“Seek refuge in the attitude of detachment and you will amass the wealth of spiritual awareness. The one who is motivated only by the desire for the fruits of their action, and anxious about the results, is miserable indeed.”
Bhagavad Gita

In medical school, Dr Chinnaiyan was fascinated with embryology. The question that used to hunt her was how does once cell know to differentiate into so many different organs: what is that knowledge?

In this week’s Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Dr. Kavitha Chinnaiyan cardiologist, Professor of Medicine at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and accomplished author.

This nurturing episode focuses on questions that touch on what it is that we seek as human beings and how can we cultivate awareness and authenticity while practicing modern medicine. Ankur asks Kavitha about what it means to be spiritual as a cardiologist. Kavitha talks about the experiences made possible by mindfulness. They discuss the difference between conditioning and growth. Kavitha talks about burn out and how we could make changes by embracing medicine not only as a measurable science but as an art.

What is happiness? How can we become more authentic by letting go of judgements? What can we achieve by looking at medicine not only as a science, but as an art?

Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radciffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest, @ChinnaiyanMD hosted by @AnkurKalraMD. Produced by @RadcliffeCARDIO.

You can find Drs Ankur Kalra, Erin Michos and Kavitha Chinnaiyan’s article on COVID-19 and the healthcare workers here: https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/31/2936/5851729?login=false

EP 74: Modern Medicine & Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita with Dr Kavitha Chinnaiyan

In 2017, Rohin Francis AKA Medlife Crisis uploaded a YouTube video titled “Leonardo da Vinci's theory about the heart was right”. This first video about how the heart valves close was watched by 412K people, garnering more than 700 comments from a diverse audience who connected to the subject with fascination, curiosity and humour.

This week’s guest on Parallax is Dr Rohin Francis, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust and prolific YouTuber.

Rohin believes that authenticity is one of the keys of his videos’ success. When asked about his journey to medicine he summarises: “I was being rebellious and ended up doing the most cliché job for an Indian possible.” He turns the table and asks Ankur what he think is behind the stereotype of the Indian cardiologist.
Rohin shares an advice that he received at the beginning of his career: “If you can deal with an average day, the exciting day will take care of itself.”
Ankur asks Rohin about Medlife Crisis and the work that goes into producing a show followed by 500K people. Rohin reiterates his passion for research and science communication. Ankur and Rohin discuss what it means to be yourself on social media and what is Rohin’s advice to our early-career listeners.

What is Rohin’s advice for aspiring creators? How does he balance his work and personal life?

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

EP 81: @Medlife Crisis and Authenticity with YouTuber & Interventionalist, Dr Rohin Francis

“Sham peer review or malicious peer review is defined as the abuse of a medical peer review process to attack a doctor for personal or other non-medical reasons.”

“Most doctors — warns Dr Kaki — do not understand that ultimately your privileges are not dictated by your colleagues through a fair process, but hospital administration controls our destiny”. In 2018, Dr Kaki was subject to a campaign of retaliation that set out to revoke the well-respected cardiologist’s privileges. Today, Dr Kaki is Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support at Ascension and Clinical Associate Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine.

In this week’s Parallax Dr Kalra’s guests are the team that fought for justice in Dr Kaki’s case: Dr Lawrence R Huntoon, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons and Deborah Gordon, employment attorney.

Dr Kaki walks us through his Kafkaesque experience and the knowledge he acquired during his battle with his former hospital. We get insight into the stages of a peer review process and the role of key stakeholders. Dr Huntoon, expert in this field, helps us put Dr Kaki’s experience in context and talks about the prevalence of sham peer reviews through shocking cases. Ms Gordon supports the discussions with practical tips and insights on the role of an attorney. Join Ankur and his guests for a must listen show on your rights as a physician.

What do you need to know about the hospital peer review process and your rights? What can you do if targeted? What is Dr Kaki’s advice to physicians?

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Parallax’s Medico-Legal series with Dr Kalra and Dr Huntoon.

Resource: https://shmpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jhm.12903

Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.
Guests: @DrAmirKaki, Dr Lawrence R Huntoon and Deborah Gordon host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.

