Parallax by Ankur Kalra: Recent Episodes
Radcliffe Cardiology
‘Parallax’ (/ˈparəlaks/)-noun: the effect whereby the position or direction of an object appears to differ when viewed from different positions. Join Ankur Kalra, MD as he shows you a different side to cardiovascular care, management and science. Listen to Ankur’s conversations with legendary cardiologists, critical reviews of key congresses and late-breaking trials, and concise summaries. Published every second Monday of the month, this is your fix of reliable updates on all things cardiology by someone from a non-traditional background, who is always trying to look at it from new angles! Dear cardiologists, we want to make this podcast about you, and for you! Please email us critical thoughts, comments and questions for Ankur at podcast@radcliffe-group.com.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
of establishing a new career and makes the case for cultivating a specific project during fellowship as a professional anchor through the pressures of a new post, relocation, and family life. She also speaks to her advocacy for women in cardiology, including championing open discussion around family planning and reproductive strategies — topics that remain underaddressed in the field.Questions and comments can be sent to podcast@radcliffe-group.com and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Kendra Grubb, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Structural Heart Interventions at Medtronic and former cardiac surgeon and professor at Emory University.Dr Grubb discusses her career journey from being an active clinician to a leader within the medical device industry, elaborating on the philosophy behind her choices and the concept of scaling impact beyond the operating theatre. This leads the discussion into an analytical dissection of the Evolut low-risk trial, with Dr Grubb explaining how the evolution of procedures such as cusp overlap and pre-dilation have made a world of difference in terms of improving results concerning paravalvular leaks and pacemaker implantations as well as comparing current long-term reintervention data to older methods.Other topics in this podcast include sex disparity in structural heart disease, specifically the issues around the diagnosis and treatment of female patients with fibrotic, low flow-low gradient aortic stenosis. Dr Grubb ends with her thoughts about the future direction of the field, which entails a comprehensive transcatheter/surgical approach towards mitral and tricuspid diseases, in addition to incorporating AI and robotics in precision valve therapy.Questions and comments can be sent to podcast@radcliffe-group.com and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Michelle Kittleson, Professor of Medicine and Advanced Heart Failure Cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, for a clinically rich breakdown of her standout trial picks from the 2026 ACC Annual Scientific Sessions.Dr Kittleson brings her characteristic precision to four landmark studies spanning heart failure and atrial fibrillation. She unpacks the SPIRIT HF trial — a negative study of spironolactone in HFpEF that, she argues, does not consign the drug to the shelf — and explains why its high discontinuation rate and pandemic-era disruptions complicate the headline result. For clinicians managing cost-conscious patients, her take on spironolactone as a practical alternative to finerenone is a perspective worth hearing.The conversation turns to the CADENCE trial, a Phase 2 study of sotatercept in Group 2 pulmonary hypertension secondary to HFpEF — a phenotype Dr Kittleson treats with particular caution given the risks of misdirected pulmonary vasodilator therapy. She offers measured optimism about what these early results might mean for future treatment of HFpEF-related lung remodelling.Dr Kalra and Dr Kittleson also enter the ongoing debate around left atrial appendage closure, weighing the contrasting conclusions of the CLOSURE AF and CHAMPION AF trials against each other — and against a shared conviction that anticoagulation remains the standard of care for the vast majority of patients with atrial fibrillation.Finally, they examine the STEMI Door to Unload trial, a cautionary study in indication creep: the microaxial flow pump that proves life-saving in cardiogenic shock offered no infarct-size benefit in haemodynamically stable STEMI patients — and came with a meaningful increase in bleeding and vascular complications.Dr Kittleson also shares her stepwise outpatient algorithm for a new HFpEF diagnosis, from ruling out mimics such as cardiac amyloidosis to sequencing SGLT2 inhibitors, MRAs, GLP-1 agonists, and ARNIs based on individual patient profile. The episode closes with a discussion of her new column for NEJM Voices, where she writes on the art of medicine.Questions and comments can be sent to podcast@radcliffe-group.com and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this fascinating episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Benjamin Levine, Director of the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine and a pioneering figure in the field of space cardiology. Together, they explore the remarkable cardiovascular adaptations that occur in microgravity, and what they are teaching clinicians about treating patients on Earth.Dr Levine unpacks the haemodynamic realities of spaceflight, from the counterintuitive finding that central venous pressure actually drops to zero in microgravity, to the physiologic cardiac atrophy that results when the heart no longer pumps against gravitational load. He shares how this research has transformed the understanding and treatment of POTS, reframing it not as a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, but as a consequence of reduced stroke volume - and how horizontal exercise training borrowed directly from astronaut countermeasure programmes is now changing clinical practice.The conversation also turns to the emerging cardiovascular risks of long-duration spaceflight, including earlier onset atrial fibrillation, upper body venous thrombosis, and the intracranial pressure dynamics underlying spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome. Dr Levine discusses the Astro-CHARM risk score, NASA's approach to coronary calcium screening, and the forthcoming scientific statement on cardiovascular management in tactical athletes.Questions and comments can be sent to podcast@radcliffe-group.com and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this special TIO Congress edition of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by two of interventional cardiology's most influential voices: Professor Roxana Mehran, incoming President of the American College of Cardiology and Co-Course Director of TIO, and Professor Nicholas Van Mieghem, TIO Course Director. The conversation spans the evolution of online medical education, sex-specific differences in cardiovascular disease, and the challenge of translating clinical evidence into everyday practice.The guests explore sex as a biological variable across valve disease, plaque formation, and left ventricular remodeling, address the underdiagnosis of microvascular dysfunction in women, and examine persistent access barriers for female and non-white patients despite advances in trials such as SMART and RHEA. Professor Van Mieghem adds insights on modern TAVI planning and lifetime valve management, while Professor Mehran shares promising data on Factor XI inhibitors and the case for simplifying antithrombotic regimens.The episode closes on clinical inertia - with intravascular imaging uptake in the US still at just 12–15% despite a Class 1 indication, Professor Mehran outlines her ACC presidential vision: closing the gap between evidence and bedside practice, and reversing the troubling rise in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.Questions and comments can be sent to podcast@radcliffe-group.com and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: @RashaAlLameeMD Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra speaks with Dr Benjamin A D’Souza, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Section Chief of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Presbyterian Medical Center. Together, they explore the challenges of mitigating sudden cardiac death and the evolving role of guideline-directed medical therapy in optimising patient outcomes.Dr D’Souza reflects on current strategies for risk assessment and prevention, highlighting the importance of medical therapy, careful monitoring and timely use of defibrillators. He stresses that management must be tailored to individual patients, with decisions guided by evidence, imaging and multidisciplinary collaboration.The conversation also turns to women’s cardiac health and representation in electrophysiology. Dr D’Souza highlights the persistent under-enrolment of women in clinical trials and their lower access to ablation and device therapy. He stresses the need for inclusive trial design, mentorship and acknowledgement of systemic bias to improve equity in cardiovascular care.This series is supported by ZOLL and is intended for Health Care Professionals.
In this fascinating episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra sits down with Dr Alexander Fanaroff, an interventional cardiologist, clinical trialist, and behavioral economist at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr Fanaroff brings a unique perspective to cardiovascular medicine, combining his expertise in interventional cardiology with cutting-edge insights from behavioral economics to transform how we approach patient care and clinical decision-making.Dr Fanaroff demystifies behavioral economics for the medical community, explaining how this field studies real-world decision-making beyond traditional economic models. He introduces key concepts like status quo bias, prospect theory, and the power of defaults in shaping both physician and patient behaviors. Through compelling examples, including Penn's successful intervention that increased 90-day statin prescriptions from 70% to 90% simply by changing EHR defaults, Dr Fanaroff demonstrates how small design changes can yield significant clinical improvements.Looking beyond individual interventions, Dr Fanaroff discusses how behavioral economics can address healthcare disparities by creating system-wide improvements that lift all patients while specifically targeting underserved communities. He envisions a future where AI identifies at-risk patients from routine imaging, and where interventional cardiologists focus not just on procedural excellence but on ensuring optimal long-term medical management through thoughtfully designed care systems.Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this essential episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Shelley Zieroth, Professor of Medicine, clinician-scientist, and advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist in Winnipeg, Canada. As we mark the 10-year anniversary of the landmark EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, Dr Zieroth provides a comprehensive update on how SGLT2 inhibitors have revolutionized cardiovascular care.Dr Zieroth takes us through the remarkable journey from the initial 2015 trial that transformed SGLT2 inhibitors from anti-diabetic agents into cardiovascular powerhouses, delivering highly significant reductions in cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization. She explores how these medications have become fundamental pillars of cardio-kidney-metabolic medicine, with evidence spanning the entire ejection fraction spectrum.Dr Zieroth discusses prescribing these agents in heart failure - including the straightforward 10-mg daily dosing, monitoring strategies, and crucial patient selection criteria. She shares insights from the recent EMPULSE trial on safe in-hospital initiation, addresses important considerations for diabetic patients, and highlights key contraindications like indwelling catheters that clinicians must recognize.Beyond the basics, Dr Kalra and Dr Zieroth examine the evolving role of SGLT2 inhibitors in valvular disease and diastolic dysfunction, tackle the ongoing reimbursement challenges across different healthcare systems, and discuss the critical importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in the cardio-kidney-metabolic space. They also look ahead to exciting combination therapies on the horizon that promise to further advance heart failure prevention and treatment.Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this compelling episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra sits down with Dr Anandita Kulkarni, preventive cardiologist at Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, for an eye-opening conversation about addressing cardiovascular disparities in South Asian populations through the innovative Dilwale registry.Dr Kulkarni tells the story of returning to her Texas community to serve South Asian patients and her determination to create meaningful change through data. What started as a local initiative grew into something much larger: a comprehensive registry of over 31,000 South Asian patients that's revealing critical insights about heart disease in this underserved population.Beyond the clinical data, this episode delves into the practical challenges of culturally informed preventive care. Dr Kulkarni shares insights on addressing barriers to physical activity within South Asian communities, helping patients navigate dietary changes while respecting cultural food traditions, and the delicate work of motivating lifestyle modifications in a population already facing higher cardiovascular risks. Her patient-centered approach demonstrates how combining population-level research with deep cultural understanding can fundamentally improve both individual outcomes and community health.Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts
In this essential episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Carolyn Ho, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Genetics Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital, for a comprehensive discussion on how genetic testing is reshaping hypertrophic cardiomyopathy management.The conversation explores the VANISH HCM trial results, which showed that valsartan can slow disease progression in young, asymptomatic individuals with early sarcomeric HCM. Dr Ho discusses how this evidence influenced the 2024 HCM guidelines and created new opportunities for disease-modifying therapy before clinical symptoms appear. The episode also examines emerging gene-based therapeutics, from current adeno-associated virus approaches to future CRISPR technologies that could address the underlying genetic causes of HCM.Dr Ho addresses practical considerations for clinicians, including when to initiate genetic testing, how to manage family screening, and the promise of AI-assisted screening tools. The discussion highlights both current therapeutic options and the evolving landscape of precision medicine in inherited cardiovascular disease.Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this insightful episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra explores the emerging field of cardiac epigenetics with Dr Manuel Rosa-Garrido, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Their conversation examines how the three-dimensional organization of DNA within the cell nucleus influences heart disease development beyond traditional genetic sequencing.Dr Rosa-Garrido shares his pioneering work using Hi-C technology to map genome structure, revealing that DNA arrangement plays a crucial role in cardiac pathology. The discussion covers key concepts including chromatin loops, topologically associating domains, and compartmentalization—explaining how these structures regulate gene expression and how their disruption contributes to cardiovascular disease.The episode explores practical implications for clinical practice, from early biomarker identification to potential CRISPR-based therapies that could target chromatin structure. Dr Rosa-Garrido outlines how this research could transform cardiovascular care within the next decade, offering new approaches to both inherited cardiomyopathies and environmentally-influenced conditions like atherosclerosis.Valuable insights for cardiologists interested in precision medicine and the evolving understanding of how genetic architecture influences cardiovascular risk and treatment strategies.Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this essential episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Michelle O'Donoghue, cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and co-author of the recently updated AHA/ACC acute coronary syndrome guidelines. Together, they explore the revolutionary changes reshaping ACS management in 2025.Dr O'Donoghue shares insights from the landmark guideline development process that unified non-ST elevation ACS and ST elevation MI recommendations into a single comprehensive document. The conversation covers game-changing updates including new risk stratification approaches, the shift toward selective invasive strategies, and the introduction of bivalirudin as an alternative anticoagulation option.The discussion highlights the groundbreaking "lower is better" approach to LDL management with new targets below 55 mg/dL, evolving antiplatelet therapy strategies, and the emerging role of ticagrelor monotherapy. Dr O'Donoghue also addresses future directions in cardiovascular care, from GLP-1 agonists to mechanical circulatory support devices, emphasizing how these guidelines represent a fundamental shift toward more personalized, evidence-based ACS management.Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this profound episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Pam Taub, Professor of Medicine and Director of Preventive Cardiology at UC San Diego, for an enlightening conversation about integrating spirituality, purpose, and scientific curiosity in cardiovascular practice.Dr Taub shares her unique philosophical foundation, shaped by exposure to diverse religions in South India. This experience fostered her belief that all faiths fundamentally center on being a good person and serving others. She explores how this spiritual perspective transforms medicine from a profession into a sacred calling, where patient interactions become profound privileges that fuel her desire to make meaningful impact beyond individual achievements.The episode highlights Dr Taub's groundbreaking work with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), demonstrating how scientific curiosity serves as a spiritual path. Her research journey—from recognizing misdiagnosed conditions to conducting the first clinical trial for ivabradine in POTS—exemplifies how deeper questioning and evidence-based inquiry can transform patient lives on a broader scale. The episode also explores Dr Taub's research on time-restricted eating, connecting modern scientific evidence to fasting practices across many faiths.Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this insightful episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Leslie Saxon, a professor of medicine at Keck School of Medicine USC and executive director for the USC Center for Body Computing. Together, they explore the potential network data have in transforming healthcare delivery and patient survival.Beginning with the origin and aim of the USC Center for Body Computing, the episode dives into the benefits of a network of connected implantable devices to engage patients in their own care. Dr Saxon also shares her vision of overseeing "life care” as well as "sick care" by collecting data on the mind and body, providing insights into her work with professional athletes and the military to understand how the body functions as a system. The discussion later turns to the evolution of computing devices and how we are moving past the concept of "wearables" with AI-centric devices designed specifically for continuous health monitoring.
In this inspiring episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra engages with Dr Srihari S. Naidu, current President of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and tenured professor at New York Medical College. Their conversation explores Dr Naidu's compelling journey from his formative years and family influences to his strategic vision for elevating interventional cardiology's national profile.Dr Naidu shares his innovative "LINK" philosophy—Leadership, Innovation, Networking, and Knowledge—which has guided his approach to medicine and leadership. The discussion delves into SCAI's remarkable growth in education, publications, and advocacy under his stewardship, while addressing the critical need to increase public understanding of interventional cardiologists' life-saving contributions to healthcare.The conversation offers valuable insights on career progression in medicine, exploring the delicate balance between knowledge and wisdom across different career stages. Dr Naidu provides thoughtful perspectives on the "sweet spot" of mid-career practice, the importance of cross-generational learning, and SCAI's commitment to fostering diversity by removing barriers for women and underrepresented groups in the field.Essential listening for cardiologists at all career stages, healthcare leaders, and those interested in the evolving landscape of interventional cardiology and its impact on patient care and public health.Buy the SCAI Cap here. (https://shop.scai.org/)Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardioParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.
In this compelling episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra explores South Asian cardiovascular health with preventive cardiology experts, Dr Jaideep Patel from Johns Hopkins, and Dr Romit Bhattacharya from Massachusetts General Hospital.The conversation begins with both specialists sharing personal motivations behind their focus on South Asian heart health, from family losses to scientific curiosity about potential genetic and metabolic distinctions. They examine whether South Asians truly face different cardiovascular risks - discussing observations of earlier disease onset, unique lipid patterns, and metabolic dysfunction at lower BMIs - while emphasizing that fundamental prevention strategies remain effective across populations.The episode culminates with powerful closing insights on prevention as an investment—how small, consistent lifestyle modifications can prevent cardiovascular disease onset even in those with genetic predispositions, ultimately enabling fuller, more functional lives in later years.Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO
In this illuminating episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra engages with Dr Jonathan Drezner, Director of Sports Cardiology at the University of Washington, who explores the complex world of cardiovascular risk in competitive athletes.Dr Drezner traces the evolution of sports cardiology from watershed moments involving high-profile athletes like Hank Gathers and Reggie Lewis to today's sophisticated screening protocols. The conversation reveals startling statistics about sudden cardiac death—particularly among specific athlete populations where risks are significantly higher than previously thought.The discussion delves into the limitations of traditional screening questionnaires versus the enhanced detection capabilities of ECG testing, highlighting how proper interpretation has dramatically reduced false positives. Dr Drezner articulates the shift from universal disqualification to personalized risk assessment for athletes with cardiac conditions, emphasizing the critical elements of effective emergency action plans that can mean the difference between life and death on the playing field.Listeners will gain valuable insights into both common and rare cardiac conditions affecting athletes, from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to anomalous coronary arteries, while understanding the three pillars of modern sports cardiology: epidemiology, screening, and management. This episode offers essential knowledge for cardiologists, sports medicine physicians, and other healthcare professionals involved in athlete cardiac care.Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIOParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts: https://www.radcliffecardiology.com/news/parallax-podcast-ankur-kalra-recognised-among-top-medical-podcasts?language_content_entity=en
In this episode of Parallax, host Dr Ankur Kalra sits down with Dr Ambarish Pandey to explore the transformative role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in cardiovascular medicine. Beyond their well-known effects on weight management, Dr Pandey reveals how these "blockbuster drugs" are fundamentally reshaping cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, with compelling evidence from the landmark SELECT trial.The discussion navigates through real-world clinical scenarios where GLP-1s deliver significant cardiovascular benefits, from post-acute coronary events to established atherosclerotic disease. Dr Pandey provides nuanced, evidence-based recommendations for GLP-1 therapy across various heart failure phenotypes, while addressing common comorbidities like atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea.Recognizing practical challenges, the conversation offers actionable strategies for medication initiation, dose optimization, and navigating insurance hurdles. The episode concludes with an exciting look toward emerging frontiers, including GLP-1 benefits in chronic kidney disease and innovative metabolic accelerators that could complement existing therapies.For clinicians seeking to optimize cardio-metabolic care in 2025, this discussion provides essential insights into both current best practices and promising therapeutic horizons.Disclosures: Dr Ambarish Pandey is a consultant for Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Roche, and Rivus Pharma.Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIOParallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts: https://www.radcliffecardiology.com/news/parallax-podcast-ankur-kalra-recognised-among-top-medical-podcasts?language_content_entity=en
Join Dr Ankur Kalra on Parallax as he explores the evolving landscape of precision medicine in cardiology with Dr Calum MacCrae, Vice Chair for Scientific Innovation at Brigham and Women’s Heart and Vascular Center.Dr MacCrae reflects on how the promise of matching treatments to individual risk and disease mechanisms has evolved, from its roots in molecular medicine to today’s data-driven aspirations, revealing why progress has lagged behind expectations. The discussion dissects the complexities of modern cardiology, challenging assumptions about therapeutic precision by examining barriers like incomplete disease understanding, flawed electronic health records, and the high cost of integrating biomarkers into practice.Listeners will value Dr MacCrae’s incisive breakdown of precision medicine’s ecosystem, and how innovations at each level could redefine treatment strategies. The episode delivers practical insights for clinicians, while posing critical questions about how systemic inertia and fragmented healthcare delivery can impede meaningful change.
