Indiana University for a project entitled “Designing and Implementing a Registry for Patients with Structural Heart Disease at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital(MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya.” Total funding will be $247,284.
• Manesh Patel has received an award from the California Health Care Foundation for a project entitled “HAIP Practice Network Cohort in California.” Total funding will be $30,000.
• Sudarshan Rajagopal has received an award from the American Heart Association for a project entitled “Engineering a New Class of Therapies for Heart Failure.” Total funding will be $550,000.

Industry-Sponsored Clinical Trials:

• Adam Devore has received an award from Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. for a project entitled “Merck – CHA – Guidelines Implementation Study – Industry.” Total funding will be $987,557.
• Marat Fudim has received an award from Cardiosense, Inc. for a project entitled “SEISMIC-HF II Clinical Validation Study.” Total funding will be $76,911.
• Michel Khouri has received a sub-award through Brigham and Women’s Hospital for a project entitled “REVEAL.” Total funding will be $167,071.

Well done!

 

Duke/DUHS Update:  International Team Members & Travel

In an email to all staff on Friday, April 18, Antwan Lofton, VP, Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer, and Mary Pat McMahon, Vice Provost and VP, Student Affairs, wrote:

“Duke is fundamentally committed to welcoming and supporting international faculty, staff, and students as vital members of our learning and research community. Just as Duke has adapted with federal immigration policy throughout the years, the University is working to ensure compliance with recent and ongoing changes to federal regulations. We write to provide up-to-date information and to direct international community members to the right resources at a time of unprecedented uncertainty and challenge.

As of today, we recommend members of our international community avoid non-essential international travel until further notice. More details can be found here. Other recent DVS updates can be found here.

Duke Visa Services (DVS) will continue posting updates directly to the DVS website. We encourage members of our international community to consult with a DVS liaison to address questions, since every immigration situation is different. Email visahelp@dm.duke.edu or find your Duke Visa Services liaison here.

DVS and the Duke International Student Center, along with representatives at schools and units across Duke, will continue working directly with affected students, faculty, and staff to provide guidance and support via email and in person.

To read more about how Duke is responding, access support resources, and stay up to date, please visit the International Travel page on the new University Updates website. We will continue to update these resources as conditions change.

As we work together to navigate these challenges, we again want to reiterate our commitment to supporting international faculty, staff, and students here at Duke.  We also want to thank our teams in DVS, DISC, and faculty and staff across Duke’s ten schools for working to engage students and provide real-time updates and information in a period of transition.”

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

April 22: Earth Day — Earth Day has been commemorated on April 22 for the past 55 years. There have been a variety of events throughout the month of April for the Duke community. This week, starting on Tuesday and running through April 29, Duke Chapel will be illuminated green to celebrate. For additional events please visit: Earth Month 2025 around Duke University.

 

April 23: Administrative Professionals Day

 

 

Cardiology Grand Rounds

April 22: Tricuspid Interventions: Worth a Try? with Nate Goodwin. 5 p.m., Zoom only.

April 24: ACS Guidelines: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Somethings Left to Do with Sunil Rao of NYU Langone Health. 5 p.m., DN 2002 and via Zoom.

April 29: Application for Cardiac Computed Tomography: What a Cardiologist Needs to Know with Lonnie Sullivan. 5 p.m. Zoom only.

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

• 2025 CGR Recordings
• 2024 CGR Recordings

NET ID and password are required. Enjoy!

 

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

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 is coming soon for Fall events; 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)

 

CTSI Research Symposium to Focus on Strengthening Rural Health

May 8: Strengthening Rural Health: Research, Access to Care, and Community Collaboration. 12:30 to 2 p.m., Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main St., Durham, NC.

Panelists will offer in-depth discussion about the importance of including rural communities in research, as well as strategies to overcome barriers to participation. Topics will include social drivers of mental health and the role of faith communities in addressing maternal mental health in rural communities.

To learn more and to register, please visit https://ctsi.duke.edu/news/ctsi-research-symposium-focus-strengthening-rural-health.

 

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 interest 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: 

April 9 — Sean Pokorney

JAMA Cardiology/Research Letter

Self-Administered Etripamil and Emergency Department Visits in Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

April 11 — Robert Califf

JAMA/Medical News

How Dismantling DEI Efforts Could Make Clinical Trials Less Representative

April 11 — Duke Health/RACE-CARS

The Robesonian

Community partners collaborate to provide life-saving AED cabinets to Public Schools of Robeson County

April 13 — John Alexander

Medical Dialogues

Asundexian may offer safer stroke prevention in AF patients new to blood thinners: OCEANIC-AF analysis

April 14 — Duke Health

Triangle Business Journal

Where UNC Health’s $371 million hospital will be built

April 14 — Duke Health

Business NC

N.C. Senate budget pitches $638M for Triangle kids’ hospital

April 14 — Duke University

Axios Charlotte

North Carolina faces $668M NIH funding cut

April 14 — Duke University Hospital/CARMAT

MDDI Online

Artificial Heart Takes Major Step Towards US Market

April 14 — Duke Health

Triangle Business Journal

Where UNC Health’s $371 million hospital will be built

April 15 — Tom Owens/Duke Health

Triangle Business Journal

Budget directs $640M for North Carolina children’s hospital

April 16 — Salim Idriss

WNCT*

Havelock Elementary to become Project ADAM Heart Safe School

*also carried across Yahoo News affiliates in U.S.

April 16 — Andrew Vekstein

Cardiovascular Business

Death after 1 year more common for real-world low-risk TAVR patients than those treated in clinical trials

April 17 — Duke Health

Becker’s Hospital Review

Duke, Novant file plans to build $225M hospital

April 18 — Robert Califf

Neurology Live

Preparing for the Future of Rare Disease Treatment: Robert Califf, MD

Highlights of the week:

Celebrating Passover & Preparing for Easter

To our colleagues celebrating Passover (April 12-20) or preparing for Easter (April 20) this week, we wish you peace and blessings as you gather with family and friends!

Shah, Hernandez Featured on The Bob Harrington Show

Duke cardiologists Svati Shah and Adrian Hernandez and Stanford cardiologist Joseph Wu joined Robert Harrington as guests on his The Bob Harrington Show podcast this week. Their topics included the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where the U.S. is going as a country and research community with the NIH, and changes in the direction of funding from the NIH. They also discussed the recently published presidential advisory from the American Heart Association: Principles for the Future of Biomedical Research in the United States and Optimizing the National Institutes of Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association in Circulation. (Harrington, Shah, and Wu are among the co-authors).

You can access both the video and transcript here: For America First, Invest in Science and the NIH.

New Addition to Duke Heart Family

Our Duke Heart family grew by one this week — congratulations to cardiovascular disease fellow Hubie Haywood, MD, and Allison Hollowell, MD, on the birth of their son, Theodore “Teddy” H. Haywood.

Congratulations to all!

 

Tiffany Moore Joins Duke Heart as Fellowship Coordinator

Please join us in welcoming Tiffany Moore to the Duke Heart team — she now serves as our Program Coordinator for the Interventional Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellowship programs as of March 26, 2025.

Moore is an administrative professional who recently moved to the Triangle from New York City, by way of Harlem. She is the previous education coordinator for Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Anesthesiology, where she served as the program coordinator for the Pain and Regional Fellowship programs (ACGME), the clerkship coordinator for rotating medical students in Anesthesiology and Critical Care, and the assistant program coordinator for the Anesthesiology Residency program.

In her free time, Moore is a jewelry artisan and a dancer; she has served as a community organizer for Soul Thru’ Sole dance company in NYC.

Moore is excited to join the Duke team and looks forward to the many great opportunities she will have to learn from other Duke Heart staff members as well as the fellows. In addition to supporting the Interventional and ACHD fellowships, she will provide support to Brianna Small with the Cardiovascular Disease fellowship program, as needed.

Welcome to Duke, Tiffany!

CTSI Research Symposium to Focus on Strengthening Rural Health

The CTSI Center for Equity in Research invites the Duke research community to a symposium to explore the unique challenges and opportunities in rural health.

Through compelling presentations and an expert panel discussion, attendees will gain insights into inclusive rural health research, maternal mental health disparities, and congenital heart disease outcomes. The workshop will offer a variety of continuing education credits.

The event, “Strengthening Rural Health: Research, Access to Care, and Community Collaboration,” is ideal for faculty, research staff, trainees, students, and community researchers who seek to develop more equitable research.

May 8: Strengthening Rural Health: Research, Access to Care, and Community Collaboration. 12:30 to 2 p.m., Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main St., Durham, NC.

Panelists will offer in-depth discussion about the importance of including rural communities in research, as well as strategies to overcome barriers to participation. Topics will include social drivers of mental health and the role of faith communities in addressing maternal mental health in rural communities.

Discussion will also include the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration — among health care practitioners, faith community leaders, birth workers, and academia, for example — in addressing maternal mental health. Panelists will address rural-urban disparities related to congenital heart disease detection, barriers to care, and health outcomes.

To learn more and to register, please visit https://ctsi.duke.edu/news/ctsi-research-symposium-focus-strengthening-rural-health.

DUHS Leadership Updates:

Duncan named VP, Business Development for DUHS

Mary Pat Duncan has been named Vice President of Business Development for Duke University Health System (DUHS). In this role, she will lead and oversee acquisitions, joint ventures, and partnership activities involving other health organizations. The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 8 by Lisa Goodlett, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer of DUHS.

“Over the past year, we have led transformative work to forge new partnerships, expand care offerings, and extend our reach to new communities,” Goodlett wrote. “The addition of Mary Pat and her team is critical in driving strategic growth and ensuring the successful integration of new entities into the health system. This work will happen in close collaboration with the strategy office to ensure we are efficient, effective, and adeptly positioned for smart growth.”

Since joining DUHS in May of 2015, Duncan has held progressive roles facilitating collaborations and business relationships with other health systems and health care organizations. She has been instrumental in key initiatives, including Experience Health Medicare Advantage, the Peak Rehabilitation Hospital tri-venture, and various clinical service line efforts.

Early in her career, Duncan spent eight years in health care consulting and co-founded a health and wellbeing nonprofit. She earned both her BS in Business Administration and her MS in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Congratulations, Mary Pat!

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Cardiology Grand Rounds

April 15: Navigating Diagnostic Challenges in HFpEF with Mark Kittpibul. 5 p.m., Zoom only.

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

• 2025 CGR Recordings
• 2024 CGR Recordings

NET ID and password are required. Enjoy!

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

April 16:  Fellow’s Forum with Paula Rambarat. Noon, DMP 7W70.

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; 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. The two Duke-NUS-funded opportunities are:.

