Cardiology

Jumpstarting African health care with the beats of innovation

Conditions
May 20, 2025

The heart, often overlooked in its relentless duty, only garners attention when it falters. For centuries, the notion that life is impossible without this vital organ has been unchallenged. However, recent advancements have shattered this belief. The groundbreaking implantation of a fully artificial heart by BiVOCAR, led by the visionary Dr. Daniel Timm, heralds a new era in cardiothoracic surgery. This achievement is not just a medical milestone; it is …

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Navigating physician non-competes: a strategy for staying put [PODCAST]

Podcast
May 11, 2025
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Cardiologist Stanley Liu discusses his article, “5 steps to ride out a non-compete without uprooting your family.” He shares his personal experience of being bound by an 18-month, 20-mile non-compete clause after …

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Calling for a heart surgeon: a plea for change

Physician
April 18, 2025

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve typed out a broken heart emoji in response to yet another tragedy, I’d probably be able to take a break from work for a while. But here I am—because I love what I do despite it all.

There are many days my heart breaks.

Not in the cliché, romance-gone-wrong kind of way. It’s deeper than that. It’s …

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When modesty kills: the CPR gender gap you didn’t know existed

Conditions
April 18, 2025

A chilling incident from a past summer camp at Achimota School still resonates: A young woman collapsed with her life hanging in the balance. The male Red Cross prefect, attempting to administer potentially life-saving CPR, was quickly stopped by concerned students. The bystanders’ focus was on protecting her from exposure, and it overshadowed the urgency of the situation. This experience, now viewed through the lens of my medical training, reveals …

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5 steps to ride out a non-compete without uprooting your family

Finance
March 20, 2025

In 2025, I celebrated a monumental milestone: I saw a patient within 20 miles of my home. While this may be a daily occurrence for most physicians, it was something I could not do for 18 months due to a non-compete clause from my previous job.

When I left my position as an academic cardiologist, I was bound by a non-compete clause that prevented me from practicing cardiology within …

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Why purpose—not productivity—defines a physician’s success

Physician
March 15, 2025

During the session, my partner leading the discussion asked, “What is your purpose?” One of the physician owners confidently replied, “To replace hips and knees.” The facilitator then asked everyone in the room, “How many of you see this as your main purpose?” Two more people raised their hands, both of whom were also physician owners of the practice.

We had been invited to work with a local orthopedic …

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How generative AI can transform cardiovascular disease prevention [PODCAST]

Podcast
March 7, 2025
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Cardiology and preventive medicine fellow Anand Shah discusses his article, “The role generative AI can play in cardiovascular education for patients,” exploring how artificial intelligence can revolutionize patient education and prevention strategies. …

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A silent killer in our midst: Tackling hypertension in Ghana

Conditions
February 14, 2025

On a seemingly ordinary Sunday evening, a casual conversation with my mother took a terrifying turn. She mentioned a sudden, excruciating headache that had woken her from a nap. My medical training immediately raised red flags. Despite no prior history of such severe headaches, I recalled an isolated incident of elevated blood pressure. Instinctively, I insisted on checking her blood pressure again. Within 15 minutes, the readings soared from 182/120 …

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The role generative AI can play in cardiovascular education for patients

Conditions
February 13, 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in health care, capturing headlines for its ability to solve diagnostic mysteries and even outperform trained physicians in specific tasks. While we are still far from going to your local AI “doctor” for diagnosis and treatment, generative AI is already capable of intervening in meaningful ways—particularly in cardiovascular education for patients. This potential remains underutilized despite the significant public health need for …

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The untold truth behind our reliance on prescription medications

Meds
February 2, 2025

Recently, while contemplating the AAPA-AMA scope creep debate, I encountered a quote about GLP1-RAs for obesity: “We need to just really think about it as a chronic disease … to make sure that we try to keep that patient in [ongoing] treatment.” Another obesity medicine specialist reinforced this view: “These drugs are indicated by the FDA so that you could be on it for the rest of your life.”

