Where did you receive your undergraduate and/or medical training?
I received my undergraduate degree from Franklin and Marshall College, in Lancaster, PA. I went to medical school at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. My pediatrics training was at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and I did my cardiology fellowship at U.C. San Francisco.

How long have you been at Duke?
I joined the faculty on August 1, 2005.

Where did you work prior to coming to Duke?
I was finishing my fellowship training at UCSF.

What are your board certifications and society memberships?
I am board certified in pediatrics and will sit for the next available pediatric cardiology sub-board. I belong to the ACC.

What led you into the field of pediatric cardiology/pediatric cardiac surgery?
As a student and resident, I was always very impressed by the people in the field. In addition, it is a fascinating area of study in which we get to take care of complicated patients and have the opportunity to make a real difference in their and their family's lives.

What are your areas of sub-specialty and how have things changed since you entered the field?
I am interested in echocardiography, and, in particular, the fetal assessment and diagnosis of congenital heart disease. Since I just entered the field, I can't say I've seen much change yet.

What is the focus of your current research and how will your research contribute to the field of medicine?
I currently have projects I am finishing from San Francisco, one of which includes pulmonary venous Doppler patterns in patients with palliative physiology (i.e.: Sano versus Glenn).

What drew you to Duke and what do you enjoy most about your work?
Several things attracted me to Duke: The geographic location, the ability to mix community and academic pediatric cardiology, and several of the people within the division were all reasons that drew me here. I really enjoy the personal interaction with families, as well as the academic interaction between colleagues within the field.

What are your personal hobbies or interests?
I enjoy all kinds of music (and I play a few instruments), mountain biking, playing with my two kids.