East Carolina University Cardiothoracic Surgery Newsletter Vol. 1

ECU Health Aortic Program

We are thrilled to announce the establishment of our Aortic Clinic, which will focus on delivering comprehensive care to individuals facing aortic concerns. This new clinic will prioritize holistic care, including diagnostic services, treatment options, and ongoing management, ensuring optimal outcomes for our patients throughout their treatment journey.

Learn More About our Aorta Clinic (PDF)

Dr. Shahab Akhter and Dr. Brandon Peine recently finished a notable study regarding the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) post coronary angiography and bypass surgery.

Learn More About AKI Risk After Coronary Angiography and CABG Surgery Publication (PDF)

3 Stars for TAVR: Congratulations Dr Nifong and Dr Cabarrus

We take great pride in upholding the highest rating for CABG and CABG + AVR and in our recent success in receiving the award for TAVR procedures.

Learn More About our 3-star Ratings (PDF)

Aorta Day Event

Our recent Aorta Day event, organized by Dr. Benjamin Degner and Dr. Samuel Sears, emphasized holistic patient care, and showcased our Aorta Clinic’s dedicated support for this approach.

Learn More About our Aorta Event (PDF)

East Carolina Cardiovascular Symposium 2024

November 13, 2024
7:45 a.m. – 4:35 p.m.
The Education Center at Eastern AHEC, Also Provided via Live Webinar

East Carolina Cardiovascular Symposium 2024, Jointly Provided by: East Carolina Heart Institute at ECU Health, The Department of Continuing Medical Education at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University®, The University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and Eastern AHEC Department of Nursing and Allied Health Education, will be held on November 13, 2024.

This symposium will provide evidence-based information essential to professionals who care for cardiovascular patients. The latest information and innovations will be provided on cardiovascular medical and surgical care, which include therapies, imaging, surgical and catheter-based technologies, the use and benefits of medication, and lifestyle medicine.

Please contact Alice Wall at wallal22@ecu.edu with any questions.

Register for the East Carolina Cardiovascular Symposium

Down On Flow

Friday, October 25. 7 to 10 p.m.
BellaGreen Latin Sports Bar and Grill
300 Greenville Boulevard, Greenvilee NC
No cover.

Down on Flow is a cover band that plays alternative, classic, and progressive rock music and was formed in 2020. The members are Dr. Gary Fontana (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Dr. James Speicher (lead guitar), Mike Norman (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Dr. Shahab Akhter (drums and percussion). When they are not in the cath lab or operating room, they can be found playing at local venues in and around Greenville. Hope to see you at an upcoming show.

Dr. Robert Allman

Dr. Robert Allman graduated from his Thoracic Residency with us in August and has joined our department. He specializes in minimally invasive thoracic surgery and has a passion for robotic surgery. He will advance our historically strong robotic cardiac surgery program into thoracic surgery. Dr. Allman also completed his surgical training here in the department of surgery, and we are incredibly pleased we could retain such a talented surgeon for the patients in our region.

Dr.  Elliott Overman

Dr. Elliott Overman recently graduated from our training program in August and is only one of six people in the country selected for an advanced fellowship in congenital heart surgery this year. Dr. Overman is currently a fellow in congenital heart surgery at Duke, one of the premier programs in the world. Dr. Overman did his undergraduate studies, medical school, surgery, and thoracic residencies here at ECU. He is originally from Rocky Mount and is truly a home-grown product of ECU and a fantastic surgeon. We are glad we could keep him close to home to complete his training.

At ECU Cardiothoracic Surgery, our mission is to improve the Cardiovascular health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. To become the national rural health and wellness model by creating a premier, trusted health care delivery and education system.

Proudly serving the vibrant communities of Eastern North Carolina and beyond, we are focused on delivering comprehensive, personalized, patient-centered care. Our approach merges the latest advancements in cardiac surgery with a profound dedication to the well-being and comfort of each individual we serve, ensuring they receive the best care possible.