What is the reasoning behind the porosity of data when it comes to CV outcomes in women?

Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Cardiology hosts, Dr Mirvat Alasnag (King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, SA) and Dr Julia Grapsa (Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK) are joined by Prof Barbara Casadei (British Heart Foundation, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK) who offers her advice to young cardiologists who aren't receiving the recognition they deserve. As the first female president of the ESC, Prof Casadei discusses how to navigate challenges in leadership roles and her thoughts on recent society statements against toxic behaviours in the workplace. Lastly, she explores how to achieve gender equity in clinical trial research.

Advice for Young Colleagues and Career Pathways with Prof Barbara Casadei

This week's edition of Parallax features an illuminating conversation between host, Dr Ankur Kalra, and Dr Clif Knight. From practicing family physician to passionate advocate for systemic change, Dr Knight's remarkable career journey provides a unique lens through which to examine physician well-being in contemporary healthcare environments.

Dr Knight shares how his early observations of colleagues struggling without adequate support systems sparked his dedication to addressing the fundamental inefficiencies and structural barriers undermining physician resilience. The discussion examines how the healthcare landscape has evolved over generations, challenging simplistic narratives about millennial physicians' susceptibility to burnout by contextualizing how documentation burdens, technological implementations, and regulatory frameworks have created unprecedented complexity.

Listeners will appreciate Dr Knight's nuanced analysis of the physician ecosystem's five distinct levels and how interventions at each stage—from organizational leadership priorities to individual behavioural practices—can meaningfully enhance well-being. The episode offers actionable insights for healthcare professionals seeking to recalibrate their relationship with medical practice, while also raising important questions about how commercial influences in healthcare delivery may affect both physician autonomy and patient care.

For anyone interested in sustainable healthcare systems that support both practitioners and patients, this discussion provides essential perspective on rebuilding resilience at personal and institutional levels.

Resources:

Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience, National Academy of Medicine (https://nam.edu/our-work/programs/clinician-resilience-and-well-being/)

Taking Action Against Clinician Burnout: A Systems Approach to Professional Well-Being, National Academy of Medicine (https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25521/taking-action-against-clinician-burnout-a-systems-approach-to-professional)

Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program, AMA ASSN (https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/physician-health/joy-medicine-health-system-recognition-program)

EP 129: The Heart of Healthcare: Rebuilding Physician Resilience

How can institutions overcome toxic workplace behaviours, and why is it important?

Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Cardiology hosts, Dr Mirvat Alasnag (King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, SA) and Dr Julia Grapsa (Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK) are joined by Prof Mamas Mamas (University of Keele, Staffordshire, UK) to discuss how we can achieve equity in the workplace. Together, they share insights on the dangers of tall poppy syndrome, how to recognise our biases, and why many feel unable to call out bullying and harassment. Prof Mamas also highlights the responsibility of institutions and leadership to implement a code of conduct, framework for independent reporting of uncivil behaviours, and implications if these are not met.

The Poppy Syndrome and Leading by Example With Prof Mamas Mamas

In this week’s episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, MassDevice Editor Chris Newmarker talks with SynCardia CEO Patrick Schnegelsberg and COO Matthew Schuster. Twenty years after FDA approval, SynCardia is the only company with a commercially available total artificial heart, with more than 2,000 implants. Now they're developing what they think will be a game-changer for the technology: a next-gen artificial heart called the Emperor that will be a fully implantable version, without external drivers.

But before the interview Host Tom Salemi gives a quick recap of the MassMedic Symposium and Gala. Then, Chris Newmarker and Senior Editor Danielle Kirsh unpack MassDevice’s new report on surgical robotic companies.

You can download the report for free here. https://www.massdevice.com/gated/massdevices-surgical-robotics-special-report-2025/

Thanks for listening to the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast.

Subscribe to the DeviceTalks Podcast Network so you don’t miss a future episode.

Will SynCardia's Emperor be capable of boldly going where no artificial heart has gone before?