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.

 

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 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: 

April 2 — Stephen Greene

HCP Live/Podcast

Don’t Miss a Beat: Treatment Sequencing in New Era of Heart Failure Management

April 4 — Manesh Patel

Med Central

Practice Change for Cancer Patients at Risk for Venous Thromboembolism

April 5 — Pamela Douglas

Español News

Warrior subraya la carga de la angina no obstructiva en las mujeres

April 5 — William Kraus

El Comercio (Peru)

Alimento con alto valor biológico que te brinda múltiples beneficios como mejora del perfil lipídico, antioxidantes y más

April 7 — Marat Fudim

Investing.com Espana

Director ejecutivo de Daxor, Michael Feldschuh, compra acciones por más de 16.000 dólares Por Investing.com

April 8 — Richard Shannon

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney/BIPC.com

8 Driving Factors Shaping the Future of AI in Healthcare

April 8 — Stephen Greene

HCP Live

Q1 2025 Recap: Cardiology News and Updates

April 9 — Duke Health

Becker’s Clinical Leadership

The 168 health systems deemed ‘excellent’ for transplants by Optum

April 9 — Manesh Patel

tctMD

SWISS-APERO at 3 Years: Hints of Differences Between Amulet, Watchman Emerge

April 10 — John Alexander

Medscape

Novel Blood Thinner Shows Promise in Atrial Fibrillation

April 10 — Svati Shah, Adrian Hernandez, Bob Harrington & Joe Wu

Medscape/The Bob Harrington Show

For America First, Invest in Science and the NIH

 

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:

• 2025 CGR Recordings
• 2024 CGR Recordings

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

Crescendo juntos: transplante parcial de coração acompanha o desenvolvimento da criança

March 31 — Robert Califf

Medium

The Duality of AI and its imminent doom/utopia for Healthcare

March 31 — Robert Califf

AJMC

Cardiologists’ Goal With AI: Save Time, Save Money, Save Lives

April 1 — Robert Califf

HealthExec

HHS ‘dramatic restructuring’ begins as employees turned away by security

April 3 — Harry Severance

Newsweek

We’re nearing a doctor retirement cliff. Can we survive the fall?

April 3 — Duke University Health System

The Laurenburg Exchange

Scotland Health recognized as Heart Safe Workplace

April 4 — Duke University Health System

News & Observer

Duke Health completes $284 million acquisition of Lake Norman hospital

Chief’s message:

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.  The American College of Cardiology meeting is this weekend and we will share updates and Science from the meeting in upcoming weeks. Also want to acknowledge and recognize all the amazing work and dedication of our physicians in our heart and vascular group on national doctors day.  Finally, I am including a photo of Pam Morris – a past Duke Faculty member, past president of the American College and Cardiology, and proud Duke Fan who helped root the blue devils to victory Saturday night. It’s great to have Duke in the Final Four again and hopefully keep this amazing run going.

 

Highlights of the week:

Celebrating Doctor’s Day & the Conclusion of Ramadan

As our Muslim team members celebrate the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, we wish all our colleagues and their families a joyous and peaceful Eid al-Fitr. May this special occasion bring you moments of happiness, reflection, and gratitude.

Let us take this time to appreciate the values of unity, compassion, and kindness that this festival inspires. We extend our warmest wishes to all those observing and hope this festive season brings prosperity and joy to everyone.

Eid Mubarak!

Mathew Stepping Down as Chair, Dept of Anesthesiology

Joseph P. Mathew, MD, the Jerry Reves, MD, Professor of Cardiac Anesthesiology, is stepping down as chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the end of June, 2025, after a decade in this role. He will remain on faculty, pursuing his research into cognitive outcomes after surgery.

Padma Gulur, MD, will serve as interim chair. A national search will be launched in Spring 2026 to identify the next permanent chair for the department. This announcement was made by Drs. Mary Klotman and Craig Albanese in an email to DUHS team members on Tuesday, March 25.

Dr. Mathew has been an integral part of Duke Health since 1998. His tenure as chair has been marked by numerous accomplishments that have significantly advanced the department and the field of anesthesiology. Over the last decade, Dr. Mathew has propelled the department to prominence as a national leader in clinical care, research, and education. He enhanced patient care by establishing the Preoperative Anesthesia and Surgical Screening (PASS) Clinic, a perioperative assessment program designed to optimize patients for surgery. His contributions to pain research are equally significant—he founded the Center for Translational Pain Medicine, now recognized as one of the top pain research centers worldwide. Dr. Mathew also revolutionized perioperative operations by spearheading the development of real-time data analytic tools, improving efficiency, patient outcomes, and business decision-making. Furthermore, he expanded pain services to encompass perioperative and integrated pain management, fostering a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care.

Dr. Mathew has also been deeply committed to developing students and trainees, winning numerous awards for mentorship, and his signature initiative has been cultivating the next generation of leaders. He launched a multidimensional program that includes the Academy for Building Leadership Excellence (ABLE), investing in the growth and leadership of faculty members.

Padma Gulur, MD, current executive vice chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, will serve as interim chair starting July 1, 2025. Gulur’s extensive experience and commitment to excellence make her the ideal candidate to lead the department during this transition. A national search for the new chair will commence in the spring of 2026.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Mathew for his outstanding service and welcoming Dr. Gulur to her new role.

 

Amyloidosis Support Seminar Held

Our Amyloidosis team hosted an Amyloidosis Support seminar on Saturday, March 22, in the Great Hall of the Trent Semans Center. It was a resounding success with more than 100 patients attending as well as multiple faculty members from Duke and elsewhere presenting the latest information on research and care. Several Duke genetic counselors and research coordinators also presented.

Photos above: a) Michel Khouri, MD, b) (L-R) Johana Fajardo, Courtlyn Witte, Phoenix Grover, and Morgan Lewis, c) Aubrey Coburn, Dallas Sandoval, and Khouri.

The team welcomed several industry partners, and members of the Amyloidosis Support Group Association (ASGA) were on hand as well to answer questions. The ASGA sponsored the meeting.

“The feedback we received from the patients was very positive, said Johana Fajardo, clinical services director of the Duke Precision Cardiomyopathy Program. “We even had a few patients let us know they would like to volunteer their services at our next one!”

Fajardo sends special kudos to Morgan Lewis, amyloidosis program nurse clinician, and to Courtlyn Witte and Phoenix Grover, genetics counselors for the program, for their help in planning and helping make the event a success.

 

APPs Celebrating Career Milestones

The following Duke Heart APPs are celebrating career milestones this year:

Sandra S. Anton, Ashley M. Massengale, and Janny M. Sweetow, all of cardiology, as well as Eric E. Butteris and Adam M.Tulp of the CT ICU, are celebrating five years of service at Duke.

Mallory E. Bailey, Stacey Link and Courtney Stierwalt with the CT Stepdown Unit, and Nicolena C. D’Sola, with cardiology are all celebrating 10 years of service.

Jade Clausen and Courtney E. Young in cardiology are celebrating 15 years of service.

Miranda K. Flowers and Hayley J. Karan with the CT Stepdown Unit, Brooke L. Lewis and Payal M. Perera with cardiology, and Margaret A. Murphy of the CT ICU, are all celebrating 20 years of service.

Congratulations and thank you for being a vital part of Duke Heart!

 

April 2 DCRI Research Forum Features PepsiCo’s Tataranni

We hope you’ll join us for the next event in the DCRI Research Forum series, featuring Pietro Antonio Tataranni, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Research & Development Life Sciences at PepsiCo, who will join us for a fireside chat from Noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2. Tataranni will join DCRI Executive Director Adrian Hernandez, MD, MHS, to discuss Pepsi’s approach to innovation, scientific research, and integrating nutrition science into its product development.

What: DCRI Research Forum: A Fireside Chat with Pietro Antonio Tataranni, MD

When: Noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Where: https://duke.zoom.us/j/99686185962?pwd=tU5PhssquZBAglXy7IaI7URKhThdSg.1

Webinar ID: 996 8618 5962

 

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.

 

DUHS Updates

In addition to the announcement about Joseph Mathew, MD, Duke University Health System executive leadership made two additional announcements this week regarding upcoming senior leadership changes:

Debra Clark Jones, associate vice president for Community Health for Duke University Health System, has stepped down from her role. Since assuming this role in October 2021, Debra has been a passionate advocate and driving force behind numerous impactful initiatives that have strengthened our connection to the communities we serve. Ian Lee Brown, Vice President and Chief Employee Experience Officer for DUHS, will serve as interim AVP for Community Health. In the coming months, we will begin the search for a successor to fill this key leadership role. The news was announced on Monday, March 24, 2025, by Dr. Craig Albanese, CEO, DUHS, and Stelfanie Williams, Ed.D., vice president, Duke Community Affairs.

 

Matt Barber, MD, MHS, has been appointed president, Duke Health Integrated Practice and vice dean for Clinical Affairs, Duke School of Medicine. Barber has served as interim senior vice president of DHIP since July 1, 2024. As interim, Barber has brought a clear vision, passionate support, and strategic alignment to the critical work done by Duke departments, community practices, faculty, and staff every day. Barber has been instrumental in enhancing collaboration across Duke Health and building an infrastructure that supports the future growth of Duke Health for years to come.

As president and vice dean, Barber will oversee practice operations, strategy development, and implementation throughout DHIP. He will continue to support our team as they deliver remarkable patient care, while fostering a clinical culture of exceptional physician and team member well-being, so that DHIP is an organization where people thrive and we can continue to recruit and retain the very best. Working within the DUHS and SOM leadership team, he will play a critical role in further integration of our academic and clinical missions. Additionally, he will maintain his role as an executive sponsor for our organizational culture work to be Better Together.

The Barber announcement was made on Thursday, March 27, 2025, by  Tom Owens, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, DUHS, and Mary Klotman, MD, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean, Duke University School of Medicine.

 

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

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

• 2025 CGR Recordings
• 2024 CGR Recordings

NET ID and password are required. Enjoy!

 

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

April 2: DHP Case presentation with Hubert Haywood and Manesh Patel. Noon, DMP 2W91.

April 4: EKG Review with Michele Kelsey. Noon, Zoom.                  

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; 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)

 

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.

Event is free, 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 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 24 — Robert Lefkowitz

La Nueva Espana (Spain)

Lorena Riol, de La Tenderina a la batalla de Silicon Valley contra la enfermedad inflamatoria crónica

 

March 25 — Duke Health

NC Health News

Turf war erupts over organ donation services

 

March 25 — Harry Severance

KevinMD.com

The hidden cost of a medical career: Is it still worth it?

