VA’s first cardiology lab was established at the Washington DC hospital in 1935. Since then, VA has been a leader in developing groundbreaking surgical techniques, conducting hypertension studies, and home to pioneering cardiologist, Dr. Michael DeBakey. Katie and Shawn end season 2 with a look at cardiology’s past and future at VA in conversation with Dr. Josef Stehlik, Professor of Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He is Co-Chief of the Advanced Heart Failure section and Medical Director of the Heart Transplant Program at the University of Utah Health Center and the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center.

Part two of our look at cancer research at VA includes a conversation with Dr. Khalil Ahmend, Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Ahmed has been a Senior Research Career Scientist, Minneapolis VA since 1978. For over forty years, Dr. Ahmed’s long-standing interest has been in protein CK2 (formerly casein kinase 2 or II). He investigation of its therapeutic targeting for cancer therapy and how treatments might be effective for stopping progression to resistant growth or improving response setting the stage for potential ground-breaking translation into the clinic.

VA’s first tumor laboratory was established at the Hines VA Hospital. Since then, VA has gone on to become a lead in cancer care, establishing studies, linking cigarette smoking with cancer, and creating breakthroughs for veterans and the world. Katie and Shawn sit in a two-part conversation with two of VA’s most respected leaders and researchers: Dr. Michael Kelly, professor of Medicine at Duke University and Chief Oncology at the Durham VA Medical Center. As National Program Director for Oncology for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Kelley directs policy and program development that affect the more than 50,000 Veterans diagnosed with cancer each year.