Join Dr Ankur Kalra on Parallax as he explores the evolving landscape of precision medicine in cardiology with Dr Calum MacCrae, Vice Chair for Scientific Innovation at Brigham and Women’s Heart and Vascular Center.

Dr MacCrae reflects on how the promise of matching treatments to individual risk and disease mechanisms has evolved, from its roots in molecular medicine to today’s data-driven aspirations, revealing why progress has lagged behind expectations. The discussion dissects the complexities of modern cardiology, challenging assumptions about therapeutic precision by examining barriers like incomplete disease understanding, flawed electronic health records, and the high cost of integrating biomarkers into practice.

Listeners will value Dr MacCrae’s incisive breakdown of precision medicine’s ecosystem, and how innovations at each level could redefine treatment strategies. The episode delivers practical insights for clinicians, while posing critical questions about how systemic inertia and fragmented healthcare delivery can impede meaningful change.

EP 130: Precision Cardiology: Promise, Barriers, and Breakthroughs

What can the transition to industry offer young cardiologists, and should they take the leap?

Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Cardiology hosts, Dr Mirvat Alasnag (King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, SA) and Dr Julia Grapsa (Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK) engage in an inspiring discussion with Interventional Cardiologist, Dr Marta Bande (Boston Scientific Corporation, Milan, IT). The episode dives into Dr Bande's motivations to move to industry after years in clinical practise and the skills and opportunities this exposed her to. As well as providing advice for young cardiologists contemplating changing career paths, Dr Bande talks on navigating career struggles and why she actively promotes diversity for women within cardiology.

Transition of Career, Equity and Diversity in Cardiology With Dr Marta Bande

What advice does Dr Ritu Thamman have for female cardiologists trying to navigate power dynamics within the workplace?

Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Cardiology hosts, Dr Mirvat Alasnag (King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, SA) and Dr Julia Grapsa (Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK) are joined by Dr Ritu Thamman (University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, US) to discuss the challenges posed by queen bee syndrome and the importance of building networks to feel secure in leadership positions. Together, they also explore how institutions can improve lab safety for interventional cardiologists and pregnant women at higher risk of radiation exposure, and Dr Thamman highlights the huge disparities between standards of protection across the globe. Finally, Dr Thamman offers valuable advice to younger colleagues struggling to create an attainable work-life balance.




From Women, For Women and a Legacy for Future Generations with Dr Ritu Thamman

In this episode, Dr. Kristen Nordenholz breaks down some of the causes and differential for right heart failure in EM. This ties in with the prior podcast from CoACEP with Dr. Tems talking about the indications for ECMO. 

Differential Cause of Right Heart Failure with Dr. Kristen Nordenholz - CoACEP

In this illuminating episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra engages with Dr Jonathan Drezner, Director of Sports Cardiology at the University of Washington, who explores the complex world of cardiovascular risk in competitive athletes.

Dr Drezner traces the evolution of sports cardiology from watershed moments involving high-profile athletes like Hank Gathers and Reggie Lewis to today's sophisticated screening protocols. The conversation reveals startling statistics about sudden cardiac death—particularly among specific athlete populations where risks are significantly higher than previously thought.

The discussion delves into the limitations of traditional screening questionnaires versus the enhanced detection capabilities of ECG testing, highlighting how proper interpretation has dramatically reduced false positives. Dr Drezner articulates the shift from universal disqualification to personalized risk assessment for athletes with cardiac conditions, emphasizing the critical elements of effective emergency action plans that can mean the difference between life and death on the playing field.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into both common and rare cardiac conditions affecting athletes, from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to anomalous coronary arteries, while understanding the three pillars of modern sports cardiology: epidemiology, screening, and management. This episode offers essential knowledge for cardiologists, sports medicine physicians, and other healthcare professionals involved in athlete cardiac care.

Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO

Parallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts: https://www.radcliffecardiology.com/news/parallax-podcast-ankur-kalra-recognised-among-top-medical-podcasts?language_content_entity=en

EP 132: The Heart of the Game: Cardiovascular Risk in Athletes

In this episode EP Lab Digest's The EP Edit podcast, we are joined by Dr Andrea Russo to discuss the 2025 Appropriate Use Criteria for ICDs, CRT, and Pacing. Dr Russo shares key updates, clinical implications, and what these recommendations mean for real-world EP practice. 