 

March 25 — Jonathan Piccini

Medical Design & Outsourcing

Lessons from Medtronic’s Define AFib study of implantable cardiac monitors

 

March 26 — Senthil Selvaraj and Jessica Regan

Precision Medicine Online

New Treatments Spur Interest in Broader Genetic Screening for Rare Heart Condition

 

March 27 — John Alexander

HCP Live

Prior Oral Anticoagulant Use May Influence Stroke, Bleeding Risk in AF

 

March 28 — Robert Califf

CGT Live

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

Highlights of the week:

First BrioVAD Implanted at Duke for INNOVATE Trial

A team of Duke surgeons implanted the first BrioVAD at Duke on March 14 as part of the INNOVATE research clinical trial for adult patients with advanced refractory left ventricular heart failure. The clinical trial involves randomization to receive either the investigational BrioVAD or the FDA-approved HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). It is the first clinical study to compare LVADs that belong to the same category of fully magnetically levitated LVADs.

The INNOVATE Trial is a prospective, non-blinded, randomized, controlled, multi-center, non-inferiority study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the BrioVAD System by demonstrating non-inferiority to the HeartMate 3 LVAD. The study has six other U.S. sites besides Duke. They are Emory University, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, Henry Ford Health, Montefiore Medical Center and the University of Utah. Duke’s principal investigator is thoracic surgeon Jeffrey Keenan, MD.

“I want to congratulate Drs. Jeff Keenan and Jacob Schroder on accomplishing the first BrioVAD implant at Duke,” said Carmelo A. Milano, MD, Joseph and Dorothy Beard Professor of Surgery and Division Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery at Duke. “This is a novel, durable LVAD which hopefully will provide advantages over the current FDA-approved technology.

“With this implant, Duke joins a handful of centers that have done implants in a pilot clinical trial. Our patient is doing well and approaching discharge from the ICU. Congratulations to the cardiologists, surgeons, and anesthesia team involved in the case.”

Way to go, team!

Celebration Stations for National Doctor’s Day

National Doctor’s Day is officially Sunday, March 30, but at Duke University Hospital, we will observe it on Wednesday, March 26, and Thursday, March 27. Please join us for Celebration Stations that will be set up throughout the hospital — all physicians are invited to drop in to enjoy breakfast and be recognized for their hard work and dedication.

National Doctors’ Day has a rich history dating back to 1933 when the Barrow County Alliance of Winder, Georgia held the first observance thanks to Eudora Brown Almond (the wife of a physician) who suggested a day be set aside to honor doctors. Since then, it has evolved into a national event celebrated by healthcare organizations and institutions across the U.S. This annual observance provides an opportunity to honor the dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment of physicians in providing high-quality healthcare to individuals and communities worldwide.

Celebration Stations will be located as follows:

Wednesday, March 26

• Duke North | Rooms 2000 – 2003
• 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.

Thursday, March 27

• Ambulatory Surgery – North Pavilion | Room 2125
• 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Emergency Department | Room CR 2619
• 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
• Cancer Center | Room 0N01 near Tropical Smoothie
• 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
• Duke South | Gorrie Conference Room 1170B Yellow Zone
• 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Enjoy — and thank you for all you do!

 

Celebrating Rick Blake, Duke Cath Lab

Long-time Duke Heart team member Rick Blake was celebrated this past week by the Duke Cardiac Catheterization team. Thursday marked his last day at Duke after 37 years — 36 of them in the Cath Lab and one working for Duke’s central monitoring lab.

“Rick has been a valued member of our team for many years,” says Rebecca Dial, nurse manager for adult Cardiac Cath Labs. “He has embraced changes with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. In addition to the support he provided the Cath lab, he assisted with TAVRs in the OR. He will be greatly missed. We wish him all the best as he enjoys retirement!”

We particularly loved hearing him highlight how much he has loved his job and team.

Thanks for your many years of teamwork, Rick! You have helped thousands of patients over 36 years and have been an important part of what makes the Cath Lab team special. Congrats on your retirement!

 

Shout-out to Salah and Ingram!

We received a terrific note this week to recognize two of our cardiology fellows: Husam Salah and Damarcus Ingram.

“I am reaching out to celebrate two of our cardiovascular fellows, Husam Salah and Damarcus Ingram. It has been an incredibly busy week for us in the Cardiac Cath Lab (48 cases on Monday alone!), and these two have gone above and beyond every day, transporting patients to and from the lab, assisting in codes, and consenting patients at impressive speeds. We are beyond grateful for their generosity and absolutely could not have helped so many patients without their hard work.” — Melissa Rogan, CNIII, Adult Cardiac Catheterization Lab

Way to go, Husam and Damarcus!

 

Duke SON Global Health Lecture Announced

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 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.

 

Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions

Respiratory illnesses throughout our community remain high. We remain in Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions.

 

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

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:

• 2025 CGR Recordings
• 2024 CGR Recordings

NET ID and password are required. Enjoy!

 

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

March 26: EP with Jonathan Kusner and Ivan Nenadic Wood. Noon, in-person.

March 28: No conference/ACC

 

Upcoming Duke Heart CMEs

The following CME activities, sponsored by Duke Heart, have been scheduled. Registration coming soon; now open for the Duke HF Symposium.

• April 26, 2025: Duke Structural Heart Symposium (live event at Trent Semans Center in Durham)
• June 7, 2025: Duke Heart Failure Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center in Durham). Registration is open!
• 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)

 

Gatsby Themed Fundraiser to Support Duke Heart for Honduras

There will be a Great Gatsby Casino Night on Saturday, March 29, 2025, as a fundraiser to benefit the Duke Heart for Honduras program. All proceeds will go directly to purchasing equipment and medical supplies to operate on children in need.

There will be a silent auction, casino games, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and the City Lights Jazz Band will be performing live. Donations can be made and tickets can be purchased here: https://one.bidpal.net/2025gatsbycasino/welcome

Thank you for supporting Duke Heart for Honduras!

 

Preparing for Transition from GME to DHIP Attending

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

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, 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 made possible by the McGovern Prize Endowment. The McGovern Prize is awarded to an individual for outstanding contributions to the art and science of medicine.

 

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 14 — Nina Nouhravesh

Pledge Times

Eggs may not be negative for cardiovascular health, according to new research

March 17 — Duke University Health System

Reuters

US House panel launches antitrust probe of medical residency system

March 18 — Joseph Turek

American Hospital Association

One heart, three lives: How Duke Health is revolutionizing pediatric heart transplants

March 20 — Doug Overbey and Joseph Turek

Medscape

The Partial Heart Transplant Because Kids Grow, Valves Don’t

March 20 — Wilson Medical Center/Duke Lifepoint

The Wilson Times

For Your Health: Wilson Medical Center earns chest pain center accreditation

 

Highlights of the week:

Celebrations!

Lots to celebrate this weekend — Duke MBB had an exciting win over UNC on Friday night and again last night over Louisville to clinch the ACC tournament championship game. Always great fun to watch! Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, so don a bit of green. We continue to wish those in our Muslim community a happy Ramadan, which continues through March 29, 2025, ending with Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday marked by prayers, feasting and acts of generosity.

Ramadan Kareem! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Go Duke!

 

Jones Presented CGR

Schuyler Jones, MD presented Cardiology Grand Rounds on Thursday evening, March 13. He gave a guidelines update —  Peripheral Artery Disease 2024 ACC/AHA Guidelines Update. If you missed it, the recording is available in Warpwire.

Great presentation, Schuyler!

 

 

 

Great Catch, Lorenzi!

One of our team members received a Great Catch Award this week – Lauren Lorenzi, CNI with DMP 7 E. Lauren was performing dual verification for an insulin order when she noticed the syringe contained less volume than was ordered. She escalated the discrepancy to her Charge Nurse and the First Call Provider. She also took extra steps to obtain a new syringe with the correct dose. Kudos to Lauren for her vigilance and willingness to “ask questions and question the answers” in the name of patient safety!

Nicely done, Lauren!

 

Shout-out to Duke Heart CCU Team

Duke Heart’s CCU team was recognized during a DUH Palliative Care consult team daily huddle last week. During a difficult patient case, all members of the team showed extraordinary dedication and compassion to the patient and family members.

“Despite the challenging circumstances, each person who interfaced with the patient and family was kind, hopeful, and truly did their best to meet their expressed wishes. While it wasn’t the outcome we wanted, your team did everything in your power and did it all with professionalism. Thank you for your skill and compassion.  We noticed.” — With gratitude, Lisa Clark Pickett, MD

Important work, team. You’re amazing.

Ross Elected to FAHA

Congratulations to Leanna Ross, PhD, who was recently elected to be a Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) conferred by the Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health (LIFESTYLE). Fellowship recognizes and awards premium professional members for excellence, innovative and sustained contributions in the areas of scholarship, practice and/or education, and volunteer service within the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.

Way to go, Leanna!

 

 

Health System Updates:

Championing Our Missions in Times of Change

The following message from Dr. Craig Albanese, CEO, Duke University Health System, was distributed on Friday to DUHS team members.

Team,  

Every day, we have the privilege of being a beacon of hope, health and healing for all who entrust us with their care. Our profession is a calling built on unwavering principles of integrity, compassion, empathy, and service to others, irrespective of backgrounds, beliefs, or circumstances.

The recent Executive Orders have caused uncertainty across all Duke missions and earlier today, President Price shared a message with the Duke University community regarding the significant impact a reduction to federal funding would have on the University. University Executive Vice Presidents Daniel Ennis and Mary Klotman and Provost Alec Gallimore then provided additional insight in their shared message here. Mary Klotman also shared a message with the School of Medicine community about the important work that they are doing in response to these changes.  As you can see, an integrated planning process, which includes involvement of DUHS, is underway to identify and plan for measures that may be needed to ensure the University’s long-term operational and financial health. 

While the work underway is largely focused on the University’s operational and financial health due to changes in federal funding, our health system is also continuing to monitor and understand potential and evolving health care specific threats from legislative or executive actions (e.g. cuts in Medicaid, Medicare, HASP, 340B drug program). We recognize this is a national phenomenon and that the road ahead may introduce even more challenges that our entire Duke community may have to navigate together.  Therefore, carefully evaluating the short- and long-term implications of any changes will be vitally important as we work together in support of our missions.

Now more than ever, we must redouble our focus on being good stewards of our resources in order to take care of those that come to us for care.  We remain committed to our financial renewal through growth and investment in strategic partnerships, and we are continuing to hire to fulfill our strategic clinical growth plans. At the same time, we must balance our operating expenses with improvements in efficiency, elimination of waste, and innovations in our care model through people, processes, and technology.  Our recent request to review open requisitions is simply good practice to ensure we are hiring for the right talent, in the right places, at the right time.  Delivering on our promise to provide more care to more patients in more communities depends heavily on our ability to efficiently and effectively deliver high quality, safe patient care.  Undeniably, this budget season will be challenging for us.  Our leadership discipline of regularly identifying and implementing ways to be efficient and our annual budgeting process will inform the decisions we need to make in order to sustain our health system for today and tomorrow. 