This week's edition of Parallax features an illuminating conversation between host, Dr Ankur Kalra, and Dr Clif Knight. From practicing family physician to passionate advocate for systemic change, Dr Knight's remarkable career journey provides a unique lens through which to examine physician well-being in contemporary healthcare environments.Dr Knight shares how his early observations of colleagues struggling without adequate support systems sparked his dedication to addressing the fundamental inefficiencies and structural barriers undermining physician resilience. The discussion examines how the healthcare landscape has evolved over generations, challenging simplistic narratives about millennial physicians' susceptibility to burnout by contextualizing how documentation burdens, technological implementations, and regulatory frameworks have created unprecedented complexity.Listeners will appreciate Dr Knight's nuanced analysis of the physician ecosystem's five distinct levels and how interventions at each stage—from organizational leadership priorities to individual behavioural practices—can meaningfully enhance well-being. The episode offers actionable insights for healthcare professionals seeking to recalibrate their relationship with medical practice, while also raising important questions about how commercial influences in healthcare delivery may affect both physician autonomy and patient care.For anyone interested in sustainable healthcare systems that support both practitioners and patients, this discussion provides essential perspective on rebuilding resilience at personal and institutional levels.Resources:Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience, National Academy of Medicine (https://nam.edu/our-work/programs/clinician-resilience-and-well-being/)Taking Action Against Clinician Burnout: A Systems Approach to Professional Well-Being, National Academy of Medicine (https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25521/taking-action-against-clinician-burnout-a-systems-approach-to-professional)Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program, AMA ASSN (https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/physician-health/joy-medicine-health-system-recognition-program)
In this thought-provoking episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra explores the unexpected intersection of cardiology and popular culture with Dr Kristen Shaw and Dr Kevin Harris from the Minneapolis Heart Institute. Their conversation centers around their recently published systematic analysis, "Portrayal of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Popular Film: A Review of Gender, Race, and Ethnicity".Through examination of 100 popular films, our guests unpack striking statistics: 90% of on-screen heart attacks occur in men, and symptom presentation is dramatically overplayed compared to clinical reality. The conversation delves into how these media portrayals potentially shape both patient behavior and public health outcomes, particularly for underrepresented populations.From exploring the stark disconnect between cinematic drama and clinical presentation to discussing practical solutions for improving public health messaging, this episode offers crucial insights for healthcare providers working to bridge the gap between media perception and medical reality. The discussion extends into broader themes of healthcare mistrust in the post-pandemic era, offering valuable perspectives on how improved representation could enhance patient education and emergency response outcomes.Essential listening for cardiologists, healthcare educators, and anyone interested in how media shapes public understanding of cardiovascular disease.
In this eye-opening episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra sits down with Dr Stephen Cook to explore groundbreaking research on LGBTQ+ experiences in cardiology. Drawing from Dr Cook's recently published JACC Advances paper "Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Cardiology Physicians and Fellows in Training", they unpack crucial findings about workplace harassment, professional development, and the evolution of inclusivity in cardiac care.From examining the stark statistics on workplace experiences to discussing the importance of SOGI data collection, this conversation reveals both challenges and opportunities for positive change. Learn how the landscape shifts from medical school to fellowship, why mentorship matters, and what steps the American College of Cardiology is taking to create a more inclusive environment for all cardiac professionals.Whether you're a healthcare professional, trainee, or ally, this episode offers valuable insights into building a more equitable future in cardiology.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced cardiology practices to rapidly evolve - but which changes are here to stay?Join Dr Ankur Kalra in conversation with Dr Edward Fry, former President of the American College of Cardiology, as they explore how the pandemic catalyzed lasting changes in cardiovascular care delivery. From the rapid adoption of telehealth and remote monitoring to the repurposing of CT scan technology, discover how cardiology practices are innovating in response to unprecedented challenges. Dr Fry shares crucial perspectives on pressing issues including the growing workforce shortage amid an aging specialty, the complexities of private equity investment in comprehensive cardiology practices, and the critical need for value-based care solutions in an evolving reimbursement landscape.This episode offers vital insights into rebuilding patient trust through collaborative decision-making and physician advocacy. Dr Fry draws from his leadership experience during this challenging period to outline how cardiologists can actively shape healthcare's future through education, research, and policy engagement - providing an essential roadmap for healthcare leaders navigating the post-pandemic landscape.
In this week's Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Dr Sukhjinder Nijjer for their much-anticipated annual review of advancements in cardiovascular medicine that defined the year 2024.Dr Nijjer, a Consultant Cardiologist in the UK, serves as the President of the Royal Society of Medicine and is an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College London.This episode focuses on recent developments in interventional cardiology, covering coronary interventions, new device technologies and challenging patient populations. Drs Kalra and Nijjer share their perspectives and experiences, offering valuable insights, practical tips and considerations when interpreting this year’s most impactful trials:REDUCE-AMIPREVENTFAVOR IIIORBITA-COSMICDANGer SHOCKSENIOR-RITANOTION 3What are the most impactful cardiovascular trials of 2024? How do Dr Kalra and Dr Nijjer integrate the latest information into their daily practices?
In this week's Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Dr Sukhjinder Nijjer for their much-anticipated annual review of advancements in cardiovascular medicine that defined the year 2024.Dr Nijjer, a Consultant Cardiologist in the UK, serves as the President of the Royal Society of Medicine and is an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College London.This episode explores emerging trends in the treatment of valvular heart disease, focussing on TAVI procedures and transcatheter interventions. It also covers recent advancements in pharmacological management for cardiovascular conditions. Drs Kalra and Nijjer share their perspectives and experiences, offering valuable insights, practical tips and considerations when interpreting this year’s most impactful trials:EARLY TAVRRESHAPE 2MATTERHORNTRILUMINATETOPSPINFINEARTS-HFWhat are the most impactful cardiovascular trials of 2024? How do Dr Kalra and Dr Nijjer integrate the latest information into their daily practices?
In this compelling episode of Parallax, host Ankur Kalra sits down with Dr Sharonne Hayes, a trailblazing Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and the vice chair for academic advancement and faculty development at Mayo Clinic. Together, they explore the critical intersections of career flexibility, diversity, and inclusion in modern medicine.Drawing from her extensive experience, Dr Hayes challenges traditional career paradigms in cardiology, offering a nuanced perspective on professional growth that prioritizes personal well-being and systemic change. The conversation delves deep into the complex landscape of medical careers, addressing unconscious biases, workforce equity, and the transformative power of inclusive leadership. Listeners will gain profound insights into strategic career navigation, practical strategies for achieving academic recognition, and the critical importance of health equity in cardiovascular care.Throughout the episode, Dr Hayes provides a masterclass in professional development, sharing her unique approach to career management that balances personal priorities with professional aspirations. From founding the Women's Heart Clinic to her groundbreaking research on academic rankings, she offers a roadmap for cardiologists seeking meaningful and flexible career paths.A must-listen for medical professionals, educators, and anyone passionate about creating more equitable and supportive healthcare environments.
In this thought-provoking episode of Parallax, Host, Dr Ankur Kalra engages in an illuminating conversation with Dr Karen Joynt Maddox, a distinguished cardiologist and health policy researcher at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Together, they navigate the complex intersection of cardiovascular medicine, health economics, and public health policy.Dr Joynt Maddox shares her unique journey into health economics research, offering valuable insights for cardiologists considering this vital career path. The discussion delves deep into the need for enhanced collaboration between clinicians and policymakers, emphasizing how physicians' frontline experiences can inform more effective healthcare policies.In examining the growing presence of private equity in cardiology practices, Dr Joynt Maddox provides nuanced insights into this transformative trend. Through thoughtful analysis, she explores how this financial model shapes healthcare delivery, innovation, and patient outcomes. The conversation extends to broader economic challenges in cardiovascular medicine, particularly the intricate balance between fostering medical innovation and ensuring accessible, affordable care for patients.Drawing from her extensive research experience, Dr Joynt Maddox emphasizes the role of social determinants in cardiovascular health outcomes. The episode concludes with a compelling discussion on integrating public health principles into medical education, offering a vision for a more holistic approach to cardiovascular care.
In this week's episode of Parallax, host Dr Ankur Kalra engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr Stephen Smith, a pioneer in electrocardiography and myocardial infarction diagnosis. They delve into the groundbreaking OMI/NOMI paradigm (Occlusion MI vs Non-Occlusion MI), challenging the traditional STEMI vs non-STEMI terminology that has long been the cornerstone of acute coronary syndrome management.Dr Smith presents compelling evidence highlighting the limitations of ST-elevation as a marker for acute coronary occlusion, discussing his recently published review paper: "From ST-Segment Elevation MI to Occlusion MI: The New Paradigm Shift in Acute Myocardial Infarction".The conversation explores the proposed shift to the OMI/NOMI terminology and the specific ECG criteria for diagnosing occlusion MI. Dr Smith discusses the challenges in disseminating this new paradigm and teaching these refined ECG interpretation skills to clinicians. Dr Kalra and Dr Smith explore exciting developments in AI-assisted OMI detection and ongoing studies aimed at validating the OMI/NOMI approach.How can clinicians effectively implement the OMI/NOMI criteria into daily practice? What challenges exist in teaching these new ECG interpretation skills, and how can they be overcome? What advice does Dr Smith have for our listeners?Full source library for this episode can be found on radcliffecardiology.com.
This week on Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Brooke Aggarwal to dive deep into the fascinating intersection of behavioural science and nutrition education. Dr Brooke Aggarwal, an Assistant Professor at Columbia University Medical Center, focuses her research on how behavioural and psychological factors influence adherence to cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines.In this episode, Dr Aggarwal shares insights from a groundbreaking study she worked on, the Family Intervention Trial for Heart Health (FIT Heart), unveiling the crucial role of social support and caregiver dynamics in maintaining healthy behaviours. Dr Kalra and Dr Aggarwal discuss innovative techniques such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy that are transforming the landscape of nutrition counselling.Dr Aggarwal shares her insights into the practical applications of behavioural science in clinical settings, emphasising the importance of addressing cognitive distortions with evidence-based approaches. The discussion highlights the need for healthcare providers to adapt their language to enhance accessibility, creating a supportive environment for sustainable lifestyle changes within patients.Join us as we explore how combining behavioural science with nutrition knowledge can empower individuals to take control of their health and create meaningful, sustainable improvements in their lives.
In this episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra reunites with Dr Purvi Parwani for a deep dive into the groundbreaking data unveiled at ESC Congress 2024.Dr Parwani, Director of the Women's Cardiovascular Disease Clinic and a leading expert in her field, serves as Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Echocardiography Laboratory for Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging at Loma Linda University Health.Dr Parwani offers a comprehensive analysis of the most impactful trials presented at the congress. She delves beyond the headlines, exploring the practical implications these findings hold for the future of patient care. Dr Kalra and Dr Parwani engage in a stimulating discussion, comparing the new data to prior research and exploring how these insights can be translated into real-world improvements for our patients.Key Trials included:MATTERHORN: Transcatheter versus surgical mitral valve repair in patients with heart failure and secondary mitral regurgitation (NCT02371512)RESHAPE-HF2: Percutaneous repair of moderate-to-severe or severe functional mitral regurgitation in patients with symptomatic heart failure (NCT02444338)TRI FR: Multicentric randomised evaluation of the transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in the treatment of severe isolated secondary tricuspid regurgitation (NCT04646811)RHEIA: Transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in women with severe aortic stenosis (NCT04160130)SENIOR RITA: Older patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction randomised interventional treatment trial
In this week's episode, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes authors Dr Srihari Naidu and Lindsay Davis to discuss their newly published children's book, Lindsay's Big Heart. A leading interventional cardiologist, Dr Naidu, and patient advocate, Ms Davis, have collaborated to bring the complex heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to life for young readers. Lindsay Davis shares her personal journey with HCM, offering a firsthand perspective on the challenges and triumphs of living with the condition. Dr Srihari Naidu discusses the importance of translating complex medical information into a format that children can understand and appreciate. As a parent himself, he was inspired to create a resource that would help families navigate the complexities of HCM. The authors share the challenges and rewards of bringing Lindsay's Big Heart to publication, from securing a publisher to finalising the illustrations. They believe that the book can help children feel more informed and empowered, reducing fear and anxiety associated with HCM. Additionally, they hope the book will raise awareness of the condition and encourage early diagnosis and treatment. Join us as we delve into the inspiration behind the book, the writing process, and the importance of accurate and engaging medical education for children.
This week on Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Marc Gerdisch to discuss a groundbreaking study on reducing opioid use after cardiac surgery.Dr Marc Gerdisch is the Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and Co-Director of the Heart Valve Center and Atrial Fibrillation Program at Franciscan St. Francis Health. He is a senior partner at Cardiac Surgery Associates and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago.Dr Gerdisch shares insights into his research on rigid sternal fixation and enhanced recovery protocols, which have shown promising results in postoperative pain management and patient recovery.In this episode, Dr Kalra and Dr Gerdisch discuss the specifics of the study, including the four-cohort design and the steps taken to expedite opioid-free recovery. Dr Gerdisch also shares valuable advice on overcoming physician inertia and building a strong case for implementing such a programme, including cost-benefit analysis considerations.What motivated the study? How can a holistic approach to cardiac surgery recovery be implemented? What advice does Dr Gerdisch have for our listeners?Sources:Gerdisch MW, et al. Ann Thorax Surg 2024. Rigid Sternal Fixation and Enhanced Recovery for Opioid-Free Analgesia After Cardiac Surgery. DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2024.06.032CE Cox. TCTMD 2024. Holistic Approach to Cardiac Surgery Can Sharply Cut Opioid Use. Available at: https://www.tctmd.com/news/holistic-approach-cardiac-surgery-can-sharply-cut-opioid-use. Accessed August 12, 2024.
In this enlightening episode of Parallax, which focuses on guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT), Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by two guests, Dr Georges Chahoud, a Heart Failure Cardiologist at St. Louis Cardiology Consultants in the US, and Dr Carsten Israel, Chief of Cardiology at Bethel-Clinic in Germany.Building on their expertise, they share insights on how they would personally consult colleagues on how to manage patients with new onset acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and how to optimise this management in the hospital setting.They cover key topics such as why early initiation of GDMT even before hospital discharge is important, what other imaging modalities can help in better stratifying patients at risk of sudden cardiac death and they address the management and assessment of the risk for sudden cardiac death in patients on quadruple backbone GDMT.This episode is a must-listen for all healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing their understanding and treatment of heart failure.This series is supported by ZOLL and is intended for Health Care Professionals.
In this compelling episode of the Parallax Podcast, host Dr Ankur Kalra sits down with Dr Janarthanan Sathananthan, an interventional and structural cardiologist and the Chief Medical Officer of Interventional Cardiology at Boston Scientific. Dr Sathananthan recounts his life's journey, from being born in Sri Lanka during the civil war, and moving to Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Canada, and finally North America. He shares how his diverse upbringing profoundly shaped his career in cardiology.Together, Dr Kalra and Dr Sathananthan delve into cultural challenges and lessons learned from Dr Sathananthan’s father, a dentist who experienced significant discrimination throughout his career. They explore Dr Sathananthan's decision to pursue interventional cardiology, and his passion for the intersection of technology and medicine. This episode also delves into Dr Sathananthan's role as Chief Medical Officer at Boston Scientific, focusing on global initiatives to expand coronary therapies and the growth of PCI in the Asia-Pacific region. They also touch on the ongoing struggle to balance work and personal life in a demanding field.Listeners are invited to submit questions and comments to podcast@radcliffe-group.com, which may be addressed by Dr Kalra in the next episode. Join us for this insightful conversation with Dr Janarthanan Sathananthan on the Parallax Podcast.Guest: @J_SathananthanHost: @AnkurKalraMDProduced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO
In this week’s Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Shelley Wood, best known for her work in the cardiology community as the editor-in-chief of TCTMD and Editorial Director of CFR. They discuss her work as a creative author and her second novel, "The Leap Year Gene," set to be published by Harper Collins in Canada and Union Square Press in the US in August 2024.Blending the intrigue of a medical thriller with a sweeping overview of the twentieth century, "The Leap Year Gene" tells the story of Kit McKinley, whose rare genetic condition causes her to age one year for every four. In this rich discussion, Ms Wood shares how her extensive experience as a medical writer and editor shaped her approach to crafting the novel. Dr Kalra and Ms Wood also explore one of the book’s central themes: eugenics, tracing its historical roots and examining its long shadow on medicine.Ms Wood, who balances a demanding full-time job with her creative writing, shares candid insights into her routine and the challenges of writing and publishing fiction.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, the human condition, and balancing responsibilities.To pre-order Shelley Wood new novel search for The Leap Year Gene/ The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley in your favourite independent bookshop or click here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leap-Year-Gene-Novel/dp/1443473162
This week on Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Eric Radtke, Vice President at Worldwide Innovations & Technologies, Inc, and Barbara Breininger, a cardiovascular radiologic technologist and clinical manager with 26 years of experience.This special episode dives deep into the crucial topic of radiation hygiene, exploring it from the perspectives of both manufacturers and users of radiation safety products.Barbara Breininger shares her experiences traveling nationwide to educate healthcare professionals on radiation safety, emphasizing the need for collective awareness and best practices in cath labs.Eric Radtke discusses the company's evolving focus on radiation safety, the origins of their initiatives, and the concerning impacts of radiation exposure as revealed by recent studies. We'll also explore practical steps to enhance safety and delve into the RADPAD tools that can shield interventional cardiologists and allied professionals from exposure.How can we protect ourselves from radiation in the Cath lab? How can we raise awareness of radiation hygiene?Trials mentioned in the episode:Aizer A, Qiu JK, Cheng AV, et al. Utilization of a Radiation Safety Time-Out Reduces Radiation Exposure During Electrophysiology Procedures. JACC EP 2019; 5:5:626-634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacep.2018.12.002Ahmad IM, Abdalla YM, Moore TA, et al. Healthcare Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionizing Radiation Exhibit Altered Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines and Redox Parameters. Antioxidants 2019; 8:1. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8010012Support: This episode is supported by Radcliffe Cardiology; it received no funding from Worldwide Innovations & Technologies.
