Profiles of Excellence: Mark McDonald

Friday, May 27, 2016 | MedAxiom

Mark McDonald, Assistant Vice President, The Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Mark McDonald will be part of a panel discussion on Congenital Adult and Adolescent Heart Care: Clinical Approaches and Economics, at the 2016 CVSL Symposium on June 10^th. Here he shares his thoughts on professional and personal questions.

1. What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I enjoy many aspects of my role. In particular, I work with some extremely bright and talented people that continually challenge me to be better.

2. If you could choose any job outside of health care, what would it be?

I’d be an archaeologist. I used to do that before becoming involved in hospital operations.

3. What are the biggest challenges facing cardiovascular health care today?

The creation of tiered services based on the patient’s personal means. Many people will not seek preventive care or follow-up with appropriate therapeutic services because they can’t afford the time off from work or the deductibles.

4. What is your favorite weekend/leisure activity?

I enjoy playing with my grandchildren.

5. Where do you hope to go on your next vacation and why?

I want to go to Sonoma, California—they make some excellent pinot noir wines there.

6. What books are you currently reading?

Son of the Morning Star…I enjoy history.

7. What is the name of the last movie or live performance you saw?

I saw the Celtic Women Destiny Tour—it was excellent.

8. What are you most looking forward to at the 2016 CVSL Symposium?

From a narrow focus, I’m interested in the materials from the other institutions and the audience discussion on Adult Congenital Heart Disease programs. It’s an emerging field characterized by complex patient populations and regional politics.