This all matters because we are an academic health system that in partnership with the School of Medicine delivers the most cutting-edge clinical care, inspiring the intellectual curiosity of our learners through unparalleled education, incomparable research and breakthrough discoveries.  While this will be hard work, it is absolutely necessary that we engage across our diverse Duke community to champion our collective missions well into the future.

As leaders, we have a choice of how we lead during such unprecedented times.  Let’s lead with courage and compassion, committed to the culture we aspire to be. By putting our people first, adapting to improve and empowering our team members to share their ideas and work as a system, we’ve shown that we’re Better Together in every circumstance. We’re practiced at leading through difficult times, and we have proven that we’re made for moments like this. We are entering this period from a position of strength, and we will link arms with our University colleagues to chart our path forward. Nearly every change, inflection point, and moment of crisis we’ve ever seen has ushered in opportunity and we’ve emerged stronger. And where there is an abundance of opportunities, we can all exceed our potential.

As we learn more, we will keep you informed by being clear about what we know, what we don’t know and what we are committed to do. We will share information when it becomes available and we’ll continue to put the well-being of our talentforce, our patients, and our communities first.

Sincerely,

Craig Albanese, MD, MBA

Chief Executive Officer,

Duke University Health System

 

Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions

Respiratory illnesses throughout our community remain high. We remain in Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions.

 

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

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

• 2025 CGR Recordings
• 2024 CGR Recordings

NET ID and password are required. Enjoy!

 

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

March 19: HF/Tx with Joshua Rushakoff. Noon, in-person.

March 21: Congenital with Rich Krasuski. Noon, virtual.

March 26: EP with Jonathan Kusner and Ivan Nenadic Wood. Noon, in-person.

March 28: No conference/ACC

 

Upcoming Duke Heart CMEs

The following CME activities, sponsored by Duke Heart, have been scheduled. Registration coming soon; now open for Duke HF Symposium.

• April 26, 2025: Duke Structural Heart Symposium (live event at Trent Semans Center in Durham)
• June 7, 2025: Duke Heart Failure Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center in Durham). Registration is open!
• 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)

 

Amyloidosis Support Group, March 22

Duke Heart will host an Amyloidosis Support Group meeting for all patients and family members followed at Duke as well as other institutions throughout the region.

• When: Saturday, March 22, 2025
• Time: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Where: Great Hall of the Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans Center for Health Education at Duke

The meeting is being organized in collaboration with the Amyloidosis Support Group Association (ASGA), a well-recognized national organization in the amyloidosis space.

Cardiologist Dr. Michel Khouri and hematologist Dr. Christiana Costa Chase, along with our genetic counselors, will be speaking at the event along with other special guests invited by ASGA.

Breakfast, lunch, and parking passes will be provided to attendees. Registration is required. There is no charge to attend. More information is available on the ASGA’s website.

 

Pulmonary Hypertension Community Workshop, March 22

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Community Workshop brings together individuals, caregivers, friends and family impacted by pulmonary hypertension for a free, one-day, in-person event. The workshop educates and empowers attendees through up-to-date information on living with PH, including disease management, treatments, diagnostics and clinical trials. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local PH community for support and resources. The workshop includes complimentary parking, breakfast, and lunch.

• When: March 22
• Time: 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
• Where: Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel in Charlotte, NC.

Cardiologist Dr. Sudarshan Rajagopal is a co-chair for this free educational workshop geared to patients and their caregivers. Registration required. The event is sponsored by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

 

Gatsby Themed Fundraiser to Support Duke Heart for Honduras

There will be a Great Gatsby Casino Night on Saturday, March 29, 2025 as a fundraiser to benefit the Duke Heart for Honduras program. All proceeds will go directly to purchasing equipment and medical supplies to operate on children in need.

There will be a silent auction, casino games, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and the City Lights Jazz Band will be performing live. Donations can be made and tickets can be purchased here: https://one.bidpal.net/2025gatsbycasino/welcome

Thank you for supporting Duke Heart for Honduras!

 

 

 

 

Preparing for Transition from GME to DHIP Attending

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.

 

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 8 — Colin Duckett, et al., DUHS

Associated Press

Universities are facing big cuts to research funding. At Duke, it’s a time for ‘damage control’

March 10 — Duke Health

Reach MD

Revolutionizing Cardiac Care: The Living Mitral Valve Transplant Breakthrough

March 11 — Karen Alexander

The Telegraph (India)

Old Hearts

 

 

Chief’s Message:  Opportunity for Duke Heart and Academic Medical Centers

This week we saw more challenges in our work to improve the country’s health with changes in not just research funding but also potentially how care will be delivered/covered.   Unfortunately the key facts are that our community and our country needs our systems to partner to deliver better health.  Some of the key data to consider are as follows:

• Health care outcomes in the US are among the worst (life expectancy) in OECD countries with highest cost of care (~18% GDP)
• US adults have the highest rate of multiple chronic conditions (~30%)
• Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease (HTN, Obesity, High Cholesterol, and Diabetes) are projected to affect 61% of Americans by 2050 without intervention and Cardiovascular Disease will remain leading cause of death and disability with stroke and coronary heart disease leading the way. (from the AHA 2050 Projections)
• The AHA estimates 14% of Medicare spending on CV disease with that estimation near 43% if all risk factor spending included
• 43% of counties in the US have no cardiologist and these regions have the worst CV outcomes.
• US Academic Medical Centers lead innovation and care and will have a 5.4% annualized growth in clinical care market by 2030 with estimated 1.5 Trillion of US health care

Taken in total – the moment is now.  Our opportunity to re-imagine how we work across our community, North Carolina and the country to improve cardiovascular health and support the missions of Academic Medical Centers is now.  Over this March month, we have described March Madness as the yearly tradition of our Basketball teams (Men and Women) at Duke making hopefully deep runs in the tournament.  This year we also will attempt over the month to present the work Duke Health / Duke Heart and Vascular, and our training programs are doing to ensure and envision the future we need for better health.  The Health system and School are working to re-imagine and partner in ways we have not before.  We look to be a driving force in that future state of health care by bringing information and knowledge to our community and patients to ensure they get the right care at the right time.  This will undoubtedly require better integration of our research and clinical missions.  Something we are uniquely poised to do.  So – see our groups continued work to accomplish our missions below and we appreciate the time, effort, and continued support of all in the Duke Heart Community.  Importantly, this month is also Ramadan – and we hope all those in our community that celebrate – a happy Ramadan.

Highlights of the week

Celebrating Ramadan

We wish all those in our Muslim community a happy Ramadan. May this fasting period bring much reflection and spiritual growth to all who observe. Ramadan began the evening of Feb. 28, 2025 and will continue through March 29, 2025, ending with Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday marked by prayers, feasting and acts of generosity.

Ramadan Kareem!

Regional Cardiovascular Emergency Care Summit Held

On February 28 in Durham, healthcare professionals from across the region gathered for the Regional Cardiovascular Emergency Care Summit aimed at improving the care of patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction (MI). The half-day event sponsored by Duke Heart & Vascular Services brought together referring hospitals, EMS agencies, and PCI centers to discuss challenges, share best practices, and strengthen coordination efforts to enhance patient outcomes.

Summit Highlights & Impact:

• Facilitated networking and collaboration among EMS, emergency medicine, cardiology, and hospital systems
• Reviewed the current state of emergency cardiovascular care across the region
• STEMI Case Studies from various sites
• Identified key opportunities for improving response times, patient transfers, and overall coordination between EMS and hospitals

 

The event successfully brought together hospitals and EMS agencies, fostering stronger partnerships and leading to valuable discussions on optimizing patient care. The summit helped lay the groundwork for more efficient, life-saving interventions for cardiac emergencies by uniting healthcare providers across the state and region.

Participating organizations:

• Duke University Health System
• Duke Heart Network
• UNC Health
• Maria Parham Health
• Durham VAMC
• Person County EMS
• Duke Life Flight
• Alamance County EMS
• Durham County EMS
• Sovah Health
• Cone Health
• American Heart Association

The collaborative efforts from this summit will have a lasting impact, reinforcing the importance of seamless communication and coordination in cardiovascular emergency care. Stay tuned for details on the 2026 CV Summit as we continue to build on this year’s success and strengthen collaboration across our regional network.

Great job everyone!

 

CTSI Welcomes Clinical Research Equity Scholars in Partnership with Durham Tech

A unique collaboration launched four years ago between Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and Durham Technical Community College continues to thrive and recently welcomed the latest cohort of the Clinical Research Equity Scholars Program.

The two-semester program provides Durham Tech students the opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative strategies for improving equitable practices in clinical research. Scholars receive a stipend and are matched with a Duke mentor — often an affiliate CTSI faculty member — on a clinical research project.

“We are thrilled to continue this partnership with Durham Tech and provide scholars with special training activities and hands-on experience working with clinical research teams,” said Amanda McMillan, MPH, MA, co-director for CTSI’s Workforce Development Pillar. “Through the program, scholars also learn to address disparities in clinical research by engaging with communities that are underrepresented in studies and clinical trials, helping to make research accessible to everyone.”

Nadine Barrett, PhD, former director of the CTSI Center for Equity in Research, partnered with Sharleen Traynor, PhD, at Durham Tech to create the program.

The three students in this year’s cohort are:

Michelle Ko

A second-year clinical research student at Durham Tech, Ko has a background in art and design. Passionate about addressing health disparities, Ko is eager to collaborate with others in the clinical research field to improve health outcomes for underserved populations.

“Through my participation in the Clinical Research Equity Scholars Program, I’m honing the skills needed to promote health equity, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups,” she said.

Ko will complete her equity scholar internship with the OneDukeGen Medicine Study under the guidance of cardiologist Svati H. Shah, MD, MHS, director of the Center for Precision Health within CTSI.

Mackenna Moore

Moore has a Bachelor of Science in applied sociology and has worked as a chemist for four years. She enrolled at Durham Tech to make the career change from laboratory science to clinical research.

“I aspire to make meaningful and positive contributions to improving overall public health. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’m hoping my experience in this program will help me bridge the gap a bit,” Moore said. “I’m really excited to be part of this program and learn more about how to address disparities in clinical research.”

She will complete her equity scholar internship under the guidance of Kimberly G. Johnson, MD, at the Duke Aging Center, a part of the Duke-UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.

