The Pulse – Powered by Duke Heart

Chief’s message:

Hope you all are having a good weekend. For those of you who didn’t see it – NY Times highlighted 36 hours in Durham today.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/11/02/travel/things-to-do-durham-nc.html

Highlights of the week:

This week: AHA Scientific Sessions in Philly!

We know a lot of you will be traveling to Philadelphia this week to attend and perhaps present at the 2023 American Heart Association’s Annual Scientific Sessions. We hope you’ll share photos and highlights with us from throughout the weekend. Please email photos and write-ups on anything you’d like to share in an upcoming issue of Pulse by sending items via email to either Tracey Koepke or Manesh Patel (or both!).

Annual Duke Reception at AHA Scientific Sessions

If you’ll be attending the 2023 AHA Scientific Sessions later this week, please join us at the Duke Annual Reception! 

When: Saturday, November 11 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street. Level 4, Franklin Hall 8.

Sponsors: Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke Cardiology, Duke Heart Center

Questions?:  Please email Elizabeth.evans@duke.edu or willette.wilkins@duke.edu

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Duke Shines at 3^rd Annual NYU Langone Critical Care Symposium

The 3^rd Annual NYU Langone Critical Care Cardiology Symposium was held two weekends ago (October 20-21, 2023) in New York City. Duke had outstanding representation there – including fellows Willard Applefeld and Balim Senman, as well as nurse practitioner and School of Nursing faculty member, Callie Tennyson, DNP, who each were invited faculty on the symposium. 

Senman also served on the symposium’s planning committee and was selected as overall “Best Abstract” winner in the Research Category (an award endorsed by the CardioNerds program). Additionally, Garima Dahiya – one of the current Critical Care Cardiology trainees at Duke – was selected as a “Best Abstract” winner in the Quality Improvement Category. Finally, Dr. Cherylee Chang – Professor of Neurology and Division Chief of Neurocritical Care here at Duke – also participated as an invited faculty member and was instrumental in helping to cultivate and champion the multidisciplinary focus of the symposium.

“It was great to see Duke’s influence on this maturing discipline,” said Jason Katz, MD, advanced heart failure and critical care specialist. Katz is a long-time champion of cardiology critical care training and support. You can read an interview he did for the ACC/Cardiology Magazine here.

Way to go, Willard, Balim, and Callie!

 

Mario Foundation Awardees Profiled by DOM

Back in August, we shared the great news that advanced heart failure and transplant fellow, Josephine Harrington, MD, won a 2023 Mario Foundation Award. Harrington and her fellow awardees were profiled this past week in the Department of Medicine’s This Week in Medicine. We wanted to share her profile here with you:

Josephine Harrington, MD

Josephine Harrington, MD, is an advanced heart failure and transplant fellow. She attended medical school at the University of Massachusetts Worcester before going to the University of Texas Southwestern for her residency. Dr. Harrington completed her cardiology training at Duke, including two years at the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) on a T32 grant. Her clinical and research interests are focused on identifying better methods to care for patients with heart failure and obesity. 

As a fellow, Dr. Harrington piloted a clinic to provide care for patients whose body mass index (BMI) was a barrier to heart transplant; multiple of her patients have gone on to successfully lose weight and receive heart transplants. Her research has similarly focused on understanding the relationship between obesity and markers of heart failure severity, and on the impact of weight loss in patients with heart failure and obesity. She is an avid hiker and loves good food and bad puns. Her winning project is: The Relationship Between Obesity, Weight Loss and Heart Failure Severity.

Q: Please describe your most significant research work and why you are excited about it. 

Harrington: Despite the fact that obesity is the single largest risk factor for heart failure, we know shockingly little about the ways that excess body weight impact heart failure physiology, or how intentional weight loss might ameliorate those relationships. I am leveraging the incredibly rich data that already exist at Duke to establish baseline relationships between obesity and heart failure, and to explore the impact of intentional weight loss on changes in those relationships. Intentional weight loss may well represent a new “pillar” for heart failure management among patients with obesity, and these data will help to establish the potential for weight loss to impact heart failure severity in this population. 

Q: What has a Duke School of Medicine education meant to you in preparing for your career as a physician and/or researcher? 

Harrington: Duke is truly unparalleled when it comes to resources and chances for collaboration and research. Rarely a week goes by where I don’t realize that there is yet another opportunity to further a research question or to leverage a dataset to inform an investigation. 

Q: We live in a fascinating time for moving medicine forward.  How do you foresee contributing to medicine that will improve the health and well-being for all populations? 

Harrington: The median BMI in the United States continues to climb, and a “normal” BMI is no longer the most prevalent BMI category. There is a tremendous need to improve care for patients with obesity and comorbid diseases, especially heart disease, which remains the number 1 comorbidity of patients with obesity. I hope that my work will directly inform care for patients with obesity and heart failure, and will help to set new standards in management for this vulnerable population. 

To read the full article, which includes a similar Q&A with Harrington’s fellow awardees, Judith B. Vick, MD MPH, fellow in general internal medicine, and Naseem Alavian, MD, MPH, a fellow in infectious diseases, please visit this link.

Shout-outs to Suleimon & Arps!

We received two notes this week from Dr. Daniella Zipkin, professor of medicine in General Internal Medicine, with feedback on two of our fellows who held teaching sessions last spring for GIM residents. Belal Suleimon taught CH/PO AHD- LTC Basics, and Kelly Arps taught CH/PO AHD Atrial fibrillation.

“Belal, I’m writing to share feedback from your teaching session last spring with the residents. They thought your session was outstanding! I’m especially grateful when fellows step up to teach, thank you so much for bringing your energy to this series!”     

And to Arps, she wrote:

“Hello Kelly, I’m writing to share feedback from your session last spring. Your teaching continues to be outstanding and well received!! Thank you so much for teaching in this series!” — Take care, Dani

Nicely done, Belal and Kelly!

 

 

 

Kudos to Hughes & Danielle!

We also received a terrific note this week regarding cardiology fellow Seamus Hughes that was shared with Anna Lisa Chamis.

“Hi! My name is Kami Arulraja and I’m one of the CCM fellows and am in the MICU tonight and needed to float a PA catheter, and called the CCU fellow – Seamus who came to help and truly went above and beyond. Seamus was patient and an excellent teacher; we really appreciate Seamus and the CCU charge nurse Danielle who came to help! Just wanted to let you know about one of your excellent fellows!” — Kami Arulraja, MD – PGY6, Critical Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine

Way to go, Seamus and Danielle!

 

 

 

Lefkowitz Celebration Video Now Available

For those who were unable to attend the 50^th anniversary celebration dinner for Dr. Bob Lefkowitz last month, we now have access to a video from the evening speaking presentations. Link to video. Passcode: rjl50.  Enjoy!

Did You Know? List of Duke AED Locations

Did you know there is an online list of all known/registered AED locations on the Duke University & Health System campus? Read a recent article about this from Duke Today.

To bypass the article and go directly to the site with AED locations, go here. The list is compiled and maintained by Duke Emergency Management. You can also register new AED’s (or ones not listed there) through a link on that page.

Final Call: Flu Vaccinations!

The Duke Health deadline for all employees to be vaccinated for the flu is 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7. A list of all locations, dates, times for flu vaccination, and a link to the required screening survey can be found on Duke’s Fight the Flu website. And, if you have any questions about the flu vaccine you can email either StopTheFlu@duke.edu or  EOHWflu@dm.duke.edu.

Don’t forget — masking is highly recommended when providing clinical care. Some units now require masking due to COVID outbreaks — including all Heart Center inpatient and procedural units. Please pay attention to signage on our units and elsewhere within the hospital.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• November is Native American Heritage Month; Men’s Health month, and Lung Cancer Awareness month.
• Masking is strongly recommended throughout all clinical areas during respiratory virus season, from now through early March.
• A recording of the latest (10/24) DUHS Leadership Town Hall is now available.

Medicine Grand Rounds

Annual Stead Lecture:

Nov. 10: Antithrombotic therapy and Vascular disease management: Moving towards precision CV care and the Duke Databank 3.0 with Manesh Patel. 8 a.m., DN 2002 or via Zoom.

Cardiology Grand Rounds

(Wednesday) Nov. 8: Perioperative Smoking Cessation with Sandra Ofori of McMaster University. 5 p.m., DN 2002 or via Zoom.

Nov. 14: Cardiogenic shock treatment: Between clinical practice and current evidence with Holger Thiele of the Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Germany. 5 p.m., DN 2002 or via Zoom.

All 2023 Duke Cardiology Grand Rounds recordings are uploaded to Warpwire. Recordings can be accessed via this link: https://duke.is/DukeCGR; NET ID and password required.

 

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

Nov. 8: Peripheral Vascular Disease – Aorta with Jennifer Rymer. In person only. Noon, DMP 2W96.

Nov. 10: EP Case Presentation with Jessica Regan and Jonathan Hanna. Zoom only. Noon.

2023 Barbara Hertzberg Women’s Health Lectureship

Nov. 16: Coronary Artery Disease in Women: Where are we in 2023? with Leslee J. Shaw, PhD, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai. 7:30 a.m., DN 2002 or via Zoom.

15^th Annual Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium

The 15^th annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium will be held on Friday, November 17^th at the Durham Convention Center. Faculty directors will be H. James Ford, MD, director of the PH program at UNC, and Terry Fortin, MD, co-director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at Duke. Registration is now open: https://duke.is/9/7rs5. Please join us!

 

A&H Winterfest 2023

The dates for Winterfest Marketplace 2023, the annual holiday art show and sale hosted by Arts & Health at Duke, will take place across six Thursdays in November and December, local North Carolina-based artisans will display and sell their work to Duke Health employees, visitors and patients in the main concourse of Duke Hospital.

The event begins November 2 and runs until December 14. During Winterfest, art will be available for purchase on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featured artisans will include Beth Ann Taylor, Chapel Hill Woodturners, Bonnie Toney, and Justin Leitner.

A portion of the proceeds from Winterfest will go back to Arts & Health at Duke, which provides support to patients through music, visual art activities and journaling. This is a great opportunity to support local artists, the Arts & Health programming at Duke Health, and to score some beautiful holiday gifts for loved ones!

 

5th Annual Invented at Duke Celebration

Duke’s Office for Translation & Commercialization (OTC) invites you to the 2023 ‘Invented at Duke’ celebration, their annual showcase of Duke inventors and inventions. This year, the event will take place on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, from 4:30-7 p.m. at Duke’s beautiful Penn Pavilion.

Remarks are expected from Vincent Price, president of Duke University; Robin Rasor, head of OTC; and Jungsang Kim, the Schiciano Family Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, co-founder of IonQ and a strong supporter of the translation and commercialization community on campus.

The remainder of the event will feature booths hosted by Duke inventors, drinks and hors d’oeuvres, gifts for Duke inventors who register and attend, and more. The celebration will showcase innovations and companies that have not only been started by Duke faculty and students, but have also been supported through funding and mentoring by a variety of Duke translational funds, incubators, and more.

Whether you’re already part of the Duke entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem or you’re just starting to explore how to bring your research out to the public – or perhaps you’re a member of the wider Triangle technology commercialization ecosystem – there will be something to learn and celebrate.

Attire: business casual.

Parking: at the Bryan Center Parking Garage – follow event signs and tell the attendant on entrance and exit that you’re there for Invented at Duke and you will receive free parking.

The event is free, but registration is required. You’ll receive an e-ticket to present at the door.

 

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart 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 Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

 

Duke Heart in the News:

October 26 — Joe Turek and Michael Carboni

PBS North Carolina

Sci NC: Cutting-Edge Science

https://duke.is/r/35vg

October 30 — Robert Lefkowitz

Spectrum News

‘What would Bob do?’: Researcher reflects on 50 years of scientific breakthroughs

https://duke.is/z/mj8d

October 30 — Jennifer Rymer

Medscape

Drug-Eluting Resorbable Scaffold Beats Angioplasty for Infrapopliteal Artery Disease

https://duke.is/4/dzkx

October 31 — Jennifer Rymer

espanol.news (Spain)

El andamio reabsorbible supera a la angioplastia en CLTI debajo de la rodilla

https://duke.is/9/t2f6

October 31 — Jennifer Rymer

MDEdge.com/Cardiology News

Drug-eluting resorbable scaffold beats angioplasty for infrapopliteal artery disease

https://duke.is/2/gche

October 31 — Sana Al-Khatib

Healio

Q&A: Patient trust required before AI-aided remote interventions can be implemented

https://duke.is/g/9edm

November 1 — Harry Severance

epmonthly.com

Top Disruptors within Our Healthcare Systems Part 2

https://duke.is/p/rpyf

November 1 — Duke University Hospital

Becker’s Hospital Review

Top 50 hospitals for cardiac surgery: Healthgrades

https://duke.is/v/fq2k

Highlights of the week:

Leadership Change, Duke Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery

Late last week, Dr. Allan Kirk, the David C. Sabiston, Jr. Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Duke Department of Surgery announced a leadership change within the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. Kirk announced that Dr. Edward P. Chen will leave the role of division chief, a position he has held since January 2021, and will remain on faculty.

During this time Chen has overseen a multitude of accomplishments throughout the division. Notably, the division has enjoyed programmatic growth in its capacity to perform robotic surgery at both Duke University Hospital (DUH) and Duke Raleigh Hospital. The ability to perform TAVR and EP laser lead extractions was expanded to include both the OR and catheterization lab as well as the soon-to-be-constructed 3^rd hybrid room at DUH. The capacity to perform open procedures was also increased.

Despite some faculty turnover, nine new faculty members were recruited to join the division – three in thoracic surgery, three in congenital, and one in adult cardiac surgery, plus a new surgeon based in Lumberton and a new PhD scientist based at Duke. Even with the well-known challenges of COVID, numerous staffing shortages and changes within support teams such as the OR staff, Perfusion Services, and the ICU, and the supply chain issues plaguing much of the U.S. healthcare industry, Duke’s CT surgical volumes continued to rise and both outcomes and quality measures remained top-rated.

Under Chen’s leadership, a reemphasis was placed on Duke’s tripartite academic mission. Within the CTS training programs, Chen oversaw efforts to increase the diversity of residents, reinforced attracting top candidates to Duke, and launched an annual welcome picnic for new trainees and current faculty to facilitate introductions and relationship building throughout the division.

A number of staff support positions were also created to enhance the team’s growth and efficacy – particularly within research, congenital, and general thoracic surgery. The division also saw increased local and national news coverage for transplantation stories across both pediatric and adult cases, and a number of faculty earned achievement awards. Recognized faculty include Betty Tong (the WTS/STS Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Award), Joe Turek and Peter Smith (Duke Presidential Awards), Carmelo Milano (Palumbo Award), and Tommy D’Amico (Triangle Business Journal Surgeon of the Year), and Chen ensured continuing support of Duke Heart in Honduras mission trips. Additionally, the pediatric program achieved a #2 ranking in USNWR.

We are deeply grateful for the leadership and efforts of Dr. Chen over the past several years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Carmelo Milano named Division Chief Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery

Kirk has named Dr. Carmelo Milano, professor of surgery and the Joseph W. and Dorothy W. Beard Distinguished Professor of Experimental Surgery, as the new division chief. Milano has most recently served as chief of the Section of Adult Cardiac Surgery and surgical director of the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Program within the division.

“I am grateful to Dr. Milano for his willingness to step into this important leadership role,” says Allan D. Kirk, MD, PhD, Chair of the Department of Surgery. “Carmelo is a proven leader, a skilled investigator, and a luminary surgeon who has helped guide the Duke heart transplant program to a position of international prominence, perennially among the top programs nationally.”

Dr. Milano is a Professor of Surgery and Joseph W. and Dorothy W. Beard Distinguished Professor of Experimental Surgery. He has been serving as chief of the Section of Adult Cardiac Surgery, and surgical director of the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Program.

“It gives me great pride to be asked to lead such a talented group of individuals,” says Dr. Milano. “It is our mission to provide the highest level of care, innovation, and excellence. Together, we will strive for breakthroughs in patient care, research, and education, setting new standards of excellence in the field.”

Dr. Milano has overseen increased utilization of mechanical support devices for bridging patients with advanced heart failure. The mechanical circulatory support program he developed at Duke has treated more than 1,500 patients with LVAD devices or mechanical hearts. In addition to his clinical and research activities, he is an influential mentor for cardiac surgical trainees.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Milano on his appointment to Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery.

