Cardiovascular Institute Update

By Michael McKewen, system director, diagnostic and procedural cardio services, cardiovascular service line; and Sophia Dillhoff, system director, ambulatory cardio services, cardiovascular service line 

The past year has brought meaningful progress across the Heart and Vascular Institute, driven by strong collaboration and continued physician engagement throughout our health system. The institute is led by Robert Bulow, DO, chair, and Deb Kiser, system vice president, Cardiovascular Institute, providing strategic leadership and guiding growth across cardiovascular services.

One of the most significant developments has been growth across several key specialties. We have expanded our physician team through new recruitment in cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, and interventional cardiology, strengthening our ability to deliver comprehensive cardiovascular care across the region. These additions enhance both procedural capacity and clinical expertise, enabling us to better serve a growing and increasingly complex patient population.

Another important milestone has been the implementation of our Advanced Heart Failure Program. With dedicated clinic support and expanded remote monitoring capabilities, this program allows care teams to monitor patients more closely and intervene earlier in the course of disease. By identifying physiological changes before symptoms develop, we can optimize medical therapy, reduce hospitalizations, and improve patients’ quality of life.

We continue to see the benefits of stronger collaboration among cardiology, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, primary care, and our broader multidisciplinary teams. As these connections deepen, patients move more efficiently through evaluation, treatment, and follow-up, while clinical decisions are strengthened through shared expertise across specialties.

Looking ahead, the institute remains focused on continued growth and program development. Active recruitment efforts are underway across key cardiovascular specialties to further expand access and expertise throughout the system. At the same time, work is progressing to develop a comprehensive advanced cardiac imaging program while continuing to enhance the capabilities of the Advanced Heart Failure Program to better support patients across the continuum of care. Ongoing physician engagement and collaboration will remain central to these efforts.

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