Parallax by Ankur Kalra

In this thought-provoking episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra explores the unexpected intersection of cardiology and popular culture with Dr Kristen Shaw and Dr Kevin Harris from the Minneapolis Heart Institute. Their conversation centers around their recently published systematic analysis, "Portrayal of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Popular Film: A Review of Gender, Race, and Ethnicity".

Through examination of 100 popular films, our guests unpack striking statistics: 90% of on-screen heart attacks occur in men, and symptom presentation is dramatically overplayed compared to clinical reality. The conversation delves into how these media portrayals potentially shape both patient behavior and public health outcomes, particularly for underrepresented populations.

From exploring the stark disconnect between cinematic drama and clinical presentation to discussing practical solutions for improving public health messaging, this episode offers crucial insights for healthcare providers working to bridge the gap between media perception and medical reality. The discussion extends into broader themes of healthcare mistrust in the post-pandemic era, offering valuable perspectives on how improved representation could enhance patient education and emergency response outcomes.

Essential listening for cardiologists, healthcare educators, and anyone interested in how media shapes public understanding of cardiovascular disease.

In this eye-opening episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra sits down with Dr Stephen Cook to explore groundbreaking research on LGBTQ+ experiences in cardiology. Drawing from Dr Cook's recently published JACC Advances paper "Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Cardiology Physicians and Fellows in Training", they unpack crucial findings about workplace harassment, professional development, and the evolution of inclusivity in cardiac care.

From examining the stark statistics on workplace experiences to discussing the importance of SOGI data collection, this conversation reveals both challenges and opportunities for positive change. Learn how the landscape shifts from medical school to fellowship, why mentorship matters, and what steps the American College of Cardiology is taking to create a more inclusive environment for all cardiac professionals.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, trainee, or ally, this episode offers valuable insights into building a more equitable future in cardiology.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced cardiology practices to rapidly evolve - but which changes are here to stay?

Join Dr Ankur Kalra in conversation with Dr Edward Fry, former President of the American College of Cardiology, as they explore how the pandemic catalyzed lasting changes in cardiovascular care delivery. From the rapid adoption of telehealth and remote monitoring to the repurposing of CT scan technology, discover how cardiology practices are innovating in response to unprecedented challenges. Dr Fry shares crucial perspectives on pressing issues including the growing workforce shortage amid an aging specialty, the complexities of private equity investment in comprehensive cardiology practices, and the critical need for value-based care solutions in an evolving reimbursement landscape.

This episode offers vital insights into rebuilding patient trust through collaborative decision-making and physician advocacy. Dr Fry draws from his leadership experience during this challenging period to outline how cardiologists can actively shape healthcare's future through education, research, and policy engagement - providing an essential roadmap for healthcare leaders navigating the post-pandemic landscape.

In this week's Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Dr Sukhjinder Nijjer for their much-anticipated annual review of advancements in cardiovascular medicine that defined the year 2024.

Dr Nijjer, a Consultant Cardiologist in the UK, serves as the President of the Royal Society of Medicine and is an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College London.

This episode focuses on recent developments in interventional cardiology, covering coronary interventions, new device technologies and challenging patient populations. Drs Kalra and Nijjer share their perspectives and experiences, offering valuable insights, practical tips and considerations when interpreting this year’s most impactful trials:

REDUCE-AMI

PREVENT

FAVOR III

ORBITA-COSMIC

DANGer SHOCK

SENIOR-RITA

NOTION 3

What are the most impactful cardiovascular trials of 2024? How do Dr Kalra and Dr Nijjer integrate the latest information into their daily practices?

In this week's Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Dr Sukhjinder Nijjer for their much-anticipated annual review of advancements in cardiovascular medicine that defined the year 2024.

Dr Nijjer, a Consultant Cardiologist in the UK, serves as the President of the Royal Society of Medicine and is an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College London.

This episode explores emerging trends in the treatment of valvular heart disease, focussing on TAVI procedures and transcatheter interventions. It also covers recent advancements in pharmacological management for cardiovascular conditions. Drs Kalra and Nijjer share their perspectives and experiences, offering valuable insights, practical tips and considerations when interpreting this year’s most impactful trials:

EARLY TAVR

RESHAPE 2

MATTERHORN

TRILUMINATE

TOPSPIN

FINEARTS-HF

What are the most impactful cardiovascular trials of 2024? How do Dr Kalra and Dr Nijjer integrate the latest information into their daily practices?

In this compelling episode of Parallax, host Ankur Kalra sits down with Dr Sharonne Hayes, a trailblazing Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and the vice chair for academic advancement and faculty development at Mayo Clinic. Together, they explore the critical intersections of career flexibility, diversity, and inclusion in modern medicine.

Drawing from her extensive experience, Dr Hayes challenges traditional career paradigms in cardiology, offering a nuanced perspective on professional growth that prioritizes personal well-being and systemic change. The conversation delves deep into the complex landscape of medical careers, addressing unconscious biases, workforce equity, and the transformative power of inclusive leadership. Listeners will gain profound insights into strategic career navigation, practical strategies for achieving academic recognition, and the critical importance of health equity in cardiovascular care.