This …

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When assumptions in health care lead to devastating consequences

Conditions
January 24, 2025

It is heartbreaking to recount the journey my husband and I have been through. My husband, an award-winning triathlete, and I had a rich and vibrant life together. We traveled extensively, taking nine trips in 2014 alone, including attending the World Triathlon Finals in London, visiting Paris, cruising the Hawaiian Islands, and enjoying a helicopter tour. Even in his late 80s, he had a strong spirit, shaped by years of …

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The HEARTS Act: Empowering schools to save lives

Policy
January 23, 2025

Every year, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) claims the lives of thousands of students and student-athletes in the United States, making it one of the leading causes of death. The condition is particularly insidious as it often strikes without warning, leaving schools and communities grappling with preventable tragedies. While student-athletes are at a higher risk due to the physical demands of sports, SCA can affect any student, highlighting the urgent need …

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The hidden crisis: congenital heart diseases in low and middle-income countries

Conditions
January 16, 2025

The cries of a newborn baby are usually a sign of life and hope, but for many families in low and middle-income countries, these cries can signal the beginning of a long and arduous journey. Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are a significant health burden, particularly in these regions, where they account for the highest years of disability. Despite advancements in medical science, the incidence of CHDs remains constant or may …

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Extracorporeal CPR: the next evolution of cardiac arrest care [PODCAST]

Podcast
December 24, 2024
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Join critical care physician Jon Marinaro as we explore the transformative potential of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in revolutionizing cardiac arrest outcomes. Discover why traditional CPR’s limitations demand a paradigm shift and how …

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Biomarkers: How to manage your body’s KPIs for longevity

Conditions
December 18, 2024

Longevity can be a polarizing topic. For some of us, it conjures images of a grandparent’s final years, filled with chronic diseases and prolonged suffering. Understandably, we would not want any part of that.

However, longevity science is not only about extending lifespan but also healthspan — the period of life spent in good health, free from debilitating conditions. While medicine has not yet eradicated such age-related diseases, research shows that …

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Why the U.S. health care system is failing patients—what every American should know

Physician
December 17, 2024

I’m a semi-retired cardiologist. I currently volunteer at a free community health clinic for individuals who do not have health insurance. Many of these individuals are undocumented foreign workers, yet we care for them seamlessly, without the restraints of our bureaucratic billing system and the burdens and restrictions promoted by the insurance industry.

As I age, to my chagrin and utter dismay, I have also unfortunately become a patient. I have …

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How to conquer the devils of modern medicine for a longer, happier life [PODCAST]

Podcast
December 2, 2024
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Cardiologist P. Albert Chan shares critical insights into the importance of preventive care and a holistic approach to longevity and happiness. Drawing on decades of experience across continents, he discusses the prevention and …

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How a minimally invasive procedure is transforming hypertension treatment [PODCAST]

Podcast
November 28, 2024
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Join us as we discuss the global epidemic of hypertension with cardiologist Jeremy Bock. With over a third of the adult population affected and traditional treatments missing the mark for millions, Jeremy dives …

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How to beat the 5 devils of modern medicine and live a longer, happier life

Physician
November 2, 2024

As a fellow cardiology practitioner, I am compelled to share some critical insights on the importance of preventive care and holistic approaches to longevity and happiness. Our profession constantly reminds us of these aspects, and it is time we take a more comprehensive approach to our patients’ well-being.

Throughout my career, spanning several decades and continents—from Hong Kong to New York, Singapore, and Shanghai—I have encountered a myriad of health challenges. …

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How in-home care gave this couple a new lease on life

Conditions
October 7, 2024

An excerpt from Get What’s Yours for Medicare: Maximize Your Coverage, Minimize Your Costs.

Carmella Mason has been a caregiver since her husband, Frank, had a heart attack fifty years ago. They were in their 80s when we spoke. Frank likely owes his survival to her efforts. When he developed diabetes, circulatory complications necessitated the amputation of a big toe in 2022. Things did not go well. He underwent more …

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