EP 82:   Hospital Peer Review Process: What You Need to Know as a Physician

“The hospitals like things just the way they are. It gives them almost complete immunity for any peer reviews, good faith, or bad faith, that they conduct against a physician.”
 
The Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 considers accused physicians to be guilty of the charges unless and until they can prove their innocence. Over the years many hospitals abused the peer review system to extort and silence competent physicians.
 
Dr Lawrence Huntoon, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, returns for a deep dive into the topic of the hospital peer review system.
 
In this second episode of our medico-legal series, Dr Kalra invites Dr Huntoon for an overview of the key terminologies and processes of the hospital peer review system.
Dr Huntoon summarises some of key actions you can take as a physician to prepare and defend yourself. We learn more about different sham peer review tactics through recent cases. Dr Huntoon shares his thoughts on what we can do to create a just system and better future for practicing physicians.
 
What do you need to know about hospital investigations? What is the difference between OPPE and FPPE? How can you get educated on hospital bylaws and processes?
 
Get involved with the work of AAPS and access more free-to-access resources on this topic: https://aapsonline.org
 
Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode.
Guest: Dr Lawrence R Huntoon Host: @AnkurKalraMD Produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO.

EP 83: Sham Peer Reviews: A Deep Dive with Dr Lawrence Huntoon

In 2018, the loss of a friend to suicide compelled Dr Anavekar to embark on a profound journey of contemplative self-exploration. Now, he uses his experience to encourage and guide trainees to pose thought-provoking questions that challenge the status quo of the materialistic approach to medicine, ultimately leading to a more outcome-focused perspective.

In this week's episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra sits down with guest Dr Nandan Anavekar, a Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Dr Anavekar also serves as a consultant for both the Cardiovascular and Radiology Departments at Mayo Clinic and is the Program Director for the Adult Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship program.

In this episode, Dr Nandan Anavekar emphasizes the importance of inner exploration for physicians. He encourages questions such as "Who am I?" and "What is this world that I reside in?" to foster a deeper understanding of the human condition and patient care.
Dr Anavekar also addresses the current cultural shift in cardiology toward measuring success by material possessions and procedures, advocating instead for a focus on outcomes. Dr Kalra probes further, asking how this philosophy can be applied in the Western, and particularly the US healthcare system.

What is the Global Cardiology University project? How does Dr Anavekar encourage trainees to re-examine their role in patient care? What is his advice to our listeners?

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

EP 89: 1/3 Contemplative Self-Exploration & Outcome-Focused Cardiology with Dr Nandan Anavekar

In this week's Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by guests, Dr Rama Ellauzi, Dr Nandan Anavekar and Dr Anthony Kashou, also known as The EKG Guy. Together, they delve into cardiovascular education and the Global Cardiology University (GCU).

The genesis of GCU traces back to Dr Kashou's time as an intern at Mayo Clinic. Recognizing the challenges of postgraduate education, Dr Kashou embarked on a journey to enhance early-level training. Drawing inspiration from his own struggle to comprehend electrocardiograms (EKGs), he set out to build a comprehensive database. This eventually led to the birth of GCU.

Dr Ellauzi, Dr Anavekar and Dr Kashou share their passion for education and the devotion that drew them to the GCU. They explore the vision of GCU, which revolves around creating a community space where knowledge is shared, aligning with educational trends, and empowering learners. Through scientific content evaluation and a commitment to providing premium yet affordable materials, GCU embraces community ownership. As the team has grown, teachers and students now find themselves in the same virtual room, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

The conversation moves to the platforms and interactions offered by GCU. Dr Ellauzi and Dr Kashou shed light on the diverse formats available. They discuss the process of content vetting, emphasizing the importance of explanations and foundations for learners at all levels. They stress that GCU, serves as a complementary resource, enhancing traditional education methods for learners at different stages of knowledge acquisition.

How can we empower learners in the digital age? How do we build global learning communities and cultures? When should new knowledge become part of a curriculum?

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

EP 93: Empowering Learners in Cardiovascular Education with Dr Kashou, Dr Anavekar & Dr Ellauzi

In the landmark centennial episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes a true luminary in the field of cardiology, Dr Valentin Fuster.