Relocation of DN 2200/Opening of 7200 Update

Duke University Hospital has a master plan to increase the capacity of Emergency Department beds. As a result, several changes occurred in October involving the relocation of two units.  Duke North 2200 closed on October 25 and the Emergency Department relocated from Duke North 7200 and ED C Pod to 2200 on October 27 for a gain of 8 beds for their department.

On October 30, 8 Cardiology Step-Down beds will open on 7200 (7201-7208) for a total of 24 Cardiology Step-Down beds between 3200 and 7200. The move will allow Heart Services to be located on the 3rd and 7th floors in Duke North.

Gratitude for APPs!

“I wanted to send a note of gratitude regarding our stellar cardiology APP team. I finished a week of rounding and am extraordinarily grateful for the team that Diane Sauro has built over the years. A shining example was Saturday morning, when we discharged an EP service record of 17 patients. Without the thoughtful team assignments and tireless efforts from Sas, Mike Towery, Janny Sweetow, and Deborah Zimmerman (who discharged a personal best of 9 patients!), this wouldn’t have been possible. This extraordinary work made a huge difference for patients, our hospital, and the exhausted attending.” — Daniel J. Friedman, MD, FACC, cardiac electrophysiology

Way to go, APPs!

Kudos to Andreae & Stephens!

We received several notes regarding Andrew Andreae and Allen Stephens this week and wanted to share them with Pulse readers. 

“I wanted to express my gratitude to Andrew Andreae, MD, and Allen Stephens, PA-C. We had a patient in clinic this week who needed direct admission. Allen graciously went and saw the patient; Andrew worked remotely calling bed control, the attending on the service, and spoke with the patient to make sure they were fully informed and comfortable with the next steps. It felt like we all worked seamlessly together to take care of the patient. A huge thank you to Andrew and Allen in particular for providing excellent patient care and going above and beyond!” — Emily Deason, Cardiac Sonographer II, Cardiac Diagnostic Unit

“I wanted to pass along kudos to Andrew Andreae, CDU fellow, who was instrumental in facilitating a direct admission for a patient seen in clinic. Very helpful to have him coordinate the admission.” – Allen Stephens, MHS, PA-C, APP Team Lead

“Andrew has done a great job in the echo lab this month and has taken great care of our patients.  This is just another small example of Andrew going the extra mile!” — Anita Kelsey, MD

Awesome work, Andrew and Allen – we are so fortunate to have you on our team!

Marquis-Gravel, Finalist for 2023 Linnemeier

Congratulations to interventionalist Guillaume Marquis-Gravel, MD of Duke Health and the Montreal Heart Institute! He was named one of four finalists for the 2023 TCT Thomas J. Linnemeier Spirit of Interventional Cardiology Young Investigator Award.

The award, announced on Thursday morning, was presented to (and will be shared by) Simone Biscaglia, MD, of Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy, and Jaffar M. Khan, BM, BCh, PhD of St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, NY. The presentation was made during the Cardiovascular Research Foundation’s TCT Annual Scientific Symposium held Oct. 23-26 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.  We were fortunate to have Jennifer Rymer, MD from our Faculty win this award last year.

Terrific recognition, Guillaume!

 

DOM Research Retreat for Fellows & Early Career Faculty

The annual Department of Medicine (DOM) Research Retreat for Fellows and Early Career Faculty will occur on Wednesday, November 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the J.B. Duke Hotel, Banquet Hall.

This event is targeted towards research-oriented fellows and early career faculty.

Attendees will:

• Learn about DOM research resources, including grant submission support with DOMRA and clinical research support with DOM CRU.
• Hear from diverse research faculty, who will share their experiences developing a research focus, finding mentors, and successfully navigating a K grant submission.
• Network with other researchers, including fellows, faculty, and leaders across DOM.
• Connect with colleagues while enjoying dinner.

The retreat is an excellent opportunity for you to connect, learn more about our strategic research plan and how to thrive as a member of the DOM research community.

For questions regarding the research retreat, contact Saini Pillai, MBA. (Registration deadline has passed, but there may still be room).

Flu Vaccinations!

Duke Health requires all employees to be vaccinated by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7 – that’s next week! Duke offers free flu vaccinations in a variety of convenient locations. There is a screening survey available online that should be filled out within 48 hours of getting the vaccine at Duke; this step will save you time at the walk-in vaccination venue.

A list of all locations, dates, and times for flu vaccination, and a link to the required screening survey can be found on Duke’s Fight the Flu website. And, if you have any questions about the flu vaccine you can email either StopTheFlu@duke.edu or EOHWflu@dm.duke.edu.

Don’t forget that masking is highly recommended when providing clinical care. Some units now require masking due to COVID outbreaks — including all Heart Center inpatient and procedural units. Please pay attention to signage on our units and elsewhere within the hospital.

A&H Winterfest 2023

Arts & Health at Duke announced this week the dates for Winterfest Marketplace 2023, their annual holiday art show and sale. Across six Thursdays in November and December, local North Carolina-based artisans will display and sell their work to Duke Health employees, visitors, and patients in the main concourse of Duke Hospital.

The event begins on November 2 and runs until December 14. During Winterfest, art will be available for purchase on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featured artisans will include Beth Ann Taylor, Chapel Hill Woodturners, Bonnie Toney, and Justin Leitner.

A portion of the proceeds from Winterfest will go back to Arts & Health at Duke, which provides support to patients through music, visual art activities, and journaling. This is a great opportunity to support local artists, the Arts & Health programming at Duke Health, and to score some beautiful holiday gifts for loved ones!

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• November is Native American Heritage Month.
• Masking is strongly recommended throughout all clinical areas during respiratory virus season, from now through early March.
• A recording of the latest (10/24) DUHS Leadership Town Hall is now available.

 

CGR Recordings Now in Warpwire

All 2023 Cardiology Grand Rounds recordings are now uploaded to Duke Warpwire. Accessing them requires your NET ID. If you have any trouble finding or playing any of the recordings, please contact Tracey Koepke, and as always, if you have suggestions for a CGR topic or speaker, please contact Jenn Rymer and Nishant Shah. The link to access the recordings is https://duke.is/DukeCGR. We will include this each week here in Pulse.

 

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Oct. 31: No CGR today.

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

Nov. 1: Understanding the Valvular Heart Disease Guidelines with Thomas Bashore. In person only. Noon, DMP 2W96.

Nov. 3: EKG Review with Thomas Bashore. Zoom only. Noon.

2023 Barbara Hertzberg Women’s Health Lectureship

Nov. 16: Coronary Artery Disease in Women: Where are we in 2023? with Leslee J. Shaw, PhD, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai. 7:30 a.m., DN 2002 or via Zoom.

Call for Applications: 2024 Leadership Programs

The Office for Faculty announced this week the call for applications for their 2024 Leadership Programs, including ADVANCE-UP, ALICE, DCLP, and LEADER. Click here to learn more. Applications are due Nov. 3.

DIHI Innovation RFA 2024

The Duke Institute for Health Innovation (DIHI) has announced its next annual Request for Application (RFA) for selecting and implementing innovative solutions in our clinical enterprise. The proposals should address actual and important problems encountered by care providers, patients, and their loved ones, and represent urgent health challenges nationally.

For the 2024 funding cycle, they are specifically interested in the following topic: 

Generative AI & Large Language Models: AI solutions to improve staff and clinician efficiency, patient journey and outcomes

Please visit the Innovation RFA web page for additional information, to download an info packet, and to see the timeline for 2024 projects. The deadline for submitting applications is November 3, 2023.

All proposals are required to have a DUHS operational lead as a co-sponsor to be accepted for review.

If the DIHI team can be of any assistance to you in the formulation of ideas or connections, please contact Suresh Balu. The DIHI team looks forward to your innovative solutions!

 

Coming Up: 15^th Annual Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium

The 15^th annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium will be held on Friday, November 17^th at the Durham Convention Center. Faculty directors will be H. James Ford, MD, director of the PH program at UNC, and Terry Fortin, MD, co-director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at Duke. Registration is now open: https://duke.is/9/7rs5. Please join us!

 

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart 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 Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, on Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

 

Duke Heart in the News:

September 20 — Harry Severance

Emergency Physicians Monthly

Top Disruptors within Our Healthcare Systems

https://duke.is/5/a85g

October 20 — Craig Albanese

Becker’s Hospital Review

How Duke Health is bolstering its ‘talentforce’

https://duke.is/n/faum

October 20 — Jonathan Piccini

tctMD

SAVR 5-Year Survival Tops 92% in Low-Risk Patients: STS Registry

https://duke.is/v/e3h4

October 22 — Robert Mentz

Healio

In HF hospitalization, benefits of sacubitril/valsartan largest in LVEF below normal

https://duke.is/2/r2j6

October 23 — Robert Mentz

HCP Live

Anemia Contributes to Exercise Intolerance in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction, Study Finds

https://duke.is/g/8a2b

October 23 — Karen Alexander

The Daily of Case Western Reserve University

Could taking a commonly used heart medication prevent dementia?

Mandel School’s Duncan Mayer explores nonprofit location and density

 

October 24 — Robert Mentz

PBS North Carolina

New FDA Research Center Is Coming to UNC & Duke

https://duke.is/m/5a3a

October 25 — Duke University Hospital

Becker’s Hospital Review

The best hospital in each state, per Newsweek

https://duke.is/8/h8fq

October 26 — Duke Health (Cardiology)

Becker’s Hospital Review

26 elite hospitals, per patients and providers

https://duke.is/p/n8kv

Chief’s message:

We hope you all had some time with family and friends this weekend.  We are nearing the end of the recruitment season for our cardiology fellows and are reminded of the fall season upon us.  This week we also have several of those in our group dealing with either family or individual illnesses, please keep them in your thoughts.

Highlights of the week:

Duke Heart Network Update

Laurie Van Camp, RN, MSN, associate clinical director of the Duke Heart Network (DHN), recently guided three nursing teams through submitting abstracts to the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Quality Summit. All three abstracts were accepted for ePoster session. Thanks to a Duke Friends of Nursing Stipend Award, Van Camp was able to travel to Orlando and represented the Frye Regional Medical Center team at their ePoster. 

Within her DHN role, Van Camp is responsible for working with Duke Heart affiliate hospitals on cardiovascular quality, program development, and educational initiatives. Over the last 18 months, she has guided three performance teams at three separate hospital affiliates through important performance improvement (PI) work. These efforts have led to significant improvement in patient outcomes in the areas of cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction and the rate of post-procedural acute kidney injury. 

The accepted abstracts were:

“Mission to Reduce Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Cardiac Patients” by the team at Sovah-Martinsville.

“When Humans and Technology Collide: Improving Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral” by the team at Conway Medical Center.

“Challenging the Norm: A Multidisciplinary Journey to Reduce Acute Kidney Injury” by the team at Frye Regional Medical Center.

We’re happy to report that for the individuals on the affiliate PI teams, the ACC abstract development, submission process, and poster creation have helped foster an important sense of pride, professionalism, and ownership of the CV-quality work they are engaged in daily within their respective institutions.

Well done, Laurie & Duke Heart Network!

 

Ohman Receives Honorary Fellowship to ICS

Congratulations to Magnus Ohman! He has been named an honorary fellow of the Irish Cardiac Society. The honor was awarded last week during the Irish Cardiac Society’s 74th Annual Scientific Meeting & AGM, held October 12-14 at the Killashee House Hotel in Kildare. 

The ICS, which was established in 1949, awards honorary fellowship (FICS) in recognition of an honoree’s dedication to the training of physicians and cardiologists. He joins prior notables to receive the honor, including Jim Crowley (former President of the Irish Cardiac Society); Conor O’Shea; Peter Conlon, and Robert Kelly.

Magnus says the opportunity allowed him to catch up with former co-worker Professor Hannah McGee, (who also received the honorary FICS) currently the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Ohman’s alma mater. He and McGee worked together on the first Cardiac Rehabilitation program in Ireland.

He is shown here with Dr. Jim Crowley, and again with Hannah McGee (left) and Barbra Dalton, the permanent secretary of the Irish Cardiac Society (and a fellow RCSI graduate).

Well-deserved, Magnus!

 

PWIM + WIN: Promotion Pathways Symposium

The Duke DOM’s Program for Women in Internal Medicine (PWIM) joins Duke Neurology’s Women in Neurology (WIN) for a special joint symposium to discuss and reflect on the promotion pathways for women faculty and faculty of color at Duke. This event will occur on Monday, October 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Trent Semans Center.

The symposium will feature a panel discussion representing division chiefs and promotion and tenure committee members, including:

• Manesh Patel, MD, Chief, Cardiology
• Loretta Que, MD, Chief, Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine
• Karen Welty-Wolf, MD, Medicine APT Committee
• Mitch Heflin, MD, Medicine APT Committee
• Janice Massey, MD, Neurology APT Committee
• Lisa Hobson-Webb, MD, Neurology APT Committee

All faculty and trainees are encouraged to attend, as well as division promotion and tenure administrative staff across the department. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served.

If you have questions or need additional information, please email Daniella Zipkin.

 

DOM Research Retreat for Fellows & Early Career Faculty

The annual Department of Medicine (DOM) Research Retreat for Fellows and Early Career Faculty will occur on Wednesday, November 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the J.B. Duke Hotel, Banquet Hall.

This event is targeted towards research-oriented fellows and early career faculty.

Attendees will:

• Learn about DOM research resources, including grant submission support with DOMRA and clinical research support with DOM CRU.
• Hear from diverse research faculty, who will share their experiences developing a research focus, finding mentors, and successfully navigating a K grant submission.
• Network with other researchers, including fellows, faculty, and leaders across DOM.
• Connect with colleagues while enjoying dinner.

The retreat is an excellent opportunity for you to connect, learn more about our strategic research plan and how to thrive as a member of the DOM research community.

For questions regarding the research retreat, contact Saini Pillai, MBA. (Registration deadline has passed, but there may still be room).

 

Open Enrollment 2024 Closes Friday

Open enrollment is underway through 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27. The annual enrollment period for medical, dental, vision, and reimbursement accounts is the time to review and make benefit selections to ensure you have the coverage you want that is appropriate for you.

Participation in the Health Care and/or Dependent Care Reimbursement accounts does not auto-renew. You must enroll each year to participate. Your current selections for 2023 will, however, continue into 2024 unless you make changes to your coverage.

There are two ways to make changes for 2024:

• Log on to the Duke@Work self-service website, go to the MyInfo page and click on the “Open Enrollment” link under My Benefits heading
• Call a representative at 919-684-5600, Option 1

After submitting your enrollment selections, be sure to print and review your confirmation statement that will be sent to your Duke email account.

If you need assistance or have questions, contact the Duke Open Enrollment Service Center at 919-684-5600, Option 1. Representatives are available weekdays from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. from Oct. 16 – Oct. 27 and from 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21.

 

Flu Vaccinations!

Duke Health requires all employees to be vaccinated by 10 a.m. on Nov. 7 – coming up quickly. If you need a medical/religious exemption, the application deadline is Tuesday.

Duke offers free flu vaccinations in a variety of convenient locations. Don’t forget to fill out the screening survey within 48 hours of going to get the vaccine at Duke. It’s required.

A list of locations, dates, and times for flu vaccination and a link to the required screening survey can be found on Duke’s Fight the Flu website. And, if you have any questions about the flu vaccine you can email either StopTheFlu@duke.edu or EOHWflu@dm.duke.edu.

Don’t forget — masking is highly recommended when providing clinical care. Some units now require masking due to COVID outbreaks — including all Heart Center inpatient and procedural units. Please pay attention to signage on our units and elsewhere within the hospital.

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• Tomorrow is the start of National Respiratory Care Week (Oct.23-29). Thank an RT! #RCWeek23
• October is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month as well as National Pharmacists Month.
• Masking is strongly recommended throughout all clinical areas during respiratory virus season, from now through early March.

  

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Oct. 24: Rapid Sequence or Simultaneous Initiation of GDMT for HFrEF:  Optimizing Therapy with a Need for Speed with Stephen Greene. 5 p.m. DN 2002 or via Zoom.

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

Oct. 25: DHP Case Presentation with Husam Salah. In-person only. Noon, DMP 2W96.

Oct. 27: Grief Debrief with Tony Galanos. In-person only. Noon, DMP 2W96.

 

Save the Date: 2023 Barbara Hertzberg Women’s Health Lectureship

Nov. 16: Coronary Artery Disease in Women: Where are we in 2023? with Leslee J. Shaw, Ph.D., of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai. 7:30 a.m., DN 2002 or via Zoom. This is a Radiology Grand Rounds event.