Throughout the episode, Dr Hayes provides a masterclass in professional development, sharing her unique approach to career management that balances personal priorities with professional aspirations. From founding the Women's Heart Clinic to her groundbreaking research on academic rankings, she offers a roadmap for cardiologists seeking meaningful and flexible career paths.

A must-listen for medical professionals, educators, and anyone passionate about creating more equitable and supportive healthcare environments.

In this thought-provoking episode of Parallax, Host, Dr Ankur Kalra engages in an illuminating conversation with Dr Karen Joynt Maddox, a distinguished cardiologist and health policy researcher at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Together, they navigate the complex intersection of cardiovascular medicine, health economics, and public health policy.

Dr Joynt Maddox shares her unique journey into health economics research, offering valuable insights for cardiologists considering this vital career path. The discussion delves deep into the need for enhanced collaboration between clinicians and policymakers, emphasizing how physicians' frontline experiences can inform more effective healthcare policies.

In examining the growing presence of private equity in cardiology practices, Dr Joynt Maddox provides nuanced insights into this transformative trend. Through thoughtful analysis, she explores how this financial model shapes healthcare delivery, innovation, and patient outcomes. The conversation extends to broader economic challenges in cardiovascular medicine, particularly the intricate balance between fostering medical innovation and ensuring accessible, affordable care for patients.

Drawing from her extensive research experience, Dr Joynt Maddox emphasizes the role of social determinants in cardiovascular health outcomes. The episode concludes with a compelling discussion on integrating public health principles into medical education, offering a vision for a more holistic approach to cardiovascular care.

In this week's episode of Parallax, host Dr Ankur Kalra engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr Stephen Smith, a pioneer in electrocardiography and myocardial infarction diagnosis. They delve into the groundbreaking OMI/NOMI paradigm (Occlusion MI vs Non-Occlusion MI), challenging the traditional STEMI vs non-STEMI terminology that has long been the cornerstone of acute coronary syndrome management.

Dr Smith presents compelling evidence highlighting the limitations of ST-elevation as a marker for acute coronary occlusion, discussing his recently published review paper: "From ST-Segment Elevation MI to Occlusion MI: The New Paradigm Shift in Acute Myocardial Infarction".

The conversation explores the proposed shift to the OMI/NOMI terminology and the specific ECG criteria for diagnosing occlusion MI. Dr Smith discusses the challenges in disseminating this new paradigm and teaching these refined ECG interpretation skills to clinicians. Dr Kalra and Dr Smith explore exciting developments in AI-assisted OMI detection and ongoing studies aimed at validating the OMI/NOMI approach.

How can clinicians effectively implement the OMI/NOMI criteria into daily practice? What challenges exist in teaching these new ECG interpretation skills, and how can they be overcome? What advice does Dr Smith have for our listeners?

Full source library for this episode can be found on radcliffecardiology.com.

This week on Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Brooke Aggarwal to dive deep into the fascinating intersection of behavioural science and nutrition education. Dr Brooke Aggarwal, an Assistant Professor at Columbia University Medical Center, focuses her research on how behavioural and psychological factors influence adherence to cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines.

In this episode, Dr Aggarwal shares insights from a groundbreaking study she worked on, the Family Intervention Trial for Heart Health (FIT Heart), unveiling the crucial role of social support and caregiver dynamics in maintaining healthy behaviours. Dr Kalra and Dr Aggarwal discuss innovative techniques such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy that are transforming the landscape of nutrition counselling.

Dr Aggarwal shares her insights into the practical applications of behavioural science in clinical settings, emphasising the importance of addressing cognitive distortions with evidence-based approaches. The discussion highlights the need for healthcare providers to adapt their language to enhance accessibility, creating a supportive environment for sustainable lifestyle changes within patients.

Join us as we explore how combining behavioural science with nutrition knowledge can empower individuals to take control of their health and create meaningful, sustainable improvements in their lives.

In this episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra reunites with Dr Purvi Parwani for a deep dive into the groundbreaking data unveiled at ESC Congress 2024.

Dr Parwani, Director of the Women's Cardiovascular Disease Clinic and a leading expert in her field, serves as Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Echocardiography Laboratory for Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging at Loma Linda University Health.

Dr Parwani offers a comprehensive analysis of the most impactful trials presented at the congress. She delves beyond the headlines, exploring the practical implications these findings hold for the future of patient care. Dr Kalra and Dr Parwani engage in a stimulating discussion, comparing the new data to prior research and exploring how these insights can be translated into real-world improvements for our patients.

Key Trials included:

MATTERHORN: Transcatheter versus surgical mitral valve repair in patients with heart failure and secondary mitral regurgitation (NCT02371512)

RESHAPE-HF2: Percutaneous repair of moderate-to-severe or severe functional mitral regurgitation in patients with symptomatic heart failure (NCT02444338)

TRI FR: Multicentric randomised evaluation of the transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in the treatment of severe isolated secondary tricuspid regurgitation (NCT04646811)

RHEIA: Transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in women with severe aortic stenosis (NCT04160130)

SENIOR RITA: Older patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction randomised interventional treatment trial