The University of Nebraska System has released the newest episode of its “Heart to Heart” podcast series. The podcast series, hosted by President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, features conversations with researchers, students and educators across NU’s four campuses who are changing lives and making an impact.
Dr. Gold is joined by Rebekah Gundry, PhD, director of UNMC’s Center for Heart and Vascular Research and chair of the UNMC Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology. They discuss Dr. Gundry’s career journey, outline the current state of heart and vascular disease in the U.S. and highlight research currently underway at UNMC to use technology to improve diagnoses, drug discovery and treatment.
Heart disease affects more than 6 million Americans and is responsible for nearly 24% of all causes of death. It’s a significant problem in the United States, not just by the numbers, but for patients themselves. Many face challenges managing symptoms, adhering to complex medication requirements and navigating lifestyle changes.
“Treatment for heart disease is a complex process and involves complex treatment,” Dr. Gundry said. “This is why we need continued research to develop better ways to prevent heart failure from developing — and better methods to effectively treat it when it does.”
Dr. Gundry’s research is focused on applying technology to medicine, which can make a tremendous impact when it comes to diagnosing disease or discovering new drugs.
“Technology offers many solutions for heart disease, particularly in drug development,” Dr. Gundry said. “Our key challenge is finding how can we deliver drugs precisely to the heart — and in the right area of the heart — while minimizing side effects.”
Dr. Gundry also is focused on helping grow research at UNMC. The Center for Heart and Vascular Research recently received an $11 million dollar grant, which Gundry says is critical in enabling more researchers at UNMC to conduct heart and vascular research.
“This grant provides resources to help early career faculty launch their research labs. It provides cutting edge equipment and supplies, helps investigators build strong national reputations and gives them the momentum they will need to successfully compete for national-level funding.”
Launching labs through grant funding also helps to form and facilitate new partnerships — furthering the work of researchers and raising UNMC’s national profile.
“Our researchers are working on cutting-edge approaches, answering cutting-edge questions, and are propelled by great partnerships with Nebraska Medicine and Children’s Nebraska,” Gundry said. “Our partnerships and infrastructure make it easier to translate the discoveries we make in a research lab into the clinic.”
Dr. Gold praised Dr. Gundry’s leadership and impact:
“I am a long-time educator, a recovering cardiothoracic surgeon and, perhaps most importantly, a believer in the ability of higher education to change lives for the better,” Dr. Gold said. “Dr. Gundry is passionate about exploring new scientific frontiers. This is reflected in her incredible work at UNMC and the impact it makes for those suffering from heart disease.”
New episodes of the “Heart to Heart” podcast are released monthly and feature guests from across the University of Nebraska System and the community, covering topics ranging from education and healthcare to athletics and student success.
Listeners can follow the podcast here.