 

Call for Applications: 2024 Leadership Programs

The Office for Faculty announced this week the call for applications for their 2024 Leadership Programs, including ADVANCE-UP, ALICE, DCLP, and LEADER. Click here to learn more. Applications are due Nov. 3.

 

DIHI Innovation RFA 2024

The Duke Institute for Health Innovation (DIHI) has announced its next annual Request for Application (RFA) for selecting and implementing innovative solutions in our clinical enterprise. The proposals should address actual and important problems encountered by care providers, patients, and their loved ones, and represent urgent health challenges nationally.

For the 2024 funding cycle, they are specifically interested in the following topics: 

Generative AI & Large Language Models: AI solutions to improve staff and clinician efficiency, patient journey, and outcomes

Please visit the Innovation RFA web page for additional information, to download an info packet, and to see the timeline for 2024 projects. The deadline for submitting applications is November 3, 2023.

All proposals are required to have a DUHS operational lead as a co-sponsor to be accepted for review.

If the DIHI team can be of any assistance to you in the formulation of ideas or connections, please contact Suresh Balu. The DIHI team looks forward to your innovative solutions!

 

Coming Up: 15^th Annual Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium

The 15^th annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium will be held on Friday, November 17^th at the Durham Convention Center. Faculty directors will be H. James Ford, MD, director of the PH program at UNC, and Terry Fortin, MD, co-director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at Duke. Registration is now open: https://duke.is/9/7rs5. Please join us!

 

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart Services, 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 Duke Heart family. 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:

October 13 — Robert Mentz

Medscape

Trials Say Start Sacubitril-Valsartan in Hospital in HF With ‘Below Normal’ LVEF

https://duke.is/p/y8u7

October 13 — Tom Povsic

CGT Live

Thomas Povsic, MD, PhD, on Ongoing Research With XC001 Angina Gene Therapy

https://duke.is/4/u5bw

October 16 — William Kraus

WorldHealth.net

How Biology Influences Fitness: Personalized Exercise

https://duke.is/6/a3qa

October 17 — Wuwei Feng

DAIC.com

Learning More About How Cancer Affects Stroke Risk

https://duke.is/p/x5mq

October 18 — Duke University Hospital

Becker’s Hospital Review

The top heart center in every state

https://duke.is/w/638n

Highlights of the week:

HFSA 2023 Highlights

The heart failure community gathered in Cleveland, OH last weekend for the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting (Oct. 6-9). The program was action-packed with leading science being presented by Duke fellows, APPs, faculty, and many more. A special shout-out to Mike Felker who is now President-Elect leading up to next year’s meeting in Atlanta!

Notable highlights from Duke presenters:

• Work by Karen Flores, Han Kim, and Ravi Karra, et al on CMR in genetic cardiomyopathies was presented by all-star med student Kyla Brezitski.

  

• Joey Harrington presented a rapid-fire LBCT update on troponin changes in PARAGLIDE.
• Marat Fudim and Rob Mentz had LBCT presentations on REBALANCE-HF and PARAGLIDE+PIONEER, respectively.
• Senthil Selvaraj presented in a spotlight session on targeted metabolic profiling with Dapa in HFpEF (with Svati Shah as senior author) – this session also highlighted work by Joey and Marat.
• Johana Fajardo served as an advisory committee member and moderator for a high-yield session on cardiac amyloidosis.
• Steve “GDMT” Greene led a number of sessions on optimal medical therapy in HF, including talks on SGLT2i and how to take Theory into Practice.
• Stephanie Barnes moderated a session on engaging CV team members in clinical trials and quality initiatives and spoke during a session on managing congestion in HF.
• Mike Felker presented endpoint considerations during a special FDA session on subgroups in HF clinical trials.
• Jason Katz opened a fantastic shock management session with a talk on how to identify and risk stratify patients with cardiogenic shock. He also competed in the CPET challenge fundraiser – and ranked in the top 3!!
• Adam DeVore helped close out the meeting with an exceptional talk on the practical adaptation of GDMT in patients at high risk for adverse events.

Duke team members were also prominently positioned during various plenary sessions, Journal of Cardiac Failure activities, and speed mentoring.

 

 

 

 

 

Another highlight was a Heart Failure Collaboratory gathering to recognize Distinguished Leadership Award recipient Chris O’Connor, which celebrates a leader in education and mentorship within the field of heart failure.  Chris has been a made seminal contributions to the field of Heart Failure,  mentor to many at Duke, and continues to be a north star for the field of cardiology in our evidence generation and clinical practice.

Perhaps the biggest highlight was coming together, in person, as a Heart Failure community and reconnecting with many of our former Duke faculty and fellows!

 

The 2023 Triangle Heart Walk is a Wrap!

Thank you to everyone who joined us to support the American Heart Association (AHA) 2023 Triangle Heart Walk last weekend. The weather was beautiful – an ideal day for a walk! Nearly 10,000 walkers attended the event, which raised just over $1.8 million. Special thanks to Chris Granger for taking the podium to speak on behalf of Duke Health!

Overall, we had 1,513 walkers representing Duke Health and our teams collectively raised $162,777 for our AHA partners. Shown here are a number of our team members, including Chris Granger, Jill Engel, Sarah Snow, CDU team members Lynda Metcalf, Juliette Eck, Emily Deason, Sarah Hatton, Brenda Sedberry, Ashlee Davis, and Jeff Federspiel from Duke Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

We are proud of you, and all of our Heart Walk teams, for your fundraising efforts this year. Thank you! 

   

 

Celebrating Physician Assistants

Thank you to all of our incredible physician assistants (PA) throughout Duke Heart! Last week was National Physician Assistant Week (October 6-12), which recognizes the PA profession and the many contributions they make to the health of the nation. It’s a time for all of us to recognize the tremendous role they play in healthcare throughout Duke Health.

Did you know there are 168,300 certified PAs in the U.S. caring for more than 9 million patients a week with 514 million annual patient encounters? Or that the PA profession was launched right here at Duke?

As highly skilled team members and healthcare leaders, PAs provide exceptional patient care in virtually all health care specialties and settings. PAs are pivotal in the health care delivery within our service line and across the Duke Health enterprise, serving in critical roles throughout clinical care, medical education, health administration, leadership, and research.

We are deeply grateful for the dedication and contributions our Duke Heart PAs make each and every day.

 

Flu Vaccination Reminder!

Do you know what is better than a gorgeous autumn day in North Carolina? Not being sick with the flu.

Duke Health requires all employees to be vaccinated by 10 a.m. on Nov. 7 – just a few weeks away. If you need a medical/religious exemption, the application deadline for that is Oct. 24.

Duke offers free flu vaccinations in a variety of convenient locations. This week (Oct. 16-19), Duke University is offering a special influenza vaccination clinic for employees in the Moyle Board Room of the Karsh Alumni & Visitors Center – great parking (free for 30 mins!) and easy to find! Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t forget to fill out the screening survey within 48 hours of going to get the vaccine at Duke. It’s required.            

Duke’s Fight the Flu website has a list of locations, dates, and times for flu vaccination, and a link to the required screening survey. If you have any questions about the flu vaccine you can email either StopTheFlu@duke.edu or EOHWflu@dm.duke.edu.

Don’t forget — masking is highly recommended when providing clinical care. Some units now require masking due to COVID outbreaks — including all Heart Center inpatient and procedural units. Please pay attention to signage on our units and elsewhere within the hospital.

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• This week, October 15-22, is Healthcare Quality Week.
• October is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month as well as National Pharmacists Month.
• Masking is strongly recommended throughout all clinical areas during respiratory virus season, from now through early March.

 

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Oct. 17: Revascularization for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: Can We Reconcile the Randomized Trials? with Bernard Gersh. 5 p.m. DN 2002 or via Zoom.

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

Oct. 18:  Topic TBD. In-person only. Noon, DMP 2W96.

Medicine Grand Rounds

Oct. 20: Stepping in 4 Respect: Upstander Training Nationally and at Duke University with John Duronville, Margaret Plews-Ogan, and Gregory Clarke-Townsend. 8 a.m., DN 2002 or via Zoom.

Call for Applications: 2024 Leadership Programs

The Office for Faculty announced this week the call for applications for their 2024 Leadership Programs, including ADVANCE-UP, ALICE, DCLP, and LEADER. Click here to learn more. Applications are due Nov. 3.

 

DIHI Innovation RFA 2024

The Duke Institute for Health Innovation (DIHI) has announced their next annual Request for Application (RFA) for selecting and implementing innovative solutions in our clinical enterprise. The proposals should address actual and important problems encountered by care providers, patients, and their loved ones, and represent urgent health challenges nationally.

For the 2024 funding cycle, they are specifically interested in the following topic: 

Generative AI & Large Language Models: AI solutions to improve staff and clinician efficiency, patient journey, and outcomes

Please visit the Innovation RFA web page for additional information, to download an info packet, and to see the timeline for 2024 projects. The deadline for submitting applications is November 3, 2023.

All proposals are required to have a DUHS operational lead as a co-sponsor to be accepted for review.

If the DIHI team can be of any assistance to you in the formulation of ideas or connections, please contact Suresh Balu. The DIHI team looks forward to your innovative solutions!

 

Register Now: 15^th Annual Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium

The 15^th annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium will be held on Friday, November 17^th at the Durham Convention Center. Faculty directors will be H. James Ford, MD, director of the PH program at UNC, and Terry Fortin, MD, co-director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at Duke. Registration is now open: https://duke.is/9/7rs5. Please join us!

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart 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 Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, on Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

Duke Heart in the News:

October 5 — Stephen Greene

Medscape

The How and Why of Quad Therapy in Reduced-EF Heart Failure

https://duke.is/8/txw2

October 5 — Amanda Craig (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

Medscape

History of Heart Transplant Tied to Worse Pregnancy Outcome

https://duke.is/c/vmfm

October 5 — Stephen Greene

HCP Live

Heart Failure Society of America 2023 Annual Meeting Preview, with Steve Greene, MD

https://duke.is/6/qhsf

October 5 — Amanda Craig

Healio/Cardiology

Complex pregnancies after heart transplant underscore need for patient counseling

https://duke.is/y/64a4

October 6 — David Harpole

OncLive

Dr Harpole on the Design of an Exploratory Analysis of the AEGEAN Trial in NSCLC

https://duke.is/5/hmrb

October 7 — Robert Mentz and Anand Shah (UNC)

HCP Live

Out-of-Pocket Costs Influence GDMT Uptake in Heart Failure, with Anand Shah, MD, MBA

https://duke.is/n/ug53

October 8 — Marat Fudim and Stephen Greene

HCP Live

Don’t Miss a Beat: REBALANCE-HF, with Marat Fudim, MD, MHS

https://duke.is/b/fm7c

October 8 — Marat Fudim

HCP Live

REBALANCE-HF: Greater Splanchnic Nerve Ablation Could Prove Beneficial in HFpEF

https://duke.is/4/yr6n

October 9 — Mohammad Shahzeb Khan

Medpage Today

Heart Failure in Young Adults: Moving in the Wrong Direction

https://duke.is/2/jxtq

(updates an Aug. 9 story)

October 10: Marat Fudim

DAIC

Late-Breaking Data Confirms Safety of Axon Therapies’ Innovative Heart Failure Procedure and Identifies Patients Most Likely to Benefit from SAVM Therapy

https://duke.is/w/2my6

October 10: Monique Starks

Winston-Salem Journal

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office to test cardiac care drones in a first for the U.S.

https://duke.is/6/tn6e

October 10: Monique Starks

WXII NBC-12, Greensboro

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office partners with Duke Clinical Research Institute and HOVECON for drone-delivered AED

https://duke.is/p/uh2m

October 11: Stephen Greene

HCP Live

Experts’ Perspectives: Top Story in Heart Failure for 2023

https://duke.is/m/9hxd

October 11: Marat Fudim

Medpage Today

Novel Nerve Ablation Procedure Explored for HFpEF

https://duke.is/c/ngbx

October 11: Robert Lefkowitz

Duke SOM News

Nobel Laureates Highlight Symposium Celebrating Lefkowitz’s 50 Years at Duke

https://duke.is/r/8x7k

October 12: Monique Starks

The Clemmons Courier

First drone-delivered AED program in the country

https://duke.is/8/74uf

 

Highlights of the week:

Celebrating Bob Lefkowitz

The two-day symposium, “Celebrating Scientific Discoveries that Advance Human Health,” held to honor Duke cardiologist and Nobel Prize winner Robert J. Lefkowitz’s 50 years at Duke, was held on campus this week — and was a resounding success. More than 1000 people attended events that spanned Sunday evening dinner, the public scientific sessions on Monday and early Tuesday in Page Auditorium, and alumni sessions on Tuesday afternoon.

The scientific sessions on Monday featured presentations from several Nobel laureates, as well as a panel with University President Vincent E. Price, PhD; Mary E. Klotman, MD, executive vice president for health affairs and dean of the Duke University School of Medicine; former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski; and Lefkowitz.

Shown here are photos from across the entirety of the event, including several from the Gala that not only celebrated Bob’s 50 years at Duke but his 80^th birthday as well. The gala was held in the President’s Ballroom at the Washington Duke Inn.

Special guests included dozens of Lefkowitz’s trainees who came from far and near; on Tuesday, special sessions geared just for those alumni were held in the Trent Semans Center. Members of the Lefkowitz family were in attendance throughout, as well as numerous close friends and colleagues he has known throughout his life.

In a message to his former and current trainees after the event, Lefkowitz wrote, “Wow, what an incredible few days we just shared. I want to thank everybody who took the time to join in and especially those of you who came from long distances to help me celebrate these two very special landmarks in my life. Never have the words been truer than when I say, “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

A big shout-out to Howard Rockman, MD, and Maria Price Rapoza, PhD of the Duke 

 Cardiovascular Research Center for their leadership, vision, and drive for this special event.

Post-event compliments rolled in afterward, including the following:

“For myself, I can say this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and an amazing tribute from the broader scientific community on behalf of Dr. Lefkowitz of Duke University or the ‘Duke of Lefkowitz,’ as he was dubbed at the Gala.” — Maria Price Rapoza, executive director, Duke CVRC

“I loved being on the panel with Bob, Mary & Vince. I thought it went really well. Bob was terrific! It was an honor to be a part of his Birthday Celebration!” — Coach K

The happiest of birthdays to you, Dr. Lefkowitz! Congratulations on an incredible career milestone – and thank you for all you have done to advance science in ways that have helped countless patients and fellow researchers. You’ve been living the Duke values all along, encouraging others as a colleague, mentor, and friend!

 

It’s Heart Walk Weekend!

The Triangle Heart Walk is taking place this morning at PNC Arena in Raleigh. Thank you to all who are joining us in support of the American Heart Association (AHA). We’ll have fundraising results and photos from the event coming up over the next couple of weekends.

Leading up to the event, the AHA mascot visited several Duke locations to get our teams jazzed up for the main event!  

The mascot was seen at Duke Regional on Sept. 12, and again this week at Duke University Hospital. Also shown here are members of 2F2G sporting t-shirts they sold to help raise money for the AHA. The team also held a silent auction that raised $630 for the Walk. 

Hat tip to Renee Potts of the AHA and her daughter, who played the mascot, for the photos; ditto to Jamie Hilton, for the photo of her amazing 2F2G team! Special thanks to Jason Stokes for helping guide the mascot through several of our units. We know it helped spread joy and awareness throughout DUH.

Great job 2F2G! We are proud of you, and all of our Heart Walk teams, for fundraising efforts this year. Thank you!

 

Califf Receives NAM Lienhard Award

Congratulations to Duke alum Rob Califf, MD! The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced late last month that Califf is the recipient of the 2023 Gustav O. Lienhard Award for Advancement of Health Care, for his instrumental role in leading clinical trials and health outcomes research and his ability to translate research into advances in science, evidence-based medicine, and improved public health.

The award, a medal that recognizes Califf’s achievements, is being presented today at the NAM’s annual meeting. Califf is the founding director of the Duke Clinical Research Institute and is the current commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Follow this link to read the full announcement.

Congratulations, Rob!

 

O’Connor Receives HFSA Leadership Award

Congratulations to cardiologist Christopher O’Connor, MD, former co-chair of Duke Heart Center and current president of the Inova Fairfax Heart and Vascular Institute. O’Connor received the Heart Failure Society of America’s 2023 Distinguished Leadership Award! This award celebrates a leader in education and mentorship within the field of heart failure.

The award was presented yesterday during the HFSA’s Annual Scientific Meeting taking place Oct. 6-9 in Cleveland, OH.

