About me
I earned graduate degrees in Medicine, Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Research Methods, Health Promotion.
My desire for Prevention Implementation led me to earn micro-credentials in Lifestyle Medicine,
Motivational Interviewing and Positive Psychology.
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​My multi-disciplinary training allows me the versatility to serve as an ideal inter-profesional bridge, to connect with my audiences and to integrate Clinical Research with Teaching and Practice.
EDUCATION
MD: University of Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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MPH: Health Promotion and Education, USC, Columbia, SC
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PhD: Cardiovascular Epidemiology, UNC at Chapel Hill
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Lifestyle Medicine Advisor- European Lifestyle Medicine Organization, 3-mo program
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Motivational Interviewing, Mayo Clinic Wellness Coach Training Certification, 4-mo program
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Tobacco Treatment specialist- University of Pennsylvania
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Positive Psychology specialization, University of Pennsylvania, 5-course program
RESEARCH
Experience
Analyzed data
Framingham Heart Study, ARIC study, Health ABC,
PONS study
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Designed clinical research studies and protocols
Young Heart, EVA-ICAR, ECG, SANCOR
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Oversaw Clinical Trials operations: staff training, QC, RCT logistics, event adjudication
Interests: Research with impact
Design clinical research projects (data collection forms, study protocols, surveys, interventions)
Topics
Preventive Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Aging,
Cardio/Neuro Rehabilitation, Behavioral Interventions, Risk communication
Cardio-obstetrics, Cardio-oncology Lifestyle Medicine programs,
as platforms to integrate Research & Teaching & Practice
COLLABORATE
Collaborate with clinicians to develop new studies,
from protocols to study implementation
​Bridge clinicians and biostatisticians for complex projects,
clinical trials
Consult and collaborate on manuscript and grant writing
Mentor resident research projects from idea ---- design ---- data analysis----manusucript
TEACH
Experience
Epidemiology/Biostats are often perceived as confusing. I learned how to teach this material with clarity while making it fun. Students have been my best teachers. I relate well to medical audiences. I know how to make concepts 'click'.
My teaching is intuitive, relevant and efficient. Learners tell me that they feel inspired.
Content
Research methods, Clinical trials, Clinical Epidemiology.
Critically reading and interpreting medical literature
General Epidemiology. Cardiovascular Epidemiology.
Lifestyle Medicine
Audiences
Medical students
Pharmacy, Nursing, Physician Assistant students,
MPH, PhD students
Residents, fellows, postgraduate education/CMEs
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Formats
Small- and large classrooms
Online synchronous for grad students actually works well IF well-planned and interactive
Case-based learning, Integrated curriculum, Workshops
PATIENT COUNSELING
Evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine, Behavioral change, Coaching
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Facilitate shared decision making via risk communication strategies and
motivational interviewing to design a patient-centered, personalized behavioral
change plan for sustainable lifestyle and medication adherence
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Provide evidence-based nutrition, physical activity, stress reduction, and smoking cessation counseling
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Practice insurance under 'coaching services' - my own insurance or to be discussed
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Ideal Collaborative Preventive Care
Serve as first line for patients referred by Cardiologist & others for behavioral change
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Collaboratively decide patient goals, additional needs and referrals
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Refer select cases to RDs, psychologist, exercise physiologist, social worker, as needed
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