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L. Samuel Wann, MD, MACC, FAHA, FESC, reflects on a career of CV imaging and beyond
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In this issue, Cardiology Today talks with Editorial Board Member L. Samuel Wann, MD, MACC, FAHA, FESC, a clinical cardiologist with Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Ascension Healthcare, in Milwaukee.
His primary areas of interest are in HF and CV imaging — echocardiography, nuclear, PET, CT and cardiac MRI. Wann is also an author of the Cardiology Today Business of Cardiology column, and has written on topics including the changing health care landscape, MACRA implementation, Maintenance of Certification and other important issues that affect medical practice.
Wann’s career in medicine has taken him worldwide. Among his various initiatives, he is vice president and co-founder of the Paleocardiology Foundation Horus Study Group, an international team investigating CVD in ancient humans using CT scanning. Through this project, the Horus Study Group discovered the first known case of CAD in human history. The same group is also extending the research to include dementia in remote, pre-industrial populations in Bolivia. In addition, Wann is president and co-founder of the Foundation for International Medical Exchange, a non-profit organization that facilitates cultural exchange visits with cardiologists in Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kyrgystan, Iran, Malaysia, South Korea, China and other countries, and has hosted more than 40 international visitors to Milwaukee. His work has also taken him beyond humans, as a cardiology consultant with the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Great Ape Heart Project, which concentrates on CVD in primates.
What was the defining moment that led you to your field?
Dr. Wann: Medicine continues to excite me. Perhaps the single most attractive feature that I recognized long ago is the special bonding that can occur between individual patients and doctors. The camaraderie between doctors is also very special, in patient care, teaching and research. We are lucky people.
Who has had the greatest influence on your career?
Dr. Wann: I am fortunate to have had great role models throughout my career, especially at Indiana University, where I trained under the guidance of Charles Fisch, MD; Harvey Feigenbaum, MD; Pasquale Genovese, MD; Douglas Zipes, MD; and many others. I joined the faculty at Indiana University after fellowship, establishing the 2D echocardiography lab at the VA Medical Center with one of the first programs in stress echo. I subsequently moved to the Medical College of Wisconsin, developing clinical echo, including early efforts with 3D echo and hemodynamic research in animal models of pericardial disease and cardiac tamponade. In my role as fellowship director, I was fortunate to have developed many personally rewarding lifelong relationships. I eventually expanded my interests to all types of cardiac imaging, spending a sabbatical in magnetic resonance at the Royal Brompton Hospital, working with Professor Donald Longmore, Richard Underwood and Dudley Pennel, before starting a cardiac MR program at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee in 1989.
What advice would you offer a medical student today?
Dr. Wann: I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with medical students and early career physicians as a volunteer at the Greater Milwaukee Free Clinic. A valuable piece of advice I have learned over the years is to be an empathetic listener. You can be a mentor to medical students and early career physicians just by listening and by asking questions.
What areas of research in cardiology interest you the most right now?
Dr. Wann: I am fascinated by all forms of cardiac imaging. Echocardiography has rapidly become the fundamental backbone of cardiology and the focus of much continuing research. I am also interested in cardiac CT, cardiac MRI and nuclear cardiology, including PET. I entered private practice after 15 years in academics, and probably related to my early exposure at Indiana to the American College of Cardiology, I have had marvelous opportunities to participate in advocacy, guideline development and practice related activities of the College. I am currently one of the ACC representatives serving in the American Medical Association House of Delegates.
What’s up next for you?
Dr. Wann: Inspired by many colleagues in the ACC, I am helping establish the Senior Cardiovascular Professionals Council, developing programs to assist us as we transition from fulltime practice to alternative activities or retirement. While I still work part time, I am lucky to have more time to work with my colleagues in the Horus Research Group, studying heart disease using CT in ancient mummies, and in remote pre-industrial societies living in the Bolivian Amazon. I also serve as a consulting cardiologist with the Great Ape Heart Project — we humans are not the only primates to develop heart disease. Interspersed with skiing, sailing and spending time with my grandchildren, I plan to continue my 30-year career as a volunteer at the Greater Milwaukee Free Clinic. – by Katie Kalvaitis