Well-deserved, Chris! We’ll have more coverage from HFSA in next weekend’s Pulse.

 

SCSE Conference Held

Duke Cardiac Diagnostic Unit was represented at the South Carolina Society of Echocardiography’s 2nd Annual Conference last Saturday, September 30th at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, SC.

Conference attendees consisted of cardiovascular sonographers, students, physicians, and educators. Lectures were given by Fawaz Alenezi, MD who presented The Clinical Applications of Echo Strain Imaging, and cardiac sonographer Sarah Hatton who presented on Pulmonary Hypertension and the Role of Echocardiography.

Pictured left to right: Sarah Hatton, Fawaz Alenezi, and Hannah Dowdy.

Nicely done, team!

 

Kudos to Meo!

We received the following note this week from Madhav Swaminathan regarding Eliyah Meo, one of our amazing team nurses.

“Dear Eliyah,

I wanted to thank you and express my gratitude and admiration for what you did last night in the CTICU. When you took a patient’s stuffed animal that was soiled and thoughtfully washed and cleaned it and returned it to that critically ill patient, you displayed an extraordinary act of compassion and kindness that we all think about a lot but seldom see. That wasn’t required, wasn’t part of the care plan, and wasn’t expected during your night shift. And that too for a patient who you likely thought would not be able to appreciate your act of kindness, given his illness. It reflected a level of care and compassion that we all aspire to achieve. Your thoughts were directed towards what was right and what was important to the patient’s overall care and comfort. You may not have considered this an extraordinary act and even doubted whether you should do this seemingly mundane task. But in taking a self-directed step of caring, you did what you were meant to be and do – a caring nurse who lives the values we aspire to as healthcare professionals.

Thank you and keep doing what you do.” — With deepest admiration, Madhav Swaminathan, MD

Solid work in living our values, Eliyah!

 

Duke Heart Grows by One!

We are thrilled to welcome Sophia to the Duke Heart family! Born Sept. 27, she is the daughter of cardiology fellow, Ivan Nenadic Wood and his wife, Sara. 

The family is doing well and we know Django is loving his new human!

Congratulations, Ivan and Sara!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• This week, October 6-12, is National Physician Assistant Week.
• National Hispanic Heritage Month runs through Oct. 15.
• October is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month as well as National Pharmacists Month.
• Masking is strongly recommended throughout all clinical areas during respiratory virus season, from now through early March.

 

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Oct. 10: Prevention of Heart Failure: Is it a Reality? with Mohammad Shahzeb Khan. 5 p.m. DN 2002 or via Zoom.

Cardiovascular Informational Session

Oct. 11: What can the DCRI do for you? with Sana Al-Khatib and Neha Pagidipati. 5-7 p.m., DMP 2W96 (dinner will be served)

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

Oct. 13: EKG Review with Tom Bashore. Zoom only.

 

Call for Applications: 2024 Leadership Programs

The Office for Faculty announced this week the call for applications for their 2024 Leadership Programs, including ADVANCE-UP, ALICE, DCLP, and LEADER. Click here to learn more. Applications are due Nov. 3.

 

DIHI Innovation RFA 2024

The Duke Institute for Health Innovation (DIHI) has announced their next annual Request for Application (RFA) for selecting and implementing innovative solutions in our clinical enterprise. The proposals should address actual and important problems encountered by care providers, patients, and their loved ones, and represent urgent health challenges nationally.

For the 2024 funding cycle, they are specifically interested in the following topic: 

Generative AI & Large Language Models: AI solutions to improve staff and clinician efficiency, patient journey, and outcomes

Please visit the Innovation RFA web page for additional information, to download an info packet, and to see the timeline for 2024 projects. The deadline for submitting applications is November 3, 2023.

All proposals are required to have a DUHS operational lead as a co-sponsor to be accepted for review.

If the DIHI team can be of any assistance to you in the formulation of ideas or connections, please contact Suresh Balu. The DIHI team looks forward to your innovative solutions!

 

Register Now: 15^th Annual Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium

The 15^th annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium will be held on Friday, November 17^th at the Durham Convention Center. Faculty directors will be H. James Ford, MD, director of the PH program at UNC, and Terry Fortin, MD, co-director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at Duke. Registration is now open: https://duke.is/9/7rs5. Please join us!

 

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart 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 Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, on Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

 

Duke Heart in the News:

 

September 29: David Harpole

Oncology Nursing News

Neoadjuvant Durvalumab Combination Misses Mark in EGFR+ NSCLC

https://duke.is/c/rh2h

 

September 30: Robert Lefkowitz

Facts.net

10 Astounding Facts About Dr. Robert Lefkowitz

https://duke.is/8/tyse

 

October 2: Duke University Medical Center

The People’s Pharmacy

Can You Stay in the Sweet Spot for Your Warfarin Dose?

https://duke.is/m/dxh9

 

October 2: David Harpole

The ASCO Post

Perioperative Durvalumab Plus Chemotherapy in Resectable NSCLC

https://duke.is/j/xhrb

 

October 4: Kristin Newby

Medscape

SGLT2 Is Tied to Fewer Post-MI Deaths in T2D

https://duke.is/g/6mwj

 

 

 

Highlights of the week:

Duke Heart Team Welcomes Spahillari

Please offer a warm welcome to Aferdita Spahillari, MD, MPH, who joined the Duke Heart team as associate professor of medicine in cardiology on August 30.  She is now a member of our Heart Failure service and will co-lead a Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) program with Dr. Stephen Greene. Spahillari has joined us from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School, where she had been on the faculty since 2017, and served as Director of the GDMT Clinic at MGH for the past two years.

Spahillari is a native of Albania who moved with her family to the Worcester, MA area when she was a teenager. She earned her MD at Tufts University School of Medicine, where she received both the William Dameshak Award in Internal Medicine as well as the Glasgow-Rubin Citation for Academic Achievement in 2010; she earned an MPH in clinical effectiveness from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Spahillari completed internal medicine training at the University of California San Francisco, a cardiology fellowship with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and an advanced heart failure and transplant fellowship at Tufts.

“For as long as I can remember, I had the desire to become a doctor,” said Spahillari. “As I went into training, I was drawn to cardiology. It’s one of the specialties I found most interesting because of the physiology, and because it covers a whole spectrum of diseases with a wide variety of treatment options. I almost went into interventional cardiology because I really enjoyed doing procedures, but ultimately, I had mentors and inspirational teachers in heart failure who led me in this direction, and I fell in love with it as well.”

She says heart failure patients are a population she really enjoys. “It’s very fulfilling to follow the patients along their journey and to care for them when they’re really sick, but also see them get better with the treatment options we have to offer.”

If there was something she wished more patients and families knew, it would be for them to recognize “that heart failure is quite common, and that we have a great deal of treatment options and advanced therapies to offer. My goal is to grow our guideline-directed medical therapy program and get patients on optimal medical therapies as early as possible, or, even if they are in later-stage heart failure, get them onto the optimal therapy in order to improve their heart failure symptoms and heart function.”

With the GDMT program, Spahillari and Greene will unite the efforts of the nurse practitioners working in the HF Same-Day Access Clinic with the efforts of the Duke pharmacy team in order to further develop the program and expand access to more HF patients across Duke. She will see patients at Duke South, round on the HF service, read echocardiograms, and she expects to see clinic patients in Raleigh a couple of times per month.

Aferdita and her husband, Bobby Guadagno, have two sons — JD and Beau who are four and two respectively. The family is excited to be in North Carolina, with family nearby in Charlotte and they look forward to all that Durham and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Welcome, Aferdita! We are so pleased to have you on our team!

 

Heart Walk: Next Sunday!

We are just one week away from the American Heart Association Triangle Heart Walk – next Sunday, October 8th. If you have registered great — if you have not – it’s not too late.

We are happy to report that Duke is still the number one fundraiser throughout the Triangle, but we also know others are nipping at our heels. Let’s rally hard this week to show our Duke Heart pride, and support our partners at the Triangle AHA. Register for a team here. 

Feel free to join any team (donation or not) and come out and enjoy the walk and help us increase awareness of heart disease. Manesh Patel has a team called ‘Duke Heart’ with team members that include several heart patients and others who will join the walking; Jill Engel has a team called ‘Got Heart!’ – and there are many other great groups across DUHS and the School of Medicine.

The event will occur at PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh. Check-in begins at 11 a.m.; the walk begins at Noon. You can bring kids, dogs, and friends to the event. Our annual Duke team photo for all Duke team members will take place at approximately 11:25 a.m.  Manesh advises we all be on the lookout for Chris Granger – he is often there helping organize everyone for the photo.

Duke Health was unable to provide t-shirts this year, so please wear your favorite Duke Blue t-shirt to the event! It does not have to say ‘Duke’ but please make sure it’s a royal blue. Thank you!!!

 

Pagidipati Featured in Duke SOM’s Magnify

Neha Pagidipati, MD, MPH is featured in the Sept. 28 issue of Magnify, the Duke School of Medicine online magazine:

The Doctor Who Wants to Change How We Treat Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of people in the United States and worldwide. Yet physicians often do not prescribe evidence-based medicines that could change those statistics.

Neha Pagidipati, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine in cardiology at Duke University School of Medicine, wants to do something about that.

“There are therapies that have a ton of evidence [showing they] keep people from developing recurrent disease,” said Pagidipati, a cardiologist who specializes in prevention. “They are just not being used appropriately. That has to change on population level.”

In particular, there are three types of FDA-approved drugs that can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke among the growing number of people who have both diabetes and cardiovascular disease, a combination often referred to as cardiometabolic disease. The three classes of drugs treat high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol, which are all risk factors for both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

“These are not fair diseases,” Pagidipati said. “They are inequitably targeting patient populations that don’t have the resources to combat these chronic illnesses. That’s part of what motivates me—it’s a public health and a social justice issue.”

In a recent study called COORDINATE Diabetes, Pagidipati and her colleagues tested a strategy in clinics nationwide to encourage physicians to prescribe all three of these types of drugs to their patients with both diabetes and a specific type of cardiovascular disease called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

In the randomized controlled trial, the clinics that followed the multifaceted strategy successfully increased the percentage of patients who were prescribed all three medicines. Half of the participating medical centers received the intervention, and the other half were business-as-usual. 

At the beginning of the trial, less than 3% of the 1,000 patients were prescribed all three drugs. By the end of the trial, that percentage had risen to 37.9% in the intervention group.

“It has major implications about what methodologies we can use to improve the way clinicians are providing care to this very high-risk population,” Pagidipati said. “That care promotes resilience.”

The intervention was designed to encourage coordination among the multiple specialists who see patients with diabetes and heart disease. In the absence of such coordination, it can be difficult for a cardiologist to prescribe a drug targeting blood sugar or for a diabetes specialist to prescribe a drug targeting blood pressure. The strategy called for health systems to create multidisciplinary teams to identify and remove barriers to coordinated care.

The intervention also provided educational materials to both physicians and patients and gave the clinics regular feedback about how well they were doing in prescribing the drugs.

The study was designed to measure an increase in prescriptions, not cardiac events such as stroke or heart attacks. However, the investigators did find fewer cardiac events (23) in the intervention group compared to the business-as-usual group (40). While that difference was not statistically significant, it was encouraging.

Pagidipati hopes the results of the study will inspire more health systems to adopt strategies to improve the health of their patients.

At Duke, Pagidipati is taking coordinated care to a new level. She started a clinic a few years ago where patients with advanced cardiometabolic disease see a team of multidisciplinary specialists, including cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, hepatologists, and pharmacists. 

“The goal is to provide coordinated, state-of-the-art comprehensive preventative care for the highest risk patients in the health system,” she said.

Pagidipati’s goal is to improve care not just for patients at Duke, but for patients everywhere. She is planning a randomized trial to measure the effectiveness of the strategies used in her clinic. If her multidisciplinary team helps patients stay healthier longer, she’ll be looking for ways to spread the word and influence the standard of care nationwide and beyond.

“At the end of my career,” she said, “I would really like to say that we did something to help people combat cardiometabolic disease, both locally—at Duke—and at large—regionally, nationally, internationally.”

 

Heartfelt Gratitude: Duke Patient Contributes to OneDukeGen Study

By the time Roger Neighborgall was 66 years old, his heart was wearing out. Without an effective way to pump blood through his body, Neighborgall was experiencing circulatory problems and suffering heart failure.

He had been told he had up to a month to live, but in January 2021, Duke University Hospital provided him with a new lease on life —a heart transplant

Almost three years later, Neighborgall is thriving and looking to give back to the place that gave him the most precious gift of all: time.

“You get a sense of connection [having] somebody else’s heart in your chest,” he said, “and I feel an overwhelming sense of connection with Duke.”

So when Neighborgall was asked during a recent transplant checkup if he would consider joining OneDukeGen, a precision medicine study that will analyze DNA from 150,000 consented Duke patients, he didn’t hesitate. “Before it even came out of their mouths,” Neighborgall said, “I knew I was going to join.”

As part of the new Center for Precision Health and in partnership with nference, a science-first software company, OneDukeGen will use genetics and precision medicine to make scientific discoveries focused on improving the health and well-being of Duke patients.

“OneDukeGen is focused on using genetic and other scientific discoveries and translating them to patient care in less time,” said Svati Shah, MD, Ursula Geller Distinguished Professor of Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and principal investigator for OneDukeGen. “Because of participants like Roger, we will be able to make discoveries to improve prevention and treatment of diseases and enhance health.”

Eligible Duke patients will receive an invitation to join the study either during a previously scheduled appointment or through their Duke MyChart portal. Recruitment will be ongoing over the course of the six-year study. Participation is currently limited to established Duke patients.

Once enrolled, participants will provide a blood or saliva sample. Researchers will then be able to analyze DNA, RNA, and other factors to investigate a variety of diseases and conditions. Participants will receive their genetic testing results if they have DNA differences that increase the risk for preventable or treatable health conditions. They may also receive recommendations for follow-up care, such as annual screenings, medication, or preventative surgeries.

Neighborgall often thinks of all the people at Duke who have helped him on his journey. “I owe them so much, and if some of my some of my DNA can help not only at Duke Hospital but maybe, in the future, other hospitals, of course I’ve got to be part of it.”

Visit sites.duke.edu/onedukegen to learn more about the OneDukeGen study and how Duke patients will be invited to participate.

 

Shout-out to Glower

We received a terrific note about cardiothoracic surgeon, Don Glower, from Press Ganey HCAHPS regarding the great care he and his team provided recently to a patient at Duke Hospital: 

“Dr. Glower is wonderful with great staff!!” – a grateful patient (name withheld for privacy)

Dr. David Gallagher, chief medical officer, added, “Thank you for the high quality and compassionate care you provide to patients!”

Well-deserved, Dr. Glower!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kudos to Medlock

Congratulations to Nick Medlock for completing the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Foundation Emerging Leaders Program! This is a fantastic accomplishment and an honor to have been selected. The SDMS Foundation Emerging Leaders Program annually invites a cohort of students and recent graduates to be mentored as future leaders in the field of sonography and with the SDMS. Program participants participate virtually in a variety of leadership education opportunities that are designed to engage them in meaningful dialogue and projects related to the future of the profession and leadership volunteerism. 

 

Medlock is a recent graduate of the Duke Cardiac Ultrasound Certification Program and earned the American Society of Echocardiography Waggoner award in 2022.

Way to go Nick!

 

Shout-out to Tong & team

This week we received a note from David Gallagher, chief medical officer, regarding thoracic surgeon Dr. Betty Tong and her team. The note was submitted to Press Ganey HCAHPS:

“Dr. Tong and her team are absolutely the best. My nurse Rosalee was awesome.” – a grateful patient (name withheld for privacy)

Dr. Edward P. Chen, division chief for cardiovascular and thoracic surgery added, “Dr. Tong provides outstanding service every day to her patients and it is nice to see her recognized in such a complimentary fashion.”

Well-deserved, Betty!

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIHI Innovation RFA 2024 is Now Open

The Duke Institute for Health Innovation (DIHI) has announced their next annual Request for Application (RFA) for selecting and implementing innovative solutions in our clinical enterprise. The proposals should address actual and important problems encountered by care providers, patients and their loved ones, and represent urgent health challenges nationally.

For the 2024 funding cycle, they are specifically interested in the following topic:  

Generative AI & Large Language Models: AI solutions to improve staff and clinician efficiency, patient journey and outcomes

Please visit the Innovation RFA web page for additional information, to download an info packet, and to see the timeline for 2024 projects. The deadline for submitting applications is November 3, 2023.

All proposals are required to have a DUHS operational lead as a co-sponsor to be accepted for review.

