Dr. David Bull Shares Plans for Heart & Vascular Care
Dr. David Bull, new vice president and medical director of Heart and Vascular at Baystate Health, recently shared insight into his plans to advance cardiovascular care and treatment in our region, and what inspires his work.
What are your biggest goals as medical director of Heart and Vascular services?
The opportunity to work collaboratively and across disciplines to improve patient care and outcomes is exciting. My plan is to position Baystate Health on the forefront of the next wave of cardiovascular care. These advances will be rooted in technology, such as less invasive procedures for valve disease and new procedures for hypertension that could alleviate the need for multiple medications. Additionally, there will be more treatment options for patients with end-stage heart failure.
What are the biggest opportunities you see to improve healthcare in our region?
One of the biggest opportunities is the ability to identify patients at risk for cardiovascular issues before they are symptomatic and end up in the emergency department. Many of these individuals will be treated at much earlier stages of disease, preventing issues down the road and improving long-term quality of life.
What is one experience from your career that influences your work today?
Ten years ago, I had a 33-year-old patient who shaped my view on cardiovascular care. The patient was diagnosed with a heart valve condition at birth, having his first surgery at just 10 days old to widen the valve, and more surgeries in the next two decades. In his 30s, his valve was failing; he required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a form of life support for his heart and lungs. Fortunately, he was a fighter. The procedure was successful; he made a full recovery and still touches base with me twice a year. What made this story particularly transformational was that it required multiple specialists to coordinate his care, including surgeons, cardiologists, and nurses. It was a reminder that when we all come together for care, we can achieve amazing outcomes.
What role can a donation play in heart and vascular care?
Donors are critical in helping us develop new programs that transform care but would not be able to be funded without their generosity. Charitable gifts can help us support programs in genetics, earlier screening, minimally invasive valve procedures, and the implementation of new technology. Gifts of all sizes allow us to make improvements in the outcomes and quality of life of our patients. We are especially grateful for endowed funds which provide lasting support.
To explore ways you can help advance heart and vascular care for our community, contact us at 413.794.5444.