Dr Valentin Fuster, a renowned cardiologist, currently holds multiple roles. He serves as the Director of the Cardiovascular Institute and as the Physician-in-Chief at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Additionally, Dr Fuster is the General Director of the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC) in Madrid. Notably, he also holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).

In this candid and rich episode, Dr Fuster delves into his upbringing in Barcelona and reflects on the influential role his family played in providing him with role models and a sense of freedom during his formative years. Dr Fuster invites us to contemplate the concepts of mentorship and trust by recounting pivotal moments from his life, revealing how these principles propelled him towards a life of fulfilment.
Dr Kalra and Dr Fuster revisit one of the central questions explored in Dr Fuster's book, "The Circle of Motivation" – how can one maintain a positive outlook and prepare for life's inevitable fluctuations? Dr Fuster shares insights into his daily routine, which aids him in reflection, tuning into his intuition, and making choices that align with his true self.
While discussing his priorities, we gain insight into Dr Fuster's projects, driven by the concern that we do not intervene early enough in the treatment of individuals. Dr Kalra and Dr Fuster engage in a discussion about Dr Fuster's thoughts on JACC and Dr Fuster outlines the key principles of leadership in various contexts, accompanied by examples from his own life. Dr Kalra seeks Dr Fuster's perspective on augmentative intelligence and the future of medicine, shedding light on what Dr Fuster believes is essential for contemporary medical education in light of the transformative impact of AI.
Finally, Dr Fuster shares three influential books that have shaped his thinking, along with a message for our listeners.

Resources:
JACC Journals’ Pathway Forward With AI Tools: The Future Is Now
https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.02.030
The Circle of Motivation
https://www.amazon.com/Circle-Motivation-Valentin-Fuster-ebook/dp/B07YLVMSKH

EP 100: Conversation with Dr Valentin Fuster: Trust, Fulfilment & Leadership

This week on Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Eric Radtke, Vice President at Worldwide Innovations & Technologies, Inc, and Barbara Breininger, a cardiovascular radiologic technologist and clinical manager with 26 years of experience.

This special episode dives deep into the crucial topic of radiation hygiene, exploring it from the perspectives of both manufacturers and users of radiation safety products.
Barbara Breininger shares her experiences traveling nationwide to educate healthcare professionals on radiation safety, emphasizing the need for collective awareness and best practices in cath labs.
Eric Radtke discusses the company's evolving focus on radiation safety, the origins of their initiatives, and the concerning impacts of radiation exposure as revealed by recent studies. We'll also explore practical steps to enhance safety and delve into the RADPAD tools that can shield interventional cardiologists and allied professionals from exposure.

How can we protect ourselves from radiation in the Cath lab? How can we raise awareness of radiation hygiene?

Trials mentioned in the episode:

Aizer A, Qiu JK, Cheng AV, et al. Utilization of a Radiation Safety Time-Out Reduces Radiation Exposure During Electrophysiology Procedures. JACC EP 2019; 5:5:626-634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacep.2018.12.002

Ahmad IM, Abdalla YM, Moore TA, et al. Healthcare Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionizing Radiation Exhibit Altered Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines and Redox Parameters. Antioxidants 2019; 8:1. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8010012

Support: This episode is supported by Radcliffe Cardiology; it received no funding from Worldwide Innovations & Technologies.

EP 113: Your Guide to Radiation Hygiene: Insights from Manufacturer and Users

This week on Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Marc Gerdisch to discuss a groundbreaking study on reducing opioid use after cardiac surgery.

Dr Marc Gerdisch is the Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and Co-Director of the Heart Valve Center and Atrial Fibrillation Program at Franciscan St. Francis Health. He is a senior partner at Cardiac Surgery Associates and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago.

Dr Gerdisch shares insights into his research on rigid sternal fixation and enhanced recovery protocols, which have shown promising results in postoperative pain management and patient recovery.
In this episode, Dr Kalra and Dr Gerdisch discuss the specifics of the study, including the four-cohort design and the steps taken to expedite opioid-free recovery. Dr Gerdisch also shares valuable advice on overcoming physician inertia and building a strong case for implementing such a programme, including cost-benefit analysis considerations.