If the DIHI team can be of any assistance to you in the formulation of ideas or connections, please contact Suresh Balu. The DIHI team looks forward to your innovative solutions!

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• National Hispanic Heritage Month runs through Oct. 15
• October is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month as well as National Pharmacists Month
• Masking is strongly recommended throughout all clinical areas during respiratory virus season, from now through early March.

 

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Oct.3: Left Atrial Appendage Closure with Kevin Jackson. 5 p.m., DN 2002 or via Zoom.

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference/Fellows Conference

Oct. 6: Fellows Forum with Joseph Lerman. Noon, DMP 2W96, in-person only.

Call for Applications: 2024 Leadership Programs

The Office for Faculty announced this week the call for applications for their 2024 Leadership Programs, including ADVANCE-UP, ALICE, DCLP, and LEADER. Click here to learn more. Applications are due Nov. 3.

Register Now: 15^th Annual Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium

The 15^th annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium will be held on Friday, November 17^th at the Durham Convention Center. Faculty directors will be H. James Ford, MD, director of the PH program at UNC, and Terry Fortin, MD, co-director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at Duke. Registration is now open: https://duke.is/9/7rs5. Please join us!

 

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart 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 Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

 

Duke Heart in the News:

September 24 — Mark Sendak (DIHI)

The Wall Street Journal

Can AI Help Doctors Come Up With Better Diagnoses?

https://duke.is/r/747e

September 25 — Svati Shah

WRAL

Studying why some people stay healthy and others get diseases

https://duke.is/g/jtut

(clip begins at 05:13:48)

September 26 — Harry Severance

Becker’s Hospital Review

Viewpoint: The ‘last straw’ for healthcare workers

https://duke.is/y/2mjk

September 26 — Harry Severance

Medpage Today

‘The Last Straw’ Driving Workers Out of Healthcare

https://duke.is/n/34f7

September 26 — Mark Sendak

Becker’s Health IT

Duke’s health innovation institute targets racial disparities

https://duke.is/5/stsm

September 26 — Svati Shah

WRAL

‘OneDukeGen’ DNA study involves 150,000 Duke patients with a ‘precision health’ approach

https://duke.is/9/579q

September 28 — John Alexander

Medscape

Factor XI Inhibitors: The Promise of a Truly Safe Anticoagulant?

https://duke.is/9/xy8r

Highlights of the week:

Pendyal Joins Duke Heart Team

This weekend we are introducing another of our newest cardiology faculty members. Akshay Pendyal, MD, MHS, joined the Duke Heart team as an assistant professor of medicine in cardiology on August 30. He came to us from Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte where he practiced as a general cardiologist.

Pendyal is a Chapel Hill, NC native who holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, and who then returned to Chapel Hill to earn his MD at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. His internal medicine residency was conducted at the University of Colorado Hospitals in Denver; he then went on to cardiology fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University before earning an MHS through the National Clinician Scholars Program (formerly called the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program) at Yale University.

At Yale, he did advanced research training in health services, research outcomes, and health policy. Pendyal says he wasn’t really using his academic background while with Novant, and he really missed it. He says a big part of the appeal in joining the Duke faculty is the opportunity to work again in an academic environment, to conduct research, and to teach.

Pendyal enjoys being a general cardiologist because it allows him to see adult patients with a wide spectrum of cardiovascular disease — common conditions such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and heart rhythm problems. In particular, he values the opportunity to develop longitudinal relationships with patients, and helping them maintain their care over time in partnership with sub-specialists.

“One thing I’ve learned over the years is the care of the patient in the hospital just kind of the beginning,” says Pendyal. “After that, I think, is the much more important piece, which is making sure that somebody is on the right set of medications, that we can adjust those medications accordingly, and quite honestly that we’re not imposing too much of a treatment burden on patients.”

He says this is something he finds important to incorporate in his clinical practice.

“It’s really hard, I think, to be a patient — especially a patient with a complex chronic cardiovascular illness. This ties into my research interest, which is the treatment burden imposed on patients who are already vulnerable and who are already facing numerous kinds of social barriers. In particular, I think it is important to consider housing instability, or homelessness. That was a big focus of my research when I was at Yale. I’m particularly interested in vulnerable or marginalized patients and their interactions with the healthcare system and seeking ways to improve this.”

Akshay and his wife, Meredith Niess, have two sons ages 3 and 5. When Pendyal has a bit of free time, he enjoys creative writing and poetry.

Please give him a warm welcome when you see him!

 

30^th Annual Meeting of NC & SC Chapters, ACC: Highlights

The 30^th anniversary conference of the NC and SC chapters of the American College of Cardiology has been taking place this weekend, Sept. 22-24, at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. 

Duke fellows have had a huge presence there, and we are thrilled to announce that our Duke cardiology team of Manasi Tannu, Mark Kittipibul, and Belal Suleiman won the NC/SC Fellows-in-Training (FIT) Jeopardy Championship today! 

Additionally, Kiki Osude led a FIT Seminar that was well-attended; Nishant Shah gave a talk on the revolution of cardiometabolic diseases, and Manasi Tannu and Jenn Rymer were formally awarded the Disparities Research Grant from the ACC NC chapter for their project that aims to increase screening for PAD at historically black churches in the Durham area.  

      

Special thanks to Jenn Rymer, Nishant Shah, and Anna Lisa Chamis for submitting photos. A huge congratulations to all on a successful and fun weekend!

 

Jackson Featured in AHA AFib Webinar

Electrophysiologist Larry Jackson, II, MD, appeared in a Sept. 12 American Heart Association (AHA) webinar to help promote awareness and understanding of ablation therapy for

atrial fibrillation. The webinar, ‘AFib Ablation — Who, What, and Why?’ can be found here (free registration required to view). 

The webinar was offered by the AHA as part of their AFib Awareness Month series. More than 300 people registered for the event and, as of last week, nearly as many people had viewed the recording. Jackson spoke on the history of catheter ablation, the biophysics of ablation, patient selection, safety, post-ablation management and care, and the dynamics of health equity regarding AFib.

The webinar is well worth checking out!

Nicely done, Larry. Great work!

 

 

Upcoming Bed Relocation: DN2200, 7200

Duke University Hospital has a master plan to increase the capacity of Emergency Department beds. As a result, several changes will occur in October involving the relocation of two units. 

Duke North 2200 will close on October 26 and the Emergency Department will relocate from Duke North 7200 to 2200 for a gain of 8 beds for their department. On October 30, 8 Cardiology Step-Down beds will open on 7200 (7201-7208) for a total of 24 Cardiology Step-Down beds between 3200 and 7200.

The move will allow Heart Services to be located on the 3rd and 7th floors in Duke North. Stay tuned for additional details on the upcoming move. We’ll share it here in Pulse!

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• September is National AFib Awareness month and Women in Medicine month
• We’re celebrating National Advanced Practice Provider (APP) week: September 25-29. Thank you to all of our Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and CRNAs throughout Duke Heart!
• Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Flu vaccination at Duke began this week – make sure to get yours!
• Masking for patients, visitors, and team members is strongly recommended throughout all clinical areas during respiratory virus season (Sept. 15- Mar. 1, 2024).

 

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Sept. 26: Research Funding and Applications, Including the Current DOMRA/ORA Landscape, Rules, and Regulations with Chris Holley, Denise Wynn, and Krista Camigula. 5 p.m. DN 2002 or via Zoom.

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

Sept. 29: Diabetes and Heart Disease with Nishant Shah. Noon. Zoom only.

ICYMI: Medicine Grand Rounds, Sept. 15

Medicine Grand Rounds welcomed Chet Patel on Sept. 15 for his lecture, Heart Transplant at Duke: Tradition and Innovation. Recording available here.

DCRI Research Forum

Sept. 26: A fireside chat with NIMHD director Eliseo J. Perez-Stable, MD. Noon. Zoom only.

 

NCHA: Creating Healthier Communities, Part 1 (Urban), Sept. 26

The NC Healthcare Association will host a virtual town hall – “Creating Healthier Communities” – on Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. The town hall will focus on community benefits provided by North Carolina’s hospitals and health systems, highlighting work with local employers, schools, faith organizations and other partners to build healthier, vibrant communities. Debra Clark Jones, Associate Vice President for Community Health at Duke Heath, will participate as a panelist with other healthcare leaders from around the state. Free. Register here.

Duke Football Healthcare Appreciation Day: Sept 30

Duke Football invites all Duke Health employees to Healthcare Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 30 when they take on Notre Dame in Wallace Wade Stadium! As a token of appreciation, all healthcare workers, families, and friends can purchase discounted tickets here: https://duke.is/9/ne4n

Sept. 30: Duke Football vs. Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. Wallace Wade Stadium.

Call for Applications: 2024 Leadership Programs

The Office for Faculty announced this week the call for applications for their 2024 Leadership Programs, including ADVANCE-UP, ALICE, DCLP, and LEADER. Click here to learn more. Applications are due Nov. 3.

Register Now: 15^th Annual Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium

The 15^th annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium will be held on Friday, November 17^th at the Durham Convention Center. Faculty directors will be H. James Ford, MD, director of the PH program at UNC, and Terry Fortin, MD, co-director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at Duke. Registration is now open: https://duke.is/9/7rs5. Please join us!

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart 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 Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

 

Duke Heart in the News:

September 15 — Robert Mentz

Managed Healthcare Executive

Intravenous Iron for Patients With Heart Failure? Recent Research Goes Against the Grain.

https://duke.is/8/w9tw

September 15 — David Harpole

Cancer Network

Durvalumab Combo Yields No Clear Benefit in Early-Stage EGFR+ NSCLC

https://duke.is/2/3avb

September 18 — Robert Mentz

AJMC

Since FDA Approval, Several Studies Highlight Benefits of IV Ferric Carboxymaltose

https://duke.is/w/m887

September 18 — Larry Jackson

Healio

Top in cardiology: BP control declines during winter; National AF Awareness Month

https://duke.is/p/a3n5

September 18 — Manesh Patel

Medscape/The Bob Harrington Show

SCD in Athletes: Lessons From High-Profile Cases

https://duke.is/6/sbmv

September 19 — Duke Health

Becker’s Hospital Review

26 health systems preferred twice as much as competitors

https://duke.is/r/4j5y

September 19 — Jacob Schroder and Carmelo Milano

Shared

How Scientists Make our Lives Brighter, Longer and More Convenient

https://duke.is/2/7xyn

September 19 — Pamela Douglas

tctMD

‘Shocking’ Sexual Misconduct in Surgery Survey Prompts New Calls for Change

https://duke.is/g/dyg8

September 21 — Duke Hospital

Cardiovascular Business

The 50 best hospitals in the world for cardiac surgery

https://duke.is/8/273c

 

 

Highlights of the week:

Duke Heart Welcomes Moghaddam and Aslam

This weekend we are introducing two of our newest cardiology faculty members – Drs. Nima Moghaddam and M. Imran Aslam.

Former advanced heart failure and transplant fellow Nima Moghaddam, MD, joined the Duke Heart team on July 1 after completing his fellowship in Duke’s Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant program. He will round on the Heart Failure and Transplant service as well as in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and will see patients in our transplant and biopsy clinics.

Born in Iran and raised in Canada, Moghaddam was drawn to medicine from an early age. He says he always admired his father, a cardiologist, and wanted to follow in his footsteps. He became fascinated with the physiology of the heart and liked the breadth of opportunities available within the cardiology specialty. Ultimately, he chose to focus his training on heart failure and transplantation because of the difference that can be made in helping the sickest of the sick.

“I’ve met so many great people, mentors, and leaders in heart failure and transplant here at Duke,” Moghaddam said. “To me, it is the opportunity of a lifetime to work at a world-leading heart failure and transplant center. I am so happy to stay and continue to learn. This is where the cutting-edge of heart transplantation and cardiology is happening. On top of that, people have been very welcoming and friendly to me, my wife, and our newborn baby. It would be very hard to leave this place.”

Moghaddam holds a BSc from York University in Toronto. He earned his MD at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where he also completed his internal medicine residency and trained in adult cardiology. He then moved to Durham for advanced heart failure and transplant fellowship.

He and his wife, Dr. Bahar Bahrani, have a nine-month-old son named Aiden. Bahar is on faculty in Duke’s Department of Dermatology. Nima and Bahar both enjoy hiking and time outdoors. Nima says he’s an extreme foodie — and having spent many years in British Columbia, really misses the sushi there. He says most people who know him know that he’s a soccer fanatic – he says he follows every soccer league in the world. What some may not know, however, is that he played as a goalkeeper for the Persian Lions F.C., a semi-professional soccer team based in Toronto. He says his favorite team is the Premier League’s Liverpool F.C.

For those who did not have the opportunity to work with Nima during his fellowship last year, please extend a warm welcome to him as one of our newest team members!

Imran Aslam, MD, joined the Duke Heart faculty as an assistant professor of medicine in cardiology on Sept. 1. He is an interventional and advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist who comes to us from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio (UTHSCSA) where he was a faculty member for the past two years. He’ll be on our VAD service and will see patients at Duke University Hospital and at Arringdon Clinic. 

Having grown up in Houston, where Texas Medical Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) are a major presence, he had opportunities to explore career opportunities in medicine while in high school. His school had partnerships with area hospitals, allowing students exposure to medical-based careers in a very customized way. Aslam was assigned a path through MD Anderson via a clinic focused on treating patients with gastric tumors. He says that for him, the timing was perfect. The MDACC team had just begun using a new drug, called imatinib (Gleevec), to treat cancer patients and it was completely changing their care and outcomes for the better. The experience piqued his interest – he became fascinated with learning how this and other drugs were developed, and who developed them. It was then he decided to go into medicine, ultimately becoming a physician-scientist.

Aslam holds a BS from the University of Houston and earned his MD from UTHSCSA. His original plan, he says, was to pursue a career in oncology, so he spent one of his medical school years as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute medical fellow at Oregon Health Science University in Portland, OR.

“As fate would have it, for that fellowship I was able to work in the laboratory of Dr. Brian Druker, the guy who developed Gleevec,” says Aslam. “His story was so inspiring to me – something he did in his life as a physician-scientist was able to help an innumerable number of patients.” Gleevec revolutionized the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia and helped establish targeted therapies as a pathway to treating cancer.

Aslam went on to internal medicine residency and ultimately decided to pursue fellowship training in cardiovascular disease, advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology, and interventional cardiology, all of which he completed at Johns Hopkins. He then joined the faculty at UTHSCSA and was glad to be near family once again. However, without a robust HF program there, he grew to miss taking care of VAD and transplant patients. He decided to seek out opportunities where he could use all of his skills in research and clinical care that he’d developed during his training. That search brought him to Duke.

On the clinical side, Aslam’s expertise is in cardiogenic shock, mechanical circulatory support, and high-risk PCI. His research focus, which he developed at Hopkins, is on right ventricular dysfunction — in particular, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. He plans to continue working in this area in larger animal models at Duke, as well as further investigating mitochondrial bioenergetic pathways in cardiac myocytes.

Aslam describes himself as a bit of a fitness nut and that he fits in daily exercise no matter what. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and traveling – especially with his brother who, he says, is the most well-traveled person he knows. So, when time permits and they can coordinate their schedules, they travel together to places that are generally off the beaten path. Their last trip was to the Arctic where they were able to hike and see polar bears. His passion, he says, is any trip that allows him to see new places and be physically active while doing it.

We are very happy to have him on our team. Please give Imran a warm welcome to Duke Heart!

 

Duke to Celebrate Robert Lefkowitz’s 50 Years of Scientific Discovery

Duke University will honor Duke cardiologist and Nobel Prize winner Robert J. Lefkowitz’s 50 years at Duke with a two-day symposium, “Celebrating Scientific Discoveries that Advance Human Health,” to be held Oct. 2-3 at Page Auditorium.

The event will feature presentations from seven Nobel laureates, as well as sessions with University President Vincent E. Price, PhD; Mary E. Klotman, MD, executive vice president for health affairs and dean of the Duke University School of Medicine; former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski; and Lefkowitz, who received the 2012 Nobel Prize in chemistry with his former trainee Brian Kobilka, MD, now on faculty at Stanford Medicine.

Lefkowitz’s trailblazing research on how cells communicate reshaped modern medicine. He revealed the workings of G-protein-coupled receptors that are relied on by almost half of the medications available today.

“This symposium is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Bob Lefkowitz’s many achievements and to learn about the latest advances in biomedical research,” Price said. “His discoveries have made a difference in the lives of innumerable people, and the research that will be presented at this symposium also has the potential to improve the lives of people around the world.” 