In this week’s Parallax, host Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Dr Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist, organizational well-being leader, and bestselling author of Just One Heart: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness.In this compelling conversation, Dr Fisher shares his personal experience with burnout within the US healthcare system. He provides a concise overview of the roots of Western medicine's culture and the current epidemic of physician burnout and depression. Dr Kalra then invites him to explore solutions for reversing these negative trends and enhancing patient care. Dr Fisher discusses the workshops he leads, emphasizing core principles like positive attitude, compassion, connection, and teamwork. He also offers a sneak peek into his new book that extends the discussion to a wider audience.Tune in for a rich discussion on the future of healthcare, well-being, and rediscovering the human connection at the heart of medicine.Just One Heart: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness is available to order here: https://www.amazon.com/Just-One-Heart-Cardiologists-Happiness-ebook/dp/B0D1526W7D
Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest this week is Dr Saraschandra Vallabhajosyula, Interventional and Critical Care Cardiologist, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the Director of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Rhode Island Hospital, the Miriam Hospital and Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute. In this episode of Parallax, they delve into the latest insights from ACC.24 through the lens of five pivotal late-breaking trials.Dr Vallabhajosyula offers a deep dive into the nuances of each study. Together, Dr Kalra and Dr Vallabhajosyula distil the complexities of these trials into key messages for practice, grounded in their own clinical experiences.In the spotlight are five key trials:1. DanGer Shock: Microaxial Flow Pump or Standard Care in Infarct-Related Cardiogenic Shock2. RELIEVE-HF: Safety and effectiveness of the V-Wave® Ventura® Interatrial Shunt for the treatment of heart failure (HF)3. PREVENT: Preventive PCI or medical therapy alone for vulnerable atherosclerotic coronary plaque4. REDUCE AMI: Decreased usage of beta-blockers after acute myocardial infarction5. ORBITA-COSMIC: Coronary sinus reducer for the treatment of refractory anginaDr Kalra and Dr Vallabhajosyula dissect the practical implications of these trials, answering pressing questions and addressing emerging dilemmas. What are the key takeaways from ACC.24? How do these findings shape contemporary clinical practice?
In this week’s episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Shashank Sinha. Dr Sinha is an Advanced Heart Failure, Mechanical Circulatory Support, and Transplant Cardiologist at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, where he serves as Co-Medical Director of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and Director of the Cardiovascular Critical Care Research Program. Additionally, he holds the position of Assistant Professor of Medical Education at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.In this episode, Dr Sinha shares his insights on leadership after participating in the prestigious Presidential Leadership Scholars Programme. This programme, designed for mid-career professionals with 10+ years of experience, aims to foster bipartisan, action-oriented leaders. Dr Sinha discusses what motivated him to apply for the programme and guides us through the practical details of the process. Ankur asks him about his modules and the lessons he derived from this multidisciplinary programme.Dr Sinha and Dr Kalra discuss civic duty and the values that can be nurtured to make a difference on a larger scale. Dr Kalra also asks about Dr Sinha's approach to conflict management and combating inherent bias.What is the Presidential Leadership Programme? What qualities constitute a good leader? How can individuals foster their leadership skills?
In this informative episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Andrew Darlington, an Advanced Heart Failure Cardiologist at Piedmont Heart Institute in Georgia.Together, Dr Kalra and Dr Darlington delve into the significance of assessing volume status in patients with heart failure, highlighting its continued relevance in 2024, including the availability of new diagnostic tools, including the Heart Failure Management System (HFMS).Dr Darlington shares his approach to taking a patient’s medical history and some of the cues he looks for during a physical exam and the art of assessing neck veins. Together, they explore diagnostic tools and technologies available to measure fluid volume, including HFMS and strategies for effectively communicating about the utility of this technology to patients with worsening heart failure.Dr Darlington gives a comprehensive overview of the recent clinical data presented at ACC 2023 on the BMAD trial and how he uses HFMS in his own clinical practice.This series is supported by ZOLL and is intended for Health Care Professionals.
In this week's Parallax episode, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Haider Warraich, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr Warraich is not only a Senior Advisor for Chronic Disease to the FDA Commissioner but also a prolific author, having written three books, including "Song of Our Scars: The Untold Story of Pain." He is a regular contributor to publications like the New York Times and the Washington Post.During the conversation, we learn more about Dr Warraich's journey into medicine and his current role at the FDA, along with his passion for writing. Dr Kalra asks about how Dr Warraich manages his busy schedule and what it takes to write a book.Dr Warraich openly shares his personal experience grappling with chronic pain, a pivotal event that not only influenced his career trajectory but also inspired his book "Song of Our Scars." Moreover, he discusses his role as a Senior Advisor to Dr Robert M Califf, offering insights into his day-to-day responsibilities within the FDA. The conversation also touches upon the agency's perspective on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).How does writing complement Dr Warraich’s work as a physician? How did he become a senior advisor to Dr Robert M Califf at the FDA? What is his message to our listeners?
Join Dr Ankur Kalra on Parallax this week as he welcomes Dr Candice K Silversides, the first Editor-in-Chief of JACC: Advances.Dr Silversides, a cardiologist and professor at the University of Toronto, wears many hats. She leads the Obstetric Medicine program and directs the Cardio-Obstetric clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital, while simultaneously steering JACC: Advances in its exciting early stages.Dive into the unique synergy between her clinical practice and editorial leadership as Dr Silversides shares her vision for the journal. Learn how she navigates diverse responsibilities, manages peer reviews, and ensures fair evaluation of the submitted manuscripts. Get insights into launching a journal, from adapting to the needs of the readership and editorial board selection to time management. Dr Silversides joins Dr Kalra in exploring the evolving landscape of academic publishing, discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and other advancements.What does the future of academic publishing look like? What is the role of AI? What are the day-to-day tasks of an Editor-in-chief?
In the season 6 premiere of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Alex Carter, a Senior Lecturer at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Department of Health Policy. As the course director for the executive MSc in Health Economics, Policy & Management, Dr Carter delves into the origins and evolution of LSE's health economics program, showcasing its transformation in response to the challenges facing health systems in 2024.The podcast embarks on an exploration of the program's three fundamental pillars: health economics, outcomes measurement, and management. Dr. Carter underscores the importance of efficiently allocating scarce resources, evaluating health system performance through population outcomes, and translating theoretical knowledge into practical application through leadership.Dr Kalra asks Dr Carter about his work with the HyperMarker project, an EU-funded initiative that leverages big data analytics to optimize the prescription of antihypertensives and generate personalized treatment recommendations for patients with hypertension.What do we gain by understanding health economics? How was one of the first health economics programs created? What is Dr Carter’s message to our listeners?
In this week's Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Dr Sukhjinder Nijjer for their much-anticipated annual review of advancements in cardiovascular medicine that defined the year 2023.Dr Nijjer, a Consultant Cardiologist in the UK, serves as the President of the Royal Society of Medicine and is an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College London.Drs Kalra and Nijjer share their perspectives and experiences, offering valuable insights, practical tips and considerations when interpreting this year’s most impactful trials:• ORBITA-2 (AHA Scientific Sessions): PCI for stable angina• FIRE (ESC Congress): Functional versus culprit-only revascularization in elderly patients with myocardial infarction and multivessel disease• DAPA-MI (AHA Scientific Sessions): SGLT2i in MI without diabetes or heart failure• ILUMIEN IV (ESC Congress): OCT vs angiography-guided PCI• OCTOBER (ESC Congress): OCT or Angiography Guidance for PCI in Complex Bifurcation Lesions• ARTESIA (ESC Congress): Apixaban for Stroke Prevention in Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation• SELECT (AHA Scientific Sessions): Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without DiabetesWhat are the most impactful cardiovascular trials of 2023? How do Dr Kalra and Dr Nijjer integrate the latest information into their daily practices?
In this thought-provoking episode, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Anuradha Lala, assistant professor of medicine at the Zena and Michael A Wiener Cardiovascular Institute and in the Department of Population Health Science and Statistics at Icahn School of Mount Sinai and Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr Lala is also the Deputy Editor of the Journal of Cardiac Failure.Dr Kalra and Dr Lala delve into the critical topic of disparities in care within the healthcare system from a cardiologist's point of view and explore actionable steps towards a more inclusive and fair healthcare landscape.Dr Lala advocates for an approach focused on the patient, valuing the unique needs and preferences of each individual as crucial elements in creating a personalised treatment strategy. In this podcast, she provides insight to her study on 'Acute Heart Failure Presentation to the Emergency Department: National Trends by Race and Ethnicity 2007-2019' and how it shows there are differences based on race and ethnicity in terms of wait time and the demographic of patients presenting.The fundamental principle that healthcare is a basic human right is emphasised, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the disparities prevalent within the system. Through candid discussions, the episode highlights the differences in healthcare access and quality and examines methods to prevent and mitigate these discrepancies.Addressing the 'why' behind these disparities is a central theme, exploring the presence of subconscious biases within healthcare. The conversation isn’t just theoretical, Dr Kalra and Dr Lala present real-life scenarios and personal stories, offering a refreshingly honest and open perspective. Key questions are explored, such as identifying the top places where disparities in care exist and strategies to address these issues. This series is supported by ZOLL and is intended for Health Care Professionals.
On October 28th, 2023, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) released a new classification system for acute atherothrombotic myocardial infarction (MI) based on stages of tissue injury severity (CCS-AMI). This expert consensus is the result of decades of data on acute MI with reperfusion therapy.Dr Ankur Kalra is joined this week on Parallax by Dr Andreas Kumar, Chairperson of the Writing Group of the Expert Consensus Statement, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Cardiologist at Health Sciences North, and President of the Canadian Society of Cardiovascular MRI.In this informative episode, Dr Kumar shares what led his team and the CCS to introduce a new classification scheme for acute MI. He discusses how research from the past 15 years highlighted the need to incorporate tissue changes resulting from acute myocardial infarction (MI) into clinical practice. Dr Kumar outlines the four stages of CCS-AMI, and we gain insight into how this novel classification scheme could impact bedside medicine.Dr Kalra asks about treatment optimization based on stages of tissue injury severity. Dr Kumar delves into the risks associated with the four stages, with a particular focus on CCS Stage 4, MI with reperfusion haemorrhage. Finally, Dr Kumar highlights how the use of the classification system can lay the foundation for future research studies and bring us closer to finding answers and identifying agents suitable for different stages of acute MI.What are the key messages from CCS-AMI? What are the data behind the new scheme? How might the new classification scheme impact the development of new treatment options?Resources:Kumar A, et al. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society Classification of Acute Atherothrombotic Myocardial Infarction Based on Stages of Tissue Injury Severity: An Expert Consensus Statement. CJC 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjca.2023.09.020 Gaba P & Bhatt DL. Promise of a Novel Classification System for Acute Myocardial Infarction. CJC 202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjca.2023.10.011Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: @AndreasKumarMD Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In this week's episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra's guest is Dr Craig R Smith, Cardiac Surgeon and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.In 2020, The Wall Street Journal called Dr Smith the pandemic's most powerful writer. Each day throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Dr Smith provided the faculty and staff with updates on pandemic response and priorities, offering both vital information and unwavering support. This month, Dr Smith released his book, 'Nobility in Small Things: A Surgeon's Path’.In this inspiring episode, Dr Smith delves into the story behind his book and the motivating circumstances that led him to become an author. Dr Kalra asks Dr Smith about his experience as a leader during the pandemic as a surgeon. Dr Smith shares the story of his unconventional journey into medicine, emphasizing how hard physical labor built his resilience and prepared him for his residency. Dr Kalra also asks about Dr Smith's experience as a surgeon for President Bill Clinton in 2004. We learn more about some of the highlights of Dr Smith's book and his advice for listeners aspiring to become writers.Nobility in Small Things is available for purchase here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250278531/nobilityinsmallthingsQuestions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: Dr Craig R SmithHost: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In this week's episode of Parallax, Dr. Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr. John Mandrola, a cardiac electrophysiologist practicing in Louisville and the host of the popular podcast "This Week in Cardiology" and co-author of Sensible Medicine, among other forums.In this insightful episode, we delve into Dr. Mandrola's career journey. He discusses how the beginnings of his career during a period of significant innovations and the reversal of expert opinions profoundly influenced his perspective on medicine, leading to a more conservative stance. Dr. Kalra then invites Dr. Mandrola to share the motivations that drive his work as a medical journalist and communicator, along with his methods of selecting studies to highlight in his writings and show.Dr. Mandrola emphasizes the importance of bedside medicine and the critical role of translating and interpreting evidence in modern healthcare. Together, Dr. Kalra and Dr. Mandrola explore the complexities of practicing medicine today and ponder the value propositions associated with the latest innovations.Dr. Mandrola sheds light on what he considers the most promising new advances in the field. He concludes the episode by offering valuable advice to our listeners, advocating for the implementation of innovations grounded in medical evidence and supported by sound policies.Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: @drjohnm Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In the landmark centennial episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes a true luminary in the field of cardiology, Dr Valentin Fuster.Dr Valentin Fuster, a renowned cardiologist, currently holds multiple roles. He serves as the Director of the Cardiovascular Institute and as the Physician-in-Chief at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Additionally, Dr Fuster is the General Director of the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC) in Madrid. Notably, he also holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).In this candid and rich episode, Dr Fuster delves into his upbringing in Barcelona and reflects on the influential role his family played in providing him with role models and a sense of freedom during his formative years. Dr Fuster invites us to contemplate the concepts of mentorship and trust by recounting pivotal moments from his life, revealing how these principles propelled him towards a life of fulfilment.Dr Kalra and Dr Fuster revisit one of the central questions explored in Dr Fuster's book, "The Circle of Motivation" – how can one maintain a positive outlook and prepare for life's inevitable fluctuations? Dr Fuster shares insights into his daily routine, which aids him in reflection, tuning into his intuition, and making choices that align with his true self.While discussing his priorities, we gain insight into Dr Fuster's projects, driven by the concern that we do not intervene early enough in the treatment of individuals. Dr Kalra and Dr Fuster engage in a discussion about Dr Fuster's thoughts on JACC and Dr Fuster outlines the key principles of leadership in various contexts, accompanied by examples from his own life. Dr Kalra seeks Dr Fuster's perspective on augmentative intelligence and the future of medicine, shedding light on what Dr Fuster believes is essential for contemporary medical education in light of the transformative impact of AI.Finally, Dr Fuster shares three influential books that have shaped his thinking, along with a message for our listeners.Resources:JACC Journals’ Pathway Forward With AI Tools: The Future Is Nowhttps://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.02.030The Circle of Motivationhttps://www.amazon.com/Circle-Motivation-Valentin-Fuster-ebook/dp/B07YLVMSKH
In this week's Parallax, Dr. Ankur Kalra's guest is Dr. Mirvat Alasnag. Dr. Alasnag is an interventional cardiologist at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital (KFAFH) in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, she serves as the Editor-in-Chief at Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports and is a member of the Board of Trustees at SCAI.Dr. Alasnag and Dr. Kalra provide a comprehensive review of the key highlights from ESC Congress 2023. Dr. Alasnag distills the background and latest evidence from key interventional trials, emphasizing their significance for patient care.Tune in to discover the strategies that Dr. Kalra and Dr. Alasnag are currently employing and gain insights into how these data will shape their future decision-making in the catheterization laboratory. Don't miss this informative discussion at the forefront of interventional cardiology. Trials included:FIRE: Physiology-Guided Complete PCI in Older MI PatientsMULTISTARS AMI: MULTivessel Immediate Versus STAged RevaScularization in Acute Myocardial InfarctionILUMIEN IV: Optical coherence tomography-guided coronary stent implantation compared to angiographyOCTOBER: European Trial on Optical Coherence Tomography Optimized Bifurcation Event ReductionOCT Vs IVUS Vs Angiography GuidanceOCTIVUS: Optical coherence tomography non-inferior to intravascular ultrasound for stent guidance What are the take-home messages from ESC 2023 for interventional cardiologists? How can we interpret the results for patient care? What new data have the power to change guidelines?
In this week's Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Dr Jag Singh to discuss Dr Singh's recently published book, "Future Care," which delves into the exciting evolution of medicine over the next 5 to 10 years.
Dr Jagmeet Singh is a Cardiac Electrophysiologist and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is also the Founding Director of the Resynchronization and Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics Program at Massachusetts General Hospital.
"Future Care" wasn't written overnight; it had been simmering in Dr Singh's mind for nearly a decade. The catalyst for this book was a convergence of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Dr Singh’s personal health journey. Drawing from his experiences across three different countries, his role in patient care and leadership and his unique perspective as a patient himself, Dr Singh explores the crucial question of how medicine can and should evolve. In this episode, Dr Kalra and Dr Singh delve deeply into the ideation, research, and writing process that brought "Future Care" to life. We learn more about Dr Singh's valuable tips for aspiring authors. Dr Singh unpacks the four key chapters of his book: Sensors, Virtual Care, AI, and the Establishment of a sustainable healthcare system. Looking into the future, Dr Singh paints a vivid picture of the hospital of tomorrow—a place where technology and human touch harmoniously converge. As we adapt to the changes brought about by the pandemic, Dr Singh outlines the necessary steps to foster a reality in which we can utilize these technologies to create more time for human connection. What advice does Dr. Singh have for our listeners? What does the future of medicine look like? How can we scale high-tech solutions effectively?
Order Dr Singh's book today: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/future-care/
In the finale of our series "Conversations about Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy", Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes, Dr Anjali Tiku Owens, for a dynamic and practical discussion.
Dr Owens is Medical Director of the Center for Inherited Cardiac Disease and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
This series is sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb. Please see www.camzyosrems.com for important safety information.
