This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on Gregory Fleming, MD, associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of Cardiology. Fleming talks to us about how he became interested in pediatric cardiology, his current interest in rotational angiography and three-dimensional fusion imaging in the cath lab, and how COVID-19 has affected his work and personal life.
How long have you been at Duke? How did you decide to come here?
10 years in July. My wife and I have family in the region. I came here straight out of fellowship training and never left.
What were your pre-COVID responsibilities at Duke? What did a typical day for look like?
My typical day is doing procedures in the cath lab. I also have other clinical duties such as outpatient clinic and inpatient service; as well as teaching, administrative, and research responsibilities. My duties have not changed significantly with COVID-19.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your work? What’s one strategy you and your colleagues have used to adapt or compensate?
It has taken time to adapt to having serious and sometimes emotional conversations with families before and after procedures while social distancing through a mask. I am starting telemedicine visits for many of my pre-procedural consults.
How and when did you initially become interested in pediatrics and pediatric cardiology in particular?
I did a paid summer internship with a pediatric cardiologist during the summer after my first year of medical school and fell in love with the specialty.
Is there any research you are doing or plan on doing?
I have been the site PI for several multi-center trials of new medical devices in pediatric interventional cardiology. My recent interest has been with rotational angiography and 3-dimensional fusion imaging in the cath lab.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Working with all the tremendous people in cath lab and throughout the hospital.
How has the epidemic affected your life outside of Duke? What’s one positive strategy or resource you’ve found that helps you cope?
School and extracurricular activities for my kids suddenly came to a halt. Trying to do more activities with my family.
What passions or hobbies do you have outside of Duke?
I am a soccer fanatic and enjoy outdoor activities, especially hiking and backpacking.
