Is there a new, amazing procedure or technology in cardiology that took your breath away when you first heard about it?
TAVR - it was an entirely new paradigm for the treatment of patients who in the past were only served by surgery. Also, it created a novel understanding, that with so many new options for patients, there needed to be new processes of collaboration between providers

You are a talented cardiologist with a reputation for connecting with your patients. Do you think a physician with great interpersonal skills can positively affect clinical results?
Absolutely, the “laying on of hands” is one of the basic underpinnings of both eastern and western medicine. Its foundational principles date back to the early

Hebrew Bible (known as “seimkhah”) whereby Moses ordained Joshua by placing his hands on him, thereby transferring a portion of his spirit to Joshua (Num. 27:22, 23; Deut. 34:9).

Today, it is as relevant as it was in ancient days, and represents the physical bond between physician and patient. Along with touch, listening and watching are the necessary attributes of a trusted healing relationship that allow the medical provider to marry the muscle of science with the power of hope, faith, and optimism.

Where do you see cardiology in 10 years? And, visually, what do you see?
I think we are going to see several major trends that intersect. The first is the continued incorporation of technology into medicine – the continued evolution of telehealth visits, remote patient monitoring, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and individualized prescriptions based on genetics. Secondly is the recognition that cardiology is a team sport that incorporates the skills of many different providers beyond the “cardiologist”, though a continuum of time and importantly at different points of care, beyond the traditional confines of the “hospital” or “office”.

How would friends describe you?
A trusted friend with a wicked sense of humor.

You won an Emmy for “Cardia: Hearts & Sciences” from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. I watched the episode and you are so comfortable on camera. Would your second career choice be in television or movies?
Neither, I have been told I have a face made for radio!