In this week’s episode, Dr Kalra and Dr Owens take us on a journey through the complexities of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), with focus on the diagnostic challenges and breakthroughs in this field. Emphasising with the critical importance of making accurate diagnoses, Dr Owens shares her insights into identifying the common mimickers of HCM through a structured approach starting with taking the patients history. As the conversation delves deeper, Dr Owens discusses the various diagnostic tools and tests used to rule out other conditions and uncover the underlying aetiology. She navigates us through the algorithm for interpreting genetic test results, differentiating pathogenic variants, benign variants and variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Dr Owens talks about the wider implications for family members and the cases in which she recommends screening. Dr Kalra asks Dr Owens about her approach to exercise in HCM patients. Additionally, they cover the debated topic of defibrillator therapy and the use of HCM Risk-SCD risk calculator. Dr Owens provides an overview of the treatment paradigms for HCM, touching on haemodynamic classifications, symptomatology and the evaluation of sudden death risk.
What are the most common mimickers of HCM? What is Dr Owens and her heart team approach to decision making? What is the role of genetic testing in patients with HCM?
This content is intended for US-based physicians.
In the second episode of our series "Conversations about Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy", Dr Ankur Kalra sat down with Dr Ahmad Masri to have a deep-dive into the management paradigms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), considering the evolution of medical therapy in recent years. Dr Ahmad Masri is a Cardiologist and the Director of OHSU Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center.
This series is sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb. Please see www.camzyosrems.com for important safety information.
Dr Kalra invites Dr Masri to guide us through his decision-making process in evaluating medical and surgical options in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Dr Masri delves into first and second-line treatment strategies while exploring the significance of FDA-approved cardiac myosin inhibitors in the management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Dr Kalra asks Dr Masri about the practical office-based clinical course for patients deemed suitable candidates to receive mavacamten. Dr Masri provides a clear and practical outline of what it entails to opt for this second-line medical therapy including the REMS programme required for therapy (www.camzyosrems.com). Dr Masri highlights the importance of looking at HCM patients holistically to find the treatment which best fits their circumstances and preferences in choosing surgical and medical therapy options.
What are the available management options for patients with HCM? How does Dr Masri approach shared decision-making in the management of HCM? What are some of the practical considerations regarding the cardiac myosin inhibitor, mavacamten?
This content is intended for US-based physicians.
Join Dr Ankur Kalra in this episode of our mini-series, "Conversations about Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy," as he engages in an in-depth discussion with Dr Carolyn Yung Ho. Together, they explore the journey from symptoms to diagnosis and management options for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Dr Ho, Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Genetics Center and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School.
Dr Ho offers a comprehensive examination of HCM, providing valuable insights on diagnosing the condition and distinguishing it from other conditions. The discussion addresses important questions, such as when to refer patients suspected of having HCM.
The episode explores the significance of cardiac MRI in diagnosing and distinguishing HCM, with a focus on the distinctive features that aid in assessment. The differentiation between sarcomeric and non-sarcomeric forms of HCM is examined for its clinical relevance, with an emphasis on identifying individuals at risk.
Dr Ho sheds light on the diagnostic tools used for risk stratification in both obstructive and non-obstructive cases of HCM. The conversation delves into management strategies for non-obstructive HCM patients, including additional approaches to alleviate symptoms such as exertional dyspnoea.
The episode concludes by discussing cardiac myosin inhibition as a potential therapy, covering important considerations and providing a comprehensive checklist for initiating treatment. Additionally, the latest evidence on exercise training in HCM patients is highlighted.
Tune in to gain insights into the diagnosis and management of HCM as Dr Ankur Kalra and Dr Carolyn Yung Ho illuminate this intricate cardiovascular condition. the diagnosis and management of HCM as Dr Ankur Kalra and Dr Carolyn Yung Ho illuminate this intricate cardiovascular condition.
This series is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb.
This content is intended for US-based physicians.
“You should neither take the outcome personally nor fall into the trap of thinking that doing nothing better.”
In this special episode of Parallax, we bring you Dr Ankur Kalra's thought-provoking lecture delivered at the IU School of Medicine Department of Anaesthesia Grand Rounds and introduced by Dr Nandan Anavekar. In this episode, Dr. Kalra explores the intersection of spirituality and healthcare, encouraging us to reflect on its significance for both patients and providers.
Dr. Kalra begins by defining spirituality and highlighting its interconnectedness with patient care and the broader concept of life. He invites us to think about the various mechanisms behind spiritual experiences and practices, sharing his own personal journey with meditation. Examining studies on the impact of meditative practices like yoga and mindfulness on heart outcomes, he sheds light on their place in healthcare.
Delving into his experiences as a physician, Dr. Kalra presents two patient cases, illustrating how he navigates disparate outcomes. Drawing from Eastern perspectives, Dr. Kalra offers insights from the Bhagavad Gita to encourage a re-evaluation of medicine beyond metrics and focusing on the effort invested in care. He raises important questions about leading a mindful life and the challenge of remaining unattached to outcomes in a metric-driven healthcare system.
What does spirituality mean in the context of healthcare? How can physicians take control of their mindset? And what does the data reveal about the benefits of mindfulness in patient care?
In this week's Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by guests, Dr Rama Ellauzi, Dr Nandan Anavekar and Dr Anthony Kashou, also known as The EKG Guy. Together, they delve into cardiovascular education and the Global Cardiology University (GCU).The genesis of GCU traces back to Dr Kashou's time as an intern at Mayo Clinic. Recognizing the challenges of postgraduate education, Dr Kashou embarked on a journey to enhance early-level training. Drawing inspiration from his own struggle to comprehend electrocardiograms (EKGs), he set out to build a comprehensive database. This eventually led to the birth of GCU.Dr. Rama, Dr Anavekar and Dr. Kashou share their passion for education and the devotion that drew them to the GCU. They explore the vision of GCU, which revolves around creating a community space where knowledge is shared, aligning with educational trends, and empowering learners. Through scientific content evaluation and a commitment to providing premium yet affordable materials, GCU embraces community ownership. As the team has grown, teachers and students now find themselves in the same virtual room, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.The conversation moves to the platforms and interactions offered by GCU. Dr Ellauzi and Dr Kashou shed light on the diverse formats available. They discuss the process of content vetting, emphasizing the importance of explanations and foundations for learners at all levels. They stress that GCU, serves as a complementary resource, enhancing traditional education methods for learners at different stages of knowledge acquisition.How can we empower learners in the digital age? How do we build global learning communities and cultures? When should new knowledge become part of a curriculum?Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guests: @nandananavekar, @EllauziRama, @TheEKGGuy host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In this final episode of our mini-series on value in academic medicine, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Dr Nandan Anavekar, a Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and consultant for both the Cardiovascular and Radiology Departments at Mayo Clinic, who also serves as the Program Director for the Adult Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship program.In this inspiring conversation, Dr Anavekar and Dr Kalra discuss the education of postgraduate medical students and reflect on Dr Anavekar’s role as a Program Director. Dr Anavekar shares his motivations and the moral framework he uses to approach his responsibility towards his students.The conversation then shifts towards the learning environment provided for medical students. Dr Anavekar contrasts the prevalent competitive culture and draws on Vedic philosophies to outline how we can strive for a student-centric culture that fosters a more collaborative environment and supports autonomous decision-making. Dr Anavekar asks listeners to look at medical education with fresh eyes by reframing what value means within this context.Finally, Dr Anavekar talks about the Global Cardiology University Project and his work on democratizing medicine on a global scale.How can we create a safe learning environment for medical students? What is Dr Anavekar's thoughts on the role of teachers and students in medical setting? What is Dr Anavekar's message to early-career faculty?Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: @nandananavekar, host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In the second part of our mini-series exploring the concept of value in academic medicine, Dr. Ankur Kalra once again engages in a compelling discussion with Dr. Nandan Anavekar. Dr Anavekar, a Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and consultant for both the Cardiovascular and Radiology Departments at Mayo Clinic, also serves as the Program Director for the Adult Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship program.In this stimulating and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Kalra and Dr. Anavekar delve into the topic of measuring success in medicine. Dr. Anavekar puts forward the argument that the ambiguous definition of academic achievement often results in damaging biases that have long-term repercussions on the medical field. As a program director, Dr. Anavekar believes that the number of published articles should not be the only or most crucial criterion for evaluating early-career faculty. He argues that it's important to also consider the "distance travelled" by candidates. Dr. Kalra raises pertinent questions about the practical implications of this approach, and Dr. Anavekar provides candid insights into his responsibilities.The conversation also sheds light on the "publish or perish" mentality and highlights the need to prioritize patient needs over the ideals of the experts treating them.Can we move beyond binary thinking when it comes to measuring success in medicine? How does Dr. Anavekar tackle research questions? What is the true essence of being "academic"?Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: @nandananavekar, host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Bullying is a phenomenon that most of us are familiar with, whether through personal experience or through the stories of friends and colleagues. But what exactly is the impact of bullying on an individual and, in turn, on their community or field of work? In the context of medical science, the consequences can be particularly dire.In the latest episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra's guests are Dr Susanne Täuber and Dr Morteza Mahmoudi. Dr Täuber, an expert in organisational behaviour, was recently terminated for speaking out against discrimination at her institution. Dr Mahmoudi is a radiologist at Michigan State University and co-founder of @AcademicParity movement.Dr Mahmoudi and Dr Täuber teamed up to explore bullying in academic settings. Together with Dr Kalra they discuss why bullies thrive in such environments and the ways institutions enable such behaviour. Dr Täuber offers solutions and a critical overview of institutional narratives, while Dr Mahmoudi highlights the long-term effects on academic work and medicine. They call for action against toxic behaviour and for stakeholders to eliminate incentives for universities to support perpetrators.What prompted Dr Mahmoudi to write about academic bullying? How do we disrupt toxic behaviours? What is Dr Täuber’s and Dr Mahmoud’s message to individuals who have been targeted by perpetrators?Join the petition to reinstate Dr Susanne Täuber: https://openletter.earth/reinstate-susanne-tauber-protect-social-safety-and-academic-freedom-at-the-rug-ed83c085Support Dr Susanne Täuber: https://www.gofundme.com/f/crowdfunding-campaign-to-support-susanne-tauberResources:Täuber S & Mahmoudi M. Disrupting targets’ dependency on bullies. Science 2022.https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abo3412Mahmoudi M. Academic bullying slows the evolution of science. Nat Rev Mater 2023.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-023-00549-xMahmoudi M. Academic bullying: How to be an ally. Science 2021.DOI: 10.1126/science.abl7492Mahmoudi M. A survivor’s guide to academic bullying. Nat Hum Behave 2020.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-020
In 2018, the loss of a friend to suicide compelled Dr Anavekar to embark on a profound journey of contemplative self-exploration. Now, he uses his experience to encourage and guide trainees to pose thought-provoking questions that challenge the status quo of the materialistic approach to medicine, ultimately leading to a more outcome-focused perspective.In this week's episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra sits down with guest Dr Nandan Anavekar, a Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Dr Anavekar also serves as a consultant for both the Cardiovascular and Radiology Departments at Mayo Clinic and is the Program Director for the Adult Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship program.In this episode, Dr Nandan Anavekar emphasizes the importance of inner exploration for physicians. He encourages questions such as "Who am I?" and "What is this world that I reside in?" to foster a deeper understanding of the human condition and patient care.Dr Anavekar also addresses the current cultural shift in cardiology toward measuring success by material possessions and procedures, advocating instead for a focus on outcomes. Dr Kalra probes further, asking how this philosophy can be applied in the Western, and particularly the US healthcare system.What is the Global Cardiology University project? How does Dr Anavekar encourage trainees to re-examine their role in patient care? What is his advice to our listeners?
In the latest episode of Parallax, Dr. Ankur Kalra invites Dr. Vijay Rao, the Governor of the Indiana Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, to share his experience and insights with the audience.Dr. Rao, who also serves as the Director of Heart Failure, Cardio-oncology, and Co-Director of Anticoagulation at Franciscan St. Francis Health, discusses what initially drew him to the Indiana State Chapter of ACC.As Dr. Kalra asks Dr. Rao about the ways in which early career faculty members can get involved with the organization at a state level. Dr. Rao shares his insider tips and highlights key events where individuals can further their participation.Dr. Rao also sheds light on the governorship election process and shares his learnings from his new role. He emphasizes the importance of advocacy and describes the chapter’s efforts to amplify the voice of cardiologists in relation to Roe v. Wade. Dr. Rao encourages healthcare professionals to reframe their perspectives and get involved with advocacy. Dr Rao shares his future plans as a governor and previews the upcoming annual event of the Indiana Chapter.Join Dr. Kalra and Dr. Rao in this engaging and thought-provoking episode of Parallax.How can you get involved with your local ACC chapter? How can you improve your leadership skills? What is Dr Rao’s advice for our listeners?
“We're providing about 20,000 different ingredients in our diet to a gut microbiome that has 4 million genes. And they're processing these 20,000 ingredients at a flood of chemicals.”In this episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra speaks with Dr. Momchilo Vuyisich, co-founder and chief science officer of Viome Life Sciences.Dr Vuyisich shares his personal journey with rheumatoid arthritis and how it led him to explore the intersection of nutrition and the gut microbiome function.He explains how the complexity of nutrition and the compounds generated by the gut microbiome can impact our health. We learn more about three compounds produced by our gut microbiome that have a strong connection with heart disease.Through this conversation, Dr Vuyisich invites us to reframe our approach to nutrition and prevention as a question of food education and data-driven science.What is the effect of red meat and processed food on our gut biome? What can we learn about prevention through understanding gut biome function? How can data-driven science help us make informed choices about nutrition and health?Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: Dr Momo Vuyisich, host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In this week’s Parallax Dr Kalra welcomes back Dr Nijjer for their annual review of the most impactful and controversial cardiovascular trials of 2022.Dr Sukh Nijjer is a Consultant Cardiologist in the UK, he is President of the Royal Society of Medicine and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College of London.The coronary physiology trial FLAVOUR was presented at ACC.22 by Dr Bon Kwon Koo. This South-Korean study compared the safety and efficacy of FFR and IVUS-guided stenting. Dr Nijjer interprets the findings and outlines the take-home messages by describing his practice.Following this, Dr Kalra and Dr Nijjer look at REVIVED-BCIS2 presented at ESC 2022 by Dr Divaka Perera. Dr Nijjer talks about the complexity of running this study that evaluated whether revascularization by PCI can improve outcomes in patients with ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction compared with optimal medical therapy. They distill some of the nuances for practice.Dr Nijjer summarises the all-comers PROTECTED TAVR trial that assessed the use of Sentinel® Cerebral Protection System in patients undergoing TAVR. We learn more about the secondary outcomes and the reception of the results. Dr Kalra shares how the new data impacted his approach.Last, they discuss the implications of Chinese CTS-AMI trial presented at AHA 22 by Dr Yuejin Yang. The trial showed that a traditional remedy, Tongxinluo improved the clinical outcomes of patients with STEMI. Dr Nijjer and Dr Kalra consider the meaning and impact of these trials such as CTS-AMI on Western medicine.How can we interpret some of the controversies from REVIVED? What can we learn from traditional medicinal remedies? What are the key takeaways for clinical practice from the reviewed trials?Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: @SukhNijjer, host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Parallax features a guest episode from the new podcast Neurophilia by Nupur Goel.Do you think and act with your mind or heart? How about both?Neurocardiology refers to the intersection between the fields of neurology and cardiology. The mind and heart are deeply interconnected in terms of anatomy, physiology, and various pathologic states.This episode features a vascular neurologist and an interventional cardiologist who will discuss the relationship between their two fields of medicine.Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic. He completed his residency and fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic and was the former medical director of their mobile stroke program. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Buletko serves as an Assistant Professor at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University and is the current Program Director of the Adult Neurology Residency program for the Cleveland Clinic.Dr. Ankur Kalra is an interventional cardiologist, and founder of the non-profit startup, makeadent.org. He is director of Barry J. Maron Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center in New Delhi, India. He is also the host of the cardiology podcast show, Parallax. He has presented late-breaking science at national and international scientific cardiovascular meetings, and has published over 250 scientific manuscripts in various peer-reviewed journals. His past appointments include interventional cardiologist, associate professor, and medical director of clinical research for regional cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.Check out the Neurophilia podcast by Dr Nupur Goel: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurophilia/id1654775116
“Medical school cannot, and should not, feel easy—but it should feel worthwhile” – these are the opening words of Dr Kittleson’s book, Mastering the Art of Patient Care. Dr Kittleson’s book is not only a great resource for patient care, but a heartful companion to early career faculty as well.Dr Kalra’s guest on Parallax this week is Dr Michelle Kittleson, Professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, Director of Education in Heart Failure and Transplantation and Director of Heart Failure Research at the Smidt Heart Institute.Coming from generations of doctors, Dr Kittleson describes herself first and foremost a dedicated clinician. With her new book, Dr Kittleson offers her mentorship and shares her advice on how to make patient care fulfilling for both clinicians and patients.In this rich and insightful discussion, Dr Kittleson talks about the origins of famous #kittlesonrules, a collection of tips for doctors shared on Twitter, and her thoughts on mentorship. We learn more about Mastering the Art of Patient Care. Dr Kalra and Dr Kittleson discuss strategies for managing difficult situations in patient care.You can find out more about Mastering the Art of Patient Care here: https://t.co/zdJT2MWl6JHow do you pick a medical programme? How can you define your medical style? What can you learn from Mastering the Art of Patient Care?Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: @MKIttlesonMD, host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
“The hospitals like things just the way they are. It gives them almost complete immunity for any peer reviews, good faith, or bad faith, that they conduct against a physician.” The Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 considers accused physicians to be guilty of the charges unless and until they can prove their innocence. Over the years many hospitals abused the peer review system to extort and silence competent physicians. Dr Lawrence Huntoon, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, returns for a deep dive into the topic of the hospital peer review system. In this second episode of our medico-legal series, Dr Kalra invites Dr Huntoon for an overview of the key terminologies and processes of the hospital peer review system.Dr Huntoon summarises some of key actions you can take as a physician to prepare and defend yourself. We learn more about different sham peer review tactics through recent cases. Dr Huntoon shares his thoughts on what we can do to create a just system and better future for practicing physicians. What do you need to know about hospital investigations? What is the difference between OPPE and FPPE? How can you get educated on hospital bylaws and processes? Get involved with the work of AAPS and access more free-to-access resources on this topic: https://aapsonline.org Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: Dr Lawrence R Huntoon Host: @AnkurKalraMD Produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
“Sham peer review or malicious peer review is defined as the abuse of a medical peer review process to attack a doctor for personal or other non-medical reasons.”“Most doctors — warns Dr Kaki — do not understand that ultimately your privileges are not dictated by your colleagues through a fair process, but hospital administration controls our destiny”. In 2018, Dr Kaki was subject to a campaign of retaliation that set out to revoke the well-respected cardiologist’s privileges. Today, Dr Kaki is Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support at Ascension and Clinical Associate Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine.In this week’s Parallax Dr Kalra’s guests are the team that fought for justice in Dr Kaki’s case: Dr Lawrence R Huntoon, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons and Deborah Gordon, employment attorney.Dr Kaki walks us through his Kafkaesque experience and the knowledge he acquired during his battle with his former hospital. We get insight into the stages of a peer review process and the role of key stakeholders. Dr Huntoon, expert in this field, helps us put Dr Kaki’s experience in context and talks about the prevalence of sham peer reviews through shocking cases. Ms Gordon supports the discussions with practical tips and insights on the role of an attorney. Join Ankur and his guests for a must listen show on your rights as a physician.What do you need to know about the hospital peer review process and your rights? What can you do if targeted? What is Dr Kaki’s advice to physicians?Stay tuned for Part 2 of Parallax’s Medico-Legal series with Dr Kalra and Dr Huntoon.Resource: https://shmpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jhm.12903Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guests: @DrAmirKaki, Dr Lawrence R Huntoon and Deborah Gordon host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In 2017, Rohin Francis AKA Medlife Crisis uploaded a YouTube video titled “Leonardo da Vinci's theory about the heart was right”. This first video about how the heart valves close was watched by 412K people, garnering more than 700 comments from a diverse audience who connected to the subject with fascination, curiosity and humour.This week’s guest on Parallax is Dr Rohin Francis, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust and prolific YouTuber.Rohin believes that authenticity is one of the keys of his videos’ success. When asked about his journey to medicine he summarises: “I was being rebellious and ended up doing the most cliché job for an Indian possible.” He turns the table and asks Ankur what he think is behind the stereotype of the Indian cardiologist.Rohin shares an advice that he received at the beginning of his career: “If you can deal with an average day, the exciting day will take care of itself.”Ankur asks Rohin about Medlife Crisis and the work that goes into producing a show followed by 500K people. Rohin reiterates his passion for research and science communication. Ankur and Rohin discuss what it means to be yourself on social media and what is Rohin’s advice to our early-career listeners.What is Rohin’s advice for aspiring creators? How does he balance his work and personal life?Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: @MedCrisis, host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
This week’s episode is dedicated to one of the biggest cardiovascular meetings, AHA’s Scientific Sessions. Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest is Dr Manesh Patel, chair of the AHA Committee on Scientific Sessions and Chief of the Division of Cardiology and Co-Director of the Heart Center at Duke University.Year on year, the organisers of the Scientific Sessions aim to give platform to cardiovascular science at its best: innovative, impactful, and collaborative.In this information-packed episode, Dr Patel takes us behind the scenes and talks about the work that goes into the curation of the programme and the considerations that shape the event. Dr Kalra asks Dr Patel about his highlights over the years and the movement and changes that he observed as vice chair and chair of the event. Dr Patel elaborates on the key late-breaking science trials in 2022. Dr Kalra and Dr Patel discuss the grading system of the award applications and share some useful information with our listeners.What does Dr Patel think about the function of the Scientific Sessions? What happens after you submit your application to an award? How do the organisers concert a balance between the scientific and the social need of a global community?Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest: @manesh_patelMD, host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
This week's Parallax is hosting a guest episode recorded for Internal Medicine & Beyond. Tune in to this new podcast from Dr Varun Aitharaju.Exploring Art & Advancement Within Medicine - A Conversation with an Interventional CardiologistDr. Ankur Kalra MD is an interventional cardiologist, entrepreneur, poet, and podcaster. In this episode, he discusses his journey in cardiology. He shares his non-clinical passions, including leading a non-profit organization and publishing a poetry book, and provides advice to future physicians on how to balance clinical medicine with other passions. Tune in for an extremely inspirational episode!
