Leadership

This news channel page highlights examples of leadership in hospital and health systems. While healthcare leadership is often seen as the positions of chief executive officers, chief clinical officers, chief of staff, and chief information officers, it also can can be other individuals or the entire healthcare system that shows unique ways to enhance patient care and manage strategies, quality, safety and revenue initiatives.

The Vanderbilt Transplant Center, part of Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), has set a world record by performing 174 adult and pediatric heart transplants in a single year.

‘A team effort’: VUMC sets world record for heart transplants in a single year

The center's 2024 total of 174 heart transplants represents an increase of 36% compared to 2023, and 10 of the patients receiving a new heart were young children. 

HRS President Ken Ellenbogen, MD, FHRS, explains the need for the Heart Rhythm Advocates lobby group in Washington, D.C. to push for policies in Congress over reimbursements.

Why electrophysiologists needed a champion in Washington

Heart Rhythm Society President Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD, detailed a new advocacy group focused on improving EP reimbursements, patient care and access. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu," he said.

doctors nurses ai in healthcare fda oversight

Compensation rising for cardiology APPs as they get more involved in patient care

Advanced practice providers continue to play a significant role in cardiology, helping care teams overcome the challenges brought on by an ongoing physician shortage, declining reimbursements and an aging population. 

Reimbursement update: What hospitals need to know about new Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS finalized a significant policy change when it increased the Medicare payments hospitals receive for performing CCTA exams. What, exactly, does the update mean for cardiologists, billing specialists and other hospital employees?

James N. Kirkpatrick, MD, a veteran cardiologist and cardiac imaging specialist with the University of Washington, died unexpectedly on Jan. 1. He was 54 years old.

Cardiologist remembered for his ‘great empathy, love and generosity’

James N. Kirkpatrick, MD, a cardiologist with the University of Washington, died unexpectedly on Jan. 1. Colleagues have shared loving tributes to Kirkpatrick, highlighting his passion for ethics and strong leadership skills.

Joseph C. Wright resigns from Merit Medical

President of medical device company resigns over conduct allegations after 7 months in role

Joseph C. Wright, a longtime Merit Medical employee, resigned after unspecified allegations regarding his conduct were brought to light. He was named the company's new president back in May.

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes after cardiac surgery, including shorter lengths of stay and reduced readmission rates, according to the experience of one North Carolina health system. The team at Atrium Health’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute launched the Atrium Health Perfect Care Initiative in 2018 as a way to provide consistent, high-quality care for patients following major heart procedures.

How one health system reduced lengths of stay, slashed readmissions after heart surgery

Remote patient monitoring helps clinicians track heart patients as they recover from major operations. One surgeon described the technology as a "game-changer," highlighting the confidence patients feel when they have "an extra set of eyes on them."  

cardiologists evaluating the human heart to provide a treatment strategy

Cardiologists work to standardize the diagnosis and management of acute myocarditis

New expert recommendations from the American College of Cardiology were designed to help cardiologists, primary care physicians, emergency physicians, rheumatologists and other clinicians deliver the best care possible when managing suspected myocarditis. 

Around the web

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.