Insights on the 2025 Appropriate Use Criteria for Cardiac Implantable Devices: Interview With Andrea M Russo, MD

In this inspiring episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra engages with Dr Srihari S. Naidu, current President of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and tenured professor at New York Medical College. Their conversation explores Dr Naidu's compelling journey from his formative years and family influences to his strategic vision for elevating interventional cardiology's national profile.

Dr Naidu shares his innovative "LINK" philosophy—Leadership, Innovation, Networking, and Knowledge—which has guided his approach to medicine and leadership. The discussion delves into SCAI's remarkable growth in education, publications, and advocacy under his stewardship, while addressing the critical need to increase public understanding of interventional cardiologists' life-saving contributions to healthcare.

The conversation offers valuable insights on career progression in medicine, exploring the delicate balance between knowledge and wisdom across different career stages. Dr Naidu provides thoughtful perspectives on the "sweet spot" of mid-career practice, the importance of cross-generational learning, and SCAI's commitment to fostering diversity by removing barriers for women and underrepresented groups in the field.

Essential listening for cardiologists at all career stages, healthcare leaders, and those interested in the evolving landscape of interventional cardiology and its impact on patient care and public health.

Buy the SCAI Cap here. (https://shop.scai.org/)

Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardio

Parallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.

EP 134: Advancing Interventional Cardiology: Dr Naidu's Presidential Blueprint for SCAI

BUFFALO, NY — May 14, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 4, on April 10, 2025, titled “Impact of Factor Xa inhibitors on cardiovascular events in older patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.”

In this study, first author Masahiko Takahashi and corresponding author Keisuke Okawa led a research team from Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital and Hyogo Medical University that investigated whether Factor Xa inhibitors (Xa-Is)—a type of blood thinner—can reduce the risk of heart-related complications in patients over 80 with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The study found that patients using Xa-Is experienced significantly fewer cardiovascular problems than those on other anticoagulants. This finding is especially relevant, as older adults face a high risk of both stroke and heart disease.

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder, particularly in the elderly, that increases the risk of blood clots, heart failure, and stroke. Anticoagulants are often prescribed to prevent clots, but not all types have the same effects on heart health. This study focused on comparing Xa-Is—specifically rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban—with commonly used drugs such as warfarin and dabigatran.

Researchers followed more than 1,000 patients aged 80 and above for up to five years to assess the long-term impact of these medications on cardiovascular outcomes. Patients who used Xa-Is had significantly lower rates of heart failure, artery disease, and cardiovascular death. The risk of cardiovascular problems in the Xa-I group was less than half that of those on non-Xa-I medications. These benefits remained even after adjusting for factors like age, existing heart conditions, and kidney function. Additionally, stroke and all-cause death rates were notably lower in the Xa-I group. 

“Xa-Is may be useful for not only anticoagulation but also the prevention of cardiovascular events in very old patients with NVAF.”

What makes Xa-Is different, according to the researchers, is their ability to inhibit a specific biological pathway—known as Factor Xa–PAR2—that contributes to inflammation, fibrosis, and damage in blood vessels and heart tissue. This effect extends beyond their traditional role in preventing blood clots. Although the study was conducted at a single medical center in Japan, its rigorous design and long follow-up period enhance the reliability of the findings for real-world clinical decision-making.

While further studies, especially across multiple centers, are needed to confirm the full range of benefits, this study strongly suggests that Xa-Is may offer broader cardiovascular protection for very old patients. The findings could influence how clinicians choose blood thinners for elderly individuals with atrial fibrillation, potentially improving both survival and quality of life in this growing population.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206238

Corresponding author - Keisuke Okawa - k-ookawa@chp-kagawa.jp

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtbYpfVDVDI

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Keywords - aging, Factor Xa inhibitor, atrial fibrillation, older patient, cardiovascular events

To learn more about the journal, please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us on social media at:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/
X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl
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MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Aging (Aging-US)

Blood Thinners Called Factor Xa Inhibitors Lower Heart Risk in Elderly with Atrial Fibrillation

In this insightful episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Leslie Saxon, a professor of medicine at Keck School of Medicine USC and executive director for the USC Center for Body Computing. Together, they explore the potential network data have in transforming healthcare delivery and patient survival.