Joab Odera

Odera is studying clinical trial data management at Durham Tech. He has several years of experience in health disparities cancer research, with a doctorate in integrated biosciences from North Carolina Central University and postdoctoral research experience at Duke. He also has a certificate in applied data science from MIT.

“Since high school, I have had a great interest in translational research. My research experiences up to this point have been preclinical,” Odera said. “Through this program, I will have the opportunity to observe clinical research in the field and utilize the skills I’ve gained at Durham Tech and from my previous experience to improve health care in a clinical setting.”

Odera will complete his equity scholar internship with Opeyemi Olabisi, MD, PhD, a Duke nephrologist who serves on the leadership team for the CTSI Center for Precision Health.

 

Kudos to Hanna!

We received a nice note this week from Terry Fortin regarding cardiology fellow Jonathan Hanna:

“Wanted to give a shout out to Jonathan Hanna. He was on the other side of the CICU this last week, but many interactions with him when covering fellow at clinic or day off, etc. He was very engaged, did great job of answering STEMIs, multiple phone calls and seemingly endless triage. Was on top of everything.

Especially however called to ED to see pt with LVAD having VT symptoms. I went down to bring the interrogation device and he did a beautiful job of organizing the ED folks and working out very difficult ATP issues and getting sedation on board in case had to emergently shock. Very skilled — like an upper EP fellow would be. Successfully paced out and did a really great job.” — Terry Fortin, MD

Way to go, Jonathan!

 

 

 

Shout-out to Research, Care Teams

We received a thoughtful note this week from a married couple who have participated in clinical research at Duke via the MUSIC HFpEF1 trial and wanted to share it with our Pulse readers:

“To Marat, Kay, and all the support personnel…

Thanks to all the people who support research today that often leads to improving and saving lives tomorrow. Your work is often outside the public view and the results of your efforts are generally years or decades in the making. We have felt your interest and support for us as participants and “real people” in your studies and trials.

Again, our thanks.” – names withheld for privacy

Nicely done, everyone!!

 

From Duke Government Relations: Guide to Advocacy

Duke recognizes and supports faculty and staff engagement as private citizens in public policy and the political process and does not restrict such interactions.

Certain forms of government interaction involving Duke, however, are subject to federal and state regulation, e.g., attempting to influence legislative or executive action; therefore, faculty and staff must be transparent when participating in political activity in a personal capacity. 

Employees (faculty and staff) should only use personal e-mail, social media, or other online accounts (and not duke.edu accounts or other Duke electronic resources) to communicate with state and federal policymakers about legislation and legislative proposals or to circulate or distribute petitions and similar material. 

When participating individually in political advocacy, faculty and staff must:

Clearly distinguish individual, personal political activities from your Duke role, including not using Duke resources, e.g., Duke email or Duke electronic resources.

• Faculty and staff should use personal e-mail, social media, or other online accounts:
  • to communicate with state and federal policymakers regarding Executive Orders, federal or state legislation/regulations, and regulatory/legislative proposals
  • to author op-ed articles
  • to circulate participation in rallies, or similar events
  • to circulate or distribute petitions and similar material
• Faculty and staff should use off-hours or PTO to participate in political activities

Faculty or staff who are identified (by themselves or with others) using their Duke titles or affiliations must indicate that their comments are purely personal and not made on Duke’s behalf. A disclaimer should be added, noting that “titles and affiliations are provided for identification purposes only and that any views expressed by the individual are theirs alone and do not reflect the views of Duke University or any of its constituent institutions.

Please reference these resources for additional information:

• Government Relations Activities Policy – Government Relations
• Duke Health Social Media Policy

If you have any questions, please contact govrelations@duke.edu. 

 

Health System Updates:

Duke Medical School’s NIH Funding Sustains Scientific Discovery

Duke University School of Medicine received $455 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2024, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. The federal funding advances medical science and improves patient care.  

In the new rankings, Duke School of Medicine is 13th among the nation’s medical schools based on grants awarded during the federal fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024. Duke University received $580 million in NIH grants and contracts, ranking 11th in NIH support among research institutions.  

Behind the numbers is a broader story of scientists tackling pressing questions about aging, disease, and mechanics of human health, all driven by a shared pursuit of discovery.

“NIH funding is the backbone of transformative scientific discovery,” said Mary E. Klotman, M.D., executive vice president for health affairs at Duke University and dean of the School of Medicine.

“These investments empower our researchers to push the boundaries of medicine,” Klotman said. “However, research isn’t just about bold ideas — it requires laboratories, data infrastructure, and skilled teams who bring science to life. NIH support of these essential foundations has been critical in turning these discoveries into real and lasting improvements in human health.”

The Blue Ridge ranking is an annual, independent analysis of NIH research funds to colleges and universities. In 2024, the organization listed nine clinical and basic science departments at Duke School of Medicine that ranked in the nation’s top 10: 

Clinical Departments

• Surgery 1st
• Orthopedics 2nd
• Anesthesiology 4th
• Internal Medicine 8th
• Neurosurgery 9th
• Ophthalmology 9th

 Basic Science Departments

• Biostatistics and Bioinformatics 2nd
• Genetics 9th
• Pharmacology 7th

As the largest public funder of biomedical research globally, the NIH plays a crucial role in advancing health for all. By investing in institutions like Duke, the NIH fuels scientific research and translates knowledge into tangible improvements for patients.

 

Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions

Respiratory illnesses throughout our community remain high. We remain in Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions.

 

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

Thursday, March 13:  ACC/AHA Guidelines for Peripheral Artery Disease with Schuyler Jones. 5 p.m. via Zoom.

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

• 2025 CGR Recordings
• 2024 CGR Recordings

NET ID and password are required. Enjoy!

 

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

March 12: DHP with Michael Cosiano. Noon, in-person.

March 14: Management of PE with Imran Aslam. Noon, virtual.

March 19: HF/Tx with Joshua Rushakoff. Noon, in-person.

March 21: Congenital with Rich Krasuski. Noon, virtual.

March 26: EP with Jonathan Kusner and Ivan Nenadic Wood. Noon, in-person.

March 28: No conference/ACC

 

Upcoming Duke Heart CMEs

The following CME activities, sponsored by Duke Heart, have been scheduled. Registration coming soon.

• April 26, 2025: Duke Structural Heart Symposium (live event at Trent Semans Center in Durham)
• June 7, 2025: Duke Heart Failure Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center in Durham)
• October 31, 2025: 17th Annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center)

The following event is planned for Fall 2025; the date has not yet been set:

• October: Duke Cardiac Imaging Symposium (live event, location TBD)

 

Amyloidosis Support Group, March 22

Duke Heart will host an Amyloidosis Support Group meeting for all patients and family members followed at Duke as well as other institutions throughout the region.

• When: Saturday, March 22, 2025
• Time: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Where: Great Hall of the Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans Center for Health Education at Duke

The meeting is being organized in collaboration with the Amyloidosis Support Group Association (ASGA), a well-recognized national organization in the amyloidosis space.

Cardiologist Dr. Michel Khouri and hematologist Dr. Christiana Costa Chase, along with our genetic counselors, will be speaking at the event along with other special guests invited by ASGA.

Breakfast, lunch, and parking passes will be provided to attendees. Registration is required. There is no charge to attend. More information is available on the ASGA’s website.

 

Pulmonary Hypertension Community Workshop, March 22

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Community Workshop, brings together individuals, caregivers, friends and family impacted by pulmonary hypertension for a free, one-day, in-person event. The workshop educates and empowers attendees through up-to-date information on living with PH, including disease management, treatments, diagnostics and clinical trials. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local PH community for support and resources. The workshop includes complimentary parking, breakfast, and lunch.

• When: March 22
• Time: 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
• Where: Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel in Charlotte, NC.

Cardiologist Dr. Sudarshan Rajagopal is a co-chair for this free educational workshop geared to patients and their caregivers. Registration required. The event is sponsored by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

 

Gatsby Themed Fundraiser to Support Duke Heart for Honduras

There will be a Great Gatsby Casino Night on Saturday, March 29, 2025 as a fundraiser to benefit the Duke Heart for Honduras program. All proceeds will go directly to purchasing equipment and medical supplies to operate on children in need.

There will be a silent auction, casino games, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and the City Lights Jazz Band will be performing live. Donations can be made and tickets can be purchased here: https://one.bidpal.net/2025gatsbycasino/welcome

Thank you for supporting Duke Heart for Honduras!

 

 

 

 

Preparing for Transition from GME to DHIP Attending

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.

 

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: 

February 28 — Douglas Overbey and Joe Turek

People magazine

One Donor Heart Saved 3 Young Girls Through ‘Groundbreaking’ Surgery, Grateful Dad Calls It a ‘Blessing’

February 28 — Douglas Overbey

Cardiovascular Business

Surgeons make history, perform world’s first living mitral valve replacement

March 2 — Douglas Overbey and Joe Turek

Southeast Missourian

Former Cape resident involved in groundbreaking pediatric heart surgery methods, using heart parts from living donors

March 3 — Douglas Overbey and Joe Turek

HealthDay

Duke Doctors Perform First Living Mitral Valve Transplant

March 4 — Douglas Overbey

Times Now (India)

Doctors perform first ever living mitral valve transplant saving lives of three young girls

March 4 — Robert Califf

Muscular Dystrophy News

MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference starts on March 16

March 4 — Joe Turek

American College of Surgeons/ACS Brief

Surgeon Performs First Living Mitral Valve Replacement

March 4 — Douglas Overbey

Physician’s Weekly

Duke Doctors Perform First Living Mitral Valve Transplant

 

 

 

Chief’s message:  March Madness – Duke Heart and Vascular on a Run…

This weekend started March – a month for our institution that for many years has been synonymous with college basketball and runs to the final four. Our Heart and Vascular Team – also seems to be making a run on innovation, patient care, and partnerships.  You will see stories below about Duke’s First fully robotic Lung Transplant, and our Pediatric Heart Surgeons, Douglas Overbey and Joe Turek,  doing the first living mitral valve replacement in the setting of Heart Transplant and domino procedures (a story carried nationally by NBC news).  We aslo welcome Tracy Geoffrion, our new congenital heart surgeon. On the partnership front, Duke announced a partnership with Novant health to build several ambulatory health centers throughout the state.  This represents an important opportunity for us to get closer to our patients and partner to deliver CV care and improve the health of our community and state.  We also congratulate Jeff Gaca, MD, who was named triangle business journal Surgeon of the Year.  Great recognition for the work that Jeff does.