In addition to the Nobel Prize laureates, speakers will include top scientists from Duke and other universities who are working on biomedical research to advance the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, blood disorders, and heart disease.

Lefkowitz, who is the Chancellor’s Professor of Medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine, has held a primary faculty appointment in cardiology since 1973; he maintains additional appointments in biochemistry, pathology, and chemistry, and is a long-time member of the Duke Cancer Institute. His research laboratory is housed within the Duke Cardiovascular and Research Center (CVRC).

“Bob Lefkowitz’s pioneering work in the realm of cellular communication has left an indelible mark on the field of medicine,” Klotman said. “His dedication to understanding the intricacies of cell receptors has paved the way for numerous medical breakthroughs, making him an indispensable figure in modern biomedical research.”

Beyond his research, she added, “his lasting impact has also been through the generations of very talented scientists who have had the good fortune to call Bob their mentor.” 

In an innovative move in 1974, Lefkowitz attached a radioactive isotope to a beta-blocker drug. This allowed him to track and identify an adrenaline receptor by monitoring the emitted radiation. It opened the door to understanding the functionality of such receptors.

Lefkowitz’s discovery led to the subsequent realization that there is an entire family of similarly functioning receptors — the G-protein-coupled receptors. These receptors play a crucial role in cellular communication.

G-protein-coupled receptors are not just a matter of academic interest. Many medications leverage these receptors to exert their therapeutic effects. Lefkowitz’s work has defined pharmaceutical advancements for decades.

Nobel laureates invited to join the symposium include cancer researcher Harold E. Varmus, MD, who earned the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine in 1989; neurologist and biochemist Stanley Prusiner, MD, the 1997 Nobel Prize winner in medicine or physiology; Joseph Goldstein, MD, the 1985 Nobel Prize winner whose discoveries became the basis of statins, medications to treat high cholesterol; Peter Agre, MD, and Roderick MacKinnon, MD, who received the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2003; and Kobilka, a physiologist who worked as a postdoctoral fellow with Lefkowitz while at Duke.

The event is open to faculty, staff, students, trainees, and the public. Visit the School of Medicine symposium webpage to see the full schedule and to register.

 

CDU Awarded IAC Accreditation in Vascular Testing

We are thrilled to announce that the Duke University Hospital Cardiac Diagnostic Unit (CDU) has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining reaccreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in Vascular Testing. This accreditation underscores the steadfast dedication of the CDU team to delivering top-tier cardiac diagnostic services while upholding the utmost standards in patient care.

IAC accreditation certifies adherence to the stringent evaluation criteria set by the IAC. Through rigorous assessments and comprehensive reviews, our CDU has consistently showcased excellence in cardiac imaging services, positioning us as a leader in the industry. We are particularly proud to have been granted accreditation in two vital areas: Extracranial Cerebrovascular Testing and Peripheral Arterial Testing.

We extend our deepest appreciation to the entire CDU team for their unwavering dedication to quality and safety, and to ensuring their overall expertise as a team. It is their hard work and commitment that have propelled the CDU to this achievement.

“We are grateful to each of our patients and their referring physicians for the trust and confidence they have placed in our services,” says Ashlee Davis, chief technologist for the DUH CDU. “Their unwavering support has been instrumental in our success.”

Congratulations CDU Team – way to go!

 

Tannu to Receive ACC NC Grant

Duke cardiology fellow Manasi Tannu has been selected to receive a Disparities Research Grant from the American College of Cardiology’s NC chapter. The grant will support her and her team’s efforts to increase screening for peripheral artery disease (PAD) at historically black churches in the greater Durham area. 

The grant award will be officially announced and awarded to Tannu at the 2023 NC/SC Annual Conference next weekend (Sept. 22-24, 2023) at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.

Congratulations, Manasi!

 

 

 

Recruiting Success for Step-Down Units

Members of our nursing leadership team represented Heart Services at a Duke University Health System specialty hiring event on Sept. 13. The team was successful in recruiting new hires for the step-down units! Shown here are Ally Shiveler, Kasey Williams, Ciarra Ashley, and Laura Dickerson.

Great work – we are grateful to each of you for spending time on recruiting, sharing your stories and enthusiasm for Duke Heart, and doing such a great job. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

Shout-out to Lewis

We received a note this week from David Gallagher, Chief Medical Officer, regarding feedback he received on electrophysiologist Rob Lewis, MD, via the Press Ganey/HCAHPS from an inpatient on the great care Lewis and his team delivered to them. 

“The surgical staff (especially the nurse anesthetist) were very upbeat, and really forestalled any pre-op tension. We joked around a little before I was sedated… Dr. Lewis was outstanding. I had no pain after my pacemaker insertion, to the surprise of the nursing staff (who were also wonderful). All in all, an excellent (and successfully therapeutic) experience.” – a grateful patient, name withheld for privacy

Well-deserved kudos — nicely done, Rob!

 

 

EP’s Haney Retires

We wished a warm farewell this week to EP nurse Marianne Haney, RN, CCRN, RCES, who began her career at Duke University Hospital in the Electrophysiology Lab in November 2003.

“Marianne has been the matriarch of our team, serving as charge nurse and preceptor for her colleagues,” said Shawn Johnson, nurse manager of operations for Duke’s Adult Cardiac Cath Labs. “She will be missed by all of us.”

Commonly referred to as “Mrs. Haney,” Marianne plans to spend her retirement traveling with her husband. As we understand it, their first journeys will take them to several of the great national parks in the U.S.

Her last day with Duke Health was Thursday, Sept. 14. The team celebrated her with a potluck breakfast, a cake, and her favorite lunch from Jimmy John’s.

Thanks for all you have done for Duke Heart and our EP patients. We wish “Mrs. Haney” all the best and bid her bon voyage!

 

 

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• September is National AFib Awareness Month and Women in Medicine Month
• Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Flu vaccination at Duke begins Sept. 21.
• Masking for patients, visitors, and team members is now strongly recommended throughout all clinical areas during respiratory virus season (Sept. 15- Mar. 1, 2024).

 

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Sept. 19: ECS Wrap-up with Chris Granger. 5 p.m. In person or via Zoom.

 

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

Sept. 20: DHP Case Presentation with Eric Xie. Noon. DMP 2W96

Sept. 22: HF/Txp Case Presentation with Husam Salah. Noon, via Zoom.

 

ICYMI: Medicine Grand Rounds, Sept. 8

Medicine Grand Rounds welcomed Gene Nichol, professor of law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Sept. 8 for his lecture, Poverty and Equal Dignity in North Carolina. You may find the recording here.

 

DCRI Research Forum

Sept. 26: A fireside chat with NIMHD director Eliseo J. Perez-Stable, MD. Noon. Zoom only.

 

CME: Special Care for Pregnant Hearts, Sept. 20

A newly developed CME offering for OBGYNs, PCPs, family medicine physicians and anesthesiologists will take place Wed., Sept. 20 from 6:30 – 8:30. Special Care for Pregnant Hearts, a multi-disciplinary approach to pregnant patients with cardiovascular disease will be held virtually. Presenters include Drs. Jeff Federspiel, Cary Ward, Tori Spates, Sarah Snow, and Marie-Louise Meng.

To learn more and for registration, please visit https://obgyn.duke.edu/education-training/continuing-medical-education.

 

NCHA: Creating Healthier Communities, Part 1 (Urban), Sept. 26

The NC Healthcare Association will host a virtual town hall – “Creating Healthier Communities” – on Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. The town hall will focus on community benefits provided by North Carolina’s hospitals and health systems, highlighting work with local employers, schools, faith organizations and other partners to build healthier, vibrant communities. Debra Clark Jones, Associate Vice President for Community Health at Duke Heath, will participate as a panelist with other healthcare leaders from around the state. Free. Register here.

 

Duke Football Healthcare Appreciation Day: Sept 30

Duke Football invites all Duke Health employees to Healthcare Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 30 when they take on Notre Dame in Wallace Wade Stadium! As a token of appreciation, all healthcare workers, families, and friends can purchase discounted tickets here: https://duke.is/9/ne4n

Sept. 30: Duke Football vs. Notre Dame. Time TBA.

 

Call for Applications: 2024 Leadership Programs

The Office for Faculty announced this week the call for applications for their 2024 Leadership Programs, including ADVANCE-UP, ALICE, DCLP, and LEADER. Click here to learn more. Applications are due Nov. 3.

 

Register Now: 15^th Annual Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium

The 15^th annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium will be held on Friday, November 17^th at the Durham Convention Center. Faculty directors will be H. James Ford, MD, director of the PH program at UNC, and Terry Fortin, MD, co-director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at Duke. Registration is now open: https://duke.is/9/7rs5. Please join us!

 

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart 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 Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, on Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

 

Duke Heart in the News:

September 11 — David Harpole

Onc Live

Dr Harpole on Perioperative Durvalumab Plus Chemotherapy in EGFR-Mutated NSCLC

https://duke.is/b/4nth

 

September 11 — David Harpole

Targeted Oncology

No Benefit to Neoadjuvant Durvalumab/Chemo Followed by Adjuvant Durvalumab in EGFR+ NSCLC

https://duke.is/v/53rh

 

September 11 — Christina Wyatt (nephrology)

Healio/Nephrology

Women with health issues and CKD face complex challenges

https://duke.is/6/7jx4

 

September 13 — CTSI

NC Medical Society

Duke Announces Center for Precision Health to Transform Population Health, Patient Care

https://duke.is/4/z8ex

 

September 13 — Larry Jackson

Healio/Cardiology Today

Care, outcomes remain uneven amid growing atrial fibrillation burden in US

https://duke.is/9/hkx6

 

 

 

Chiefs Message:
We are excited to announce new surgical faculty this week and we will spend some time in the upcoming weeks introducing the new cardiology faculty.  Additionally, this week we have the bittersweet news of the retirement of Renee Story.  Finally, there are some amazing scientific projects the Cardiovascular group is leading from K23 grants with Jenn Rymer to the Center for Precision Health with Svati Shah as the leader.  Enjoy the updates.

Highlights of the week:

Smith, Lin Honored for Service to Duke Regional

Former Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery division chief Dr. Peter K. Smith and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Shu Lin were both honored this week by the leadership team of Duke Regional Hospital (DRH). The two were recognized with a hospital leadership recognition award for their more than 20 years of dedication to and support of the DRH CT Surgery Program.

The awards were presented to them on Wednesday, Sept. 6 by Dr. Adia Ross, chief medical officer for DRH. The event was held as part of the Duke1 Periop Session.

Smith and Lin have been instrumental in improving and expanding the heart surgery services available to patients at DRH.

Well-deserved accolades to two of our finest surgeons and leaders! Congratulations, Peter and Shu!

 

Patel, Bevers, and Salfity Will Join Duke CTS Faculty

We are pleased to announce the addition of three new faculty members to the Duke Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Section of General Thoracic Surgery.

Kunal J. Patel, MD, PhD, will begin as Assistant Professor of Surgery on September 11. Dr. Patel comes to us from the University of Virginia, where he attended medical school and recently completed a Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship. Dr. Patel holds a PhD in Transplant Immunology from the Medical University of South Carolina, where he also completed his General Surgery Residency.

Kaitlin C. Bevers, MD, will join as Assistant Professor of Surgery beginning on October 1. Dr. Bevers recently completed a Thoracic Surgery Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She attended Wayne State University School of Medicine, and completed her General Surgery Residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver.

Hai V. Salfity, MD, MPH, will join as Assistant Professor of Surgery also beginning on October 1. Salfity returns to Duke after completing her Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship with us in 2021. Since then, she has most recently served as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Salfity completed medical school and her surgical training at the Indiana University School of Medicine, from which she also holds a Master of Public Health degree.

“The addition of Drs. Patel, Bevers, and Salfity to our faculty reflect our commitment to growing Duke CT Surgery’s renowned training programs and enhancing our ability to provide quality surgical care to patients in need,” said Division Chief Dr. Edward Chen and Section Chief for General Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Thomas D’Amico in a joint email that was shared this week.

Please join us in welcoming all three of these exceptional physicians to our Duke CT Surgery team and to Duke Heart!

 

 

 

Rymer Receives NHLBI Research Career Development Award

Interventional cardiologist Jenn Rymer, MD, MBA, has received a Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Her awarded project (effective July 27) is Implementation of a Medication Adherence Instrument among Patients with Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease after Peripheral Vascular Intervention. Her mentors will include Drs. Hayden Bosworth, Schuyler Jones, Tracy Wang, Ann Marie Navar, and Sharron Docherty.

The five-year NHLBI K23 award supports the career development of individuals with a clinical doctoral degree, who have the potential to develop into productive, clinical investigators, and who have made a commitment to focus their research endeavors on patient-oriented research.

Rymer will be studying methods to improve adherence and prescription of guideline-based and evidence-based medical therapies in patients with peripheral vascular disease here at Duke.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects roughly 12 million Americans and accounts for over $21 billion in combined annual healthcare costs. For patients with PAD who undergo a peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) to improve quality of life and/or prevent limb loss, there are evidence-based, guideline-directed medical therapies that should be prescribed after the intervention. However, adherence to these therapies remains poor among this population of patients, placing them at an increased risk of limb loss, cardiovascular disease, and death. Rymer’s research will work to leverage complementary methods in qualitative research, implementation science, and clinical trial design to examine the barriers to medication adherence and evaluate a potential tool that may facilitate improved communication between the clinic provider and patient about how to improve adherence to these therapies in patients with PAD who have undergone PVI.

Congratulations, Jenn!

 

Center for Precision Health Launched; Shah to Serve as Director

The Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute this week announced the launch of the Center for Precision Health (CPH), a collaboration that will harness the power of genomic, biomarker, and health data to transform patient care and population health.

The Duke University School of Medicine has a rich history of translational discovery science leveraging genetics, genomics, and other -omic technologies coupled with data science and informatics. With continuing advances in genomics, biomarker technology, and computational biology alongside improvements in electronic health records and machine learning, the CPH will work to bridge discovery science with personalized patient care. 

“This collaborative effort will bring together researchers from across Duke that will enable us to improve patient care and help move more discoveries in basic and translational research into clinical care,” said Mary E. Klotman, MD, executive vice president for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine. “The Center for Precision Health is poised to become a powerhouse for genetic and genomic discovery, outreach, and education. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

Duke cardiologist Svati H. Shah, MD, MHS, Ursula Geller Distinguished Professor of Medicine, has been named director of the CPH. Julie Eckstrand, RPh, will serve as executive director.

To read the full announcement, please visit this page.

Congratulations, Svati!

 

Renee Story Retires After Three Decades of Service

We wished a fond farewell recently to long-time cardiology administrative assistant Renee Story. After more than 30 years of service at Duke Health, Story retired officially on Sept. 1. She was celebrated with a luncheon in her honor on August 31 at Bennett Point Grill in Durham.

A highly valued team member, Renee supported a number of faculty throughout her years with the Duke Heart team, including Drs. Richard Stack, Chris O’Connor, Joe Rogers, Jimmy Tcheng, Andrew Wang, and Chet Patel. Additionally, she helped support our Cardiology Grand Rounds program. All along the way, she demonstrated teamwork, professionalism, and a deep care for patients and their families – and always with a smile and warm welcome.

Although we will miss her, we are excited for her and all the future holds. Renee says she is looking forward to spending more time traveling with her husband, Randy, and to pursuing her interest in learning other languages.

