Becker’s Healthcare -- Cardiology + Heart Surgery Podcast

In this episode, Rosy Thachil, MD, MBA, FACC, FAMWA, FACVC, Cardiologist at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, joins the podcast to discuss why patient care cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. She shares how translation services help bridge communication gaps, and how integrating specialized, data-driven care is improving outcomes and delivering more personalized treatment for diverse patient populations.

In this episode, Vikram Kashyap, MD, FACS, Endowed Chair of the Frederik Meijer Heart and Vascular Institute and Vice President of Cardiovascular Health at Corewell Health, discusses reducing mortality through systemwide collaboration, navigating anesthesia workforce transitions, expanding into heart and lung integration, and building a unified cardiovascular strategy across the state.

In this episode, Gregg Reis, MD, Interventional Cardiologist at UPMC in Central Pennsylvania, joins the podcast to discuss how the hospital’s STEMI alert system is delivering lifesaving care to patients experiencing heart attacks. He shares insights into team preparation, rapid response coordination, and the protocols that ensure timely, high-quality STEMI care when every second counts.

In this episode, Suzette B. Graham Hill, MD, cardiologist at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, discusses how cardio obstetrics programs, remote blood pressure monitoring, and automatic cardiology referrals are helping prevent postpartum cardiovascular deaths. She shares why coordinated care beyond the traditional six week model is essential to improving outcomes, particularly for high risk and disproportionately affected patients.

In this episode, Dr. Justin Dunn, Interventional Cardiologist and Regional Director of the Valve and Structural Heart Disease Center at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute at UH Lake West Medical Center, discusses expanding complex cardiac procedures into community hospitals to improve access and outcomes. He shares how standardizing infrastructure, training multidisciplinary teams, and launching TAVR and left atrial appendage programs locally have driven a 25% increase in volume while maintaining main campus level results.

In this episode, Dr. Norma M. Keller, Chief of Cardiology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue and system wide cardiovascular lead for NYC Health + Hospitals, discusses aligning prevention, innovation, and equity across the nation’s largest municipal health system. She shares insights on investing in advanced therapies like ECMO and structural heart procedures while strengthening prevention strategies and sustainable service line growth in a public health setting.

In this episode, Dr. Hal Skopicki of Stony Brook Medicine shares how an integrated institute model at the Stony Brook Heart Institute is reducing access delays, advancing lipid and imaging innovation, and driving consistent clinical excellence. He discusses empowering teams, investing in scalable programs, and creating a culture of collaboration to elevate cardiovascular care.

In this episode, Anthony J. Tortolani, MD, FACS, FACC, Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeon and Professor Emeritus of Clinical Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, discusses the realities of declining profit margins and how leaders are balancing financial pressures with clinical excellence. He explores practical applications of AI in clinical medicine, including improvements in efficiency and less invasive surgical approaches, and shares why aligning strategic vision with day-to-day tactical planning is essential for long-term success in cardiovascular care.

In this episode, Dr. Amro Alsaid, Medical Director of Advanced Cardiac Imaging, and Dr. Karim Al-Azizi, Medical Director of the Catheterization Laboratory and Structural Heart Program at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital, discuss how AI and advanced cardiac imaging are reshaping coronary diagnosis, improving precision in patient care, and optimizing workflow efficiency across cardiology programs.Visit Cleerly Health to learn more. https://cleerlyhealth.com/what-is-cleerly?utm_campaign=cleerly_brand&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=beckers&utm_content=pr-podcast-11-2025

In this episode, Dr. Tom Nguyen, Professor and Chair of Cardiovascular Sciences at FIU and Chief Medical Executive at Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, discusses how wearable devices, voice technology, and AI are transforming early detection, prediction, and treatment in cardiovascular care. He also shares insights on using technology to reduce disparities, enhance patient monitoring, and shape the next era of surgery.

This episode features Vinay Badhwar, MD, FACS, FACC, Executive Chair of the WVU Heart & Vascular Institute and Gordon F. Murray Professor and Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery at West Virginia University School of Medicine. Dr. Badhwar discusses the importance of a strong organizational structure, shares insights into the innovative developments his team has been working on, reflects on the values that guide him as a leader, and much more.

In this episode, Dr. Lisa Howley, Director of the Fetal Cardiology Program at Children’s Minnesota, discusses the biggest challenges and innovations shaping fetal and pediatric cardiology, including disparities in prenatal detection, the growing adult congenital population, and the promise of AI and telehealth in expanding access to care.

This episode features Dr. Wayne J. Franklin, Senior Vice President of the Children’s National Heart Center, as he discusses the top challenges shaping cardiology today, including workforce shortages, the evolving role of AI, and the impact of private equity on healthcare. Dr. Franklin also shares his optimism for technology-driven innovation and the importance of humanism in modern medicine.

In this episode, Dr. Gregory Mishkel, VP of Cardiology Operations and Chief of the Division of Cardiology at NorthShore/Endeavor Health, discusses the innovative approach to cardiovascular care at the Cardiovascular Institute. He highlights the challenges and successes of building a specialized care model and shares insights on exciting advancements in cardiovascular treatments, as well as the importance of leadership and education in healthcare.

In this episode, Sunita Ferns, MD, Director - Pediatric and Adult Invasive Electrophysiology, Harma Turbendian, MD - Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon, & Mark Plunkett, MD - Chief of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery at OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois discuss the groundbreaking care of a two-year-old who suffered sudden cardiac arrest. From quick parental actions to the innovative use of an adult-designed ICD in a child—the youngest ever to receive it—the team shares how collaboration, expertise, and innovation saved a life and set a precedent for future care.

In this episode, Dr. James D. Flaherty, Director of Cardiology Quality and Outcomes at Northwestern Medicine, discusses key trends in cardiology, including physician wellness, access to care, and the evolving role of technology. He shares insights into the future of heart care and the potential impact of corporatization on the medical field.