This podcast explores the nuances of rate and rhythm control in atrial fibrillation. The Early Rhythm Control Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (EAST-AFNET 4) Trial that was published in October 2020 will also be discussed. For today’s debate, Danielle will promote rhythm control while Riley argues that rate control remains the strategy of choice.
SPEAKERS
Vicki Basalyga, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCPPS, is the Director for the Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists. In this role Vicki serves as an information resource and provides guidance to ASHP members regarding science and scientific developments affecting pharmacy practice in health systems. She serves as secretary to the Section executive committee and coordinates activities to accomplish the objectives established by the Section. Additionally, Vicki has assumed the position of Council Secretary for the ASHP's Council on Therapeutics.
Vicki received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Duquesne University and completed an ASHP accredited PGY1 at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. Vicki is also a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist and a Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist.
Prior to her current position at ASHP, Vicki practiced as critical care pharmacist in both the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. Other activities Vicki performed included drafting policies and procedures, co-chairing the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, creating and drafting order sets for CPOE conversion and precepting residents and students.
Danielle McPherson is from North Haven, Connecticut and earned both her Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of Connecticut, where she graduated in 2019. She completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency training at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut and is currently the PGY-2 Cardiology Pharmacy Resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her interests in cardiology include cardiology critical care and anticoagulation.
Riley Wildemann is currently a PGY1 resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Prior to moving to the East Coast, he completed his education at Butler University in Indiana. Riley's career interests include cardiology and critical care. He is planning to pursue a PGY2 residency in cardiology.