This week’s Parallax episode is focusing on the latest science and questions surrounding one of the conundrums of cardiovascular science: Lipoprotein(a).Dr. Ankur Kalra invites Dr Salim S Virani to help simplify the concept of Lp(a) with answering key questions about its measurement and its place in practice and prevention.Dr Virani is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program and Vice Provost of Research at Aga Khan University from early next year.Lp(a) was first described in 1963. Since then, many epidemiologic studies have noted association of high Lp(a) levels with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, however, the role of this particle remained a conundrum (Kamstrup, 2017). New data from the development of novel drugs are offering strong evidence on the causality between Lp(a) and ASCVD and AVS (Kronenber et al. 2022).Dr Virani, one of the authors of the new European Atherosclerosis Society consensus statement on Lipoprotein(a) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis, summarises the key concepts, shares his advice on clinical practice and talks about emerging therapies.What is Lp(a) and what are the main associations? In what patient population should we lower LP(a)? What do you tell patients about Lp(a) testing and how easy it is to get it tested?Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.Guest: @virani_md, host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Back by popular demand, Dr Ankur Kalra's guest is Dr Purvi Parwani, Director of Women’s Cardiovascular Disease Clinic and Assistant Professor at Loma Linda University Medical Center, US.
In this ESC 2022 edition of Parallax, Ankur asks Purvi to review her highlights of the congress. Purvi details the study design and key findings of each trial and provides her insights after attending the event in Barcelona. Ankur and Purvi discuss how each trial will inform their practice.
Trials covered in detail include:
- REVIVED: Study of Efficacy and Safety of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention to Improve Survival in Heart Failure (NCT01920048)
- DANCAVAS: Danish Cardiovascular Screening Trial II (NCT03946410)
- DELIVER: Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the LIVEs of Patients With PReserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure (NCT03619213)
- SECURE: Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in the Elderly Trial (NCT02596126)
- INVICTUS: INVestIgation of rheumatiC AF Treatment Using Vitamin K Antagonists, Rivaroxaban or Aspirin Studies, Non-Inferiority (NCT02832544)
What are the key take-home messages of ESC 22? How can we implement these findings into daily practice? Where are the opportunities for further research?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest: @purviparwani, host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Dr Sohail Khan was working as an interventional cardiologist in Salt Lake City, but he was growing more and more skeptical of the corporate aspects of his job. He had a dream about moving back to Pakistan and building a hospital there. Following the death of a colleague, he decided to take a leap.
In this inspiring episode, Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest is Dr Sohail Khan, Chief Operating Officer at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karāchi.
Dr Khan talks about education in the US and his decision to move back to Pakistan. Ankur asks Sohail about his new professional home: NICVD, a free clinic providing primary heartcare for Pakistanis. They discuss some of the innovations Dr Khan works on to improve patient care that utilise simple but effective interventions. We learn more about free screening clinics and about Dr Khan’s work on the largest ever study in Pakistan on association of Lpa and CV disease in South Asians.
What were the considerations for Dr Khan when he decided to move to Pakistan? What is his advice to our listeners?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest,@SKhanMHCM hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Dr Dipti Itchhaporia, 70th President of American College of Cardiology (ACC), always met her fears with actions. One of her motivations to become a cardiologist was to be able to act in the face of acute situations. When Dr Itchhaporia, the fifth woman and the first of South Asian descent to fill in this position, was asked to summarise her presidential year, she answered: flourishing in opposition of languishing.
Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest in this episode of Parallax is Dr Dipti Itchhaporia, ACC Immediate-Past President, an interventional cardiologist and the Eric and Sheila Samson Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Health, director of disease management for Hoag Heart and Vascular Institute, and associate professor at the University of California, School of Medicine.
In this personal interview, Dr Itchhaporia recalls her early years and the influences and decisions that led her to medicine and cardiology. She talks about her connection to ACC and the importance of choosing a professional home where one can find their purpose under the mentorship of their community. Ankur asks Dr Itchhaporia about the most memorable moments of her presidency. They talk about South Asian identity and curbing CVD in this population.
How does Dr Itchhaporia think about representation and the meaning of her historical position at ACC? What is Dr Itchhaporia’s message to women in cardiology?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest, @ditchhaporia hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
“Seek refuge in the attitude of detachment and you will amass the wealth of spiritual awareness. The one who is motivated only by the desire for the fruits of their action, and anxious about the results, is miserable indeed.” Bhagavad Gita
In medical school, Dr Chinnaiyan was fascinated with embryology. The question that used to hunt her was how does once cell know to differentiate into so many different organs: what is that knowledge?
In this week’s Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Dr. Kavitha Chinnaiyan cardiologist, Professor of Medicine at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and accomplished author.
This nurturing episode focuses on questions that touch on what it is that we seek as human beings and how can we cultivate awareness and authenticity while practicing modern medicine. Ankur asks Kavitha about what it means to be spiritual as a cardiologist. Kavitha talks about the experiences made possible by mindfulness. They discuss the difference between conditioning and growth. Kavitha talks about burn out and how we could make changes by embracing medicine not only as a measurable science but as an art.
What is happiness? How can we become more authentic by letting go of judgements? What can we achieve by looking at medicine not only as a science, but as an art?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest, @ChinnaiyanMD hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
You can find Drs Ankur Kalra, Erin Michos and Kavitha Chinnaiyan’s article on COVID-19 and the healthcare workers here: https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/31/2936/5851729?login=false
At the beginning of her career, Prof Lam thought that being able to multi-task is one of her strengths. After many accomplishments as a cardiologist and a researcher, she believes that there is more power in focus and being fully present.
This week’s guest on Parallax is Professor Carolyn Lam, Senior Consultant and Director of Women's Heart Health at the National Heart Centre Singapore, Professor at the Duke-National University of Singapore and co-founder of Us2.ai, an award-wining medtech start-up as well as the host of the Circulation on the Run Podcast.
In this refreshing and spiritual episode Carolyn reflects on her journey and the decisions and mentors that shaped her career as a heart failure specialist, trialist and as a public speaker. Ankur and Carolyn dive into the question whether being balanced is what we should be all aiming for. Ankur asks Carolyn about her work as a co-founder of Us2.ai, a start-up dedicated to the automation of the fight against heart disease by applying AI to echocardiography.
What makes Prof Carolyn Lam tick? What does spirituality and faith mean to Prof Lam? What are her thoughts on the role of AI in the democratization of medicine? What is her advice to our listeners?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest, @lamcardio hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Even though Dr Fisher was excelling in his chosen vocation, cardiovascular medicine, over time he lost his sense of purpose. Despite his success, he felt wounded and disconnected. His training predisposed him to suppress his emotions when faced with suffering and tragedy in order to be a better doctor. Today, Dr Fisher is at the forefront of the campaign to end clinician burnout.
This week’s guest on Parallax is Dr Jonathan Fisher Cardiologist and Organizational Well-Being and Resiliency Leader at Novant Health.
In this insightful and solution seeking episode, Dr Fisher shares how his journey to build a well-balanced relationship with his profession paved a way for his role as Organizational Well-Being and Resiliency Leader. Dr Kalra and Dr Fisher discuss the need for a more human faced medical education and an open dialogue about wellness and emotional wellbeing. They talk about interventions that can have huge impact on individuals and institutions alike.
What are the warning signs of burnout? How can institutions tackle systemic problems? What are some of the conversations that can help? What is Dr Fisher’s advice to our listeners?
Follow this link to learn more about Ending Clinician Burnout Global Community: https://endingphysicianburnout.com
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest, Dr Jonathan Fisher @happyheartmd)hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In 1999, when Shelley Wood started her career in medical journalism, there were only a few online resources. The main function of reporting on medical news was to make information accessible. Two decades later there is an abundant number of sources covering cardiology news, but TCTMD, home of Ms Wood, stands out with its “lively, thought-provoking, and rigorously objective journalism”.1
This week’s guest on Parallax is Shelley Wood, Managing Editor of TCTMD, Editorial Director at CRF and 2022 recipient of the WomenHeart’s Wenger Award for Excellence in Media.
In this engaging episode, Ankur asks Shelley about her journey to medical journalism from theheart.org to TCTMD. Shelley recalls the early days of online news and shares her thoughts on what makes a content stand out in 2022. We learn more about the editorial decisions that go into leading one of the most trusted cardiology news services. Shelley, author of a bestselling novel, talks about how she balances her journalistic work with her creative writing.
How does Shelley Wood think about cardiology journalism today? What makes content good? What are Shelley’s plans as an editor and as a writer?
- https://www.crf.org/crf/news-and-events/news/news/1539-shelley-wood-joins-the-cardiovascular-research-foundation-as-editorial-director-2
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest, @ShelleyWood2 hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Years ago, Dr Bhatt, an early adopter of telemedicine, had difficult news for her patient that she wanted share with him in person. Her patient was resistant and they scheduled a video meeting. The patient asked Dr Bhatt to let him hear the news surrounded by his family in the safety of his home. Dr Bhatt learnt that she needed to listen to patients about how they want to be told things and how these interactions might effect them.
This week’s guest on Parallax is Dr Ami Bhatt, Chief Innovation Officer of ACC, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and Director of the ACHD program at Massachusetts.
In this engaging and in-depth episode, Dr Kalra and Dr Bhatt talk about the state of digital transformation today: They discuss the challenges and opportunities of telemedicine, artificial ‘collaborative’ intelligence and novel technologies that could enhance medical training. Dr Kalra asks Dr Bhatt about how she balances her responsibilities and her tips for approaching complex problems. Dr Bhatt also shares insights on the practicalities of her role as Chief Innovation Officer of ACC.
What is the next frontier in cardiovascular medicine? How can we best utilise available technology in medicine? What is Dr Bhatt’s advice to our audience?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest, Dr @AmiBhattMD hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
The projects that Dr Cherwek, the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Humanitarian Award, values the most unite the following attributes: Simple, globally available, and impactful: In a recent study done in tea pickers in Assam, India, Dr Cherwek and his team first measured the impact of near eyesight correction on productivity and income. PROSPER showed that simple interventions can significantly improve the standard of living for communities.
This week guest on Parallax is Dr Hunter Cherwek, ophthalmologist and Vice President of Clinical Services at Orbis International.
In this unique episode Dr Kalra and Dr Cherwek discuss highly innovative solutions in ophthalmology that could be implemented in cardiovascular medicine. They talk about AI assisted consultation, learning pathways incorporating simulators for early career practitioners and the Flying Eye Hospital. Dr Cherwek shares his experiences about working with local teams globally and the work that goes into setting up trials across the world.
How can we incorporate AI into practice and what does Dr Cherwek say to the sceptics? How can we make medical training accessible for more residents? What is Dr Cherwek’s advice to our listeners?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest, Dr Hunter Cherwek hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In a 1-minute video, wearing scrubs, Dr Siyab, Md voices his concerns over the decision to end mask mandate on certain US airlines. “The people that are so intensely against these mask mandates, they are not the ones who are taking buses or trains to get to work and get back home every day because they are part of the privileged class.” Dr Siyab’s mission is to be a voice of reason and appeal to those who are hesitant or against getting vaccines. His plight goes out to his 405.3K followers on TikTok every day.
This week’s guest on Parallax is Dr Muhammad Siyab, PGY-6 Cardiology Fellow at Tulane University Heart and Vascular Institute.
In this engaging episode Dr Siyab talks about what prompted him to take a public stand on social media and why did he choose the video-based platform. Ankur and Muhammad talk about inherent authenticity and connecting with others through media. Ankur asks Muhammad about the work that goes into creating videos and his thoughts about his role both as an influencer and a physician.
What is the TikTok phenomenon? How can we use criticism and turn it into valuable feedback from the public?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest, @drsiyabmd hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
“There is a significant disparity in the inclusion of women on all national guideline committees, in addition to serving as a chair of cardiology guidelines. Further advocacy is required to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in our cardiology guidelines globally.” Rai D, et al. JAHA. 22
Why are we talking about inclusion, diversity, and equity? Recent years have seen many studies on the inequalities in representation of women in cardiology and yet the needle has not been moved as much as we hoped for. What does the data on the authorship of the guidelines tell us and what can be done to balance the scale?
Dr Ankur Kalra’s guests this week are Dr Martha Gulati, internationally recognized cardiologist specializing in Women and Heart Disease, Heart Disease Prevention and Dr Devesh Rai, first year cardiology fellow at Rochester General Hospital.
In this insightful and action-oriented episode Dr Gulati, chair of the recent 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain, talks about the guideline development process and the factors that can dictate the questions of representations and the integration of the latest findings. Next, Dr Rai shares insights from a recent study that compared gender differences in the authorship of the US, Canadian, and European Cardiology Guidelines From 2006 to 2020. Dr Kalra invites Dr Gulati and Dr Rai to share their take on how progress can be achieved through advocacy and what are the facts we can build on.
Read the full paper here: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/epub/10.1161/JAHA.121.024249
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guests, @DrMarthaGulati & @DeveshRaiMDhosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
How can you navigate challenges whilst keeping an eye on your goals and your mission?
This week’s guest on Parallax is Dr Nadia Sutton, Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Section of Interventional Cardiology at University of Michigan.
In this engaging and constructive episode, Nadia recalls her journey to medicine and reflects on the life decisions she had to make along the way: What is the career path that will get us closer to our mission? When is the right time to start family planning? How can we develop resilience in face of rejection? Nadia recalls the conversations with her colleagues and mentors as she progressed in her career. She talks about the practical aspects of tenure track and grant application. Ankur and Nadia discuss the importance of goal setting and exercising a positive mindset.
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest, @nadia_sutton hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Chemical engineering seemed like a sensible choice for Shon who is coming from a family of engineers. At the age of 18 the trajectory of his path took a turn when he blindly sent out 30 resumes and received one offer from a cardiologist to work in his lab. Looking back, he realizes that this was the first time “who” luck shaped his career in medicine.
This week’s guest on Parallax is Dr Shon Chakrabarti, Vice President Medical Affairs at Inari Medical.
In this rich and candid episode, Dr Chakrabarti recalls the early stages of his career and the non-linear route that led to his transition from an interventional cardiologist to working on devices that focus on improving the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This journey was paved by self-reflection, hunger for tangible results, and connections with mentors who dared to dream big and wished the same for their mentees.
How did the transition from bedside medicine to industry shape the identity of Dr Chakrabarti? What are the highlights of his job as the Vice President Medical Affairs? What is his advice for early career cardiologists?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest, @shonmd hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Joe’s journey as a patient with congenital heart disease set him on a route of becoming a professional patient advocate. Since 2016, his non-profit organisation, Team Uncle Joe is helping patients and families to better understand and help navigate CHD.
