My life’s work forever carries a Duke fingerprint on all that I touch.
My Duke story began when I entered the storied surgical residency and subsequently continued as a fellow in cardiothoracic surgery. A decade later, I returned to Duke as a staff pediatric heart surgeon and a Fuqua M.B.A. student, captivated by medical innovation. These distinct Duke educational environments have fostered in me a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation for the most vulnerable of patients – children with congenital heart disease.
Collaborating with Duke faculty colleagues across disciplines, I’ve been able to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, game-changing applications. Notably, I led a Duke team in performing the world’s first co-transplant of a heart and cultured thymus tissue, in an operation that could usher in an era in which solid organ transplant recipients can recognize the organ as their own, preventing rejection.
In another highly innovative operation, we performed the world’s first partial heart transplant, creating a brand-new field in heart surgery that delivers growing heart valves for babies. Our team is also focused on expanding the limited donor pool of available hearts for these children. In this regard, we completed the nation’s first pediatric donation after circulatory death heart transplant with ex vivo and in situ reanimation. We look to do the same in the near future with donor hearts from other animal species as we perfect the science in our laboratory. Ultimately, my journey at Duke has reinforced my belief that the intersection of surgery and innovation holds immense potential for transforming health care. I aim to be at the forefront of improving congenital heart surgery, ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a healthier future.