A surgeon, a cardiologist, a University of Houston-Victoria assistant professor and an innovator in medical technology are working together to present a lecture with the goal of bringing a better understanding of cardiovascular health to Victoria.
“Medical science has come a long way since the days of bloodletting and leeches,” said Daniel W. White, a UHV assistant professor of biology. “But so many people still don’t have a good understanding of the factors that contribute to cardiovascular health. We want to help people get access to information that can improve their health and their lives.”
White will be one of four speakers in the next UHV Science, Technology, Engineering and Math lecture series. The lecture will begin at 6 p.m. April 20 in the UHV University North Walker Auditorium, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St. It is free and open to the public.
The UHV School of Arts & Sciences began the STEM lecture series in 2015 to showcase success stories in science, technology, engineering and math. The series is designed to engage and inform students, faculty members and area residents about the broad research conducted by area academic and professional researchers.
“The UHV STEM lecture series is a great opportunity for members of the community to learn about some of the scientific and medical advances that are happening every day,” said Jeffrey Di Leo, dean of the UHV School of Arts & Sciences. “This will be an interesting look into the workings of the human heart and why it is so important to take care of it.”
The event will be four small discussions about different aspects of cardiovascular health. All the presentations will be focused on presenting information for the general public, but there also will be elements that will be of interest to current physicians, White said.
The event will begin with White’s presentation, “Cardiovascular Health and What Current Research Has Taught Us.” Cardiovascular health is one of White’s specialties, and his presentation will focus on the latest research and how those findings should impact individuals’ health choices.
“Everyone should take an interest in their own health and have some idea of what cardiovascular health is,” White said. “Simply knowing when to see a doctor and daily habits to help stay healthy can be instrumental in improving a person’s life.”
The next speaker will be Dr. Tywaun Tillman, a cardiologist at Citizens Medical Center and fellow of the American College of Cardiology. His presentation, “Monitoring Your Cardiovascular Health as You Age: Men vs. Women,” will look at the differences between men and women and how to be aware of a person’s heart health.
After Tillman, Dr. Yusuke Yahagi, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Citizens Medical Center, will present, “Cardiovascular Disease Interventions: Drugs or Surgery?” Yahagi will use his firsthand experience as a surgeon to talk about the different approaches to treating cardiovascular disease and how patients can make knowledgeable choices.
The last presentation will be by Christopher Broadbridge, sales and marketing manager for vascular products at Fukuda USA. His presentation, “Technology in Cardiovascular Health: The Future is Now,” will focus on some of the latest technological advances in medicine.
Broadbridge’s presentation comes with some personal experience. He is originally from Trinidad and saw a need for medical management software in his home country. He created his own software, which would cost thousands of dollars for a subscription in the U.S., and gave it to doctors in developing countries for free.
“This is an incredible group of speakers, and I’m excited to hear each of the presentations,” White said. “Education is a lifelong journey, and it’s important to keep searching for knowledge. This will be a great opportunity for those who are curious about their own health to learn about some of the latest medical advances and how they can care for themselves.”
For more information about the lecture, contact White at 361-570-4201 or whitew@uhv.edu.