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Uri Elkayam, MD: International expert in HF, heart disease during pregnancy
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Uri Elkayam, MD, has contributed decades of research in the areas of HF and heart disease in pregnancy. Through the annual Heart Failure Symposium in Los Angeles and the International Congress on Cardiac Problems in Pregnancy, he also has helped to deliver comprehensive information on the prevention, diagnosis and management of these growing CV issues.
Born in Israel, Elkayam earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Vienna in Austria and then attended Sackler School of Medical at Tel Aviv University in Israel. He completed his postgraduate training at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Today, Elkayam is a professor of medicine (cardiology), obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Southern California and director of the Cardiology High Risk Pregnancy Service. He enjoys “paying it forward” as a teacher and mentor to develop the careers of students and young physicians there.
Uri Elkayam, MD
Professor of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Attending Physician, Cardiac Care Unit, Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center
Director, Cardiology High Risk Pregnancy Service
Melvin L. Marcus Memorial Award for distinguished contribution as a gifted teacher, 8th World Congress on Heart Failure (2002)
Member, HF and Transplantation section of Cardiology Today’s Editorial Board
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not practicing medicine?
I enjoy traveling, being involved with educational activities, exercising and going to the movies. I also enjoy spending time with family, friends and, especially, being a grandfather.
If you hadn’t gone into cardiology or medicine, what would you have done?
One of my uncles was a superior court judge in Israel. Before I studied medicine, I considered studying law.
What would you consider the biggest successes in your specialty?
My research with co-workers in the areas of HF and heart disease in pregnancy. Our annual Heart Failure Symposium in Los Angeles has attracted thousands of physicians over the years and helped improve the care of many patients with HF in California. Also, the biannual International Cardiac Problems in Pregnancy Congress, the first of its kind, which I have chaired, has educated physicians in this unique and difficult field of medicine. The next congress is scheduled for February 2014 in Venice, Italy.
Another satisfying achievement has been the privilege of serving as a mentor to young physicians, many of whom have come from other countries looking for an opportunity for better training in the United States.
Uri Elkayam, MD, and wife, Batia, on a recent visit to the Taj Mahal in India.
Photo courtesy of: Uri Elkayam, MD; reprinted with permission.
What CD did you buy most recently, and what did you think of it?
Cold Fact by Rodriguez. I bought the CD after seeing the documentary, Searching for Sugar Man. It is a true story about singer-songwriter Rodriguez, who was discovered in a Detroit bar in the late ’60s by two producers struck by his melodies and prophetic lyrics. They recorded an album; the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity in his hometown. Copies of Rodriguez’s record hit South Africa in the early ’70s, and it became an anti-establishment inspiration. Rodriguez became a huge star without him knowing. He experienced a resurgence of fame about a decade ago and had an unexpected revival of his career.
Whom do you most admire and what would you ask that person if you had 5 minutes with him/her?
Shimon Peres, the ninth and current president of Israel. Peres represents the best qualities of the Israeli society and is admired by many. It would be fascinating to spend some time with him, listen to his clear view on the Israeli-Arab conflict and just be inspired by his vitality.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
One of my superiors during my training in the officer’s course in the Israeli army, former Maj. Gen. Amnon Reshef, taught us that leadership should be by example.
My father, who was a politician, historian and writer, was a clever and influential man and did not try to influence my career choice. Instead, he always told me to be the best I could be in whatever I decided to do.
Whom do you consider a mentor?
There are several. Shlomo Laniado, MD, was chief of cardiology at Tel Aviv Medical Center where I had my initial training. He influenced my decision to become a cardiologist. I went into my rotating internship intending to become an obstetrician, but Laniado introduced me to cardiac physiology, hemodynamics and clinical research, and ultimately influenced my decision to become an academic cardiologist.
Edmund Sonnenblick, MD, was chief of cardiology during my cardiology fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He was a great scientist, a giant in cardiac physiology. I still remember how nervous I was interviewing with him for the fellowship position and how he put me at ease with his friendly disposition. During my training with Sonnenblick, I became more involved with cardiac physiology and hemodynamics, which ignited my passion for HF.
H.J.C. Swan, MD, former chief of cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where I did a 1-year research fellowship, was a great leader with a strong presence. He was strict but encouraging to young physicians. William Ganz, MD, also at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, was a great scientist. I remained close to these two men for years after my training.
Walter Henry, MD, was chief of cardiology at University of California, Irvine, and awarded me my first academic position. Henry was a pioneer in echocardiography, an excellent researcher and teacher, and was successful in creating a friendly, productive working environment.
What kind of diet and exercise regimen do you follow?
I follow a Mediterranean diet: fruits, vegetables, grains, olive oil, beans, nuts and fish. For breakfast, I usually eat cereal with berries. I consume little meat, avoid dairy and drink one glass of wine with dinner. I enjoy good coffee and have an industrial espresso machine at home.
For exercise, I used to play tennis competitively, but recently had an injury. Now, I exercise most days on the elliptical machine or hike. I also work with weights with a personal trainer. Exercising with weights is great for maintaining muscle tone and decreases the deteriorating effects of aging.
What do you think will have the biggest influence on cardiology in the next 10 years?
We have very effective therapies for prevention of CVD and treatment of hypertension and HF. There is, however, a large gap between the evidence, guidelines and implementation of these effective therapies in the real world. In the field of HF, smaller and more durable cardiac assist devices will provide survival opportunities with a reasonable quality of life for thousands of patients with end-stage HF who are presently beyond hope.
What is your favorite travel destination?
India is a fascinating country. I love the people, history, culture and art. I wish that every person has the opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal during their lifetime. It is the most magnificent architecture I have ever seen.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Da Pasquale Restaurant in Beverly Hills, Calif. It is a family-owned Italian restaurant with authentic food, a warm ambiance and reasonable prices. My wife and I are regulars.