Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital and Duke Health Affiliate in Heart, hosted its annual Cardiac Care Symposium on Feb. 26 at Moretz Mills in Hickory. The event brought together more than 225 physicians, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, students and other health care professionals from across the region to discuss advancements in cardiovascular care.
The symposium aimed to improve patient outcomes by offering expert-led lectures, interactive discussions and exhibitor experiences focused on emerging screening tools, prevention strategies and innovative interventions in heart care. Both practicing clinicians and college students attended sessions that included real-world case studies, evidence-based guidelines and advanced clinical approaches for cardiovascular disease. Topics addressed included electrophysiology, structural heart disease and advanced heart failure management.
The event coincided with American Heart Month, which is observed every February to raise awareness about heart disease prevention and the importance of monitoring key health indicators. Organizers said educational events like this support priorities outlined in Frye Regional’s Community Health Needs Assessment and reinforce the hospital’s commitment to advancing heart health.
“Frye Regional’s Cardiac Care Symposium is an excellent opportunity for health care professionals to enhance their knowledge and explore advances in cardiac medicine delivered close to home,” said Lindy White, chief executive officer of Frye Regional Medical Center. “The symposium fosters collaboration, shared learning and innovation, helping ensure our patients continue to receive the highest level of cardiac care.”
Six educational presentations were featured during the conference: “Heart Failure Care: Why Is It So Complicated?” by Lisa Kotyra; “Cases in Cardiology: The 3 Cs (Chest Pain, Cath and Complications)” by John Morrison; “Cardiothoracic Surgery: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly” by Brett Starr; “Updates in Electrophysiology” by Ankur Tiwari; “State of the Heart: Aortic Stenosis” by Jonathan Mayl; and “Multidisciplinary Care of the Complex Cardiac Patient” by Deb Cagle.
The Duke University Health System Department of Clinical Education and Professional Development provided continuing education accreditation for attendees through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). Frye Regional Heart Center offers a range of advanced cardiac services as a Duke Health Affiliate in Heart.
