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Letter from the director

Pauley Heart Center’s decades-long relationship with the Department of Veterans Affairs is an immense source of pride

Veterans Day is Thursday, Nov. 11. Pauley Heart Center’s decades-long relationship with the Department of Veterans Affairs is an immense source of pride, so we’re excited in this issue of The Beat to showcase our affiliation with the Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVHCS) in Richmond. In our cover story, you’ll meet the dedicated providers and researchers bettering the lives of veterans, a population that has higher-than-average rates of diabetes and heart disease. What’s more, you’ll hear straight from our CVHCS team members about what makes this affiliation so personally and professionally meaningful.

Dr. Greg Hundley Dr. Greg Hundley

On Page 6, we introduce you to Kevin Harris, Ph.D., the VCU School of Medicine’s inaugural senior associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion. His recent Internal Medicine Cardiology Grand Rounds presentation on diversity within the field of cardiology gave us a lot to think about. More than a discussion on the demographics of cardiology, the presentation explored how diversity within cardiology might play a role in health outcomes and heart-related health disparities. We’ll continue to talk about these ideas in the coming months and be guided by Dr. Harris’ wisdom as we develop policies and programs that promote diversity, equity, access and inclusion in our division.

  

This issue, we also spotlight three new service areas for Pauley: cardio-oncology, sports cardiology and adult congenital heart disease. Cardio-oncologist Wendy Bottinor, M.D., discusses the relationship between cardiac health and cancer treatment, while sports cardiologist Naveed Naz, M.D., shares tips for athletes navigating COVID-19 during physical training. You’ll also hear from Sangeeta Shah, M.D., whose vision to create the first accredited congenital heart disease program in Virginia will help meet the needs of the growing ACHD population.

  

We’re always looking for ways to improve access to cardiac care. Outside of Richmond, we’re expanding our reach with new clinics and new providers. Read about our Tappahannock and Williamsburg locations on Page 8 and the physicians immersed in those communities on Pages 12-13. Two of them whom we profile came out of retirement to join our team. That’s dedication!

 

Of course, none of our work would be possible without the support of donors. We were deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Dorothy Pauley, wife of the late Stan Pauley. The Pauley Family Foundation’s exceptional generosity over the past 15 years has helped elevate the VCU Health Pauley Heart Center to national prominence. Today, we’re a leader in so many areas of cardiac care because of Dorothy and Stan’s foresight and generosity. A lovely tribute to Dorothy can be found on Page 7.

 

I hope you’ll enjoy these stories and more in this issue of The Beat.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Greg Hundley

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