What motivated the study? How can a holistic approach to cardiac surgery recovery be implemented? What advice does Dr Gerdisch have for our listeners?

Sources:
Gerdisch MW, et al. Ann Thorax Surg 2024. Rigid Sternal Fixation and Enhanced Recovery for Opioid-Free Analgesia After Cardiac Surgery. DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2024.06.032

CE Cox. TCTMD 2024. Holistic Approach to Cardiac Surgery Can Sharply Cut Opioid Use. Available at: https://www.tctmd.com/news/holistic-approach-cardiac-surgery-can-sharply-cut-opioid-use. Accessed August 12, 2024.

EP 117: Transforming Cardiac Surgery Recovery: Evidence-Based Insights with Dr Gerdisch

In this week's episode, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes authors Dr Srihari Naidu and Lindsay Davis to discuss their newly published children's book, Lindsay's Big Heart. A leading interventional cardiologist, Dr Naidu, and patient advocate, Ms Davis, have collaborated to bring the complex heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to life for young readers.
 
Lindsay Davis shares her personal journey with HCM, offering a firsthand perspective on the challenges and triumphs of living with the condition. Dr Srihari Naidu discusses the importance of translating complex medical information into a format that children can understand and appreciate. As a parent himself, he was inspired to create a resource that would help families navigate the complexities of HCM.
 
The authors share the challenges and rewards of bringing Lindsay's Big Heart to publication, from securing a publisher to finalising the illustrations. They believe that the book can help children feel more informed and empowered, reducing fear and anxiety associated with HCM. Additionally, they hope the book will raise awareness of the condition and encourage early diagnosis and treatment.
 
Join us as we delve into the inspiration behind the book, the writing process, and the importance of accurate and engaging medical education for children.

EP 118: The Power of Storytelling:  Lindsay's Big Heart  and HCM Awareness

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.

EP 121: OMI/NOMI: A Paradigm Shift in Myocardial Infarction Diagnosis With Dr Stephen Smith

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.

EP 122: Beyond the Clinic: Addressing Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Health With Dr Karen Joynt Maddox

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?

EP 125: Structural Interventions and Emerging Pharmacotherapies: The Year 2024 In Review with Dr Sukh Nijjer

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

In this episode of Parallax, host Dr Ankur Kalra sits down with Dr Ambarish Pandey to explore the transformative role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in cardiovascular medicine. Beyond their well-known effects on weight management, Dr Pandey reveals how these "blockbuster drugs" are fundamentally reshaping cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, with compelling evidence from the landmark SELECT trial.

The discussion navigates through real-world clinical scenarios where GLP-1s deliver significant cardiovascular benefits, from post-acute coronary events to established atherosclerotic disease. Dr Pandey provides nuanced, evidence-based recommendations for GLP-1 therapy across various heart failure phenotypes, while addressing common comorbidities like atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea.

Recognizing practical challenges, the conversation offers actionable strategies for medication initiation, dose optimization, and navigating insurance hurdles. The episode concludes with an exciting look toward emerging frontiers, including GLP-1 benefits in chronic kidney disease and innovative metabolic accelerators that could complement existing therapies.

For clinicians seeking to optimize cardio-metabolic care in 2025, this discussion provides essential insights into both current best practices and promising therapeutic horizons.

Disclosures: Dr Ambarish Pandey is a consultant for Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Roche, and Rivus Pharma.

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 131: Beyond Weight Loss: GLP-1s as Cardioprotective Game-Changers in 2025

In this compelling episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra explores South Asian cardiovascular health with preventive cardiology experts, Dr Jaideep Patel from Johns Hopkins, and Dr Romit Bhattacharya from Massachusetts General Hospital.

The conversation begins with both specialists sharing personal motivations behind their focus on South Asian heart health, from family losses to scientific curiosity about potential genetic and metabolic distinctions. They examine whether South Asians truly face different cardiovascular risks - discussing observations of earlier disease onset, unique lipid patterns, and metabolic dysfunction at lower BMIs - while emphasizing that fundamental prevention strategies remain effective across populations.

