As director of the Division of Cardiology at the Buffalo VA Medical Center (Buffalo VAMC), I oversee cardiac care, education and research. My division is one of the most efficient across similar VA facilities: it provides the full spectrum of cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic services while maintaining outcomes that meet or exceed all nationally mandated standards. I see outpatients in my own clinic, and I see inpatients as well, including those admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). My practice focuses on coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation and valvular abnormalities. I approach my patients by practicing both the art and science of medicine and spend ample time getting to know my patients and the social structures that surround them. I believe that the care of a patient is much more effective when the patient is treated as a person rather than a diagnosis. I truly enjoy my clinical sessions at the Buffalo VAMC where I meet new and returning veterans who share their stories with me. It is a privilege to care for each of these amazing individuals.

The abundance of complex cases at the Buffalo VAMC, along with extensive longitudinal electronic health data, allows us to conduct clinical research to improve patient care. We physician-scientists at the Buffalo VAMC are increasing our focus on clinical research to complement the bench research performed at UB. My current research is studying the role of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in heart disease. While longitudinal studies indicate a role of PTSD on CAD prevalence and outcomes, its causative mechanism has been debated. My colleagues and I are looking at mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI) and how this differs in patients with PTSD.

I am passionate about teaching and feel a strong responsibility to mentor the next generation of physicians. I trained as a Royal College of Physicians educator in order to become a better medical educator. To me, mentorship involves more than just teaching the facts of medicine. I emphasize interpersonal and communication skills with the fellows I train, in addition to traditional bedside teaching, because these patient-centered abilities are essential to being a good physician. I also help trainees navigate increasingly complex hospital and health care environments. The knowledge I share with them about the systems that are part of modern health care is also key to providing the best care to patients.