Lifespan Health System
Adult Cardiac
Member Since: 2019
Biography:
I am a native of Southern California and lived there the first half of my life. I graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a bachelor’s degree in biology and went to medical school at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. I did my general surgery training at the University of California, San Diego and during my training took time off to do a post-doctoral fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital studying cardiovascular gene and cell-based therapies. I then did my cardiothoracic surgery residency at the Brigham and Boston Children’s Hospital. Since finishing my training I’ve called New England my home and have been practicing adult cardiac surgery here for almost 20 years. I currently serve as the Co-Director of Quality for the Cardiovascular Institute and the Director of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at the Lifespan Health System here in Providence, Rhode Island. I also hold the academic rank of Professor of Surgery at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Throughout my career mentorship and education have been a central part of my personal mission. Clinically I have a particular interest in valvular surgery with an emphasis on mitral valve repair and percutaneous aortic valve therapies. In an effort to strengthen my knowledge and skills as a leader, I completed an Executive MBA program earlier this year at The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. Lastly, I am engaged in both basic science and clinical outcomes research, where I work collaboratively with my colleagues in cardiology along with other clinical and academic disciplines both locally and nationally.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
To me the AATS represents leadership, clinical and academic excellence, and mentorship in cardiothoracic surgery.
My First Experience with AATS:
My first experience with AATS was in 2001 when my abstract was accepted for an oral presentation at the Annual Meeting in San Diego.
Why I became an AATS member:
Becoming a member of the AATS was one of the highlights of my career because it meant I could be a humble participant in continuing the organization's mission of leadership, clinical and academic excellence, and mentorship in cardiothoracic surgery.
The most impactful presentation I have seen at an AATS meeting:
One of the most impactful presentations I saw was Dr. David Adams' presidential address entitled "Vision, Leadership, and Scholarship". He made many lasting and impactful statements but one that stood out was when he emphasized how teaching discipline perpetuates excellence, and how it is our duty to pass that on from generation to generation.
The first presentation I gave is:
My first presentation, entitled "Possible E2F independent cell cycle progression in the endothelium of genetically engineered grafts" was at the 85th Annual Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons in 1999.
The first paper I had published is:
The first paper I published as lead author was entitled "Long-term stabilization of vein graft wall architecture and prolonged resistance to experimental atherosclerosis after E2F decoy oligonucleotide gene therapy" in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in 2001.
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
I am happy to serve wherever and however needed.
Advice for Trainees:
Remember that your patients and your family are your two greatest priorities. And in order to provide both with the best you can offer, make sure you take time to care for yourself both mentally and physically."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
My decision to become a cardiothoracic surgeon was inspired by the technical expertise required to perform the procedures within our specialty and the impact these procedures have on the health and wellbeing of our patient population.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
Taking a college student that presented with florid heart failure through bivads and eventual transplant who went on to become a nurse that continues to thrive and live a full life.
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
Understanding that we are privileged to serve our patients.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
Expanding our skill set beyond the operating room and into the interventional suite such that we become comprehensive cardiovascular proceduralists/practitioners, capable of providing all levels of diagnostic and therapeutic care.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
A shrinking workforce in the face of increasing demand for cardiothoracic surgeons. We also need to remain present as technology evolves towards less invasive therapies, making sure we remain actively involved in the development and delivery of all forms of cardiovascular care.
Advice for Trainees:
Remember that your patients and your family are your two greatest priorities. And in order to provide both with the best you can offer, make sure you take time to care for yourself both mentally and physically.