SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

I practice in a busy cardiothoracic and transplant center in the OR and ICU and Chair the Transfusion Committee at the affiliated Durham VA Hospital. My research is focused on my interest in thrombosis, bleeding, transfusion and anticoagulation, which is closely related to an extended commitment to understanding perioperative coagulation, coagulopathy, anticoagulation, transfusion and associated adverse outcomes.
In terms of grant support, as the Duke site PI for the Rare Thrombotic Diseases Clinical Research Network (NIH U54 HL77878; PI Dr T Ortel), patients were enrolled for this prospective, observational cohort study that evaluated the anti-heparin/platelet factor 4 antibodies, that commonly develop after cardiac surgery, as an independent risk factor for early and late thromboembolic complications.
Avoiding transfusion is desirable but, if necessary, transfusing the optimal product is essential. I completed funding to study Point of Care RBC Washing to Prevent Transfusion-Related Pulmonary Complications (NIH R01HL121232-01; Mayo Clinic and overall PI Dr DJ Kor, co-PIO/Duke PI Dr IJ Welsby) and have been the Duke PI for RECIPI a BARDA funded multicenter study of pathogen reduced red blood cells in cardiac surgery.
On-going interests include manipulating the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin to optimize oxygen delivery and the use of clotting factor concentrates to reverse perioperative coagulopathy.