We were also lucky this week to have Coach K end heart month with cardiovascular grand rounds on Tuesday to a packed house of faculty and residents/fellows on teamwork and leadership.  Some great stories and interactions, but most importantly he highlighted for all of us the opportunity and impact our group could have with teamwork and leadership in health.  We gave Coach K a Duke Heart fleece that he was kind enough to wear to the game Saturday night against Florida State.  We appreciate Coach K’s support of our group.  Some pictures from the game below.

Highlights of the week:

Duke’s First Fully Robotic Lung Transplant Performed

Congratulations to our Duke Lung Transplant team! On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a team of Duke surgeons performed Duke’s first fully robotic lung transplant at Duke University Hospital. It is also the first such procedure to be performed in the southeast United States, after a team at New York University Langone Health performed the first in the nation in September 2024; the NYU Langone team then performed the world’s first fully robotic double lung transplant in November.

All four of Duke’s lung transplant surgeons from the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery were involved in the cutting-edge procedure: Matthew Hartwig, MD, MHS, Professor of Surgery; Jacob Klapper, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery; Kunal Patel, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Surgery; and Hiroshi Date, MD, Professor of Surgery, who joined the faculty at Duke two days prior.

“Fully robotic lung transplants are not being done everywhere,” says Klapper, who serves as surgical director of the Duke Lung Transplant Program. “We are one of the first to do it and I think it continues our tradition at Duke of being among the first to do innovative things that advance the  field.”

The robotic procedure involves utilizing smaller incisions compared to traditional open chest transplant procedures, allowing for improved recovery processes for the patient with less pain and quicker healing. This is important because two-thirds of Duke lung transplant patients are over the age of 65 — a much older patient population than the national average, he added.

After communicating with other centers around the world and within the U.S. that had done fully robotic lung transplants, Klapper says the Duke team – surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses – went through an extensive period of pre-planning and creating a written protocol to ensure their success.

A large team of people was involved in the planning, intake, and post-surgical care of the patient. Klapper highlights his fellow surgeons on the team, Drs. Hartwig, Patel, and Date, as well as anesthesiologists Dr. Brandi Bottiger and Dr. Bryan Chow, who are intimately involved in the lung transplant team and who helped design the anesthesia plan for the procedure. Franklin Dominno, thoracic team lead, and Danielle Buckles, a thoracic nurse specializing in robotics; Stacy Williams “who is terrific about making sure we have everything we need all the time,” and Ken Boccaccio, PA, who is our bedside-assist for all robotic cases.

“A big, big thanks to all those folks who were so integral to this process,” Klapper says.

The patient, 71-year-old Dennis Ihnat of Wilmington, NC, was extubated, walking, and eating less than 48 hours post-operation, with plans to be discharged on Friday, February 28.

“Dennis has been a star patient, and we are thrilled that he has been recovering so well and is headed home for further recovery,” Dr. Klapper adds.

Shown here are members of the care team with the patient and his wife. From L-R are: Dr. Thomas Bunning, anesthesia fellow; Dr. John Reynolds, transplant pulmonologist; Julie Kellermeier, lung transplant social worker; Dr. Kunal Patel, lung transplant surgeon; Diane Ihnat, patient’s wife; Dennis Ihnat; Dr. Carlos Leon, transplant fellow; Dr. Romel Holmes, anesthesia resident; Dr. Brandon Menachem, transplant pulmonologist; Dr. Brandi Bottiger, anesthesiologist; Abigail Hinson, 6E RN.

Duke University Hospital has performed more than 2,500 lung transplants to date, the most of any lung transplant program in the U.S., and performed 94 lung transplants in 2024 alone.

Amazing work, team!

 

Duke Health Performs the World’s First Living Mitral Valve Replacement

A team at Duke Health was able to perform the world’s first living mitral valve replacement after an adolescent girl received a full heart transplant and donated the healthy valves from her original heart.

The valves were then used to save the lives of two other girls; one of whom received the new procedure. All three girls who were part of the case are from different parts of North Carolina.

The current standard of care for pediatric heart valve replacement uses preserved non-living tissue or mechanical valves, which do not grow along with the child. As a result, recipients require multiple future valve replacement surgeries and blood thinners for mechanical valves, which both carry risks.

 “There’s not a good valve option for kids,” said Douglas Overbey, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine and one of the team members behind the pioneering procedure.

“They all require multiple surgeries, and we know they’re going to fail down the road,” Overbey said. “That’s something that’s really hard to talk to parents about, knowing that you’re going to have to do the same surgery with a new valve, maybe six months later because they’re going to outgrow it.”

The first living mitral valve replacement was performed on 14-year-old Margaret Van Bruggen, from Charlotte. She received the valve from 11-year-old Journi Kelly, from Wilson, after Journi received a full-heart transplant. Journi also donated another valve to now 9-year-old, Kensley Frizzell from Pembroke.

The living mitral valve replacement is a type of partial heart transplant, which Duke pioneered in 2022. Partial heart transplant was studied in Duke research labs before the procedure was done, and research shows the living valves do continue to grow. Duke has now performed 20 partial heart transplants under the guidance of the FDA. 

The idea behind partial heart transplant is to make use of the healthy valves from donated hearts. The procedure expands the number of lives that benefit from a limited number of donated hearts and has enabled domino heart transplant procedures, in which valves are used from a failing heart after it’s removed for transplant.

“To think that the lives of three girls could be saved after one full-heart donation is amazing,” said Joseph Turek, MD, PhD, Duke’s chief of pediatric cardiac surgery, who performed the procedure alongside a vast team, after research in the lab.

Doctors at Duke said the living mitral valve replacement was challenging due to the valve’s position and structure, and it carries risks commonly associated with heart surgery. The mitral valve is located inside and toward the back of the heart, making it difficult to access. Its parachute-like structure with various chords and muscle grouping makes it more difficult to suture in.

The procedure became a possibility in a unique confluence of circumstances, starting with Journi, who went into sudden heart failure and needed a transplant.

The youngster complained of a stomachache, but when her parents took her to the emergency room, they learned her heart was failing. Two days later she was transported by aircraft to Duke for transplant, where she waited on the list for a new heart.

“Before Journi’s surgery, we were told the doctors were hoping to try a new procedure and asked if we were willing to donate Journi’s old heart,” said Rachel Kelly, Journi’s stepmom. “They explained to us that they could use the healthy parts of it to help other kids. Our next question was, ‘Where do we sign?’”

As a donated heart became available for Journi, the valves from her original heart were serendipitously a match for both Margaret and Kensley. Margaret, a cross-country runner and high school freshman, needed the valve replacement suddenly and urgently after she contracted a bacterial infection (endocarditis) that created large holes in her mitral valve.

“She was in the hospital, and we could’ve lost her,” said Margaret’s mother, Elizabeth Van Bruggen. “But she was so brave, so I knew I had to be brave too. She’s got a lot left to give the world.”

Kensley’s family was excited to hear it may be the last surgery she could need. The 9-year-old is familiar with long hospital stays, having already experienced her first two operations before her first two months of life after being diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Turner’s syndrome.

“We were expecting she would need surgery, but we never knew this would be an option,” said Kenan Frizzell, Kensley’s father. “The whole situation is extraordinary, whether you look at it from the standpoint of a scientific breakthrough or the average person’s point of view. I can’t imagine all the coordination that’s needed for something like this to take place, but as one of the families that benefited, we can’t be anything other than grateful.”

Research leading to the surgical innovation was supported by the Brett Boyer Foundation and the Graeme McDaniel Foundation.

This story has been featured in hundreds of news outlets, including the Today show. Several links appear to additional stories appear below in our news coverage section.

Nicely done, team!

 

Geoffrion Joins CTS Faculty

Please join us in welcoming Tracy Geoffrion, MD, MPH, associate professor of surgery, as she starts her practice here at Duke. Tracy has joined the congenital heart surgery group within the division of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery and will have a major focus on adult congenital cases.

Tracy joins us from the Medical College of Wisconsin where she worked in these areas. She completed fellowship training in congenital heart surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and residency in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern. Tracy completed medical school at University of Texas San Antonio and undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University.

Welcome to the Duke Heart team, Tracy!

 

Holley to Present MGR This Week

Christopher Holley, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine in cardiology will present Medicine Grand Rounds on Friday morning, March 7, at 8 a.m., in Duke North 2002 and via Zoom. His topic will be the Role of Novel RNA Modifications in Cardiometabolic Disease.

 

Good News for Gaca; Harbison Family

We learned this week that CT surgeon Jeff Gaca, MD has been named Surgeon of the Year by the Triangle Business Journal as part of their efforts to recognize healthcare leaders from throughout the Triangle. The award will be presented on April 10. Congrats, Jeff!

We’re thrilled to also share that Donavon and Lindsey Harbison have welcomed a daughter – Zephaniah — to their family. Last summer, Donavon Harbison became the second person in the world to receive a BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart as a bridge to transplant. He lived with the device for 10 days before undergoing a heart transplant at Duke University Hospital. 

“Because of all you and the team did — her daddy was there to catch her,” said Lindsey Harbison in an email to Duke surgeon Dr. Jacob Schroder.

Such a beautiful reminder that what we do in Duke Heart matters to so many. Great job, team!

 

Heart Team Members Care for Patients in Mexico

Duke Heart nurse practitioners Dayana Ramos and Shelley Thompson volunteered at a medical clinic in Reynosa, Mexico from February 19-23. They served with Isaiah 55 Ministries and a care team from San Antonio. The team saw more than 150 people in two days and provided much needed medical care, medications, and support to the people of Reynosa — including migrants at two shelters.

Shelley is planning to return as a volunteer for another clinic in October. If anyone is interested in joining her, please reach out to her directly.

We are so proud of you both for volunteering your time and talent. Way to go, Dayana and Shelley!

 

CGR Welcomed Shah, Krzyzewski This Week

On Monday evening we had a terrific presentation by Dr. Sanjiv Shah, cardiologist and researcher from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, our DCRI fellows visiting professor. His topic was Transforming HFpEF Management in the Age of Precision Medicine.

We also had a special catered grand rounds on Tuesday with retired Duke MBB Coach Mike Krzyzewski who presented on teamwork, leadership, and healthcare.

 

Thanks to all who joined us!

 

Cardiac Rehab Team Celebrates Rehab Week

Cardiac Rehabilitation Week was celebrated nationally from February 9-15. Our team did an excellent job of engaging patients in both education and fun activities all week!

Back row  (L to R): Angel Dowden, Hope Miles, Lindsay Goolsby, Jessica Taube, Jordan Cottle, Cathy Ritchey, and Anne Kenyon. Front row (L to R): Lisa Skowronek (kneeling), Katie Altieri, Michelle Branson, Janet Aiken (kneeling), and Kim Duren. Photos courtesy of Erica Rao.

