UK HealthCare’s Gill Heart & Vascular Institute Affiliate Network held their annual conference Nov. 6, at Central Bank Center in Lexington, bringing together a wide range of experts to learn and discuss the latest advancements and trends in cardiovascular medicine.

Network members and guests also celebrated a major milestone: 10 years of collaboration to advance heart care across Kentucky. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Kentucky, and the state has one of the highest rates of heart disease in the country. To help fight this battle, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute’s cardiovascular specialists and experts work closely with 25 affiliate network hospitals across the state to improve cardiovascular outcomes through educational programming, quality improvement initiatives, and community engagement.

Since 2014, the Gill Affiliate Network has connected cardiovascular specialists with local providers to help them deliver expert, comprehensive heart care to Kentucky patients. The network offers member hospitals a wide range of services, including access to the latest cardiovascular technologies and treatments; educational and training opportunities for a variety of health care professionals; support with quality improvement initiatives; and collaborative marketing and outreach programs.

“The 2024 Gill Affiliate Network Annual Conference was a remarkable milestone, celebrating 10 years of collaboration and progress. We were thrilled to have registrants from all 25 affiliate hospitals, along with leading experts in the field of cardiology and more than 50 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in cardiovascular technology and innovation,” said Navin Rajagopalan, M.D., director of the Gill Affiliate Network. “This conference was not only a reflection of the growth of our network but also of our shared commitment to advancing cardiovascular care across the region. The energy and engagement we witnessed underscore the strength of our partnerships and the bright future ahead.”

At Wednesday’s conference, local, regional and national speakers shared the latest insights in cardiovascular medicine. More than 250 attendees took to an expanded exhibitor hall and participated in hands-on sessions and informative workshops.

Featured speakers included:

• Alison Bailey, M.D., chief of cardiology, Centennial Heart at Parkridge; physician director of cardiovascular medicine, HCA Healthcare

• Kenneth Campbell, Ph.D., director of translational research, Cardiovascular Medicine, UK College of Medicine

• Rebecca Craft, director, Cardiovascular Outreach Operations, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute

• Natasha Crain, ECMO operations manager, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute

• Mary Czarapata, D.N.P., electrophysiology nurse practitioner and APP director, Cardiology, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute

• Aaron Harris, D.N.P., psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Cardiology, UK HealthCare

• Cheryl Jones, executive leader and coach, UK True Lean

• Julia Jones Akhtarekhavari, heart failure operations director, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute

• Matthias Loebe, M.D., director of heart and lung transplantation, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute

• Eric Monday, Ph.D., executive vice president for finance and administration and co-executive vice president for health affairs, University of Kentucky

• William O’Connor, M.D., professor, pathology and laboratory medicine and pediatrics, UK College of Medicine; director, autopsy services, UK HealthCare

• Mandy Prather, director, brand & content marketing strategy, Lifepoint Health

• Navin Rajagopalan, M.D., professor, Department of Internal Medicine; director, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute Affiliate Network

• Jeffrey Sotski, device clinic coordinator, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute

• Habib Srour, M.D., associate professor, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, UK HealthCare

• Savannah Sullivan, division director, Field Marketing Strategy, Lifepoint Health

• Samuel Tyagi, M.D., assistant professor, Department of Surgery, UK College of Medicine