The episode culminates with powerful closing insights on prevention as an investment—how small, consistent lifestyle modifications can prevent cardiovascular disease onset even in those with genetic predispositions, ultimately enabling fuller, more functional lives in later years.

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

EP 133: South Asian Heart Health: Unveiling Risk Patterns and Prevention Strategies

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

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 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

In this essential episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Michelle O'Donoghue, cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and co-author of the recently updated AHA/ACC acute coronary syndrome guidelines. Together, they explore the revolutionary changes reshaping ACS management in 2025.

Dr O'Donoghue shares insights from the landmark guideline development process that unified non-ST elevation ACS and ST elevation MI recommendations into a single comprehensive document. The conversation covers game-changing updates including new risk stratification approaches, the shift toward selective invasive strategies, and the introduction of bivalirudin as an alternative anticoagulation option.

The discussion highlights the groundbreaking "lower is better" approach to LDL management with new targets below 55 mg/dL, evolving antiplatelet therapy strategies, and the emerging role of ticagrelor monotherapy. Dr O'Donoghue also addresses future directions in cardiovascular care, from GLP-1 agonists to mechanical circulatory support devices, emphasizing how these guidelines represent a fundamental shift toward more personalized, evidence-based ACS management.

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 137: Redefining ACS Care: From Guideline Updates to Clinical Excellence

In this insightful episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra explores the emerging field of cardiac epigenetics with Dr Manuel Rosa-Garrido, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Their conversation examines how the three-dimensional organization of DNA within the cell nucleus influences heart disease development beyond traditional genetic sequencing.

Dr Rosa-Garrido shares his pioneering work using Hi-C technology to map genome structure, revealing that DNA arrangement plays a crucial role in cardiac pathology. The discussion covers key concepts including chromatin loops, topologically associating domains, and compartmentalization—explaining how these structures regulate gene expression and how their disruption contributes to cardiovascular disease.

The episode explores practical implications for clinical practice, from early biomarker identification to potential CRISPR-based therapies that could target chromatin structure. Dr Rosa-Garrido outlines how this research could transform cardiovascular care within the next decade, offering new approaches to both inherited cardiomyopathies and environmentally-influenced conditions like atherosclerosis.

Valuable insights for cardiologists interested in precision medicine and the evolving understanding of how genetic architecture influences cardiovascular risk and treatment strategies.

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 138: Mapping the Heart's Hidden Code: How 3D Chromatin Structure Shapes Cardiac Disease

In this essential episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Carolyn Ho, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Genetics Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital, for a comprehensive discussion on how genetic testing is reshaping hypertrophic cardiomyopathy management.

The conversation explores the VANISH HCM trial results, which showed that valsartan can slow disease progression in young, asymptomatic individuals with early sarcomeric HCM. Dr Ho discusses how this evidence influenced the 2024 HCM guidelines and created new opportunities for disease-modifying therapy before clinical symptoms appear. The episode also examines emerging gene-based therapeutics, from current adeno-associated virus approaches to future CRISPR technologies that could address the underlying genetic causes of HCM.

Dr Ho addresses practical considerations for clinicians, including when to initiate genetic testing, how to manage family screening, and the promise of AI-assisted screening tools. The discussion highlights both current therapeutic options and the evolving landscape of precision medicine in inherited cardiovascular disease.

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 139: The Genetic Revolution in HCM: Mapping Family Risk to Targeted Treatment

In this compelling episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra sits down with Dr Anandita Kulkarni, preventive cardiologist at Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, for an eye-opening conversation about addressing cardiovascular disparities in South Asian populations through the innovative Dilwale registry.

Dr Kulkarni tells the story of returning to her Texas community to serve South Asian patients and her determination to create meaningful change through data. What started as a local initiative grew into something much larger: a comprehensive registry of over 31,000 South Asian patients that's revealing critical insights about heart disease in this underserved population.