Beginning with the origin and aim of the USC Center for Body Computing, the episode dives into the benefits of a network of connected implantable devices to engage patients in their own care. Dr Saxon also shares her vision of overseeing "life care” as well as "sick care" by collecting data on the mind and body, providing insights into her work with professional athletes and the military to understand how the body functions as a system. The discussion later turns to the evolution of computing devices and how we are moving past the concept of "wearables" with AI-centric devices designed specifically for continuous health monitoring.

EP 135: Beyond Wearables: How Network Data are Transforming Healthcare

In this onsite conversation from Heart Rhythm 2025, Tara U. Mudd, MSN, APRN, NP-C, and Courtney Channels, APRN, share insights on building and advancing Atrial Fibrillation Centers of Excellence.

Contemporary Role of Atrial Fibrillation Centers of Excellence

Find out about Interventional Cardiology as a medical profession in this informative audio file.

how to become an interventional cardiologist

In this profound episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Pam Taub, Professor of Medicine and Director of Preventive Cardiology at UC San Diego, for an enlightening conversation about integrating spirituality, purpose, and scientific curiosity in cardiovascular practice.

Dr Taub shares her unique philosophical foundation, shaped by exposure to diverse religions in South India. This experience fostered her belief that all faiths fundamentally center on being a good person and serving others. She explores how this spiritual perspective transforms medicine from a profession into a sacred calling, where patient interactions become profound privileges that fuel her desire to make meaningful impact beyond individual achievements.

The episode highlights Dr Taub's groundbreaking work with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), demonstrating how scientific curiosity serves as a spiritual path. Her research journey—from recognizing misdiagnosed conditions to conducting the first clinical trial for ivabradine in POTS—exemplifies how deeper questioning and evidence-based inquiry can transform patient lives on a broader scale. The episode also explores Dr Taub's research on time-restricted eating, connecting modern scientific evidence to fasting practices across many faiths.

Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardio

Parallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.


EP 136: The Sacred and the Scientific: Integrating Spirituality in Cardiovascular Care

BUFFALO, NY - June 13, 2025 – A new #review was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on June 4, 2025, titled “Applying the unattainable triangle in cardio-oncology care: Balancing cost, quality, and time.”

In this review, first author John Hoverson, corresponding author Stella Pak, and colleagues from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio explore how the “unattainable triangle”—a business concept describing the trade-offs between cost, quality, and time—can help improve healthcare delivery in cardio-oncology. As cancer treatments become more complex and often affect the heart, this model highlights the challenge of providing care that is fast, effective, and affordable.

Cardio-oncology is an emerging field focused on preventing and managing heart problems caused by cancer therapies. The review explains that high-quality cancer care often requires advanced diagnostics and close collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists, which can drive up costs and time demands. Understanding how to balance these pressures is essential for delivering better outcomes for patients.

Many cancer survivors face long-term cardiovascular complications due to their treatment. Early monitoring and intervention can reduce these risks. However, these improvements often come with financial burdens, especially when key tests are not covered by insurance. Meanwhile, both patients and clinicians must manage the burden of tight appointment schedules, long clinic visits, and increasing demands on their time.

To improve care quality, the authors emphasize the need for interdisciplinary teamwork and ongoing education. Surveys show that many clinicians are still unfamiliar with cardio-oncology guidelines, which can compromise care. The review also highlights the potential for artificial intelligence and digital tools to streamline care delivery, reduce wait times, and support both patients and providers.

Importantly, the authors point out that improving one area—such as quality—can come at the expense of others, like cost or time. They encourage healthcare systems to take a balanced approach, setting clear goals and using integrated care models that consider all three elements of the triangle together.