We received some warm reflections about her over the past few weeks and wanted to share them here:

“Renee Story has been a valued, dedicated colleague for 3 decades.  Her work is superior in her conscientiousness and commitment to the highest quality.  She consistently maintains a positive, polite, and helpful demeanor, even with challenges.  Her interactions with all patients are always professional and respectful, and I’ve received many thanks and compliments from them. She is so experienced and effective that I take it for granted how she helps to keep the wheels on the track. I wish her a wonderful and well-deserved retirement with her family.” – Andrew Wang, MD

“Renee was not only a wonderful staff assistant, she was truly one of the nicest people I have ever worked with!” – Richard Stack, MD

“It has been an absolute honor to work with Renee. She has been an extremely important member of our cardiology grand rounds team. She is always organized, efficient, kind, compassionate, and an excellent communicator. She also kept us on track to make sure we were always ahead of deadlines and that we had all the support we needed. We will certainly miss her but are excited for her to start this new chapter!” – Nishant Shah, MD

“Nishant and I have so appreciated the kindness, resourcefulness, and help that Renee gave us over the last few years doing Grand Rounds. These years were difficult scheduling talks with COVID limitations, but that didn’t stop Renee from making it work! It was a challenging time, and Renee graciously and flexibly rolled with changes, helping with our many schedule changes. We don’t give thanks enough to all the people behind the scenes doing the work to make our division run on a daily basis. Renee was always helpful and kind, and I congratulate her on her much-deserved retirement!” – Jennifer Rymer, MD   

“I have been quite fortunate to be able to count on Renee as my assistant for a substantial portion of my Duke career. Renee epitomizes the “best of Duke” – one of our unsung heroes who makes our enterprise hum. As a junior faculty member, Renee was the first individual to provide me with dedicated support. While at that point she had only been on staff for a short time, she amazed me with her command of the Duke environment. I learned quickly that I could count on her to expertly handle any situation, from the complexities of the interventional cardiology program to the coordination of my busy clinical schedule through the (then manual) processes for organizing travel – and everything in between. To me, she set the standard for effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability. She amazed me with her ability to anticipate not just my needs and wishes, but all those who called upon her for support. She remained a terrific resource to me even as her work responsibilities transitioned to becoming responsible for the entire division. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to be rejoined with Renee over 5 years ago as my administrative assistant. Renee – please know that you made a difference, that you helped shape Duke into the preeminent cardiology division in the country, and that you will be truly missed!  Best wishes as you embark on the next phase of your life’s journey.” — Jimmy Tcheng, MD

“Renee is an exceptional professional. She started out working with Richard Stack and then joined up with my group. We were both young at Duke and we really grew as a team. I remember being struck by how professional she was. The way she approached her work and the way she interacted with other people – it’s not something you learn in school; I think you learn it from your parents more than anything else. Her professionalism in demeanor and her communication really enhanced our team’s ability to be successful. She was often the frontline person for the Heart Center and for the division of cardiology – she was the initial point of contact for a lot of important interactions. Not just with faculty and other team members, but with patients. She was very good with patients. This may be one of her most memorable attributes – sometimes she helped just by providing a listening ear and kind voice to patients who were in distress. She was also very good at communicating with other professionals outside the institution. We had a lot of activities with the NIH, the FDA, and other academic institutions. During that time, she got to know key people and worked with them very well. In turn, they knew her and knew that she was a member of the team representing the Heart Center and the division in a very positive way. They knew they were in good hands if Renee was helping them.” – Chris O’Connor, MD

“Renee has provided over 30 years of service for Duke and the Division of Cardiology. Over this time Renee has been committed to supporting her faculty and worked diligently to keep us organized and prepared for our clinical and academic pursuits.  As our roles and priorities change, Renee has continually evolved with us to ensure we are keeping up, not forgetting anything, or trying to do too many things all at once! She does this with a smile and caring approach which puts everyone at ease. Without a doubt, Renee has been an integral part of the success of Duke Heart by working behind the scenes for others to be successful. I will miss working with her and wish her the best in a well-deserved retirement. – Chet Patel, MD  

Congratulations, Renee! You will be missed!

 

Registration Now Open for 15^th Annual Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium

The 15^th annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium will be held on Friday, November 17^th at the Durham Convention Center. Faculty directors will be H. James Ford, MD, director of the PH program at UNC, and Terry Fortin, MD, co-director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at Duke. Registration is now open: https://duke.is/9/7rs5. Please join us!

Consumer Engagement Opportunity: Heart Walk

If you or your team would be interested in space for patient education or consumer outreach at the upcoming Triangle Heart Walk on Oct. 8, please reach out to Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart, by Sept. 15. We may have space available for you in our Duke Health sponsorship tent! This can be a great way to engage with consumers from across the Triangle regarding our service offerings.

Note: you must be able to send a representative (or two) who can be at the sponsorship tent while it’s open. If interested, email tracey.koepke@duke.edu.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• September is National AFib Awareness Month!
• It’s Vascular Nurses week (Sept. 10-16)
• It’s International Housekeeping and Environmental Services week (Sept. 10-16)
• Flu vaccination at Duke begins Sept. 21.

  

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Sept. 12: Wrap up from ESC Around Heart FID with Robert Mentz. 5 p.m. DN 2002 and via Zoom:  https://duke.is/2/rvp4

Medicine Grand Rounds

Sept. 15: Heart Transplant at Duke: Tradition and Innovation with Chet Patel. 8 a.m. DN 2002 and via Zoom.

DCRI Research Forum

Sept. 26: A fireside chat with NIMHD director Eliseo J. Perez-Stable, MD. Noon. Zoom only.

This week: Duke Financial Fitness Week

Free informational seminars are open to all Duke employees for Duke’s annual Financial Fitness Week. Duke HR annually offers the opportunity to learn more about retirement readiness, making informed financial decisions, and unlocking the potential for financial freedom. The full schedule of events and registration links are available at this link: https://duke.is/c/qc2t.

CME: Special Care for Pregnant Hearts, Sept. 20

A newly developed CME offering for OBGYNs, PCPs, family medicine physicians and anesthesiologists will take place Wed., Sept. 20 from 6:30 – 8:30. Special Care for Pregnant Hearts, a multi-disciplinary approach to pregnant patients with cardiovascular disease will be held virtually. Presenters include Drs. Jeff Federspiel, Cary Ward, Tori Spates, Sarah Snow, and Marie-Louise Meng.

To learn more and for registration, please visit https://obgyn.duke.edu/education-training/continuing-medical-education.

Duke Football Healthcare Appreciation Day: Sept 30

Duke Football invites all Duke Health employees to Healthcare Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 30 when they take on Notre Dame in Wallace Wade Stadium! As a token of appreciation, all healthcare workers, families, and friends can purchase discounted tickets here: https://duke.is/9/ne4n

Sept. 30: Duke Football vs. Notre Dame. Time TBA.

SOM Academic New Faculty Orientation: Oct. 16 & 17

If you were hired in the past 3 years and haven’t attended New Faculty Orientation yet, please plan to attend. While content specifically targets newer faculty, all are welcome and many topics are applicable to all faculty, regardless of career stage. Event will be held in the Trent Semans Center and is hosted by the Duke School of Medicine.

To see the agenda and learn more, visit: https://medschool.duke.edu/about-us/faculty-resources/faculty-development/our-programs/school-medicine-academic-new-faculty.

To register: https://dukefacdev.wufoo.com/forms/qr1ae7g1aoyckd/

Questions? Contact the School of Medicine Office for Faculty at facdev@dm.duke.edu.  

 

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart 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 Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

Duke Heart in the News:

September 7 — Stephen Greene and Hubert Haywood (IM residency)

tctMD

Hospital at Home Strategy Could Disrupt ‘Low-Value’ Care for Worsening HF

https://duke.is/z/8np6

September 7 — Duke University

Love to Know

Try Nightly Walks for an Easy Way to Step Up Your Health & Happiness

https://duke.is/m/xsqj

Highlights of the week:

In Memoriam: Professor Emeritus, Yihong D. Kong, MD

We were deeply saddened this week to learn of the passing of professor emeritus Yihong David Kong, MD, a long-time interventional cardiologist and cardiovascular pioneer at Duke, on Aug. 29. We extend our condolences to our colleague David Kong, MD, and to his family, on their loss. We’ve utilized the majority of his obituary, provided by the Kong family:

With great reverence, we share the passing of Yihong David Kong, MD, our precious teacher, husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed dearly by his wife of 60 years, Wen Chi Kao Kong (Ellen), his children David and Stephanie (Charles), and his grandson Wesley.

Born on Feb. 12, 1934, Kong had a challenging wartime childhood in Canton province, China, raised principally by his father, Hok-Shiu Kong, as well as his uncles. He received his MD degree in 1958 from the National Defense Medical Center in Taipei, Taiwan, achieving the rank of Captain in the Republic of China Armed Forces. Graduating at the top of his class, he earned a house staff position at Confederate Memorial Medical Center (now Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center) in Shreveport, Louisiana.

He was then recruited by Drs. Henry McIntosh and Eugene Stead to join the fledgling cardiology division at Duke University. McIntosh held Kong’s expertise with the artificial kidney (dialysis!) in particular esteem. After 13 years of courtship and deliberation, he married his faithful wife and most ardent supporter, Wen Chi Kao Kong, in 1963.

Kong’s seminal scientific work in biplane cineradiographic studies of ventricular wall motion earned him the American College of Cardiology Young Investigator Award in 1967. In concert with Drs. James Morris, Jr., Robert H. “Jess” Peter, and Victor S. Behar, he expanded the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Duke and served as its director from 1971-1981. These collaborations produced important early advances for procedures that are now commonplace, including cardioversion for atrial fibrillation and right heart catheterization from the femoral approach. Kong fully appreciated the potential of Andreas Gruentzig’s initial attempts at coronary balloon angioplasty. In 1977, after a pilgrimage to Zurich University Hospital to learn the technique first-hand, he established a percutaneous revascularization program at Duke.

During the course of his career, Kong was appointed Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and Fellow of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.

A perpetual scientist and educator, he tirelessly inspired others to discover, experiment, and innovate. If an off-the-shelf solution did not exist, he would promptly craft his own, using the heat gun if necessary. In addition to catheter-based technologies, problems in congenital heart disease, electrocardiography, hyperbarics, and epidemiology brought him endless fascination and delight. Like Dr. McIntosh, he cherished bedside clinical acumen and spent many summer Saturdays honing the physical diagnosis skills of Duke medical students. Valuing humility and equanimity, he eschewed personal acclaim and accolades, magnanimously aiming the spotlight toward his many brilliant colleagues and fellows.

After retiring from Duke in 1996, his focus turned to photography, travel, computer science, and technical analysis. True to the Hippocratic Oath, with purity and holiness he passed his life and practiced his art, as an exemplar for the generations who might follow him.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Duke Heart Center Gift Fund or to the Duke Friends of Nursing, in memory of Dr. Yihong D. Kong.

Additionally, says David Kong, MD, “You can honor Dad every day by living an honest and righteous life, by asking questions to grow in wisdom, and by patiently answering the inquiries of others.”

We reached out to several current and former faculty members for reflections on their time with Dr. Kong:

“I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Yihong “David” Kong in the late 1980’s. It was the era of “PTCA” (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty), before stents, before IIb/IIIa inhibitors or thienopyridines. David was an iconic early adopter of PTCA, a meticulous operator, and a penultimate professional. And as I got to know his son, Dr. David F. Kong, I learned further how well he balanced his fierce professional commitment with his family as a husband, father and grandfather.” – Mitch Krucoff, MD

“He was an innovative guy, and kind of quiet. I never heard him complain about anything, he was always kind, unassuming, and very polite. He was a hard worker who contributed a lot, he helped get a lot of papers published.” —  Robert H. “Jess” Peter, MD

“Dr. Yihong Kong was among the cardiac catheterization leaders at Duke when Duke Cardiology was just starting to find its footing in the late 1960s. He, along with Drs. Jess Peter and Vic Behar, developed a catheterization reporting system that eventually fed key information into the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Disease where follow-up was obtained on all patients. The latter has now evolved several times and has emerged as the DCRI. Throughout the decade of the 1970s, Dr. Kong was Director of the Duke Cath Labs. There was always a rumor that when Dr. Kong joined the faculty, Dr. Eugene Stead was unable to pronounce his first name and told him “for now on I will call you David”. Knowing the power Stead had at Duke in those days, no one ever doubted the story. Certainly, the name stuck, and all of us knew him as Dave Kong after that. The Dr. Kong I knew was always very quiet, humble, gracious and unassuming. He was incredibly meticulous and thoughtful. If the cardiac catheters did not seem to go exactly where he wanted them to go during a case, he loved to get out the heat gun and warm them up in order to bend and curve them to the desired shape. Dr. Kong was devoted to his patients. He was kind to everyone and an excellent teacher. He had an infectious laugh. He will be remembered fondly by all of us who owe our training to him. He was one of the foundational pillars that has made Duke what it has become today.” – Thomas M. Bashore, MD

“I knew Yihong in basically two phases of my career – during my residency, and as a fellow faculty member. When I was a resident he was famous, internally, for doing long runs of imagery. This was well before the days of digital equipment, so the imaging was on 35-millimeter film, and this was before the time where radiation safety became a metric, of course. So, you would have a patient get an imaging study, then you had to have the film developed, then it would be rolled up and put into a can so that it could be safely stored. Back then, Dr. Kong was always the one who had more than one can for a patient. So, whenever we residents had to run to get the films for Dr. Kong’s patients, you had to absolutely make sure you had all of the correct cans. We nicknamed them ‘Kong Cans’. As an attending, he was really great to work with. He was concise, decisive, and generous – he was especially generous with junior faculty. He was a man of few words, but very objective. That’s how I’ll always remember him – for that, and of course, the Kong cans.” — Peter K. Smith, MD

 

ESC News: Intravenous Iron Treatment Provides Some Benefit to Patients with Heart Failure and Iron Deficiency

More than half of all patients with heart failure experience iron deficiency, which is associated with worse symptoms, poor quality of life, and diminished exercise ability.

A new study led by Duke Health researchers with global collaborators finds an intravenous iron treatment provides a measure of benefit to these patients, but the results are nuanced.

The study was published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress on Aug. 26. It evaluated the intravenous drug, ferric carboxymaltose, by looking at data on mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and exercise capacity from more than 3,000 global study participants over a minimum follow-up period of 12 months.

While the results didn’t meet the study’s higher threshold for statistical significance, the therapy demonstrated a numerical improvement across mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and exercise capacity. The research team also noted results from a pre-specified pooled analysis with two previous studies of ferric carboxymaltose in heart failure, all comparing the drug to placebo for a fuller look at the available data.

“In the broader review using all three studies, we saw a 14% reduction in cardiovascular deaths and total cardiovascular hospitalizations and a 12% reduction in cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization events overall across data from more than 4,500 participants collectively,” said cardiologist Robert Mentz, MD, corresponding author of the study, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, and member of the Duke Clinical Research Institute

“As a practicing heart failure cardiologist, I have felt comfortable prescribing intravenous iron for patients with heart failure prior to this study given the known benefits on improvement in quality of life and exercise capacity,” Mentz said. “Now that we have these results, we have important additional data that show this therapy has potential benefits on clinical outcomes, which could help a broad group of patients with heart failure and iron deficiency across the globe.”

The study was funded by American Regent, Inc., which manufactures ferric carboxymaltose, and is part of the Daiichi Sankyo Group. 

In addition to Mentz, study authors include Jyotsna Garg, Frank W. Rockhold, Javed Butler, Carmine G. De Pasquale, Justin A. Ezekowitz, Gregory D. Lewis, Eileen O’Meara, Piotr Ponikowski, Richard W. Troughton, Yee Weng Wong, Lilin She, Josephine Harrington, Robert Adamczyk, Nicole Blackman, and Adrian F. Hernandez (Duke authors in bold).

 

Wang Visits Moi Teaching Hospital

We’re excited to have an update from Dr. Andrew Wang regarding his recent visit to the team at Moi Teaching Hospital:

“I am most grateful for the recent opportunity to have visited the Moi University Regional Teaching Hospital (MTRH) and AMPATH program in Eldoret, Kenya. Since 2009, Duke cardiology (under the leadership of Drs. Eric Velazquez, Jerry Bloomfield and Titus Ngeno) and the Hubert-Yeargen Center for Global Health have provided foundational support for developing a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease Center of Excellence initially funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and, since 2013, developed a cardiology fellowship program and cardiac intensive care unit. The fellowship program has trained all of the five busy cardiology faculty at MTRH and has two current fellows. MTRH is now building a cardiac imaging center with cardiac catheterization lab and cardiac MRI suite which will open in 2024.

During my 8 day visit at the MTRH, I had many diverse, meaningful experiences including rounding in the 10-bed Hock Family CCU (with lots of rheumatic heart disease and infective endocarditis cases), teaching fellows, medical and clinical officers, engaging with their cardiology faculty and staff, and learning about the amazing work of AMPATH in Kenya and the Kenyan health care system. I am extremely thankful to Jerry, Titus, and the Hubert-Yeargen Center (Cynthia Binanay, Corrie Walson and Dr. Rebecca Lumsden) for their help in arranging this very memorable and special visit. I look forward to facilitating interactions with their program. Of note, the first two faculty who completed their cardiology fellowship program, Drs. David Lagat and Joan Kiyeng, will be visiting Duke Heart for several weeks in October, so please welcome them soon.”

Thanks for the update, Andrew! We look forward to meeting David and Joan when they visit next month.

