Background: Under-represented minority (URM) physicians, specifically African American, Native American, Hispanic, and/or Pacific Islander, constitute only about 10% of practicing cardiologists. Although concerted efforts to increase diversity may increase the likelihood of graduating minority cardiologists, there remains uncertainty regarding how best to recruit and incentivize URM applicants to apply for cardiology fellowship training. As a [...]

Case Presentation: A 27-year-old G6P4 female at 28 weeks of gestation presented with fever, headache, myalgias, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Medical history was significant for polysubstance use, hepatitis C, anxiety, and depression. On the evening of presentation, she reported new-onset central chest pain. Vitals were significant for rectal temperature 93 F, blood pressure 95/58, and [...]

Background: Involvement of a cardiologist in the care of hospitalized patients with a primary diagnosis of heart failure (HF) has been shown to improve outcomes and may affect their readmission rates. However, less is known about the patients admitted for a different reason who carry a secondary diagnosis of HF and the effect of cardiology [...]

Background: We have presented our experience with a novel percutaneous approach for axillary artery implant of intra-aortic balloon pumps. The axillary approach permits up-right posture and ambulation, but such enhanced mobility may predispose to higher risk of IABP malposition with unique complications. We present a few complications here. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of [...]

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an increasingly common procedure. While it is currently recommended for patients with severe aortic stenosis with high or intermediate surgical risk, it is currently being studied in lower risk patients. If approved for expanded use, it stands to become even more commonplace in hospitals around the country. We [...]

Background: Co-managed care models have become increasingly popular as a result of their positive impact on patient care. This has been seen through improvement in quality metrics such as readmission, LOS, and adherence to evidence-based care pathways. Surgical hospitalist models have paved the way for new collaborative models that standardize care and optimize inter-specialty communication. [...]

Case Presentation: A 60-year-old African American man with diabetes presented with progressive dyspnea on exertion and swelling of lower extremities for 3 months. He reported a decline in his previously unlimited exercise tolerance to 1 block and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, with no chest pain or palpitations. He denied any toxic habits and his family history [...]

Case Presentation: A 53 year old female originally underwent an ablation for atrial fibrillation with post procedure course pericardial effusion requiring drain placement for 3 days. Patient recovered from original effusion and was sent home with colchicine and aspirin. She presented to our care on day 28 after procedure, one week after recent hospitalization. Patient [...]

Pneumopericardium is a medical condition in which air is present within the pericardial space.  This condition has been recognized most commonly in preterm neonates. In adults, pneumopericardium may occur spontaneously or in conjunction with hemopericardium or pericardial effusion. Also, it may follow penetrating wounds to the chest or upper abdomen, or wounds or fistulous communications [...]

Case Presentation: A 52-year-old male with type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and tobacco use presented to the emergency department due to chest pain radiating to the left shoulder that began 24-hours prior. Upon arrival, he was afebrile, heart rate was 71 bpm, blood pressure was elevated to 193/117 mm Hg and had a normal oxygen saturation [...]