“While a perfect model for managing the unattainable triangle may be simply that, ‘unattainable’, investments in research, patient-centered care, data-driven decision-making, and financial alignment with payers will be crucial to the long-term success of both patient outcomes and the organization’s profitability.”

While achieving perfect balance may be difficult, the review suggests that using the unattainable triangle as a guiding framework can help hospitals and clinicians make smarter, more sustainable decisions. As cardio-oncology continues to expand in response to the growing number of cancer survivors with cardiovascular needs, this approach could help improve patient outcomes and strengthen healthcare systems.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28738

Correspondence to - Stella Pak - stellacpak@outlook.com

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65-5eUuVyyk

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Keywords - cancer, cardio-oncology, quality improvement, cardiology, oncology

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

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Oncotarget

Balancing Time, Cost, and Quality in Cardio-Oncology Care

Women in Cardiology: Small in Number, Large in Impact with Dr Roxana Mehran

In this episode from Colorado ACEP, we learn about the EM approach to right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. 

Right Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension for the EM Doc with Dr. Marianne Wallis - CoACEP

The Radcliffe Cardiology Podcast brings you the latest advancements, research and best practices in the field of cardiology. Each episode features expert insights and engaging discussions with leading healthcare professionals, covering a breadth of topics in cardiovascular science. 

Our podcast aims to build on the best science, with key takeaways from the top cardiology conferences and recent publications from our journals.

ACEP Frontline, hosted by Dr. Ryan Stanton, features in-depth conversations on the hottest topics in emergency medicine and critical care.

Oncotarget is a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal. Papers are published continuously within yearly volumes in their final and complete form and then quickly released to Pubmed.

Oncotarget is now indexed by MEDLINE, PubMed and PMC/PubMed.

Read about the Oncotarget Scientific Integrity Process: https://www.oncotarget.com/scientific_integrity/

Cancer and aging are two sides of age-related tumorigenesis.

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

Read about the Aging (Aging-US) Scientific Integrity Process: https://aging-us.com/scientific-integrity

The DeviceTalks Podcast Network delivers news, insights and commentary from MedTech industry leaders, primarily from the largest OEMs in healthcare. Our podcasts will inspire MedTech professionals to create better MedTech devices and companies.

Explore the DeviceTalks Podcast Network, home to more than 11 podcasts:

• DeviceTalks Weekly
• AbbottTalks
• Boston Scientific Talks
• DeviceTalks AI
• IntuitiveTalks
• MedtechWOMEN Talks
• MedtronicTalks
• Neuro Innovation Talks: J&J MedTech Neuro
• Structural Heart Talks: Edwards Lifesciences
• Ortho Innovation Talks: Zimmer Biomet
• StrykerTalks

WATCH our video podcasts on www.youtube.com/@DeviceTalks

Connect with the hosts:
Tom Salemi, Editorial Director, DeviceTalks https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-salemi-7118948/
Kayleen Brown, Managing Editor, DeviceTalks https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleenbrown/

Learn more about DeviceTalks - Podcasts • Conferences • Webinars - www.devicetalks.com

The CardioVascular Learning Network includes content from The Journal of Invasive Cardiology, Cath Lab Digest, EP Lab Digest, Vascular Disease Management, and IO Learning.

‘Parallax’ (/ˈparəlaks/)-noun: the effect whereby the position or direction of an object appears to differ when viewed from different positions. Join Ankur Kalra, MD as he shows you a different side to cardiovascular care, management and science. Listen to Ankur’s conversations with legendary cardiologists, critical reviews of key congresses and late-breaking trials, and concise summaries. Published every second Monday of the month, this is your fix of reliable updates on all things cardiology by someone from a non-traditional background, who is always trying to look at it from new angles! Dear cardiologists, we want to make this podcast about you, and for you! Please email us critical thoughts, comments and questions for Ankur at podcast@radcliffe-group.com.

We are a top rated Caribbean medical school that is dedicated to the success of our students.  https://www.umhs-sk.org/caribbean-medical-schools

New tracks tagged #cardiology