  

Pencina Named Chief Data Scientist

Michael Pencina, PhD, vice dean for data science, professor of biostatistics and bioinformatics at Duke University School of Medicine, and director of Duke AI Health, has been named Duke Health’s first chief data scientist.

Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean Mary E. Klotman, MD, and Duke University Health System Chief Executive Officer Craig Albanese, MD, MBA, announced Pencina’s appointment.

“In the current era of rapid expansion of AI and data science, we created this new role in recognition of the need for a well-articulated strategy for Duke Health that spans and connects both our academic and our clinical missions,” Klotman and Albanese said in their announcement. “Dr. Pencina will facilitate a strategic planning process to best align our priorities and resources and to build upon Duke’s national leadership in trustworthy AI.”

Pencina will also partner with key leaders in Duke University School of Medicine and Duke University Health System to leverage and expand the opportunities afforded by the recently announced partnerships with Microsoft and nference.

As chief data scientist, Pencina will report to Klotman, DUHS Chief Digital Officer Jeffrey Ferranti, MD, and DUHS Chief Medical Officer Richard Shannon, MD. In addition, he will work in close partnership and alignment with the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics and the Department of Population Health Sciences.

Pencina is uniquely qualified to bridge data science, health care, and AI. As vice dean for data science in the School of Medicine, he is responsible for developing and implementing quantitative science strategies as they pertain to the education and training and laboratory, clinical science, and data science missions of the School of Medicine. Previously, he served as director of biostatistics at the Duke Clinical Research Institute.

Pencina will continue spearheading Duke’s role as founding partner for the Coalition for Health AI, whose mission is to increase trustworthiness of AI by developing guidelines to drive high-quality health care through adoption of credible, fair, and transparent health AI systems. He is an internationally recognized authority in evaluation of artificial intelligence tools and algorithms for health expert panels, and guideline groups frequently rely on his work to advance best practices for application of algorithms in clinical medicine.

 

Kudos to Gaca & Team!

A grateful patient sent a thank you note to the leadership of Duke University Hospital, remarking on the level of care and service they were recently provided by Dr. Jeff Gaca and the surgical support teams. In part, the patient wrote:

“As a patient going thru the biggest surgery in my life, I couldn’t have asked for better care (or) a better surgeon, Dr. Gaca. I think you could be extremely proud of so many individuals involved in my care. If I was a part of the leadership team I’d be proud! These were exceptional persons involved in the care I experienced, something I will never forget.” — name withheld for privacy

The card went to Dr. Craig Albanese and was subsequently shared with all of Duke Heart’s leadership team — and we wanted to share it with each of you, since it takes every single one of us working together to make this type of care possible.

From Dr. Albanese: “Thank you for all you & your teams do every day for our patients – your impact is truly life-changing.”

Jeff – thanks for your excellent leadership and for exemplifying our team values!

 

Shout-out to Milano & Team!

David Gallagher, DUHS Chief Medical Officer, shared  an observation with us this week, as well as some terrific comments his team recently received regarding care provided by Carmelo Milano and his team. Here is what he wrote:

“Dear Carmelo, This week we’ve received a few more patient compliments on you and your team! Thank you again so much for the wonderful care you deliver to your patients. In the time that I’ve been CMO and reviewing these compliments and distributing them, you’ve been the leading physician at Duke Hospital in terms of volumes of these wonderful heartfelt notes from patients regarding your great care. Thanks again very much for everything that you do here at Duke, and have a great week!” – David Gallagher, MD

“I received excellent care from all of the nurses, NPs, physicians, EKG techs, CNAs, lab techs and cleaning staff! You have wonderful staff that go above and beyond. Dr. Milano provides the best care I could have ever asked for.” – grateful patient, name withheld for privacy

“I underwent CABG with Dr. Milano, I was a new patient at Duke Univ. Hospital and I received the most compassionate, respectful and “top-notch” care during my entire stay. I was blown away with the quality of care/service that I received. I was a long way from home, but attending Duke was the best choice I have ever made! Thank you for going above and beyond.” – grateful patient, name withheld for privacy

Way to go, Carmelo!

Kudos to Duke Heart Team Excellence!

We received a note this week from cardiac anesthesiologist Mihai Podgoreanu, MD, regarding outstanding care and collaboration provided by members of our Duke Heart team:

“I want to highlight an example of extraordinary team care and communication from this Tuesday. An unfortunate type-A dissection patient arrived via helicopter with evidence of hemopericardium/pericardial tamponade and hypotensive on arrival, prompt arterial line insertion by our outstanding CTICU team, transfer to the OR within 10 min of arrival, uneventful anesthetic induction and incision within an hour of arrival at Duke. Underwent a textbook ascending repair/hemiarch/David valve-sparing operation by the talented Williams-squared team – and is now extubated in the CTICU and ready for floor soon.

The fact that this level of team mobilization occurred while a simultaneous level 1 cardiogenic shock case was being rushed to the operating room is just the icing on the cake and the difference between good and great. My gratitude to all parties involved and included on this email.” – Mihai Podgoreanu, MD

Team members included Adam Williams, Aaron Williams, Scott Snider, Jacqueline Sisto, Bryan Chow, Keith Vandusen, Angelique Arengo, Christine Hayes, Kristen Leroy, Kaitlin Liska, Joshua Watson, Sydney Parker, Shellie Robbins, and Feifei Shi.

“Mihai, first thanks for recognizing the excellence of the team caring for this patient. Kudos to the entire team that made this fantastic care and outcome possible. The care provided by the Duke Heart team is unlike anywhere in the world. I hope each of you will take time to celebrate your amazing talent and the team’s success  – – and again, thank you for all you do each and every day.” – Jill Engel

Nicely done, team!

CTS Residents & Fellows Celebrated

Our cardiovascular and thoracic surgery residents and fellows were celebrated with a pool party last weekend at the home of Dr. Edward P. Chen, chief of the division. The event, planned by Drs. Betty Tong, Jeff Keenan, and Doug Overbey included faculty, fellows, residents, and their family members. Attendance was excellent and a great time was had by all! We’re so grateful for the support shown to all of our residents and fellows.

 

Many thanks to all who joined us!

 

Hitting with Heart Tourney results

The Duke Heart 7^th Annual Hitting with Heart softball tournament was a great success! The event, held last weekend at the Valley Springs Park athletic fields in Durham, included 13 teams from across DUHS – our largest field of competition yet. All told, roughly 250 people, including players, attended the tournament.

Congratulations to Duke’s vascular interventional radiology team – they took home the 2023 title! The first-time tournament winners were undefeated throughout the entire tournament. Nicely done!

A huge shout-out to Jason Stokes and Jessica Seabrooks, assistant nurse managers on 7 West for all their work to plan and execute the tournament – and thank you to each of our teams for joining us this year, including Duke Engineering & Operations; Duke Birthing Center; Clinical Engineering; the PRT; DRAH Sleep Center; DUH Units 3100/7300; Vascular IR; CTOR; CSC; DMP 6 East, DMP 7 West, and Hospitalists.

A portion of the proceeds from this event helps to support the Triangle Heart Walk. Thanks, everyone! We hope you will join us again next year.

 

Consumer Engagement Opportunity: Heart Walk

If you or your team would be interested in space for patient education or consumer outreach at the upcoming Triangle Heart Walk on Oct. 8, please reach out to Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart, by Sept. 15. We may have space available for you in our Duke Health sponsorship tent! This can be a great way to engage with consumers from across the Triangle regarding our service offerings.

Note: You must be able to send a representative (or two) who can be at the sponsorship tent while it’s open. If interested, email tracey.koepke@duke.edu.

 

Symposium Will Celebrate Lefkowitz’s 50 Years at Duke

“Celebrating Scientific Discoveries that Advance Human Health” is a scientific symposium that will be held in celebration of Robert J. Lefkowitz’s 50 years at Duke. Open to the public on October 2-3, 2023, in Page Auditorium, this event will include scientific presentations from 7 Nobel Laureates as well as other eminent scientists. The event also includes a special leadership session with Coach K, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean Mary E. Klotman, President Vincent Price, and Dr. Lefkowitz, led by Dr. Sim Sitkin.

October 2-3, 2023, Page Auditorium, Duke University

All faculty, staff, trainees, and students are welcome to attend.

For more information, the full schedule, and event registration please visit: https://medschool.duke.edu/celebrating-scientific-discoveries.

 

Flu Vaccination Season

As a reminder, DUHS requires all team members to comply with our flu vaccination policy by either being vaccinated annually against the flu or receiving an approved exemption. Our vaccination campaign begins on September 21!

Sept. 21 – Flu vaccination season begins

Oct. 24 – Application deadline for medical/religious exemption

Nov. 7 – (10 a.m.) Deadline for staff vaccination (or granted exemption)

Questions about the flu vaccine? Please contact StopTheFlu@duke.edu or EOHWflu@dm.duke.edu.      

 

ICYMI: Leadership Town Hall Recording Now Available

Thank you to everyone who was able to join the DUHS August Leadership Town Hall. For those of you who were unable to join the live event, a recording of the presentation is now available on Leadership Café.

If you or your team members are interested in booking a bedside musician like William Dawson, please fill out this Qualtrics form to request their time.

The next Leadership Town Hall will take place on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 12:00pm-12:45pm.

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

September is National AFib Awareness Month!

Medicine Grand Rounds

Sept. 8: Poverty and Equal Dignity in North Carolina with UNC professor of law, Gene Nichol. 8 a.m., DN 2002.

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conferences

Sept. 8: Oral Anticoagulants with Christopher Granger. Noon, Zoom only.

Cardiology Grand Rounds

CGR will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 12!

DCRI Research Forum

Sept. 26: A fireside chat with NIMHD director Eliseo J. Perez-Stable, MD. Noon. Zoom only.

PWIM: Community Gathering, Sept. 6

In honor of Women in Medicine Month, we are excited to invite all Department of Medicine faculty and trainees to the Program for Women in Internal Medicine (PWIM) Community Gathering on Wednesday, September 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Honeysuckle at Lakewood.

The event will be a fun night of collaboration and good conversation, including:

• “Speed Mentoring,” where faculty will be stationed at different tables to answer trainee and faculty career questions; and a pearls of wisdom moment with special guest DOM Chair Dr. Kathleen Cooney, MD, MACP
• Beverages and snacks

Mark your calendars now and join us as we honor and recognize the contributions of women in medicine!

If you have questions or need additional information, please email Dr. Daniella Zipkin at daniella.zipkin@duke.edu.

Duke Caregiver Community Event

Sept. 7: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Durham, NC.

More information available. Registration required. $10 for family caregivers; $75 for professionals in the caregiving industry.

Duke Financial Fitness Week, Sept. 11-14

Duke HR invites all employees to participate in their upcoming Financial Fitness Week. They are offering a series of free webinars designed to assist you in assessing your retirement readiness, making informed financial decisions, and unlocking the potential for financial freedom.

The full schedule of events and registration links are available here: https://duke.is/c/qc2t 

CME: Special Care for Pregnant Hearts, Sept. 20

A newly developed CME offering for OBGYNs, PCPs, family medicine physicians and anesthesiologists will take place Wed., Sept. 20 from 6:30 – 8:30. Special Care for Pregnant Hearts, a multi-disciplinary approach to pregnant patients with cardiovascular disease will be held virtually. Presenters include Drs. Jeff Federspiel, Cary Ward, Tori Spates, Sarah Snow, and Marie-Louise Meng.

To learn more and for registration, please visit https://obgyn.duke.edu/education-training/continuing-medical-education.

Duke Football Healthcare Appreciation Day: Sept 30

Duke Football invites all Duke Health employees to Healthcare Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 30 when they take on Notre Dame in Wallace Wade Stadium! As a token of appreciation, all healthcare workers, families, and friends can purchase discounted tickets here: https://duke.is/9/ne4n

Sept. 30: Duke Football vs. Notre Dame. Time TBA.

SOM Academic New Faculty Orientation: Oct. 16 & 17

If you were hired in the past 3 years and haven’t attended New Faculty Orientation yet, please plan to attend. While content specifically targets newer faculty, all are welcome and many topics are applicable to all faculty, regardless of career stage. Event will be held in the Trent Semans Center and is hosted by the Duke School of Medicine.

To see the agenda and learn more, visit: https://medschool.duke.edu/about-us/faculty-resources/faculty-development/our-programs/school-medicine-academic-new-faculty.

To register: https://dukefacdev.wufoo.com/forms/qr1ae7g1aoyckd/

Questions? Contact the School of Medicine Office for Faculty at facdev@dm.duke.edu.  

Black Men in Medicine: Speed Mentoring

October 24, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Trent Semans, Classroom 4

Black Men in Medicine (BMIM) is introducing a “Speed Mentoring” event, where structured conversations will facilitate meaningful connections, potentially paving the way for future mentorships, research partnerships, and avenues for career advancement. The upcoming BMIM gathering presents an opportunity to expand your network, exchange ideas, and delve into collaborative ventures with individuals who share your aspirations and experiences.

Join us for an evening of inspiration and interaction, where the power of connection awaits.

Dinner will be provided – but registration is required!

Featured Faculty:

• Joseph Jackson, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics
• Kafui Dzirasa, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Neurosciences
• Kevin Thomas, MD, Professor of Medicine
• Leon Herndon, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology
• Opeyemi Olabisi, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine
• Rory Goodwin, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
• Wilton Williams, PhD, Associate Professor of Surgery

Who Should attend? Any faculty member, trainee, or student in the Schools of Medicine and Nursing, of any race or gender, who supports the objective of BMIM are invited to attend. Black males in these roles are strongly encouraged to attend. This includes trainees and students across the continuum including medical, physical therapy, PA, MBS and residents, fellows, and post-doctoral candidates. 

Questions? Email fiona.johann@duke.edu

15^th Annual NC RTP Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium

Nov. 17: The 15^th annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium will be held on Friday, November 17^th at the Durham Convention Center. Faculty directors will be H. James Ford, MD, director of the PH program at UNC, and Terry Fortin, MD, co-director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at Duke. Registration coming soon!

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart 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 Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

Duke Heart in the News:

August 25 — Sana Al-Khatib

Healio/Cardiology

Treating atrial high-rate episodes with edoxaban not effective, may be harmful

https://duke.is/p/mpnp

August 26 — Robert Mentz

ESC Newsroom

Trial of ferric carboxymaltose in heart failure does not meet primary endpoint

https://duke.is/4/wz5r

August 26 — Manesh Patel

tctMD

STOPDAPT-3: Don’t Skip Out on Aspirin Immediately After PCI

https://duke.is/9/z2z9

August 26 — Robert Mentz

HCP Live

Role of Intravenous Iron in Spotlight At ESC Congress 2023

https://duke.is/g/ve8g

August 26 — Robert Mentz

Healio/Cardiology

IV iron modestly improves HFrEF outcomes but misses prespecified endpoint: HEART-FID

https://duke.is/v/aft8

August 26 — Robert Mentz

Medscape

IV Iron Shows Only Modest Benefit in HF: HEART-FID

https://duke.is/z/x5xz

August 26 — Robert Mentz

tctMD

IV Iron in HF Misses (Again) in HEART-FID, but Meta-analysis Sees a Role

https://duke.is/m/9t6x

August 26 — Robert Mentz

Medpage Today

Iron Infusions Narrowly Miss the Mark for Clinical Benefit in Heart Failure

https://duke.is/w/22s4

August 26 — Robert Mentz

ACC Journal

HEART-FID: Ferric Carboxymaltose Fails to Significantly Improve Outcomes in Patients With HFrEF, Iron Deficiency

https://duke.is/6/tcbk

August 26 — Jacob Schroder

WKRC-TV/Local12.com (Cincinnati, OH)

Newer heart transplant method could allow more patients a chance at lifesaving surgery

https://duke.is/p/uey2

August 27 — Manesh Patel

tctMD

ADVENT: Pulsed-Field Ablation for Paroxysmal AF Performs Well vs Thermal Systems

https://duke.is/r/8fkm

August 28 — Allison Dimsdale

Health Leaders

What does nursing practice redesign look like at your organization?

https://duke.is/g/zz6d

August 28 — Christopher Granger

Medpage Today

Immune Suppressant Stumbles for Acute Myocarditis in Early Data

https://duke.is/8/mezz

August 29 — Renato Lopes

Medpage Today

No Aspirin After PCI? Extended P2Y12 Monotherapy? Trials Weigh In

https://duke.is/z/6gek

August 30 — Robert Mentz

Physicians Weekly

ESC: Treating Iron Deficiency May Not Aid Heart Failure Patients

https://duke.is/m/h6p3