Great work!

 

Health System Updates:

New Partnership With Novant Expands Duke Health’s Reach and Impact

Duke Health is taking another bold step to advance our growth and deliver hope, health, and healing to more communities. In partnership with Novant Health, we are moving forward with plans to develop new ambulatory sites throughout the region. This exciting collaboration reflects our shared vision for a healthier North Carolina and our commitment to making it easier for patients to obtain the high-quality care we provide.

We have long recognized the need to scale our growth and broaden access to Duke Health’s world-class expertise. Our partnership with Novant Health will help us achieve growth at a faster pace than we could working on our own. That means more North Carolina communities will be able to access Duke Health’s expert clinicians and teams faster than ever before.

Please watch a special message from DUHS leaders Drs. Craig Albanese, Mary Klotman, and Matt Barber to learn more about why this partnership matters and what we’ll be able to achieve together.

For additional information, please visit https://duke.is/4/5aje. (NET ID required)

 

Watts College of Nursing to Relocate to Duke Health’s Interprofessional Education and Care Center

Watts College of Nursing (WCON), a pillar of nursing education in Durham for more than a century, will relocate to the Duke University campus in July 2025.

This move establishes the next chapter in WCON’s long and distinguished history, ensuring that students and faculty have access to world-class resources while maintaining the college’s independent identity.

For 18 years, WCON has been headquartered at its Croasdaile location, providing nursing education and training for the next generation of health care professionals. As part of its continued growth, WCON will move to the Interprofessional Education and Care Center within the broader Duke Health community to co-locate with the Duke University School of Nursing and the Duke Health Clinical Education & Professional Development team.

This strategic relocation strengthens the connection between academic and clinical nursing education, nurturing a stronger nursing workforce pipeline within Duke Health and beyond.

The full story can be found here.

Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions

Respiratory illnesses throughout our community remain high. We remain in Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions.

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

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

• 2025 CGR Recordings
• 2024 CGR Recordings

NET ID and password are required. Enjoy!

 

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

March 5: Fellows Forum with Paula Rambarat. Noon, in-person.

March 7: EKG with Michele Kelsey. Noon, virtual.

March 12: DHP with Michael Cosiano. Noon, in-person.

March 14: Management of PE with Imran Aslam. Noon, virtual.

 

Upcoming Duke Heart CMEs

The following CME activities, sponsored by Duke Heart, have been scheduled. Registration coming soon.

• April 26, 2025: Duke Structural Heart Symposium (live event at Trent Semans Center in Durham)
• June 7, 2025: Duke Heart Failure Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center in Durham)
• October 31, 2025: 17th Annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center)

The following event is planned for Fall 2025; the date has not yet been set:

• October: Duke Cardiac Imaging Symposium (live event, location TBD)

 

Amyloidosis Support Group, March 22

Duke Heart will host an Amyloidosis Support Group meeting for all patients and family members followed at Duke as well as other institutions throughout the region.

• When: Saturday, March 22, 2025
• Time: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Where: Great Hall of the Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans Center for Health Education at Duke

The meeting is being organized in collaboration with the Amyloidosis Support Group Association (ASGA), a well-recognized national organization in the amyloidosis space.

Cardiologist Dr. Michel Khouri and hematologist Dr. Christiana Costa Chase, along with our genetic counselors, will be speaking at the event along with other special guests invited by ASGA.

Breakfast, lunch, and parking passes will be provided to attendees. Registration is required. There is no charge to attend. More information is available on the ASGA’s website.

 

 

Pulmonary Hypertension Community Workshop, March 22

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Community Workshop, brings together individuals, caregivers, friends and family impacted by pulmonary hypertension for a free, one-day, in-person event. The workshop educates and empowers attendees through up-to-date information on living with PH, including disease management, treatments, diagnostics and clinical trials. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local PH community for support and resources. The workshop includes complimentary parking, breakfast, and lunch.

• When: March 22
• Time: 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
• Where: Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel in Charlotte, NC.

Cardiologist Dr. Sudarshan Rajagopal is a co-chair for this free educational workshop geared to patients and their caregivers. Registration required. The event is sponsored by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

Gatsby Themed Fundraiser to Support Duke Heart for Honduras

There will be a Great Gatsby Casino Night on Saturday, March 29, 2025 as a fundraiser to benefit the Duke Heart for Honduras program. All proceeds will go directly to purchasing equipment and medical supplies to operate on children in need.

There will be a silent auction, casino games, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and the City Lights Jazz Band will be performing live. Donations can be made and tickets can be purchased here: https://one.bidpal.net/2025gatsbycasino/welcome

Thank you for supporting Duke Heart for Honduras!

 

Gatsby Themed Fundraiser to Support Duke Heart for Honduras

There will be a Great Gatsby Casino Night on Saturday, March 29, 2025 as a fundraiser to benefit the Duke Heart for Honduras program. All proceeds will go directly to purchasing equipment and medical supplies to operate on children in need.

There will be a silent auction, casino games, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and the City Lights Jazz Band will be performing live. Donations can be made and tickets can be purchased here: https://one.bidpal.net/2025gatsbycasino/welcome

Thank you for supporting Duke Heart for Honduras!

 

 

 

Preparing for Transition from GME to DHIP Attending

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.

 

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: 

February 24 — Robert Califf

CNN

Ex-FDA commissioner on implications of agency’s ‘unreasonable’ jobs cuts

February 25 — Jennifer Li

Amazing Health Advances

Chest Pain in Children and Adolescents

February 27 — Doug Overbey and Joe Turek

Today show/NBC

EXCLUSIVE: 1 heart saves 3 girls in a unique surgery that could help other children

February 27 — Doug Overbey and Joe Turek

WRAL

How one life changing heart donation kicked off chain of events

February 27 — Doug Overbey and Joe Turek

Becker’s Hospital Review

Duke Health team performs world’s 1st living mitral valve replacement

February 27 — Doug Overbey and Joe Turek

NBC News Daily (100+ affiliates & streaming online)

Doctors at Duke are celebrating a successful, unique kind of surgery

Chief’s message:  Snow, Patient Care, and Education

Another busy week in the Duke Cardiovascular world that was notable for the mid-week snow storm that put 3-6 inches of snow throughout portions of the triangle.  I wanted to be sure to thank our staff and faculty that worked hard to ensure we both saw our patients and we worked to cover the different areas where we are able to deliver care.  Below in the Pulse you will see an accounting of some of the people that helped make this happen.  We also continued Heart Month with great news and additions.  Dr. Date, an world renown cardiothoracic surgeon will be joining our CT surgery team. We are excited to welcome him.  We also had grand rounds this week with Dr. Gaudino on the Recharge trial and Dr. Khouri gave medical grand rounds on Amyloid cardiomyopathy.  We will have another amazing week coming up with two talks this week.  On monday, Dr. Sanjiv Shah will talk on transforming HpEF in the age of precision medicine, and on Tuesday February 25th Coach Mike Krzyzewski will give a talk and take questions on leadership and teamwork in healthcare.  Finally, we want to thank Dr. Ann Reed, who will be stepping down as the Chair of Pediatrics as the end of the year, for her service and support of Duke Health, our patients, and our residents and students.

Highlights of the week:

Hiroshi Date, MD Joins CT Surgery Faculty

The Duke Department of Surgery is pleased to announce that esteemed cardiothoracic surgeon Hiroshi Date, MD, has joined the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery faculty, effective February 17, 2025.

Dr. Date is a surgeon renowned for performing the first successful living-donor lobar lung transplantation in Japan in 1998. He most recently served as Chairman and Professor in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Kyoto University.

“Dr. Date is bringing a new technique with him from Japan to Duke,” says Allan D. Kirk, MD, PhD, Chair of the Duke Department of Surgery. “He is one of the few world authorities on living donor lung transplantation, and this new international addition to our team will serve to make our already nation-leading team even more capable.”

Having authored more than 600 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Date’s research interests span various fields of general thoracic surgery including thoracic malignancy and lung transplantation.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Date to the Duke Surgery team,” says Carmelo Milano, MD, Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. “I am confident that Dr. Date’s expertise as one of the world’s leaders in living-donor lung transplantation will be an important, timely addition to the life-saving care options that Duke offers to our patients.”

Please give Hiroshi a warm welcome when you meet him!

 

It’s GME Appreciation Week

Duke’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) Appreciation Week –sponsored by the Duke GME office runs Feb. 24-28. Please join us in celebrating the amazing work of our trainees who play a vital role in shaping the future of medicine.

Our 44 cardiology fellows and 14 CT surgery residents are among the hundreds of residents and fellows throughout the Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery who contribute daily to the success of Duke University Health System. They help care for the incredibly complex patients who come to Duke for world-class care. In addition, they make invaluable contributions to our research and education missions through their collaboration with faculty. Our trainees are highly committed to community service and make a profound difference in the lives of our patients. We are immensely proud of each one of them.

Trainees: look out for meal deals and a celebratory t-shirt from the GME Office.

We invite everyone to thank and honor our amazing GME trainees during this special recognition week!

 

Remote Patient Care CME Held

Marat Fudim, MD led an excellent CME this week as course director for our first Remote Patient Care: A New Era in Cardiovascular Disease Management webinar. We had more than 325 attendees register from 39 states and 15 different countries – a robust mix of healthcare providers and industry representatives. Fudim’s co-course director was Dr. Theodore Feldman, head of cardiology and clinical associate professor of medicine at FIU Wertheim College of Medicine and medical director of Prevention and Community Health at Baptist Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute.

The webinar was interactive and well-received and included speakers from Massachusetts General Hospital, Prisma Health, Baptist Miami Cardiac and Vascular, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Cadence Solutions, and Community Health Systems. Topics included: updates on GDMT for chronic HF, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as new technologies and modalities to incorporate remote monitoring into health system practices to improve patient care.

Nicely done, Marat!

 

Shout-out to Outpatient Clinical Staff for Weather-Related Rescheduling

Inclement weather this past week had a significant impact on our outpatient clinic scheduling. Our leadership team shared some of the amazing work that our clinic staff put in to help accommodate needed changes.

A big push was made to handle the surge of patient cancellations, reschedules, template moves, patient calls, etc. It required an all-hands-on-deck approach to keep the operations afloat and everyone worked hard to help our patients with schedule changes.

