When I was a teenager, my father developed atrial fibrillation, more commonly known as Afib. This prompted my initial interest in cardiology and eventually led me to work in the atrial fibrillation clinic at Duke during my training in cardiology, which was what spurred me to become a cardiac electrophysiologist. \n I was born and raised in Wilmington. Since I returned to my hometown after completing my fellowship, I have been passionate about expanding the breadth and quality of cardiology and electrophysiology care available to our community. \n As a leader in my practice and the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute (HVI) clinical physician executive in the Coastal region, I have relentlessly high expectations of myself and my colleagues regarding the quality of care we deliver. I also recognize the importance of maintaining a positive workplace culture. Doing so benefits both our teammates and our patients. As a leader, one of my explicit goals is to maintain our positive culture and to value team members - at all levels - for their vital contributions to patient care. \n I have been honored in the past to give presentations at the North Carolina and South Carolina meetings of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and recently presented at the annual national business meeting for cardiology, the ACC CV Summit. I was also recognized in 2019 as a finalist for the award for excellence in physician leadership from Atrium Health. \n I am a member of the Heart Rhythm Society, the American College of Cardiology and serve on the board of Novant Health Coastal Region Board of Managers. \n As an HVI physician leader, I recognize the importance of being involved in clinical trials and research. I've participated in multiple clinical trials and have been the principal investigator on several. I served as chair of New Hanover Regional Medical Center's cardiac research and education committee for 15 years and was medical director of New Hanover Regional Medical Center's stroke and cardiovascular symposium from 2006 to 2017. \n My wife and I have three college-aged children. I love sailing, boating and water sports. I sail competitively and have been involved in our community high school sailing program. I also enjoy windsurfing and kiteboarding. Each year, I have a goal of getting into the ocean at least once a month, although it's not always in North Carolina. I also enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities, including dabbling in mountain biking.