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The Journey to Better
Dr. Bill Lombardi has been one of the highest-volume complex PCI and chronic total occlusion (CTO) operators in the world for over a decade. He's always striving to improve his skills and methods to perform safer and more efficient procedures. It's a journey to better that extends beyond technical and into mental and emotional health. Bill will discuss topics, ideas, and examples with special guests and live audience questions to navigate his journey to better.
The Journey to Better
Dr. Bob Foster - Persistence & Protection
When the weight of a lead apron threatens to end a career, what does a pioneering cardiologist do? Dr. Bob Foster, a beacon in the field of cardiology and peripheral intervention, wasn't ready to hang up his stethoscope. Journey with him as he defies the odds, crafting a legacy that intertwines medical innovation with personal triumph over adversity. From his upbringing in hospital corridors to the epiphany that led to a pioneering radiation protection device, Dr. Foster's story is a masterclass in turning challenges into catalysts for change.
Navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry requires more than just medical knowledge; it demands courage and creativity. In an episode brimming with ingenuity, we uncover how Dr. Foster's collaboration with an engineer and close friend resulted in Rampart, a revolutionary lead-free radiation protection system. This narrative isn't just about a medical device; it's a testament to the power of teamwork and tireless dedication to patient care, even when faced with personal health battles. The evolution of safety practices in the cath lab—and the skeptics turned advocates along the way—offers a compelling look at how persistence can reshape an entire field.
But this isn't solely a tale of professional achievement. At its heart, Dr. Foster's journey is underscored by the resilience born of faith, family, and health. The candid discussion on cultivating compassion in the face of corporatization, the importance of prioritizing patient care over volume, and the call for cultural shifts within medicine, challenges us to consider the broader implications of our work. It's an invitation to champion innovation and collaboration, ensuring those who heal others aren't left behind in the pursuit of progress.