Medical Director, Duke Children’s Consultative Services of Raleigh

Where did you receive your undergraduate and/or medical training?
I received my undergraduate degree from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and my medical degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

How long have you been at Duke?
I’ve been here since 1996.

Have you received any awards or honors? Do you sit on any boards or journals?
I was named Duke Pediatric Resident Teacher of the Year twice, in 1996-1997 and in 1997-1998. I was named Duke Pediatric Fellow Teacher of the Year in 1999-2000. I was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha as a medical student, in 1995.

What are your board certifications and society memberships?
I am board certified in both pediatrics and pediatric cardiology. I am a fellow of both the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP) and the American College of Cardiology (FACC).

What led you into the field of pediatric cardiology/pediatric cardiac surgery?
I was attracted by the wide variety of patients -- from fetal patients to infants to children to adults -- who are seen by pediatric cardiologists. I was attracted to the field because of its combination of diagnostic techniques and technology, its emphasis on understanding anatomy and physiology, and its inclusion of a diverse set of medical problems.

What are your areas of sub-specialty and how have things changed since you entered the field?
My area of sub-specialty is echocardiography, and my particular interest is in fetal echocardiography. This is an exciting area because it is directly tied to rapid advancement in computer and imaging technology.

What drew you to Duke and what do you enjoy most about your work?
My brother attended Duke as an undergraduate, which was my first exposure. I did my post-graduate training here after medical school, and it was an easy decision to stay as a faculty member. I was offered a unique type of practice opportunity -- running an outpatient subspecialty clinic with close ties to the medical school and the university hospital -- which I didn't find anywhere else.

What do you think sets Duke Pediatric Cardiology apart from other practices in the area?
Our personnel. We are an extremely diverse group, in terms of both our professional and personal interests.