Where did you receive your undergraduate and/or medical training?
I attended Kent State University for my undergraduate degree and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine for my medical training.

How long have you been at Duke?
In 1994 I began my fellowship here. I was an attending physician for the first time from 1999 to 2001. My second time as an attending began in September 2004.

Where did you work prior to coming to Duke?
Previously I worked at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children/Nemours Cardiac Center.

Do you sit on any boards or journals?
I review articles for American Heart Journal.

What are your board certifications and society memberships?
I am board certified in pediatrics and pediatric cardiology. I belong to the American Heart Association, Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, Pediatric Electrophysiology Society, Heart Rhythm Society, North American Society for Pediatric Exercise Medicine, International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, and the North Carolina Pediatric Society.

What led you into the field of pediatric cardiology/pediatric cardiac surgery?
My interest in cardiac physiology and electrophysiology along with my desire to work with children.

What are your areas of sub-specialty and how have things changed since you entered the field?
My subspecialty is electrophysiology. Technology has greatly changed over the last five to 10 years with new mapping and recording systems that speed up the procedures and increase accuracy and success for ablation of arrhythmias. Genetics has also played a role by defining mutations that predispose individuals to heart rhythm problems and sudden death. Specifically related to children, industry has taken an interest in producing equipment more pediatric friendly with smaller pacemakers and other devices and equipment.

What drew you to Duke and what do you enjoy most about your work?
The location, good people to work with, and its position at the forefront of the specialty. I enjoy helping families feel better about their child's heart problems and, if possible, fixing the problem.

What do you think sets Duke Pediatric Cardiology apart from other practices in the area?
Expertise of the personnel, their commitment to the profession and the children, and use of up-to-date technologies.

What are your personal hobbies or interests?
Mountain biking, karate, being with my children