Overall impact:

• Cancellations for Wed./Thurs.: 870 (including patients canceling remotely through MyChart or Avaamo)
• Reschedules as of Thursday afternoon: 644
• % Rescheduled: 74%

A big shout-out to the following team members…

From DHIP:

Alex Ayala, Mary Brame, Tracie Collins, Kristi Combs, Aaliyah Fleming, Destini Foster, Ricky Griffin, Mario Irias, Valerie Kielty, Monique Lawrence, Trish Lombardo, Rudy Petty, Maggie Robertson, Bob Schumann, Melva Strait, Robbie Strickland, Precious Trice, and Treasa Wilson.

From the Duke Float Pool:

Axel De La Pena, Marcia Streety, Brittany Robinson, and Susan Bryson.

From Triangle Heart Associates:

Leila Andrews, Alicia Armour, Carissa Bregadze, Rachael Langewicz, Maurice Marrow, Amanda Miller, Delicia Moore, Sheila Moore, Carlee Peele, Jennifer Phan-Jackson, Michelle Phung, Sarah Pickett, Laura Santiago-Irwin, Maria Talavera, and Tamra Webster.

From Raleigh:

Shirley DePietro, Octavia Fogg, Priyanka Mukherjee, Nathaska Rivera, Eddie Scott, Stephanie Sullivan, and Emily Sweet.

From the PRMO:

Dayna Fludd, Monica Johnson, Donald Little, Divya Patel, Maryann Shepard, Meha Thakore, Xzavier Walter, and Elisabeth Williams.

Many thanks to Addison Newman, Allen Stephens, and Matt Fitzsimmons for sharing this story with us. Way to go, team!

 

CGR Reminders: Shah & Krzyzewski to Deliver CGRs This Week

We have CGR on Monday evening with Dr. Sanjiv Shah, cardiologist and researcher from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He’ll present on Transforming HFpEF Management in the Age of Precision Medicine on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, from 5-6:15 p.m. in DN2002 and via Zoom.

And, we’ll have a very special in-person-only Grand Rounds on Tuesday. Please join us! Coach Mike Krzyzewski will be giving Cardiovascular Grand Rounds on Leadership and Teamwork.

Date: February 25^th, 2025

Time: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m., EST. (Reception with light refreshments to start at 4:30 pm)

Location: Duke North 2002

Look forward to seeing you all there!

 

Full Circle: Ben’s Journey from Heart Patient to Duke Perfusionist

For Ben Godfrey, heart surgery is more than just a medical procedure—it’s been a defining part of his life.

Born with a congenital heart defect, he underwent his first surgery, an arterial switch procedure, at just two weeks old. Years later, he faced another critical procedure on his aortic valve at Duke University Hospital at 19.

“I’ve always been a heart kid,” he says. “I have two heart anniversaries and grew up with other kids who had heart surgery and experienced congenital heart defects.”

These experiences not only shaped Ben’s personal journey but also sparked a passion for helping others. This calling to care is what led him to pursue training as a perfusionist and his first healthcare role saving the lives of other heart patients in the same hospital that gave him a new lease on life in 2016.

“Having surgery here had a huge impact on my decision to work at Duke Health,” Ben said. “I already had a connection to the hospital, and I understood the experience from the patient’s side. That perspective made it feel like the right place for me to work.” 

Perfusionists are critical members of the surgical team, responsible for operating the heart-lung bypass machine during heart surgery. Ben relates the task of setting up and operating the heart-lung bypass machine to piloting a plane.

“It’s like taking off and landing,” Ben explains. “Going on bypass and coming off are the most critical parts. When everything goes smoothly, it feels amazing.”

Although perfusionists don’t interact directly with patients during surgery, Ben feels his first-hand experience as a heart patient informs his work.

“I think it makes me more mindful of the emotional and physical recovery that patients undergo,” he says. “The entire process can be overwhelming, and I try to approach each case with that in mind because I know exactly what patients are going through. I can empathize with them—not just as a medical professional, but as someone who had been through it myself.”

Since he joined Duke Health in 2023, Ben is not just fulfilling his role on the surgical team—he’s also contributing to Duke Health’s cutting-edge advancements in cardiac care. A focus he calls one of the highlights of his career.

“Duke is always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” Ben says. “We’ve been involved in some incredible innovations, from new LVADs to heart transplants and even a trial with total artificial hearts. It’s amazing to be on the front lines of such groundbreaking work.”

His commitment to helping others doesn’t stop at the operating room. At the start of the new year, Ben joined Duke’s Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) transport team, which involves on-call duties beyond his normal work to assist with the transport of patients to Duke Health for specialized care.

“It’s another way to make a difference,” he says. “Knowing that what we do has a real impact on people’s lives is incredibly fulfilling. Being able to give back after having gone through this journey myself means the world to me.”

This team member spotlight was developed for the Careers at Duke Health website.

 

Khouri Delivers MGR Lecture

Michel G. Khouri, MD, professor of medicine in cardiology, presented Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Model of Precision Cardiomyopathy at Medicine Grand Rounds on Friday morning, Feb. 21. A link to his presentation was not available this weekend but will be available soon. It will appear here: https://duke.is/5/psaf

 

CGR Welcomed Mario Gaudino to Discuss the RECHARGE Trial

This week we welcomed Dr. Mario Gaudino of Weill Cornell Medicine as our Cardiology Grand Rounds speaker on Tuesday evening, Feb. 18th. His CGR topic was Revascularization Choices Among Under-Represented Groups Evaluation: The RECHARGE Trial.

ICYMI, a recording can be found here.

 

Health System Updates:

Duke Health, WakeMed and Lifepoint Health Celebrate Opening of New Rehabilitation Hospital

Duke Health, WakeMed and Lifepoint Health celebrated the opening of Peak Rehabilitation Hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 18 in Apex, NC. The 52-bed rehabilitation hospital is the result of a joint venture between Duke Health, WakeMed, and Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a business unit of Lifepoint Health, that was announced in 2021.

“The health challenges of our communities are complex, and we are proud to partner with WakeMed and Lifepoint Health to provide patients and their families access to innovative, cost-effective and high-quality inpatient rehab care,” said Craig Albanese, MD, chief executive officer of Duke University Health System.

Duke Health and WakeMed are both home to comprehensive rehabilitation programs, accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), that support children and adults on their path to recovery and their journey to maximum rehabilitation and independence.

“This joint venture with Duke Health and Lifepoint represents our commitment to meeting the growing needs of our community while carrying out our mission to strengthen the health of our community,” said Donald Gintzig, WakeMed president and CEO.”

The two-story rehabilitation hospital spans more than 60,000 square feet and includes all private rooms, large interdisciplinary therapy gyms, therapeutic courtyards with gardens, walking paths and pickleball, specially designed rooms to treat dialysis patients and a scaled transitional living apartment to help prepare patients for their return to activities of daily living.

Lifepoint Rehabilitation will manage day-to-day operations for the hospital, providing acute rehabilitation care for patients who have experienced a loss of function from injury or illness, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, complex neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, multiple traumas, amputation and other injuries or disorders.

For more information, please visit PeakRehabHospital.com.

 

Reed to Step Down as Chair, Dept. of Pediatrics, End of 2025

Ann Reed, MD, will step down as chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the end of 2025. Dr. Reed, the Samuel L. Katz Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, has dedicated her career to caring for children with autoimmune disorders and immune dysfunction. Her research, which has spanned over 20 years, focuses on the genetics and causes of human autoimmune diseases, particularly juvenile dermatomyositis.

The announcement was made earlier this week by Dr. Mary Klotman, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at Duke, and Dr. Craig Albanese, Chief Executive Officer of Duke University Health System.

“Dr. Reed’s leadership has been instrumental in propelling our pediatrics department to new heights, and her contributions will have a lasting impact on our Duke community,” the announcement said.

Moira Rynn, MD, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, will lead a committee through a national search to identify Dr. Reed’s successor.

 

Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions

Respiratory illnesses throughout our community remain high. We remain in Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions.

 

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

• February is American Heart Month and Black History Month.
• February 24 – 28 is GME Week!

 

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Feb. 24: Transforming HFpEF Management in the Age of Precision Medicine with Dr. Sanjiv Shah of the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Medicine. 5 p.m. DN 2002 and via Zoom.

Feb. 25: Teamwork, Leadership, and Healthcare with Mike Krzyzewski. 5 p.m., in-person only, DN 2002. (A reception with light refreshments will begin at 4:30 p.m.)

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:

• 2025 CGR Recordings
• 2024 CGR Recordings

NET ID and password are required. Enjoy!

 

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

February 26: DHP with Nishakala Shivakuma. Noon, DMP 7E39.

February 28: EKG with Neil Freedman. Noon, Zoom.

 

Upcoming Duke Heart CMEs

The following CME activities, sponsored by Duke Heart, have been scheduled. Registration is not yet open, but stay tuned for additional information.

• April 26, 2025: Duke Structural Heart Symposium (live event at Trent Semans Center in Durham)
• June 7, 2025: Duke Heart Failure Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center in Durham)
• October 31, 2025: 17th Annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center)

The following event is planned for Fall 2025; the date has not yet been set:

• October: Duke Cardiac Imaging Symposium (live event, location TBD)

 

Preparing for Transition from GME to DHIP Attending

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.

 

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: 

February 12 — Marat Fudim

Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology

Data Demonstrates Favorable Impact of AVIM Therapy on Diastolic Dysfunction

February 14 — Robert Califf

Politico

Battle of the journals

February 17 — Robert Califf

Endpoints News

Former FDA chief calls job cuts ‘haphazard, poorly thought-out’

February 18 — Karen Alexander

The New York Times

New Insights Into Older Hearts

February 18 — Duke Heart study (Fudim*)

The Miami Times

A troubling trend: Rising heart failure rates in young adults

*refers to 2024 JAMA Cardiology research letter

February 18 — Marat Fudim

Cardiac Interventions Today

Orchestra BioMed’s AVIM Therapy Studied for Impact on Diastolic Dysfunction

February 18 — Robert Califf

Inside Health Policy

Califf Condemns FDA Cuts as Scope of Layoffs Still Unclear

February 18 — Gillian D. Sanders Schmidler (Pop. Health/Margolis Institute for Health Policy)

Avertix Guardian System Evaluated for Cost-Effectiveness in ACS Patients

February 19 — Karen Alexander

Juta Medical Brief

Why older patients need a different treatment for heart conditions

February 19 — Harry Severance

Becker’s ASC Review

Is the physician workforce headed towards ‘disenfranchisement and marginalization’?

February 19 — Robert Lefkowitz

The Hoya

THE INTERSECTION: The Catastrophic Health Effects of “America First”

February 19 — Robert Califf

Supermarket News

Head of FDA’s food division resigns

February 20 — Geeta Swamy (OBGYN)

NPR/The Indicator from Planet Money

What happens when billions of dollars in research funding goes away