This commentary is by David J. Schneider of Shelburne. He is a cardiologist and director of cardiovascular services at the University of Vermont Medical Center, and director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute and the UVM Larner College of Medicine.It has been a privilege and an honor to lead the cardiovascular division at the University of Vermont Medical Center for the last 20 years. The opportunity to provide great care to patients, combined with teaching students at UVM’s Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, and researching new treatments in cardiac care, has been my life’s passion. It has allowed me to recruit some of the best and brightest to Vermont, and I am proud to say that the cardiovascular division is recognized both nationally and internationally. Given our reputation for excellence, I am struggling with one of the key recommendations of a recent report produced by the Green Mountain Care Board’s consultants, which suggested that we should reduce time spent on activities not directly related to patient care. As an academic cardiologist, I cherish our combined mission of providing outstanding care to patients, advancing care through research and educating the next generation.Taken at face value, the Oliver Wyman recommendations would decimate teaching and research here in Vermont. While this may well provide short-term financial relief, it would certainly have negative near- and long-term consequences. One of those consequences would almost certainly be the inability to recruit some of the best and brightest physicians who want to advance care through academic pursuits. Perhaps even more dire would be the loss of some of our talented faculty who provide outstanding care in addition to devoting time to academic pursuits.During the 30 years I have practiced cardiology in Vermont, I have witnessed remarkable advances that improve the quality of life and longevity for the people of Vermont and beyond. Twenty years ago, elderly individuals who were unable to tolerate cardiac surgery died from blockage (stenosis) of the aortic valve. We can now save most of these patients and return them to a fulfilling life. I am proud to say that interventional cardiologists at UVMMC participated in the development of this lifesaving technology.During the early days I recall a remarkable story about a patient who was being taken to hospice care by her daughter. During this journey, they listened to a story about the new valve replacement program on the radio. Plans immediately changed and the patient opted for treatment. Following a successful procedure, the patient enjoyed a longer, fulfilling life.Groundbreaking research at UVMMC and the UVM Larner College of Medicine has identified methods helping patients with social or economic disadvantages to fully participate in cardiac rehabilitation and reduce their risk of having another heart attack. These advances are possible only through the dedication of time and effort to research — and even advocacy.READ MORE Vermont hospitals report runs into furor over allegations of inaccurate data by Peter D'Auria October 29, 2024, 5:50 pmOctober 29, 2024, 5:50 pm I will add my personal story to this list. When I came to Vermont in the 1990s, I sought to develop a precision tool that would help with individualization of treatment to prevent recurrent heart attacks. After 25 years, we believe that we have developed that tool. We completed the initial study testing this tool at UVMMC. With the support of key Vermonters, we are making great progress, having completed a second study with 800 patients receiving care across 25 different centers, all of which has validated our findings. We have much work to do, however, the goal to save lives is in sight! Another patient recently shared with me the profound impact that the successful treatment of their atrial fibrillation has had on their life by allowing them to resume normal daily activities. My colleague, Dr. Peter Spector, has developed an innovative electrode array and mapping system that enables physicians to determine how to best treat atrial fibrillation on a case-by-case basis. This groundbreaking technology holds the potential to cure atrial fibrillation in more patients. This advance may prevent complications such as heart failure and stroke while improving the quality of life. These advances in care come with significant costs, while yielding real and lasting benefits to countless Vermonters. Our successes have supported longevity and the aging of the population — which also drive up costs. These are complicated times, and we must look critically at every aspect of the system to make improvements. My plea is that those who commission studies like the Oliver Wyman report spend time thinking about what they value in the system we have, which I would argue includes rethinking how provider “productivity” is measured. Read the story on VTDigger here: Dan J. Schneider: Research and teaching improves the health of Vermonters.