Parallax host Dr Ankur Kalra invites Joe Valente, a Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) and Co-Founder of Team Uncle Joe, to talk about his mission and practical considerations involving CHD care both from a patient and a healthcare provider perspective. In this informative and practical episode, Joe shares details about the process of getting certified as a BCPA and about the work that goes into setting up a non-profit organization. We learn more about how he and his team can support patients with CHD and what he considers to be the pillar of good patient-doctor communication.
To learn more about Joe’s work please visit this website: https://teamunclejoe.org
What were the most educational and the empowering experiences as a patient for Joe? What does being a Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) mean? How can Team Uncle Joe support patients?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @@JoeyV1in100, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
In 2005, the concept of hemorrhagic MI was a preformed idea. In 2022, after years of collaboration, technical advances and research, the findings on large MI size have the potential to fundamentally improve the care of patients suffering from heart attacks.
In this week’s Parallax podcast, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Rohan Dharmakumar, Executive Director of the Krannert Cardiovascular Research Center at IU School of Medicine, to talk about his research on hemorrhagic myocardial infarction (MI).
In this in-depth and engaging episode, Dr Kalra and Dr Dharmakumar invite us to a journey from the inception of the idea through the application of experimental imagining with serial scans to collaborative, mechanistic studies that shed light on an unmet clinical need.
What is the concept of hemorrhagic MI? How can these findings be translated to clinical practice? How can we mitigate hemorrhagic MI?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @rohandkumar1, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
"There is a high global prevalence of hostile work environment in cardiology, including discrimination, emotional harassment, and sexual harassment.” Sharma G. et al. JACC 2021.
Dr Naidu was at the beginning of his career when, having experienced micro-aggression, his chairman shared an insight that still shapes the way he thinks about addressing professional jealousy and bullying: “Don’t let people bring you down, you just keep working and lift them up.”
In this week's Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Srihari S Naidu, Director of Cath Labs and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at the Westchester Medical Center and President Elect of NY ACC, for an honest conversation on a challenging topic within the cardiology community.
Cardiology, a highly competitive field, still generates the sense that power is equal to strength. In this insightful and practical episode, Hari revisits his own experiences both as a leader and as a trainee, navigating complex situations. What can you do as a target when being bullied? How can hostile environment, cliques be best addressed? Ankur asks what skills are needed to help mitigate the emotional impact of intimidation. Hari elaborates on what it means to belong to a team, and how can leaders at a local level work for an inclusive community, a better cardiology for all.
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @SrihariNaiduMD, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
In the second part of Parallax’s review of 2021, Dr Sukh Nijjer, Interventional Cardiologist from Imperial College London, and Dr Ankur Kalra discuss key advances in the field of heart failure and cardiac surgery.
SGLT2 inhibitors are proving to be the blockbuster drug of this decade: Sukh summarises and compares the learnings from DAPA-HF, Emperor-Reduced, and Emperor-Preserved. Next, Sukh highlights the data from SOLOIST-WHF that showed sotagliflozin to have beneficial effects on CV outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes and HF. Additionally, they discuss how findings on finerenone (FIGARO-DKD) will shape the field. Sukh talks about the semaglutide and the STEP studies, an injectable medication that further expends cardiologist knowledge beyond their speciality. Ankur and Sukh reflect on how the advancement of this field shaped their own practices.
2021 was a busy year for cardiac surgery trials: Sukh and Ankur review the most pertinent data from the AVATAR randomised study presented at AHA 2021. Sukh interprets the outcomes and asks Ankur about his clinical experiences. Finally, they review the investigator led LAAOS III study that showed patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardiac surgery, left atrial appendage occlusion was superior to no occlusion.
What were the top practice informing heart failure trials of 2021? What does the latest data say on current cardiac surgery practices? How will these findings inform patient care?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @SukhNijjer, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
In the last Parallax episode of the year, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomed back Dr Sukh Nijjer, Interventional Cardiologist from Imperial College London, to review the most impactful events and advances in cardiology from 2021.
This year we had a number of studies that helped clarify our understanding of the world of antiplatelets: First, Ankur and Sukh discuss the take-home messages from HOST-EXAM, a Korean study presented at ACC 2021. They discuss their clinical experiences within the UK and US setting. Next, Sukh talks about the STOPDAPT-2 ACS study, presented at ESC 2021. Sukh interprets the findings in the light of TWILIGHT and summarises his thoughts on the therapy.
2021 was not a great year for physiology: Sukh shares his take on FLOWER-MI, presented at ACC 2021. He offers a deep dive into the data and highlights both the importance of the findings and the limitations of the study. Next, they discuss RIPCORD 2 from ESC 2021 and finally, Sukh highlights the findings from the FAME 3 trial.
What is the importance of genotype testing in the world of antiplatelets? What are the considerations for clinicians? Should we stop using FFR? How can we incorporate novel findings to patient care? What are the practical considerations that we should take into account when looking at the physiology trials of 2021?
Stay tuned for Part 2 - heart failure and surgical trials coming in 2022.
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @SukhNijjer, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
In this AHA 2021 episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest is Dr Amit Khera, Professor and Director of Preventive Cardiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas and Vice Chair of the Scientific Sessions.
For this week’s show, Dr Khera selected three thought-provoking late-breaking trials that will inform or change clinical practice. Ankur and Amit discuss how the AVATAR trial will influence guidelines, and whether these findings could be translated to TAVR. Most importantly, they discuss how AVATAR’s results could inform patient decisions. Next, Dr Khera highlights a randomized trial that was designed to address the needs of a larger population. The China Rural Hypertension Control Project offers exciting insights and an innovative framework for relying on social healthcare work. Lastly, Dr Kalra and Dr Khera discuss a trial that investigated the LDL-cholesterol lowering efficacy of MK-0616. This oral PCSK9 Inhibitor may open the door for more patients in the future.
What were the key findings? What are the take-home messages? How will these 3 trials foster new opportunities for patients?
Trials covered in detail include: • Aortic Valve Replacement versus Watchful Waiting in Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis: The Avatar Trial • A Cluster Randomized Trial of a Village Doctor-Led Intervention on Blood Pressure Control: China Rural Hypertension Control Project • The Clinical Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and LDL-Cholesterol Lowering Efficacy of MK-0616, an Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @dramitkhera hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
In this TCT 2021 episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest is Prof Mamas Mamas, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), Professor of Cardiology at Keele University and Senior Clinical Editor of TCTmd.
Ankur invites Mamas to talk about the clinical relevance of some of the top studies presented at TCT 2021. Mamas summarises the studies, some of their salient features and the findings. Ankur and Mamas discuss the strategies they currently apply in their US and UK based practices and share how they think the novel data will guide their decision-making.
What are the questions that emerged from the new data? What are the controversies? How do these trials challenge our current practice?
Trials covered in detail include: FAME 3: A Randomized Trial of FFR-Guided Stenting Compared With CABG EROSION III: A Randomized Trial of OCT-Guided Intervention in STEMI Patients With Early Infarct Artery Patency OPTIMUM: Early Outcomes From a Prospective Registry of PCI in Patients at Prohibitive Risk for CABG
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @mmamas1973 hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO. Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
Dr. Pandey, a recipient of multiple awards, thinks about himself as a person driven by curiosity rather than passion. He believes that his interest in solving problems helped him to navigate successes and failures as an early-career researcher.
In celebration of Diwali, Dr. Ankur Kalra sat down with Dr. Ambarish Pandey, Assistant Professor at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, to talk about his career path and the questions that shaped his decision-making over the years.
In this candid and insightful interview, Ambarish talks about his training in India and the factors that contributed to his decision to continue his work in the US. He shares how preparing for a journal club led him to studying novel epiphenomenon in large data sets, as well as the practical aspects of applying for funding and developing questions.
What is the meaning of success and failure in academic medicine? What are the questions that guide Dr. Pandey? What does he consider key for his success in academic career? What is his message for our listeners?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @ambarish4786, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
This week’s Parallax in collaboration with the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) explores the many ways organisations can embrace the needs of a diverse community and create a culture that can react to the realities of patientcare.
Host Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest is Dr Nancy M. Albert, Immediate Past President of HFSA and Associate Chief Nursing Officer of the Office of Research and Innovation at the Cleveland Clinic.
In this episode, Dr Albert reflects on the society’s work to cater to the needs of its multidisciplinary members. Dr Kalra asks Dr Albert about HFSA vision statement and the different factors that were considered to put words into actions. They discuss the importance of recruiting a diverse group of volunteers. Dr Albert shares her experiences as a mentor and her tips on how to foster talent, including nurses and other advanced practice providers.
How can people get involved with HFSA? What mentorship opportunities are available? How has HFSA fostered deeper involvement of early career members? What is Dr Albert’s message to our listeners?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @nancy_m_albert hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO. Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
In the second ESC 2021 episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest is Dr. Mirvat Alasnag, interventional Cardiologist and Director of Catheterization Laboratory at the King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital (KFAFH) in Saudi Arabia. Dr Alasnag was a programme committee member at this year’s ESC and regional PI of one of the late-breaking trials presented.
Ankur invites Mirvat to review the interventional cardiology highlights of the congress. Mirvat summarises the background and latest evidence from the trials and their importance. Ankur and Mirvat discuss the strategies they apply currently and how they think the novel data will guide their decision-making.
Trials covered in detail include: STOPDAPT-2 ACS: one-month dual antiplatelet therapy followed by clopidogrel monotherapy in acute coronary syndrome TOMAHAWK: immediate angiography after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest ENVISAGE-TAVI AF: edoxaban vs. vitamin K antagonists after TAVI in patients with atrial fibrillation RIPCORD 2: does routine pressure wire assessment influence management strategy of coronary angiography for diagnosis of chest pain? MASTER DAPT: dual antiplatelet therapy after coronary stenting in high bleeding risk patients
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @mirvatalasnag hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO. Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
In this week’s episode Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest is Dr. Purvi Parwani, Director of Women’s Cardiovascular Disease Clinic and Assistant Professor at Loma Linda University Medical Center. In this special ESC 2021 edition of Parallax, Ankur asks Purvi to review the highlights of the congress. Purvi summarises the design and findings of the trials and their importance in the treatment of patients. Ankur and Purvi discuss how the novel data presented at ESC will inform their practice.
Trials covered in detail include • SSaSS: Effect of Salt Substitution on Cardiovascular Events and Death, • STEP: Intensive vs. standard blood pressure control among older hypertensive patients • EMPEROR-Preserved and Pooled: Effect of empagliflozin on cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalisations in patients with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction, with and without diabetes, • LOOP: Screening for AF with an implantable loop recorder to prevent stroke compared with results of the STROKESTOP trial, • IAMI: Influenza Vaccination after Myocardial Infarction randomised trial.
What are the take-home messages of ESC 21? How can we utilise the findings in our practice? What are the questions that need further investigation?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @purviparwani, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
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“It was this sense of finally belonging somewhere that sparked my journey to self-love.” -Nasrien E. Ibrahim, Sparkplug
Being an advanced heart failure and transplant specialist compelled Dr. Ibrahim to look at life from a different perspective: “With transplants you are seeing the extremes of life and death.” Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest is Dr Nasrien Ezzeldin Ibrahim, Director of Heart Failure Clinical Research at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute and the writer of SPARKPLUG: The Roadmap to Confidently Ignite and Navigate Your Career Without Compromising Your Dreams. Dr Nasrien E. Ibrahim left Saudi Arabia and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio at age 15, because her expatriate parents wanted to provide the best educational opportunities for their four Sudanese-Egyptian children. The move was heart-breaking for Nasrien, and it took years for her to feel a sense of belonging.
In this candid episode of Parallax, Nasrien and Ankur open up about their experiences of being an immigrant. Ankur asks Nasrien about her journey to medicine. Nasrien shares the lessons she took away from her years under the mentorship of Dr JoAnn Lindenfeld and later, Dr. James Januzzi. Finally, Nasrien shares her recent experience of writing Sparkplug and how she embraced life with its imperfections and found her purpose.
What were the formative experiences of Dr Nasrien E. Ibrahim? What does she think about charity? And what is her message to our listeners?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @DrNasrien, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
How can we change the language of medicine to set up patients for success? This was one of the questions of Dr Lala when she met a young father with acute heart failure. After talking with him, she replaced the word failure with function. This seemingly small change created a real difference for the patient. How can we create real understanding through words? How can scientific publishing aid diversity, equity and inclusion?
This week’s episode starts a series in collaboration with the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). Host, Ankur Kalra’s guests are Robert Mentz and Anuradha Lala Senior Editorial Team of the Journal of Cardiac Failure (JCF), the official journal of the HFSA and the Japanese Heart Failure Society (JHFS).
In this practical and insightful episode, Dr Kalra asks what does diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging mean to the editorial board of JCF and what were the steps taken to put these principles into practice. Dr Mentz and Dr Lala walk us through how they examined existing practices and turned ideas and core values into action, including transparency and diversity, while creating an atmosphere that is open to innovation.
How can we mandate diverse authorship? What prompted JCF to introduce an early career section? How can we stand by what we are putting forth?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guests @robmentz & @dranulala, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
The views expressed in this episode do not reflect the views of the Heart Failure Society of America or the Journal of Cardiac Failure and all views expressed herein are those of the guests appearing on the show.
Dr. Bansilal was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai when he decided to seek out an alternative pathway to make an impact on patients’ lives.
Dr. Ankur Kalra’s guest this week is Dr. Sameer Bansilal, Executive Director of U.S Medical Affairs of Cardiovascular and Renal at Bayer Pharmaceutical.
After years with the TIMI Study Group, Sameer made the decision to leave academic medicine to join the pharmaceutical industry. He was not alone with this career move; Dr. Jessica Mega had just joined Google Life Sciences and Dr. Laura Mauri became the Vice President of Medtronic. The image of being a physician at pharma was going through a change. In this informative and honest conversation, Sameer shares his personal journey and the transformation that his new job required. Ankur and Sameer talk about expanding our views and our pilgrimage as readers. Ankur asks Sameer about the positive and negative aspects of his current job. Sameer addresses some of the preconceptions related to physicians working for the industry and shares his advice for early and mid-career cardiologists who are considering this option.
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @GarimaVSharmaMD, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
Early in his career, Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt was considering becoming a basic science researcher. After an exchange with one of his mentors about doing science for the science’s sake, he had a self-realisation: He wanted his work to have a direct impact on patient care.
In the 50th episode of Parallax, Dr. Ankur Kalra’s guest is Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt leading physician, researcher, lecturer, and educator who has authored or co-authored over 1650 publications and was recipient of the ACC’s Distinguished Mentor Award in 2018 and AHA’s Distinguished Scientist Award in 2019.
In this candid and personal interview, Dr. Bhatt talks about the lessons he took away from being a proceduralist and how he applies them in his everyday life. Dr. Kalra asks Dr. Bhatt to share some of the housekeeping rules that guided him over the years. We learn more about the importance of mentorship and the people who shaped Dr. Bhatt. He reflects on what it means to be a physician and a researcher while he considers what makes scientific work impactful. Finally, Dr. Bhatt shares what he considers to be one of the most important personality traits of a good physician and/or researcher.
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @DLBHATTMD, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
The American College of Cardiology surveyed cardiologists across the globe to have a more detailed understanding on the impact of hostility, discrimination, and harassment in the workplace. Of almost 6000 cardiologists who took part in the survey 44% reported hostile work environment.
Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest this week is Dr Garima Sharma, Director of CardioObstetrics and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University as well as an investigator of the “Global Prevalence and Impact of Hostility, Discrimination, and Harassment in the Cardiology Workplace”.
According to Dr Sharma, the culture of a place is defined by what is tolerated. In this introspective and solution-seeking interview Garima explains how can microaggressions be identified and how does institutional culture normalise hostility by numbing the victims and making allowances for the perpetrators. In light of the data, they talk about the burden on early career cardiologists, and examine the role of institutions, senior faculty, and bystanders. Garima summarises the potential solutions and calls for making cardiology a viable option for all.
What is Dr Sharma’s take-home message from the ACC survey on hostile work environment? What could be the root causes of hostile behaviour? What are some of the solutions for work equity?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @GarimaVSharmaMD, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
"A failure to finish is a failure to start"
In this week's latest podcast episode, host, Ankur Kalra, MD, meets guest Prof Madhav Swaminathan (Duke University Health System, NC, US) to discuss how he has orchestrated a major humanitarian effort, in association with Duke University Health and The American Society of Echocardiography, to supply ventilation equipment and PPE to hospitals and NGOs during the current COVID-19 crisis in New Delhi, India.
Hear them discuss the challenges and learnings associated with the supply chain, inventory, logistics and cost to deliver this humanitarian effort; which most recently resulted in $140,000 of life-changing equipment being delivered to four key hospitals in New Delhi. A most inspirational episode.
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @mswami001, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
Over the past two years, Parallax listeners have gotten to know Dr Ankur Kalra through his conversations with our guests. In this episode, we turned the tables and invited CardioNerds co-founder Dr Amit Goyal to reintroduce Dr Ankur Kalra interventional cardiologist, researcher, writer, and the host of this podcast. In this candid and spiritual conversation Amit and Ankur take a journey through former episodes of Parallax and Ankur’s writings to explore what it takes to strive for a deeper knowledge of ourselves; or, as Ankur puts it, dharma, the inherent order of reality. Amit asks Ankur’s advice for foreign graduates who are aspiring to make a career in the US. They discuss mentorship as one of the inspirations for Parallax and Ankur’s personal experiences. Ankur examines what it means to be spiritual as a clinician: putting focus on our actions can help us recognize the value of everyday interactions and place the patient in the center of care.
What makes Ankur tick? How do Ankur and Amit think about the competitiveness of cardiology? How can we lead an examined life? And finally: What is Ankur's message to our listeners?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @AnkurKalraMD, hosted by @AmitGoyalMD from @CardioNerds. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
According to Dr Eric Adler, at the core of all impactful research is a powerful narrative that makes us reflect on the human condition. In 2006, when the ground-breaking discovery was made that specialized cells can be turned into stem cells, Dr Eric Adler was thinking about how he could create a synergy between his passion for clinical work and his determination to ask compelling questions in research. Dr Adler embarked on this question when a patient died unexpectedly and Dr Stacey Clegg, a fellow working with Dr Adler, grew the cells and discovered that the patient suffered from a devastating multisystemic disorder called Danon disease. Today the new gene therapy that his team developed is on clinical trial. Parallax’s guest this week is Dr Eric David Adler, Medical director of heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support at UC San Diego Health. In this in-depth episode, Ankur and Eric reflect on the decisions that had to be made in the early stages of their career. Eric shares the lessons he took away from the mentorship of Dr Joseph Loscalzo, Dr Valentin Fuster and many others. Eric talks about his research, clinical work and the future of gene therapy.
