The speaker will highlight the importance of cardiology research over the years, and how advances through research and other scholarly projects have led to improvements in patient care. Following the main speaker, the panel discussion will discuss the implications of participation and collaboration in a clinical research trial from the viewpoints of the clinical team, research team, and patient. The goal is to broadly understand the impact of clinical research for advancing science and improving patient care, while understanding the hope studies give to our patients when faced with life threatening conditions.
5:30-6:00pm CST Networking/Registration (in person only)
6:00-7:00pm CST Presentation/Panel
7:00-8:00pm CST Reception (in person only)
MEET THE SPEAKERS
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Moderator
Dennis Disch, MD
Dr. Disch serves as Vice President, Cardiovascular Service Line, for the Midwest Region of Advocate Health. Prior to joining Advocate Health in May of 2023, he oversaw cardiovascular services for Mercy Health in St. Louis, and more recently with Corewell Health in southwest Michigan. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He then completed his internal medicine residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, followed by a fellowship in Outcomes Research at Dartmouth Medical School. His fellowship training in cardiovascular diseases was completed at Barnes Hospital, Washington University in St. Louis. He also holds a Master of Medical Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University.
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Panelist
Suhail Allaqaband, MD
Suhail Allaqaband, MD, is an internationally renowned Interventional Cardiologist, highly skilled in the most complex interventional procedures. Dr. Allaqaband serves as the Senior Medical Director of the Aurora Cardiovascular Service Line and takes great pride in passing his wealth of experience to the next generation of Cardiologists.
In addition to his skills as a clinician and teacher, Dr. Allaqaband is a devoted researcher and has served as Principal Investigator on a slew of clinical trials, including studies evaluating left main stenting and bioabsorbable stents. More than 100 of his cutting-edge research manuscripts and abstracts have been published in premier cardiology journals like Circulation.
As evidence of his myriad contributions to the field, Dr. Allaqaband has achieved prestigious Fellow status in the American College of Cardiology, the Society of Cardiac Angiography and Interventions, and the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP).
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Panelist
Renuka Jain, MD
Dr. Renuka Jain the Director of Echocardiography at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Jain is a nationally-renowned board-certified cardiologist with a special focus in advanced structural heart imaging and interventional echocardiography. Dr. Jain is an active member of professional organizations including the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), and Society of Cardiac Computed Tomography (SCCT). She is the current Governor of Wisconsin Chapter of ACC and upcoming Chair-Elect for ACC Board of Governors.
Her bibliography to date includes over 50 publications 4 book chapters. She is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine by the University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Jain graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY with a Doctorate in Medicine and was awarded the Marie Nercessian Memorial Award (awarded to graduating medical student for exhibiting care, unusual concern, and dedication to helping sick people). She completed Internal Medicine residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed Cardiology Fellowship at University of Michigan Hospitals in Ann Arbor, MI with a special focus on echocardiography.
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Panelist
Eric Weiss, MD
Eric Weiss, MD, is the Surgical Director of the Structural Heart Program at Aurora Medical Group and specializes in adult cardiac surgery, aortic surgery, valvular heart surgery and the surgical treatment of heart failure. He obtained his medical degree from the John Hopkin’s University School of Medicine and completed fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at New York Presbyterial Hospital Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dr. Weiss completed a post-doctoral research fellowship in cardiac surgery at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD; has published over 70 peer reviewed journal articles and has given over 80 presentations at national and international scientific meetings. He received a Master of Public Health degree from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2009 with a concentration in epidemiology and biostatistics. He is a member of the medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha and received the prestigious John L. Cameron Award for technical excellence in Surgery during his time at Johns Hopkins.
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Speaker/Panelist
Tanvir Bajwa, MD
Tanvir Bajwa, MD, is a highly accomplished Milwaukee-area physician, best known for his technical expertise in advanced interventional cardiac and peripheral vascular procedures. He has participated in and designed several scientific research protocols to treat such conditions as peripheral vascular disease, renal artery disease, abdominal aneurysms and carotid artery disease. He also serves as an advisor to many device companies.
Dr. Bajwa remains among only a handful of cardiologists in Wisconsin authorized to perform some of the most advanced procedures currently available. He has authored two books, 30 articles and 52 abstracts, and presents annually at local symposiums and national conferences.
In addition to serving as Program Director of the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship, Dr. Bajwa is Associate Head, Cardiovascular Disease Section; Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory; and Director, Peripheral Vascular Laboratory.
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Panelist
Dena Burke, RN, BSN
Currently a cardiovascular research coordinator for both medical device and drug trials for over 13 years at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Prior experience includes coronary care nursing as well as research coordinator for various adult clinical sponsored trials within the following specialties of Internal Medicine, Women’s Health and Allergy.