Beyond the clinical data, this episode delves into the practical challenges of culturally informed preventive care. Dr Kulkarni shares insights on addressing barriers to physical activity within South Asian communities, helping patients navigate dietary changes while respecting cultural food traditions, and the delicate work of motivating lifestyle modifications in a population already facing higher cardiovascular risks. Her patient-centered approach demonstrates how combining population-level research with deep cultural understanding can fundamentally improve both individual outcomes and community health.

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 140: Breaking Barriers in South Asian Heart Health: The Dilwale Registry Revolution

In this essential episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Shelley Zieroth, Professor of Medicine, clinician-scientist, and advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist in Winnipeg, Canada. As we mark the 10-year anniversary of the landmark EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, Dr Zieroth provides a comprehensive update on how SGLT2 inhibitors have revolutionized cardiovascular care.

Dr Zieroth takes us through the remarkable journey from the initial 2015 trial that transformed SGLT2 inhibitors from anti-diabetic agents into cardiovascular powerhouses, delivering highly significant reductions in cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization. She explores how these medications have become fundamental pillars of cardio-kidney-metabolic medicine, with evidence spanning the entire ejection fraction spectrum.

Dr Zieroth discusses prescribing these agents in heart failure - including the straightforward 10-mg daily dosing, monitoring strategies, and crucial patient selection criteria. She shares insights from the recent EMPULSE trial on safe in-hospital initiation, addresses important considerations for diabetic patients, and highlights key contraindications like indwelling catheters that clinicians must recognize.

Beyond the basics, Dr Kalra and Dr Zieroth examine the evolving role of SGLT2 inhibitors in valvular disease and diastolic dysfunction, tackle the ongoing reimbursement challenges across different healthcare systems, and discuss the critical importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in the cardio-kidney-metabolic space. They also look ahead to exciting combination therapies on the horizon that promise to further advance heart failure prevention and treatment.

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 141: From EMPA-REG to Clinical Practice: Mastering SGLT2 Inhibitors in Modern Cardiology

In this fascinating episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra sits down with Dr Alexander Fanaroff, an interventional cardiologist, clinical trialist, and behavioral economist at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr Fanaroff brings a unique perspective to cardiovascular medicine, combining his expertise in interventional cardiology with cutting-edge insights from behavioral economics to transform how we approach patient care and clinical decision-making.

Dr Fanaroff demystifies behavioral economics for the medical community, explaining how this field studies real-world decision-making beyond traditional economic models. He introduces key concepts like status quo bias, prospect theory, and the power of defaults in shaping both physician and patient behaviors. Through compelling examples, including Penn's successful intervention that increased 90-day statin prescriptions from 70% to 90% simply by changing EHR defaults, Dr Fanaroff demonstrates how small design changes can yield significant clinical improvements.

Looking beyond individual interventions, Dr Fanaroff discusses how behavioral economics can address healthcare disparities by creating system-wide improvements that lift all patients while specifically targeting underserved communities. He envisions a future where AI identifies at-risk patients from routine imaging, and where interventional cardiologists focus not just on procedural excellence but on ensuring optimal long-term medical management through thoughtfully designed care systems.

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 142: The Psychology of Patient Care: Nudges, Gamification, and the Future of Cardiology

In this episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra speaks with Dr Benjamin A D’Souza, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Section Chief of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Presbyterian Medical Center. Together, they explore the challenges of mitigating sudden cardiac death and the evolving role of guideline-directed medical therapy in optimising patient outcomes.

Dr D’Souza reflects on current strategies for risk assessment and prevention, highlighting the importance of medical therapy, careful monitoring and timely use of defibrillators. He stresses that management must be tailored to individual patients, with decisions guided by evidence, imaging and multidisciplinary collaboration.

The conversation also turns to women’s cardiac health and representation in electrophysiology. Dr D’Souza highlights the persistent under-enrolment of women in clinical trials and their lower access to ablation and device therapy. He stresses the need for inclusive trial design, mentorship and acknowledgement of systemic bias to improve equity in cardiovascular care.

This series is supported by ZOLL and is intended for Health Care Professionals.

EP 143: GDMT Optimisation: Mitigating SCD Risk and Addressing Women’s Cardiac Health

In this evidence-packed episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes back Dr Purvi Parwani, Associate Professor of Medicine at Loma Linda University Health, for a comprehensive review of groundbreaking trials presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress.