What are the pivotal moments of the journey of Eric Adler? What keeps him motivated? How can he balance between patient care and research? What is his message to our listeners at the beginning of their career?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @EricAdler17, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
Two and a half weeks before her urgent orthotopic transplantation, Alin led the life of a busy emergency medicine resident. The warning signs of her dilated cardiomyopathy were drowned out by the demands of a 24-hour shift at her critical care unit. She recalls being confused while she was transferred to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and was signed up for the organ transplant list. After the heart transplant, while coming to terms with her condition, she decided not to let this “inconvenient life event” bring her down and take over her thoughts, and wrote the first post on her blog “a change of heart”. The blog is a space for raising awareness of organ donation, research and charities.
Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest is Dr Alin Gragossian, a critical care fellow, heart transplant recipient and advocate. In this episode, Alin talks about her journey as a patient, the psychological aspects of her recovery and her advocacy work. Ankur asks Alin about the mindset behind her sense of purpose and her dedication to help raise awareness of organ donation and young heart failure patients.
How did Dr Gragossian receive her diagnosis? How does she feel about her new reality? What drives her? What is her message to our listeners?
Read more about Dr Alin Gragossian's journey here: https://www.achangeofhe.art/blog
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @AG_EM33, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
Dr Heval Kelli will never forget when during his third year as a medical student, a man kept coming to the clinic complaining about being hungry. The team was checking for underlying health issues, when one of Dr Kelli’s attendings took his history and realised that this patient was not able to get access to food. Dr Kelli came away from this episode with a lesson that still shapes him as a doctor: “If you treat everyone as you want your family to be treated, you will do well.”
Ankur Kalra’s guest is Dr Heval Mohammed Kelli, cardiologist at Northside Hospital Cardiovascular Institute, and a member of the ACC Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. In this inspirational and emotional interview, Dr Kelli talks about his journey, facing and overcoming obstacles, and the power of compassion.
Just after 9/11, Heval, the 18-year-old Syrian Kurdish refugee found a job as a dishwasher. At this point, he was the sole provider of his family. The pressure that comes from being poor did not leave him for many years. Today, he is firm believer in giving back to underserved communities by spreading awareness within the medical community. As he says, well-meaning people of privilege are sometimes afraid to act. What we need is more people to bridge the gap and find ways to help each other.
How can we use our power and privilege to serve? How did his experiences shape Dr Kelli to become an ambassador for his community? What is his message to our listeners?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @hevalkellimd, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
Dr Sodhi remembers the first time she stepped into a Cath lab and found her passion. Years later she was preparing to do a complex TAVR procedure with her colleagues when suddenly they all recognised the significance of four women coming together in the lab. The photo of the four of them was shared widely on social media. For Dr Sodhi it became a symbol of what great mentorship can achieve, and for many others it is a beacon of hope.
Dr Ankur Kalra’s guest is Dr Nishtha Sodhi structural and interventional cardiologist at UVA Health, one of only 2% of women in her field in the US. In this in-depth interview Nishtha talks about her progression from the beginning of her career to professional fulfillment with highlights such as performing live cases for TCT as a junior faculty. She shares practical advice on networking and recalls her positive experiences with mentors like Joe Bavaria, Samir Kapadia, Alan Zajarias and many others. Ankur asks Nishtha about the role of technology in patient care and for her predictions in the field of interventional and structural cardiology for the next few years.
What drives Dr Nishtha Sodhi? What were the formative moments of Dr Sodhi’s career? What are the new frontiers of cardiology?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @NishthaSodhi, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
In one of her many posts on Instagram, we can see Dr Hafiza Khan holding a table summarising her reactogenicity after her second COVID shot. In the frame next to her is her son listing his own reactions.
Ankur’s guest is Dr Hafiza Khan, Cardiac Electrophysiologist at Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management in Dallas. One of only 9 women in her field in Texas, she started to think about her legacy and the ways she can increase her impact and give back to her colleagues and patients as well as future medical students. 18 months ago, she started a microblog with the aim of drawing more women to her specialty and procedure-based medicine. Today she has more than 50.000 followers, many of them aspiring clinicians themselves. Her expertise and personal touch not only make her feed a great educational tool, but also a binge-worthy source at a time when building bridges between the scientific community and the public is key. In this episode, Ankur asks Hafiza to talk about Instagram and reaching millennial and gen Z audiences, as well as the importance of developing and maintaining trust between different communities at a time of information overload. Follow her on Instagram @heart.beat.doctor.
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @HafizaKMD, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
Mallory was not prepared when she underwent her first heart surgery in seventh grade: She was hoping to regain her stamina, instead she experienced what she describes as a loss of self. Mallory was born with a rare heart disease called a Ebstein’s anomaly. In this powerful episode, Mallory Abbott recounts how she learnt to draw strength from her condition: She talks candidly about the realities of going into heart failure at age 25 and the moment when she decided to embrace herself. Ankur asks Mallory about her treatment path and her everyday experiences. They discuss the importance of having a routine and putting self-care first. Mallory shares her thoughts on social media as an asset for patient empowerment.
What does a day look like in Mallory Abbott’s life? How did she reframe her approach to her condition? What is the importance of routine? What is Mallory’s message for anyone living with a health condition?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @MazzyMystical, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
Dr Mehra does not frame his experiences as failures or successes; he looks at all events with one question in mind: What can I learn from this? In this week’s episode Ankur’s guest is Dr Mandeep R Mehra, Medical Director of Brigham Heart and Vascular Center and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr Mehra’s professional journey started in the Sevagaram Ashram in India where medicine and the Gandhian way of life were both instilled in him. His career in the US was prompted by a question posed by a neuroscientist, Sister Elizabeth Burns: “Have you ever thought about the scalability of your impact?” In this reflective and personal conversation Mandeep talks about the choices he made during his career and the people who shaped him. Ankur asks Mandeep about his editorship at the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation and Mandeep shares his thoughts on selecting priorities, and the importance of living in the present moment.
How does Dr Mehra think about building opportunities? What were his formative experiences? How does he think about the role of mentorship in medicine? What is Dr Mehra’s message to our listeners?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @MRMehraMD, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO. Brought to you by Edwards: www.edwardstavr.com
In the first Parallax episode of 2021, Ankur welcomed back Sukh Nijjer from Imperial College London to review the most impactful events and advances in cardiology from 2020.
In the first part of the episode, Ankur and Sukh focus on the mechanism of the coronavirus and its effects on the heart including clotting abnormality and troponin elevation. They discuss their clinical experiences and observations within the UK and US settings in light of the latest data. Sukh offers practical tips on how to approach patient management during this pandemic. Following this, Ankur and Sukh analyse the controversial STRENGHT study in light of the results from REDUCE-IT. They discuss the different attitudes toward early cryoablation therapy in the context of STOP AF and EARLY-AF studies. Sukh reviews the findings of the RHAPSODY Phase 3 trial and the revolution of SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure.
Which COVID19 patients require risk stratification with a stress test? What are the take-home messages for physicians taking care of patients diagnosed with COVID19? What were the key trials of 2020? What can we learn from the negative results of the STRENGHT study? How have studies like STOP-AF influenced clinical practice?
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest @SukhNijjer, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In the late 1980s, shortly after he left the NIH, Dr Martin B Leon founded the non-profit organisation, Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF). At the beginning, CRF had almost no funding or people, but it had a concept of bringing together an academic community to follow the device development cycle from inception to inclusion. Today, CFR is a global entity, and its events are attended by hundreds of physicians/researchers worldwide.
In the Season 2 finale, Ankur Kalra is joined by the legendary Martin B Leon, Professor at Columbia University, director of the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics and chairman emeritus of the CRF.
In this in-depth discussion Dr Leon talks about what he believes is behind the success of CRF and the lessons he learnt from disappointments and mistakes along the way. Dr Leon stresses the importance of collaborations on a global scale. He talks about his plans for the future and the issues that were highlighted by the events of 2020. Ankur asks Dr Leon about his role as a mentor and about the qualities he is looking for in a mentee.
What makes Dr Martin B Leon tick? What is his message to cardiologists and/or researchers at the beginning of their careers? How did the pandemic and his work as a clinician in New York change his perspective?
This week Parallax welcomed its first non-physician/researcher guest: health advocate Lindsay Davis. Lindsay, ballerina with ambitions to study at Julliard, was experiencing the symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from her early teens, but she had not been diagnosed until she was 17. Years later, after her agents asked her to hide her heart condition when on film sets, she felt compelled to create a platform where she can share her experience and support others living with HCM.
In this episode Ankur asks Lindsay about her treatment path. Lindsay recalls her own journey to taking control of her condition and the important role of information in patient adherence. Lindsay, former Miss Ohio, talks how she used the pageant to create awareness. Lindsay talks about work in state legislation and her plans for 2021.
What is Lindsay Davis’ advice to other people living with a health condition? What is Lindsay’s message to physicians? How did Lindsay use her experiences to create positive changes in the lives of many?
Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO. Submit your questions to Ankur via: podcast@radcliffe-group.com.
In 2020, women still only represent 16% of editorial boards1.
US Cardiology Review journal, has recently seen a 7-fold increase in female editorial board members in response to journal-based strategic initiatives and the stellar work of USC editorial board leadership, Ankur Kalra (Editor in Chief) and Bill Gogas (Deputy Editor in Chief), who were keen to drive this change. With thanks to Dr Anastasia Mihailidou’s tenure as a new board member and her suggested nominees, ten new female board members have recently joined US Cardiology Review’s editorial board.
In this latest episode of Parallax, Ankur Kalra invites newly nominated US Cardiology Review board members, Associate Professor Erin D Michos and Dr Danielle Belardo to talk about how we can turn talk into action. Erin, Ankur and Danielle discuss gender disparity in the leadership of academic journalism. They talk about social media as a tool to connect with issues and people outside of their echo chambers. Danielle asks Ankur and Erin what would be their advice to early career faculty to get more involved. Danielle and Erin share their thoughts on their nominations and the ethos they hope to bring to their role as editorial board members. What can we do to move the needle? What is the current stage of editorial boards? What could publishers do to achieve lasting changes?
- Balasubramanian S, Saberi S, Yu S, et al. Women Representation Among Cardiology Journal Editorial Boards. Circulation 2020;141:603–605.
Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO. Submit your questions to Ankur via: podcast@radcliffe-group.com.
One of the first things painted by the young Mike Gibson, today Professor of Medicine at Harvard, researcher and interventional cardiologist, was a cloud. Years later while painting angiograms Dr Gibson came up with the idea of myocardial blush: The blush was that cloud of dye in the heart muscle. In this episode Mike opens up about his childhood in Stilwell, Oklahoma. Ankur and Mike discuss how the inductive quality of art can complement the deductive principles of science. Mike recalls earlier stages of his career and warns about the blinding effect of the ego-driven, competitive culture of cardiology. Ankur asks Mike about fatherhood and about his role as an educator. What does it mean to be fearless as a medical professional? How can you protect yourself from the emotional toil of the profession? What is Mike’s advice to early career cardiologists?
Tune in to be part of this in-depth and fascinating conversation on art, medicine and fatherhood with one of the leading figures of interventional cardiology.
Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO. Submit your questions to Ankur via: podcast@radcliffe-group.com.
In this week’s episode Ankur Kalra asks Dr Suzanne J Baron, Director of Interventional Cardiovascular Research at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center: How do we measure the value of a novel technology? During her interventional cardiology fellowship, Dr Baron became fascinated by the implementation of novel technologies. She earned her degree in Clinical Epidemiology and spent a year working at the FDA’s Device Evaluation unit. In 2019 Dr Baron presented the results of her late-breaking trial, COAPT. Ankur invites Suzanne to discuss the economic analysis of the study and to give a short introduction to cost-effectiveness analysis. Suzanne provides an overview of the trial and they talk about the importance of understanding the value and benefits of new devices from both the patient and the health-economic point of viewpoint.
What convinced Dr Baron to become an interventional cardiologist? How does Dr Baron interpret the results of the COAPT trial in light of MITRA FR? What is good value from a health-economic perspective?
Tune in to listen to this week’s episode of Parallax. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO. Submit your questions to Ankur via: podcast@radcliffe-group.com.
In this week’s Parallax, host Ankur Kalra is joined by Charles (Chuck) Simonton, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Abiomed. Chuck talks about how his father’s leadership and service as a Methodist minister inspired him to become a doctor. He recalls the dawn of interventional cardiology: the birth of angioplasty and stenting. Drawing from his experiences as a trialist who worked with some of the most influential minds, he offers practical tips to young doctors. Finally, Ankur asks Chuck about the Impella device controversy and the recent decision of Abiomed to accelerate their clinical research.
How should you start building a research programme? What are Chuck Simonton’s thoughts on the relationship between doctors and the industry? What is Chuck’s message to young cardiologists?
Tune in to listen to this week’s episode of Parallax. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO. Submit your questions to Ankur via: podcast@radcliffe-group.com.
Martha Gulati, Professor of Medicine and the Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona joins Ankur Kalra to continue the important conversation on how the cardiovascular community can stand up against sexism.
After the #MedBikini campaign provoked by a misogynistic study that scrutinized female doctors’ social media posts, this week’s episode is about creating a safer environment for female healthcare professionals.
Martha shares her leadership experiences as the chief and only woman of her division. She talks about the forms of sexism that are prevalent in the cardiovascular community, where less than 14% of the doctors are female. Ankur asks Martha about how men can become better allies for women in cardiology. They discuss the importance of a fair and welcoming environment for professionals and patients alike.
How to diagnose and treat sexism? How to recognise patterns of discrimination? How to call out sexism at your workplace? These are the questions Professor Gulati and Ankur Kalra pose and seek to find answers to.
Tune in to listen to this week’s episode of Parallax. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Submit your questions to Ankur via: podcast@radcliffe-group.com.
This week’s guest, Prof Roxana Mehran, Professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Founding Director of Women as One, is a phenomenon in interventional cardiology. Her pioneering work as clinician, trialist and advocate is well known within the community. In this episode we learn what makes Roxana tick and what were the odds she had to defy as an immigrant from Iran to fulfil her ‘impossible dream’. The charity organisation, Women as One is an agent for women and men to be part of a medicine that is built on talent, rather than privilege. Roxana and Ankur discuss the role of mentorship and family-friendly work environment in mending the broken house of cardiology. Roxana talks about the practical tools that are available for women to take the next steps in their career and achieve their goals. We have much to do, check out Women as One’s website https://www.womenasone.org for more information.
Tune in to listen to this week’s episode of Parallax. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Submit your questions to Ankur via: podcast@radcliffe-group.com.
This week’s guest is Dr Laura Mauri who became Vice President of Global Clinical Research and Analytics at Medtronic in 2018 after an illustrious career in academic medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Dr Kalra asks Dr Mauri about early influences and her traineeship with legendary interventionalists, the late Donald Baim and Richard Kuntz. Dr Mauri talks openly about her decision-making process and the importance of selecting your priorities and committing to them. Ankur asks Laura about her decision to go into industry. Laura shares her thoughts on medical innovations and meeting urgent needs with unique perspectives.
What is Dr Mauri’s advice for young cardiologist? How did she balance research and patient care? What are the questions that helped her decision making? How does Dr Mauri think about innovations in medicine? Tune in to listen to this week’s episode of Parallax. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO. Submit your questions to Ankur via: podcast@radcliffe-group.com.
In the early days of the Black Lives Matter movement, a group of internal medicine residents posed a question: What can we do about racial disparity within our institution? Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Health Equity Committee decided to confront the status quo by asking: How is racism on a structural level present within our walls?
Ankur Kalra’s guests Michelle Morse (Founding Co-Director of EqualHealth and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School) and Lauren Eberly (Cardiology Fellow at University of Pennsylvania) are co-authors of a retrospective study that demonstrated what had previously only been observed: That black or brown heart failure patients ended up in general medicine rather than specialised cardiology services. Following publication of the study in November 2019, the Health Equity Committee started to roll out anti-racism trainings and to work on objective admission guidelines to mitigate biased behaviours.
Aarti Bhatt (Assistant Professor of Medicine at University of Minnesota), member of the Minnesota chapter of Campaign Against Racism, talks about their initiative to support projects that have positive impact on local communities on a global scale.
Tune in to hear more about how you can be part of the Campaign Against Racism.
Related Content
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.90.8.1212 https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.119.006214
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guests Michelle Morse, Aarti Bhatt & Lauren Eberly, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Heart surgery is not the best option for every patient suffering from structural heart disease. This was recognized by interventional cardiologist Anmar Kanaa’N and cardiac surgeon Joseph Lahorra who decided to unify their skillsets and bring the Structural Heart Program to life. Their vision was to offer patients with heart valve diseases all available options at Cleveland Clinic’s Akron General.
In this week’s Parallax, Dr Kanaa’N, the director of the program, and Dr Lahorra, chairman of the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Department of Akron General introduce the listeners to the foundations of their program and the paradigm shift brought by TAVR.
Tune in to hear host Ankur Kalra ask Dr Kanaa’N and Dr Lahorra to share the practicalities of setting up the state-of-the-art program.
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guests Anmar Kanaa’N and Joseph Lahorra, hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
The State of Ohio reported its first coronavirus cases on March 9. Prior to that, on February 28, the Cleveland Clinic announced that they are prepared to open 1,000 additional hospital beds if needed. Ohio was one of the states to follow recommendations and intervene quickly.
Ankur Kalra asks Grant W Reed, Director of the Cleveland Clinic’s STEMI program, to reflect on the actions they took and the challenges of delaying cardiovascular procedures in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Dr Reed offers insight on the factors that influenced the Cleveland Clinic’s STEMI policy for COVID-19. Ankur and Grant discuss the triage considerations for patients with structural heart disease and the steps the clinic took to protect its healthcare workers.
In this week’s Parallax Dr Kalra and Dr Reed are addressing questions in the wake of Cleveland Clinic’s decision to reopen services for essential procedures. Which cardiac operations should be performed? What is the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on cardiac surgery? How can healthcare institutions address the safety concerns of their patients?
Tune in to listen to this week’s episode of Parallax. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO. Submit your questions to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com.
