Q & A with Ronald Kanter, MD

Back to Dr. Kanter’s physician profile

Where did you receive your undergraduate and/or medical training?
I went to college at Northwestern University; medical school at Vanderbilt University; residency in pediatrics at the University of Florida; and my pediatric cardiology fellowship at both Florida and Children’s Hospital, Boston. I learned cardiac electrophysiology during my first year at Duke (1987-88), when I functioned as a fellow in electrophysiology.

How long have you been at Duke?
I have been at Duke since 1987.

Where did you work prior to coming to Duke?
Duke is my first post-training job. I came here from Gainesville, Florida, where I was a research fellow in pediatric cardiology during my last six months there. I also served as a faculty member in the emergency room.

Have you received any awards or honors? Do you sit on any boards or journals?
In 1988, I was awarded the Henry Kokomoor Award for outstanding fellow, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida. In 1991, I co-authored President’s Award for Best Scientific Paper, Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (“The ‘learning curve’ for surgeons for evaluating repair of congenital heart defects using intraoperative echo”).In 2005, I was elected into Alpha Omega Alpha (medical honorary society).

I currently am on the editorial board for the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. I am also on the Program Committee and Awards Committee of the Heart Rhythm Society.

What are your board certifications and society memberships?
I belong to the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association (and Council of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Young), Heart Rhythm Society, Pediatric Electrophysiology Society, Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, International Society for Adults with Congenital Cardiac Disease, American Academy of Pediatrics, and North Carolina Pediatric Society.

What led you into the field of pediatric cardiology/pediatric cardiac surgery?
Honest? I backdoored my way into pediatric cardiology. I was originally going to be a pediatric intensivist, but there would not be an available fellowship position at the University of Florida for more than a year. So, I did a “filler” year as a pediatric cardiology fellow, liked it a lot, and the rest is history.

What are your areas of sub-specialty and how have things changed since you entered the field?
I sub-specialize in the care of young persons with cardiac rhythm disturbances (“electrophysiology”). The clinical aspects of my field have changed dramatically in the last 15 years, largely due to new catheter-based treatments for rapid heart rhythm problems (“tachycardias”), meaning that patients may be cured without the need for lifelong medications or surgical treatment. In addition, basic scientists in my field have begun to unravel the causes for previously mysterious and dangerous heart rhythm problems at a genetic and molecular level. These discoveries will eventually help patients live longer and be safer. Finally, even very small children who have very serious heart rhythm problems and who have no “curative” options, may now benefit from implantable defibrillators due to newer design and application technologies.

Are you involved with any clinical trials or research studies? If so, what are you examining?
My research interests involve three areas:

• Learning about the natural history of persons who have been treated for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. This common condition involves the presence of an accessory pathway (“extra wire”) in the heart which predisposes to various tachycardias. We are especially interested in learning how people are doing (adults), after having had surgical treatment for this condition as children.
• Investigating new techniques in the electrophysiology laboratory which will make ablation procedures even more successful and safer. We currently are using a new 3-dimensional mapping system to guide various ventilation techniques during ablation, in order to help stabilize our catheters.
• Along with several other institutions, we are part of the Pediatric Heart Network, and I am involved in studies which are evaluating the effects of congenital heart surgery on the cardiac rhythm.

What drew you to Duke and what do you enjoy most about your work?
Originally, the opportunity to learn electrophysiology from world experts drew me to Duke. What I enjoy most about my work? That would be a three-way tie…the satisfaction I receive from helping children who have been handicapped or even debilitated by their heart rhythm problems become free of their arrhythmias; the excitement of uncovering unusual or new electrophysiologic phenomena; and the collegial interactions with my associates, other specialists at Duke, and pediatricians and cardiologists in the community.

Share a special story to explain more about your experience helping children with congenital heart disease.
Recently, I had to tell a teenaged boy that it would be unsafe for him to continue playing competitive basketball. He was a senior in high school, and -- although there were several games left on their schedule -- he really only wanted to play in his homecoming game. Against my better judgment, I trekked down to his local gym, ambulatory external defibrillator (“AED”) in hand, and supervised his participation in his one last game…thankfully, uneventfully. The expression of appreciation by the patient, his family, and his teammates serves as a continual reminder to me how consequential our actions are…for all of us.

What do you think sets Duke Pediatric Cardiology apart from other practices in the area?
I cannot imagine a better group of associates, when it comes to attention to detail, clinical judgment, extraordinary ability in their areas of expertise, and warm collegiality. The bottom line is (and should be) superb clinical outcomes for our patients. Families should never forget to ask that important question.

What are your personal hobbies or interests?
I’m an amateur lepidopterist (you can look that one up), and I enjoy scuba diving and snow skiing.