Dr Parwani guides listeners through what she describes as a "tectonic shift" in post-MI care with the REBOOT and BETAMI-DANBLOCK trials. These studies challenge the routine use of beta blockers after heart attack, revealing that patients with preserved ejection fraction above 50% may not benefit, while those with EF between 40-49% show significant risk reduction from continued therapy.

The discussion moves to heart failure management, exploring the POTCAST trial's approach to optimising potassium levels in high-risk patients and the DIGIT-HF trial's examination of digitoxin as a potential option for patients who cannot tolerate modern four-pillar therapy. Dr Kalra and Dr Parwani conclude with the evolving role of aspirin in cardiovascular care. They discuss findings from NEO-MINDSET, TARGET-FIRST, and the AQUATIC trial, which together are reshaping antiplatelet strategies from the immediate post-PCI period through long-term management of stable coronary disease in patients requiring anticoagulation.

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 144: ESC 25 in Review with Dr Purvi Parwani

In this essential episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Monica Tincopa, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego, for a crucial conversation about Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and its profound implications for cardiovascular care.

Dr Tincopa guides listeners through the recent transformation from NAFLD to MASLD, explaining why this nomenclature change represents more than just terminology, instead reflecting a deeper understanding of metabolic health that directly impacts cardiology practice. The conversation explores practical screening strategies that cardiologists can implement immediately, including the use of FIB-4 risk stratification and recognizing incidental findings on cardiac imaging. Dr Tincopa shares insights on when to refer patients to hepatology specialists and how the shared risk factors between MASLD and cardiovascular disease create opportunities for comprehensive patient care.

This episode equips cardiologists with essential knowledge to identify at-risk patients within their existing practice, understand the cardiovascular implications of liver disease, and optimize care coordination for patients with overlapping metabolic conditions.

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 145: From NAFLD to MASLD: Unveiling the Cardiovascular Impact of Metabolic Liver Disease

In the latest episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Martha Gulati and Dr Anu Lala for a groundbreaking conversation about reimagining heart failure prevention across the entire disease spectrum. Their discussion centres on an innovative scientific statement developed collaboratively between the American Society of Preventive Cardiology and the Heart Failure Society of America - a document that challenges conventional approaches to cardiovascular disease prevention.

Dr Gulati and Dr Lala make a compelling case for expanding prevention beyond atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) to encompass heart failure, a condition affecting one in four individuals over their lifetime. They introduce the American Heart Association's Cardio Kidney Metabolic (CKM) health framework as a superior model for identifying at-risk patients, explaining how this approach shifts focus from disease management to health optimization. The conversation explores practical implementation strategies, including the new PREVENT risk score, which integrates critical heart failure risk factors like obesity and chronic kidney disease that traditional assessment tools overlook.

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 146: The Heart Function Revolution: Why Prevention Matters at Every Stage of Disease

In this week's episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Courtney Maxey-Jones, Director of the Coronary Care Unit at Upstate University Hospital and a cardiac anesthesiologist intensivist by training. Dr Maxey-Jones co-founded and serves as Chief Operations Officer of GOMED, a not-for-profit organization transforming how we think about medical device waste and global healthcare equity.

Dr Maxey-Jones shares the origin story of GOMED - born from witnessing the staggering waste generated in cardiac operating rooms, where expensive single-use devices are discarded due to expiration dates or changing surgeon preferences. Together with her partners, cardiac surgeon Dr Farhan Nadeem and physician assistant Connor Wasilnak, they recognized an extraordinary opportunity to make use of these waste items.

Dr Kalra and Dr Maxey-Jones examine the ethical complexities of equipment reuse, the critical unmet needs for EP devices and cath lab equipment internationally, and GOMED's innovative partnership with Syracuse University biomedical engineering students to develop low-resource autoclaves. This episode reveals how observation of systemic waste evolved into a sustainable model for global cardiovascular care equity.

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 147: From Landfill to Life-Saving: GOMED's Mission to Reimagine Medical Device Distribution

‘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.

Parallax by Ankur Kalra

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks