Have you ever wondered how a WWII MASH surgeon's legacy could shape a modern-day cardiologist's career? Get ready to be inspired as Dr. Kelley Branch from the University of Washington Division of Cardiology shares his incredible journey into medicine, deeply influenced by his grandfather's remarkable history. Join us for engaging personal anecdotes, from his childhood in San Diego to his transformative research at UCLA with Nobel laureate Louis Ignarro, all of which shaped his passion and expertise in cardiology.

We then turn the spotlight on the revolutionary advancements in cardiac imaging technology. Discover the fascinating backstory of the CT scanner's development, thanks in part to the Beatles' success, and follow its evolution from single-slice models to the latest photon-counting CT technology. These cutting-edge innovations are providing doctors with higher resolution images at lower radiation doses, transforming how we diagnose and treat heart diseases. Hear how these advancements could potentially reduce the need for invasive procedures and improve patient care.

Finally, we delve into the critical realms of post-resuscitation care and clinical research. Learn about the groundbreaking Sudden Death CT scan and the ongoing trials focused on lipoprotein A (LP(a)), a significant marker for early cardiovascular events. Dr. Branch also shares a thrilling adventure in Beirut, blending high-stakes experiences with his signature humor. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the profound impact of innovative cardiology and the dedicated professionals who drive it forward—don't miss it!

Dive deep into the heart of cardiology with our esteemed guest, Jennifer Beckman, MSN, ARNP, CHFN as she shares her transformative journey from a nursing assistant to a key player at the University of Washington Heart Institute. Her passion for patient care and clinical excellence is palpable as she talks about the advances in mechanical circulatory support that she's witnessed and contributed to. She is committed to maintaining a delicate balance between her administrative responsibilities and her direct work with patients, where the heartbeat of her mission lies.

The landscape of LVAD programs and heart allocation systems has rapidly evolved, and Jennifer offers a front-row seat to understanding the complexities of this shift. With the 2018 UNOS policy revision, we explore the nuances of qualifying for LVAD and how this affects patient treatment decisions. Bleeding risks, comorbidities, and the ethics of patient care—it's all under the microscope. Jennifer's insights reveal the critical importance of a tailored, patient-centered approach in the ever-advancing field of cardiology.

David Dichek's pioneering work in gene therapy for cardiovascular disease at the University of Washington Division of Cardiology left an indelible mark. In the warm glow of his memory, special guests Drs. Anne-Marie Schmidt, Daniel Yang, and Farid Moussavi-Harami join me to share the profound influence he had not only on their careers but on their scientific philosophy. We weave a tapestry of personal stories highlighting David's meticulous nature and his unwavering commitment to excellence, which continue to guide us in our quest for truth in research.

From the rolling hills of Montana to the bustling heart of Seattle's medical community, Dr. David Elison's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a structural interventional cardiologist at the University of Washington, Dr. Elison opens up about the winding road that led him from a potential future as a biology teacher to a lifesaver in the cardiology department. His tale is a vivid illustration of how mentorship can shape a career, and how a profession in healthcare can evolve through the years, adapting to new challenges and discoveries. Tune in for a rich narrative that traverses educational crossroads, personal growth, and the mechanics of the human heart.

Parenting and a career often tug life in opposite directions, but Dr. Elison shares how they can harmoniously coexist in the demanding world of cardiology. He draws an intimate portrait of the 'carpenter' and 'gardener' approaches to raising children while balancing the scales of a new attending's life, all echoed in his own experiences. His personal insights into the symbiotic relationship between home life and the cath lab, alongside a deep dive into the distinctions between interventional and structural cardiology, paint a compelling picture of the modern medical professional's life.

Our episode wraps up with a peek into the future of heart valve technology, where Dr. Elison's humor shines through stories of Montanan misconceptions and the Seattle transition. The conversation pivots to the vital transition period for medical trainees becoming attending physicians, underscoring the criticality of mentorship, supportive work cultures, and proactive steps to avert physician burnout. Dr. Elison's heartfelt gratitude towards his mentors leaves us with a stirring reminder of the profound impact that guidance and camaraderie have on both doctors and the patients they serve. Join us for these heartfelt revelations and candid conversations that get to the very pulse of what it means to be a healer.

We sit down with Chris Burke, MD about his role in the Multidisciplinary Thoracic Aortic Program (MTAP) and specifically his expertise in the Ross Procedure. We also learn about how Fly Fishing offers him peace away from the operating room.

Christopher R. Burke, MD, is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, Associate Program Director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program, Co-Director of the Multidisciplinary Thoracic Aortic Program, and an Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery who did a postgraduate aortic surgery fellowship under Dr. Joseph Bavaria, a world renowned expert in the surgical repair of the ascending aorta and aortic arch using open and “hybrid” approaches (where open surgery is combined with endovascular stenting at the same operation.) Dr. Burke brings a wealth of experience at new techniques for valve sparing root repair and open arch repair with and without concomitant stenting. He has a particular clinical interest in aortic valve preservation surgery (aortic valve repair).

In a new season of Coffee and Cardiology Podcast and to celebrate the International Day of Listening happening on September 21, 2023, Dr. Kirkpatrick and John Michael sit down with Lori Joubert and Dr. Nazem Akoum to discuss the topic of Listening.

Lori is responsible for managing administrative activities and program events for the Electrophysiology and Cardiac Imaging Subspecialty Programs across UW Medicine clinical sites. She also utilizes her education and training in listening skill development to facilitate monthly listening circle cafés to build team connection and networking by creating safe spaces for dialogue and connection with our peers and the sharing of resources.

In this episode she helps guide us through a conversation about the power of listening, especially in how professionals interact in meetings and how providers listening with patients can make significant impacts.

Below are resources to support the conversation and deeper dives into the topic of listening.

ILA is also hosting a free mini-series (for the public) in support of International Day of Listening https://listen.org/page-1860403

Kate Murphy’s “You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why it Matters” https://www.journalistkatemurphy.com/

Music: An Underutilized Tool In Neurocardiology? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oSdvgv3JMQ - how listening to music may be similar or different then listening to (or reading) heart rhythm or how listening to music may improve one’s ability to listen beyond the “noise” in clinical settings from your perspectives.

Perceptions of Health Care Providers Communication – This article emphasizes the connection between Uncertainty reduction theory (URT) and Patient Centered Communication (PCC). It highlights PCC behaviors that relate to satisfaction to include empathy and listening (see pp 4-5).

What is empathy and can it be taught? By Howard Spiro, MD

Dr. Lorenzo Azzalini is an exciting addition to our star studded cast of complex coronary interventionalists. Lorenzo Azzalini, MD PhD MSc FACC FSCAI is an interventional cardiologist and Director of Interventional Cardiology Research at UW Medical Center - Montlake. He has published over 180 peer-reviewed manuscripts, received numerous international awards, is member of the editorial board of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, Eurointervention, Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine, and Minerva Cardiology and Angiology, and is guest reviewer for other twenty journals. In his free time, Dr. Azzalini enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, cooking, and sailing.

0:55 - A Global Perspective of Medicine
9:55 - Passion for Research
14:30 - Where is percutaneous interventional research today?
22:30 - Era of the siloed interventionalist is over
27:10 - Atherectomy
38:05 - Twitter and the Impact of Information Sharing
51:00 - A word of advice for an aspiring researcher
54:15 - Signing off in 4 Languages

Follow or reach out to Dr. Azzalini on Twitter:
@LAzzaliniMD

Paul Hlava Ceballos is one of UW Medicine Heart Institute's cardiac sonographers and also a National Book Critics Circle Award-nominated author of banana [ ] which reveals the extractive relationship the United States has with the Americas and its people through poetic portraits of migrants, family, and memory.

1:15 - The Journey to Sonography and Poetry
5:00 - banana []
19:30 - Sonography as Poetry
28:00 - a reading from banana []
35:00 - Connecting in conversation
48:40 - a 2nd reading from banana []

uwheart@uw.edu