Profiles of Excellence: Sanjeev Gulati, MD

Tuesday, March 29, 2016 | MedAxiom

There are many challenges ahead for cardiovascular health care, including how to deal with the issues facing physicians in a climate of constant change. On April 7^th, Sanjeev Gulati, MD, medical director of heart failure and transplant services at Carolinas HealthCare System’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, will co-present at the CV Transforum Spring’16 conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He’ll focus on how to improve the care of heart failure patients, while reducing hospital readmissions and unnecessary ED visits. Here’s glimpse into Dr. Gulati and his work.

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

I enjoy 3 major aspects of the work I do. First, as a heart failure/transplant doctor, I have the ability to change lives on an individual basis. Second, I work with a multi-disciplinary team; the team work is incredible, fun and personally satisfying. Third, as a medical doctor, I now have the opportunity to change how we care for populations of patients through strategy and operations.

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

I am not sure I have an answer for this, as I cannot imagine doing anything else.

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

Among the biggest challenges are physician burnout and, ultimately, a decrease in the workforce. This problem is still under-appreciated and a significant amount of intellectual property will be lost. Another challenge is the lack of integration and true value work (reducing cost and improving outcomes).

4. What is your favorite weekend/leisure activity?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. Over the years, as work demands increase, I have realized being more present with my boys and wife brings not only happiness and stability to me, but also makes me a better doctor and leader.

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

I want to go to the Great Barrier Reef to scuba dive. I hope to get the courage to dive with the sharks, but it will probably never happen.

6. What books are you currently reading or wanting to read?

My son convinced me to read Game of Thrones, as he says the book is always better than the movie/television show. So I am just starting to read it; we'll see how far I go.

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

I saw Dancing with the Stars in Charlotte to support the Charlotte Ballet.

8. What are you most looking forward to at the CV Transforum Spring’16 Conference?

I look forward to learning from others—to leverage their experiences for the betterment of our patients.