Related Sources https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/did-ohio-get-it-right-early-intervention-preparation-for-pandemic-may-pay-off/2020/04/09/7570bfea-7a4f-11ea-9bee-c5bf9d2e3288_story.html
http://interventions.onlinejacc.org/content/early/2020/04/05/j.jcin.2020.04.001
This week Ankur Kalra talks with Lisa Rosenbaum, national correspondent for The New England Journal of Medicine and cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Lisa Rosenbaum has been writing extensively about the human face of medicine. Her articles have been widely circulated by publications like The New York Times, The New Yorker and The New England Journal of Medicine.
In this edition of Parallax Dr Kalra asked Dr Rosenbaum about the influences that shaped her choices as a writer and as a healthcare professional. Dr Rosenbaum opens up about her childhood and how she connected to her grandfather through writing and medicine. We learn about Lisa’s first day at medical school and her latest writing project.
Tune in to learn about a doctor’s path to medical journalism. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Connect and submit your questions to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com.
Related sources:
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMms2009984
https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/A_Taste_of_My_Own_Medicine.html?id=N5ppQgAACAAJ&redir_esc=y
A week after Jag Singh had tested positive for COVID-19, he became a patient in his hospital’s intensive care unit. This week he joins Ankur Kalra, MD to tell us about his journey as a clinician-scientist.
Jagmeet P Singh, a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, a renowned Clinical Trialist, and the past Clinical Chief of Cardiology at Massachusetts General Hospital joins Ankur Kalra for a deep conversation about his journey across three continents. Dr Singh talks about the importance of choosing fulfillment over success. We gain more insights on the recent late-breaking clinical trial, MADIT-CHIC focusing on cardiac resynchronization therapy. Ankur asks Jag about his experience of being on the other side of the healthcare system as a patient and his participation in an investigational drug study.
What is Dr Singh’s advice for young cardiologists? How does he balance his responsibilities? How did his hospitalisation shape Dr Singh’s outlook on his role as a medical professional? Tune in to listen to this week’s episode of Parallax. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Submit your questions to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com.
In this episode they discuss:
[02.09] Becoming a clinician-scientist [06.41] Boston and Massachusetts General Hospital [08:58] Creating balance and finding fulfilment as a cardiologist [19.05] The MADIT-CHIC trial [27.02] Experiencing COVID-19 as a patient [35:38] The emotional impact of COVID-19 [36:58] Investigational medications for the treatment of COVID-19 [39.55] Closing remarks
Additional Resources:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2754793
https://twitter.com/NoopurRajeMD/status/1246905651491717122
“It’s a tsunami not just a wave. The worst tsunami you can imagine”
Prof Michele Senni is Director of Cardiology at Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo Italy. He contracted COVID-19 himself and in this latest podcast he meets with Ankur Kalra, MD to discuss his personal experience in dealing with patients and COVID-19 in Europe’s outbreak epicentre.
Hear them discuss the burden on healthcare, patient selection, the importance of testing and PPE and how COVID has resulted in a reduction of acute myocardial infarction and heart failure in patients.
Submit your question to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
What to listen for:
In this episode they discuss:
• [03.00] Personal experience from the front line in Bergamo, Italy • [19.45] ACS and COVID-19 patients • [24.00] Myocarditis reduction in COVID-19 patients • [25.30] Acute onset heart failure and cardiomyopathy in COVID-19 patients • [29.40] Increased pulmonary pressure in COVID-19 patients • [30.00] Closing remarks
“We are at war with a pandemic and the enemy is not each other, it’s the virus.”
In this latest episode, Ankur Kalra, MD meets with Andrew Sauer, MD, co-author of upcoming paper in US Cardiology Review on COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Disease that provides a concise and current summary of cardiovascular complications from COVID-19.
Hear them discuss the latest issues surrounding the pandemic, the known cardiac implications and the rapidly emerging data.
Submit your question to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
What to listen for:
In this episode they discuss:
[00.00] Introductions
[05.55] The importance of lessons learned from other countries and the importance of social distancing
[09.25] Troponin elevation in COVID-19 positive patients
[13.15] Receptor mechanisms and treating COVID-19 patients with hypertension
[19.19] Cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms in COVID-19 patients
[23.00] Fulminant myocarditis, congestive heart failure and BNP in COVID-19 patients
[26.47] Treatments and risks: antiviral therapy, infection markers, complications
[28.59] HCPs, PPE and the importance of social distancing
[32.52] Antimalarial drugs in treating COVID-19 patients
[34.54] Transplant patients, donors and testing for COVID-19
[39.35] The importance of surveillance biopsies
[42.18] Pressure rooms for at-risk patients
[45.05] Closing remarks
In these unprecedented times, we provide an early release episode to gain insight on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic from Deputy Editor in Chief of US Cardiology Review, a BDG interventional cardiologist, Bill Gogas, MD, PhD practising in East Asia.
Hear Bill’s take on how East Asia responded to and successfully managed the pandemic and how they are now seeing a significant reduction in cases outside the epicentre. Hear how the strategy resulted in only 93 patients in Bill’s city of Nanjing, testing positive for coronavirus with a city population of 8 million.
Learn about effective responses, the importance of early control and how as a cardiovascular physician your life and practice may be impacted from the virus.
Submit your question to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
What to listen for:
In this episode they discuss:
[02.45]: Opening thoughts
[03.35]: What consequences should we expect?
[06.08]: Policy adherence: execution and management
[11.20]: The impact on a cardiologists’ everyday clinical practice and scheduling
[18.00]: Summary for cardiologists treating patients during the outbreak
[20.30]: HCP prophylaxis procedures
[21.36]: The importance of negative pressure rooms
[22.20]: Examining the results
[26.10]: Handling lockdowns and mass closure
[27.32]: CV effects of COVID-19
[28.35]: Closing thoughts
We can count on our fingertips how many “interventional intensivist” exist in the US.
In this episode Ankur Kalra, MD meets with Dr Ann Gage, Cleveland Clinic’s first “interventional intensivist”. She discusses her unique skill set, what it means to be an interventionalist in the cath lab but also an expert in cardiovascular intensive care and advocates why such a unique skill set and critical care training are required in today’s modern medicine.
Submit your question to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
What to listen for:
In this episode they discuss:
• [03.00] Becoming an interventional intensivist: a look back • [05.05] Roadblocks and pathways to becoming an ‘interventional intensivist’ • [13.30] Scholarly research on the pathway of the ‘interventional intensivist’ • [15.00] An interventional intensivist is not a critical care doctor • [17.30] Is a direct training pathway coming for the interventional intensivist? • [20.45] The changing demographic of the cardiac intensive unit • [21.20] The growing population of co-morbidities in ICU patients • [22.08] Do data exist to compare the cardiologist vs the intensivist in critical care? • [27.00] How to pursue this unique training: here and now, and the future of cardiac intensive care. • [30.45] Closing remarks
Dr Cavalcante meets with Ankur Kalra, MD to discuss his recent review published in US Cardiology Review 13.2; on a new aortic stenosis staging system that has important implications for clinical outcomes following aortic valve replacements to aid the treatment of aortic stenosis.
Listen to this, as well as an overview on his interesting childhood and his views on the future of cardiac imaging to treat TAVR.
Submit your question to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
The first female cardiac surgeon qualified in the 1960’s. Today there are only 4.5% women in cardiology and only 4% in thoracic surgery. Ankur Kalra meets with Dr Kendra Grubb, the first women to be trained at the University of Virginia, US, on cardiothoracic surgery and the 250th board certified women in thoracic surgery.
Her recent post on social media went viral. It was a photo of an all-women surgical team carrying out a complex structural heart procedure. It had over 100,000 views and was seen by people in over 75 different countries. It’s clear from this online reaction, that now is the time for women to be recognised for the work they are doing in medicine.
Listen to this engaging discussion between them on the challenges of being a woman in cardiovascular medicine today.
Submit your question to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In our final episode of the year, Ankur has an long conversation with Sukh Nijjer from Imperial College London about the most impactful, exciting and controversial clinical trials of 2019. Sukh and Ankur also discuss how these trials might change practice in the future, and how practice patterns and decisions differ between the US and the UK. In light of an emerging trend of shared decision making between physicians of different specialities and patients with a vast amount of information at their fingertips, Sukh and Ankur examine what tools they use to reconcile the growing data from clinical trials.
Trials discussed in detail include those presented at the ACC in New Orleans: PARTNER 3 & Evolut Low Risk on TAVR/TAVI, and SAFARI & COAPT on radial vs femoral access; presented at the ESC in Paris: THEMIS and ISAR-REACT 5 on DAPT post-PCI, DAPA-HF on SGLT2i’s for heart failure, and COMPLETE on PCI of non-culprit lesions in STEMI; presented at TCT in San Francisco: TWILIGHT on DAPT post-PCI, and EXCEL at 5 years on PCI vs CABG in left main CAD; and finally, presented at AHA in Philadelphia: ISCHEMIA on medical vs invasive approaches in ischemic events.
Submit your question to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Recorded before the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2019, Ankur is joined by Rasha K Al-Lamee, Interventional Cardiologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London and Study Director of the Objective Randomised Blinded Investigation with Optimal Medical Therapy of Angioplasty in Stable Angina (ORBITA) trial. Rasha talks about how she got into academia, the significance of her end-of-training PhD, and what led to the genesis of ORBITA. Ankur and Rasha also discuss the findings and unanswered questions of ORBITA, and how recent research in coronary revascularisation and stable ischemic heart disease has (or has not) changed their clinical practice. Finally, in anticipation of its presentation at AHA 2019, Rasha gives an overview of the International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches (ISCHEMIA). Submit your question to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
This week, Ankur spoke with Ajay J Kirtane on why he became a cardiologist, how he fell into academic research, and why the cardiology specialty is heavy with people of Indian origin. Ajay also talks about how he has negotiated between competing priorities in clinical and academic work, and how he manages fatherhood with a busy career. Ahead of the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2019, Ajay also shared what he thinks we can expect from the highly anticipated ISCHEMIA trial. Submit your question to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
How did Gregg from Cleveland, Ohio become Gregg W Stone MD, world-leading interventional cardiologist and clinical trialist? This week, Ankur had the pleasure of speaking to Gregg about his personal and professional journey through the ‘golden years’ of interventional cardiology. Gregg also shares his tips on how to progress from clinical practice into academic research, and what it takes to be a successful clinical investigator. Finally, Gregg shares with Ankur what personality traits he looks for in mentees and why presenting a finalized project in your application might not be enough. Submit your question to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Recorded on site at TCT, COAPT investigator Dr Neal S Kleiman and Ankur discuss the realities of establishing an academic career as an interventional cardiologist. Neal explains why it is important to wear multiple hats and balance academia with a clinical presence. Digging more into the practicalities of everyday work-life, Neal reflects on the challenges of reporting to multiple bosses who have different goals, and how geography enabled him to move between cathlab and academia. Neal also shares what he looks for in early career academic cardiologists. Submit your question to Ankur via: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
13: 2/2 Srihari S Naidu on Work-Life Balance: How to get it right by Radcliffe Cardiology
Srihari S Naidu shares his career tips for young, ambitious cardiologists and what he has learnt about mentorship from his numerous leadership positions. Hari elaborates on the different types of mentorship, the importance of developing non-academic skills, why you should focus on your strengths rather than weaknesses, and the fickle art of managing one’s public/private personas as a young cardiologist in an era of social media. Having recently applied for the programme himself, Ankur also speaks with Hari about the history, purpose and future of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) Emerging Leader Mentorship (ELM) Fellowship Programme. Submit your question to: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Guest @SrihariNaiduMD. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
What are the key pillars of self-care and what do dirty windshields have to do with it? How can you take meditation “off the matt”? What has chronobiology and Ayurveda taught us about working with, rather than against, our circadian rhythm? In the final episode of our Burnout and Resilience Series, Kavitha and Ankur give you some practical tools of self-care to help you avoid burnout. Kavitah Chinnaiyan, MD, is an award-winning author and, Cardiologist and Director of Cardiac CT Research at Beaumont Health, MI. Send us your thoughts to this episode for Ankur to share in future episodes: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Guest @ChinnaiyanMD. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
What does mindfulness have to do with burnout? Is our definition of success driving our stress and anxiety? How can we channel our ego into something positive? In our second episode on burnout and resilience, Kavitah Chinnaiyan, MD, and Ankur take a deeper dive into mindfulness and training the brain to move from Default-Mode to Task-Positive Networks. Kavitha is an award-winning author and, Cardiologist and Director of Cardiac CT Research at Beaumont Health, MI. Send us your thoughts to this episode for Ankur to share in future episodes: podcast@radciffe-group.com. Guest @ChinnaiyanMD. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
How do you nurture resilience in the midst of competition, envy and individualism? What is moral injury? Is the current healthcare landscape driving physicians to burnout? Are we too focused on data and study results? These are some of the questions discussed by Kavitha Chinnaiyan, MD, award winning author, Cardiologist and Director of Cardiac CT Research at Beaumont Health, MI, and host Ankur, in the first episode of this three-part series on burnout and resilience. Send us your thoughts on this topic for Ankur to share in future episodes: pocast@radciffe-group.com. Guest @ChinnaiyanMD. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Madhav Swaminathan joins Ankur Kalra for a dynamic conversation about diversity, inclusion and leadership. Madhav shares how, as President of large organisation like the American Society of Echocardiography, he works to create an inclusive platform with opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Ankur and Madhav also discuss positive traits of leadership, why we should embrace failure and the importance of mentorship throughout all stages of one’s medical career. Send us your comments to this episode for Ankur to share in future episodes: pocast@radciffe-group.com. Guest @mswami001. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
Following the recent controversy surrounding physician portraits displayed in medical hallways, Ankur spoke to Harriette GC Van Spall MD to unpick this hot topic brought back to life by a recent article penned by Jeffrey Flier (former Dean of Harvard Medical School) in The Boston Globe. Harriette is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Department of Medicine, Cardiology and the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact at McMaster University and the Population Health Research Institute in Hamilton, ON, Canada. In this episode, Ankur and Harriette discuss why this issue is so contentious, what the current state of medical walls represents, why this may be an issue and what alternative medical walls could look like. Harriette also shares her thoughts on how this topic relates to the maintenance of hierarchical power structures in academic institutions, calling for more collaborative leadership and management styles. Guest @hvanspall. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.
In celebration of this month’s ‘National Eat Your Vegetables Day’, this week’s guest is @TheVeggieMD, one of the most prominent physicians on social media! Dr Danielle Belardo MD is a Cardiology Fellow, American Board of Internal Medicine certified and a member of the American College of Cardiology Nutrition and Lifestyle Sub-Committee. In this episode, Ankur and Danielle speak about the evidence in favour of a whole-food plant-based diet to improve cardiovascular health, the ACC prevention guidelines, how to talk to patients about positive dietary change, the issue of lack of nutrition training in cardiovascular fellowships and what Danielle’s diet looks like as a busy whole-food plant-based cardiology fellow. On her own podcast ‘Nutrition Rounds’ Danielle has discussions about evidence-based plant-based nutrition with physicians who are leading experts in nutrition and health. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCardiology.
Listen to our first episode with two guests! Ankur spoke with Emmanouil S Brilakis, MD and Michael Megaly, MD from the Minneapolis Heart Institute, Abbott Northwestern Hospital about their article on the role of drug-coated balloons in small-vessel coronary artery disease (SVD) published in US Cardiology Review 13.1. Percutaneous coronary intervention of SVD remains challenging due to difficulties with device delivery and high restenosis rate, making drug-coated balloons an attractive emerging option in patients with SVD. In this brilliant conversation, Ankur, Emmanouil and Michael unravel the potential advantages, challenges and practical realities of using drug-coated balloons in SVD, and the findings of the latest randomised controlled trials studying this area. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCardiology. [Disclaimer: The use of drug-coated balloons in coronary intervention is still off-label; it has not been approved by the FDA.]
We have observed a lot of developments in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) over the past 12 months with the publication of various studies and trials. This week, Ankur spoke with J. Dawn Abbott, MD, Associate Professor of Cardiology at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University about her recently published US Cardiology Review 13.1 article on the significant developments in PCI over the past 12 months. Dawn is an associate editor of the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions and is widely known for her research program on PCI and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Ankur and J. Dawn discuss multiple trials/studies that were published in 2018, including ORBITA, PIONEER-II and ABSORB. J. Dawn also shares her thoughts on the latest stent technologies. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCardiology.
This week’s podcast guest needs no introduction! Prof Athena Poppas is one of the most widely known cardiologists in the US and current Vice-President of the American College of Cardiology! Ankur spoke to Athena about her recently published US Cardiology Review 13.1 article on whether early management of hypertension by GPs can improve outcomes. They discuss the importance of preventative medicine, their experience of reducing hypertension with non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical methods, and the significance of the integrated “team approach” when treating comorbid conditions such as hypertension. Athena also shares her thoughts on cardiologists’ responsibility to shape their patients’ lifestyle choices.
Ankur is back with his second #AudioArticle! This week he spoke with Santiago Garcia from the Minneapolis Heart Institute about Santiago’s US Cardiology Review 13(1) article on the role of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hscTn) assays and their ability to rapidly rule in or rule out acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with improved sensitivity. Chest pain is one of the most common reasons for an emergency room visit in the US, with almost 6 million ER visits annually, yet there is no consensus on how to compare the results from various hscTn assays. Tune in to hear Santiago outline the advantages and limitations of using hscTn as a standard biomarket to evaluate patients with suspected ACS in the ER. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCardiology.
In our first episode, Ankur explains his vision for and inspiration to start ‘Parallax’ and speaks with Chad Kliger from Lenox Hill Hospital NY about conduction abnormalities after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI), a review article published in US Cardiology Review 13(1). Ankur and Chad look at conduction abnormalities after TAVR/TAVI with a focus on basic conduction system anatomy in relation to the aortic valve, the mechanism, incidence, predisposing factors for occurrence, impact on mortality and finally, proposed treatment algorithms for management. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCardiology.
In our first episode, Ankur explains his vision for and inspiration to start ‘Parallax’ and speaks with Chad Kliger from Lenox Hill Hospital NY about conduction abnormalities after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI), a review article published in US Cardiology Review 13(1). Ankur and Chad look at conduction abnormalities after TAVR/TAVI with a focus on basic conduction system anatomy in relation to the aortic valve, the mechanism, incidence, predisposing factors for occurrence, impact on mortality and finally, proposed treatment algorithms for management. Hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCardiology.