Dr. Rhian Davies is currently practicing as an interventional cardiologist at WellSpan Health in York, Pennsylvania, where she also serves as the Director of Complex Coronary. She completed her medical training at esteemed institutions, including Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and the University of Washington, with a specialized focus on PCI CTOs. Her clinical expertise includes radial access, mechanical circulatory support, and complex coronary procedures.
Looking back to when you were finishing fellowship or shortly thereafter, were there any therapy areas or clinical subject matters that you felt were lacking in your training?
I think one of the biggest areas lacking is device development. We all come out of training excited, thinking we can potentially change how procedures are conducted or even design a new product and advance its development. Getting more guidance during training on where to start, who to approach, how to navigate the patent process, find a patent lawyer, and understand the intricacies of device development would have been valuable.
I'm constantly thinking about how to improve processes and streamline them, and this was an area of interest for me during training, too. I often find myself brainstorming ideas like, "What if we had this device?" or "How could we integrate this device into the process?" It's where my mind always goes.
Considering you're well-published and have extensive research experience, for residents or fellows who see you on stage and want to pursue clinical research with more rigor, what key tips or words of wisdom would you share with them?
I would say, if there's a specific research area that interests you, reach out to those actively involved in it. Ask for recommendations and explore available opportunities. Even if they can't offer you something directly, they might connect you with someone doing similar work that you didn't even know of.
Outside of that, networking at meetings and conferences is also crucial. I've often found valuable insights and collaborations by discussing ideas with industry representatives and senior figures in relevant fields. Connections within your industry can be instrumental in getting research off the ground and advancing device-related projects. Don't hesitate to reach out and leverage these connections.
Every patient you treat is unique. But as a highly-skilled PCI operator, do you follow a general algorithm for addressing calcific plaque from an interventional perspective?
I think so. Initially, if I can pass the wire through the blockage, whether it's a Type A lesion or a CTO, that's the first step. If I can then advance my imaging catheter, that's great because it sets the stage for the next decision—whether to use balloon therapy, laser, or atherectomy to modify the vessel. If I can't advance my imaging catheter initially, I typically turn to rotational atherectomy or laser right away. After using these techniques, I re-image to determine if further modifications are necessary with other modalities to optimize the vessel. My key rule is not to place a stent until the vessel is adequately prepared.
Looking back at the early stages of your career, right after fellowship, were there business or professional concepts that you wish you had understood better?
I wish I had a better understanding of contract review and its implications. It’s crucial to know what the contract offers, the goals of the practice you’re joining, details of your salary, and how it's structured. Beyond that, it's important to set personal goals for developing your program or business within the healthcare system you’ve joined.
Answering questions like how many cases you aim to handle, where your patients will come from, and how they will learn about your services is vital. Ensuring you’re as accessible to your patients as they are to you is vital for building a successful practice and delivering care to patients who might not be aware of your specialty or existence.
If I'm a resident or fellow attending a conference like CTO Plus and see you present, and I aspire to do the same one day, what key skills do I need?
The most crucial skill is being clear and concise. It’s something I’m continually working on. We’ve all seen speakers who take the microphone and ramble without making a clear point. It’s important to structure your presentation so it’s straightforward for the audience to grasp your main points. They should be able to walk away from a brief lecture with the key facts you intended to convey. I strive to be the type of presenter I would have wanted to learn from or collaborate with. Being approachable and responsive to questions is vital. If I don’t have an immediate answer, I make it a point to say, "I’ll get back to you on that." That approachability and willingness to engage with your audience are fundamental to effective communication on stage.
Dr. Rhian Davies is currently practicing as an interventional cardiologist at WellSpan Health in York, Pennsylvania, where she also serves as the Director of Complex Coronary. She completed her medical training at esteemed institutions, including Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and the University of Washington, with a specialized focus on PCI CTOs. Her clinical expertise includes radial access, mechanical circulatory support, and complex coronary procedures.
Looking back to when you were finishing fellowship or shortly thereafter, were there any therapy areas or clinical subject matters that you felt were lacking in your training?
I think one of the biggest areas lacking is device development. We all come out of training excited, thinking we can potentially change how procedures are conducted or even design a new product and advance its development. Getting more guidance during training on where to start, who to approach, how to navigate the patent process, find a patent lawyer, and understand the intricacies of device development would have been valuable.
I'm constantly thinking about how to improve processes and streamline them, and this was an area of interest for me during training, too. I often find myself brainstorming ideas like, "What if we had this device?" or "How could we integrate this device into the process?" It's where my mind always goes.
Considering you're well-published and have extensive research experience, for residents or fellows who see you on stage and want to pursue clinical research with more rigor, what key tips or words of wisdom would you share with them?
I would say, if there's a specific research area that interests you, reach out to those actively involved in it. Ask for recommendations and explore available opportunities. Even if they can't offer you something directly, they might connect you with someone doing similar work that you didn't even know of.
Outside of that, networking at meetings and conferences is also crucial. I've often found valuable insights and collaborations by discussing ideas with industry representatives and senior figures in relevant fields. Connections within your industry can be instrumental in getting research off the ground and advancing device-related projects. Don't hesitate to reach out and leverage these connections.
Every patient you treat is unique. But as a highly-skilled PCI operator, do you follow a general algorithm for addressing calcific plaque from an interventional perspective?
I think so. Initially, if I can pass the wire through the blockage, whether it's a Type A lesion or a CTO, that's the first step. If I can then advance my imaging catheter, that's great because it sets the stage for the next decision—whether to use balloon therapy, laser, or atherectomy to modify the vessel. If I can't advance my imaging catheter initially, I typically turn to rotational atherectomy or laser right away. After using these techniques, I re-image to determine if further modifications are necessary with other modalities to optimize the vessel. My key rule is not to place a stent until the vessel is adequately prepared.
Looking back at the early stages of your career, right after fellowship, were there business or professional concepts that you wish you had understood better?
I wish I had a better understanding of contract review and its implications. It’s crucial to know what the contract offers, the goals of the practice you’re joining, details of your salary, and how it's structured. Beyond that, it's important to set personal goals for developing your program or business within the healthcare system you’ve joined.
Answering questions like how many cases you aim to handle, where your patients will come from, and how they will learn about your services is vital. Ensuring you’re as accessible to your patients as they are to you is vital for building a successful practice and delivering care to patients who might not be aware of your specialty or existence.
If I'm a resident or fellow attending a conference like CTO Plus and see you present, and I aspire to do the same one day, what key skills do I need?
The most crucial skill is being clear and concise. It’s something I’m continually working on. We’ve all seen speakers who take the microphone and ramble without making a clear point. It’s important to structure your presentation so it’s straightforward for the audience to grasp your main points. They should be able to walk away from a brief lecture with the key facts you intended to convey. I strive to be the type of presenter I would have wanted to learn from or collaborate with. Being approachable and responsive to questions is vital. If I don’t have an immediate answer, I make it a point to say, "I’ll get back to you on that." That approachability and willingness to engage with your audience are fundamental to effective communication on stage.
Dr. Rhian Davies is currently practicing as an interventional cardiologist at WellSpan Health in York, Pennsylvania, where she also serves as the Director of Complex Coronary. She completed her medical training at esteemed institutions, including Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and the University of Washington, with a specialized focus on PCI CTOs. Her clinical expertise includes radial access, mechanical circulatory support, and complex coronary procedures.
Looking back to when you were finishing fellowship or shortly thereafter, were there any therapy areas or clinical subject matters that you felt were lacking in your training?
I think one of the biggest areas lacking is device development. We all come out of training excited, thinking we can potentially change how procedures are conducted or even design a new product and advance its development. Getting more guidance during training on where to start, who to approach, how to navigate the patent process, find a patent lawyer, and understand the intricacies of device development would have been valuable.
I'm constantly thinking about how to improve processes and streamline them, and this was an area of interest for me during training, too. I often find myself brainstorming ideas like, "What if we had this device?" or "How could we integrate this device into the process?" It's where my mind always goes.
Considering you're well-published and have extensive research experience, for residents or fellows who see you on stage and want to pursue clinical research with more rigor, what key tips or words of wisdom would you share with them?
I would say, if there's a specific research area that interests you, reach out to those actively involved in it. Ask for recommendations and explore available opportunities. Even if they can't offer you something directly, they might connect you with someone doing similar work that you didn't even know of.
Outside of that, networking at meetings and conferences is also crucial. I've often found valuable insights and collaborations by discussing ideas with industry representatives and senior figures in relevant fields. Connections within your industry can be instrumental in getting research off the ground and advancing device-related projects. Don't hesitate to reach out and leverage these connections.
Every patient you treat is unique. But as a highly-skilled PCI operator, do you follow a general algorithm for addressing calcific plaque from an interventional perspective?
I think so. Initially, if I can pass the wire through the blockage, whether it's a Type A lesion or a CTO, that's the first step. If I can then advance my imaging catheter, that's great because it sets the stage for the next decision—whether to use balloon therapy, laser, or atherectomy to modify the vessel. If I can't advance my imaging catheter initially, I typically turn to rotational atherectomy or laser right away. After using these techniques, I re-image to determine if further modifications are necessary with other modalities to optimize the vessel. My key rule is not to place a stent until the vessel is adequately prepared.
Looking back at the early stages of your career, right after fellowship, were there business or professional concepts that you wish you had understood better?
I wish I had a better understanding of contract review and its implications. It’s crucial to know what the contract offers, the goals of the practice you’re joining, details of your salary, and how it's structured. Beyond that, it's important to set personal goals for developing your program or business within the healthcare system you’ve joined.
Answering questions like how many cases you aim to handle, where your patients will come from, and how they will learn about your services is vital. Ensuring you’re as accessible to your patients as they are to you is vital for building a successful practice and delivering care to patients who might not be aware of your specialty or existence.
If I'm a resident or fellow attending a conference like CTO Plus and see you present, and I aspire to do the same one day, what key skills do I need?
The most crucial skill is being clear and concise. It’s something I’m continually working on. We’ve all seen speakers who take the microphone and ramble without making a clear point. It’s important to structure your presentation so it’s straightforward for the audience to grasp your main points. They should be able to walk away from a brief lecture with the key facts you intended to convey. I strive to be the type of presenter I would have wanted to learn from or collaborate with. Being approachable and responsive to questions is vital. If I don’t have an immediate answer, I make it a point to say, "I’ll get back to you on that." That approachability and willingness to engage with your audience are fundamental to effective communication on stage.
Fun, Insightful Interviews with the
World's Brightest Physicians
Delivered straight to your inbox. Completely free. No spam.
Fun, Insightful Interviews with the
World's Brightest Physicians
Delivered straight to your inbox. Completely free. No spam.
Fun, Insightful Interviews with the
World's Brightest Physicians
Delivered straight to your inbox. Completely free. No spam.
You touched on the importance of networking within the context of clinical research. Could you elaborate on how building relationships has been crucial for your career, and perhaps share a couple of tips that have helped you forge these relationships effectively?
Networking is incredibly important. Often, even conversations that seem unproductive at first can open doors. You might not get immediate help, but you could receive guidance or be directed to someone else who can assist. In cardiology, we collaborate across various specialties, including surgeons, interventionalists, heart failure doctors, and electrophysiologists. Keeping communication open and fostering connections benefits everyone in the long run, especially our patients.
I really try, no matter who I'm talking to, to be the same person that I am to everybody. Be it my nurses and technicians, other doctors and support staff like janitors and transporters. I believe in treating everyone with equal respect. Ensuring no one feels uncomfortable speaking to me is crucial, as it fosters a positive and productive work environment.
It's also important to be genuine and show interest in people. I ask my staff about their kids and pets. Getting to know people a little bit and letting them get to know you creates stronger connections. While you don't have to share your deepest secrets, being aware of others' situations helps us become better clinicians in the end.
The more approachable and helpful you are, the easier it becomes to collaborate. When you or someone else needs to go the extra mile, having previously established a good rapport makes it much simpler to get things done—and done the right way.
Let's switch gears to a few rapid-fire questions. In the cath lab, do you listen to music? If so, what’s on your playlist?
I like anything that's upbeat. I'm not a fan of listening to the same songs on repeat. My playlist ranges from R&B and country to hip-hop and even jazz during procedures. My staff knows I'm a big fan of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, so those tracks make frequent appearances.
As long as we can still communicate and manage the cases safely and effectively, I like having music in the background. It also seems to ease the patients' stress, making the environment less intimidating when they hear someone like Beyoncé as they enter the room. It adds a fun element to the setting.
How about movies? Do you have any all-time favorites that you find yourself watching whenever they’re on TV?
Choosing favorites is tough, but Legally Blonde, Black Panther, and Forrest Gump definitely top the list. I gravitate towards movies that are humorous, uplifting, or feature an underdog triumphing. I enjoy rom-coms and even slightly scary movies, though nothing too intense. Those three movies, if they’re on, I’m likely to sit down and watch them.
If you could return to your mid-to-late-20s, just after graduating from med school, what advice would you give to the younger Dr. Davies?
The most important advice I’d give myself is to believe in myself. Things might not always go according to plan, but it's going to be okay. And never lose sight of the importance of work-life balance. It's essential for bringing your best self to work every day.
Are there any events, congresses, or resources that you particularly want to highlight or recommend?
We hosted the Women Treating High-Risk Indicated Patients (WHiP) meeting here at Wellspan in August. It’s our second time organizing it. It's an opportunity for female operators who handle complex cases to learn, share, and network in a supportive environment. We have live cases and discussions on the challenges women face in this field. Industry folks like Asahi, Medtronic, and Rampart sponsor it.
Additionally, Interventional Complications is an excellent conference held annually in Seattle. It focuses on learning from the mistakes of others and supporting those dealing with challenging cases. It's an invaluable learning experience.
You touched on the importance of networking within the context of clinical research. Could you elaborate on how building relationships has been crucial for your career, and perhaps share a couple of tips that have helped you forge these relationships effectively?
Networking is incredibly important. Often, even conversations that seem unproductive at first can open doors. You might not get immediate help, but you could receive guidance or be directed to someone else who can assist. In cardiology, we collaborate across various specialties, including surgeons, interventionalists, heart failure doctors, and electrophysiologists. Keeping communication open and fostering connections benefits everyone in the long run, especially our patients.
I really try, no matter who I'm talking to, to be the same person that I am to everybody. Be it my nurses and technicians, other doctors and support staff like janitors and transporters. I believe in treating everyone with equal respect. Ensuring no one feels uncomfortable speaking to me is crucial, as it fosters a positive and productive work environment.
It's also important to be genuine and show interest in people. I ask my staff about their kids and pets. Getting to know people a little bit and letting them get to know you creates stronger connections. While you don't have to share your deepest secrets, being aware of others' situations helps us become better clinicians in the end.
The more approachable and helpful you are, the easier it becomes to collaborate. When you or someone else needs to go the extra mile, having previously established a good rapport makes it much simpler to get things done—and done the right way.
Let's switch gears to a few rapid-fire questions. In the cath lab, do you listen to music? If so, what’s on your playlist?
I like anything that's upbeat. I'm not a fan of listening to the same songs on repeat. My playlist ranges from R&B and country to hip-hop and even jazz during procedures. My staff knows I'm a big fan of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, so those tracks make frequent appearances.
As long as we can still communicate and manage the cases safely and effectively, I like having music in the background. It also seems to ease the patients' stress, making the environment less intimidating when they hear someone like Beyoncé as they enter the room. It adds a fun element to the setting.
How about movies? Do you have any all-time favorites that you find yourself watching whenever they’re on TV?
Choosing favorites is tough, but Legally Blonde, Black Panther, and Forrest Gump definitely top the list. I gravitate towards movies that are humorous, uplifting, or feature an underdog triumphing. I enjoy rom-coms and even slightly scary movies, though nothing too intense. Those three movies, if they’re on, I’m likely to sit down and watch them.
If you could return to your mid-to-late-20s, just after graduating from med school, what advice would you give to the younger Dr. Davies?
The most important advice I’d give myself is to believe in myself. Things might not always go according to plan, but it's going to be okay. And never lose sight of the importance of work-life balance. It's essential for bringing your best self to work every day.
Are there any events, congresses, or resources that you particularly want to highlight or recommend?
We hosted the Women Treating High-Risk Indicated Patients (WHiP) meeting here at Wellspan in August. It’s our second time organizing it. It's an opportunity for female operators who handle complex cases to learn, share, and network in a supportive environment. We have live cases and discussions on the challenges women face in this field. Industry folks like Asahi, Medtronic, and Rampart sponsor it.
Additionally, Interventional Complications is an excellent conference held annually in Seattle. It focuses on learning from the mistakes of others and supporting those dealing with challenging cases. It's an invaluable learning experience.
You touched on the importance of networking within the context of clinical research. Could you elaborate on how building relationships has been crucial for your career, and perhaps share a couple of tips that have helped you forge these relationships effectively?
Networking is incredibly important. Often, even conversations that seem unproductive at first can open doors. You might not get immediate help, but you could receive guidance or be directed to someone else who can assist. In cardiology, we collaborate across various specialties, including surgeons, interventionalists, heart failure doctors, and electrophysiologists. Keeping communication open and fostering connections benefits everyone in the long run, especially our patients.
I really try, no matter who I'm talking to, to be the same person that I am to everybody. Be it my nurses and technicians, other doctors and support staff like janitors and transporters. I believe in treating everyone with equal respect. Ensuring no one feels uncomfortable speaking to me is crucial, as it fosters a positive and productive work environment.
It's also important to be genuine and show interest in people. I ask my staff about their kids and pets. Getting to know people a little bit and letting them get to know you creates stronger connections. While you don't have to share your deepest secrets, being aware of others' situations helps us become better clinicians in the end.
The more approachable and helpful you are, the easier it becomes to collaborate. When you or someone else needs to go the extra mile, having previously established a good rapport makes it much simpler to get things done—and done the right way.
Let's switch gears to a few rapid-fire questions. In the cath lab, do you listen to music? If so, what’s on your playlist?
I like anything that's upbeat. I'm not a fan of listening to the same songs on repeat. My playlist ranges from R&B and country to hip-hop and even jazz during procedures. My staff knows I'm a big fan of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, so those tracks make frequent appearances.
As long as we can still communicate and manage the cases safely and effectively, I like having music in the background. It also seems to ease the patients' stress, making the environment less intimidating when they hear someone like Beyoncé as they enter the room. It adds a fun element to the setting.
How about movies? Do you have any all-time favorites that you find yourself watching whenever they’re on TV?
Choosing favorites is tough, but Legally Blonde, Black Panther, and Forrest Gump definitely top the list. I gravitate towards movies that are humorous, uplifting, or feature an underdog triumphing. I enjoy rom-coms and even slightly scary movies, though nothing too intense. Those three movies, if they’re on, I’m likely to sit down and watch them.
If you could return to your mid-to-late-20s, just after graduating from med school, what advice would you give to the younger Dr. Davies?
The most important advice I’d give myself is to believe in myself. Things might not always go according to plan, but it's going to be okay. And never lose sight of the importance of work-life balance. It's essential for bringing your best self to work every day.
Are there any events, congresses, or resources that you particularly want to highlight or recommend?
We hosted the Women Treating High-Risk Indicated Patients (WHiP) meeting here at Wellspan in August. It’s our second time organizing it. It's an opportunity for female operators who handle complex cases to learn, share, and network in a supportive environment. We have live cases and discussions on the challenges women face in this field. Industry folks like Asahi, Medtronic, and Rampart sponsor it.
Additionally, Interventional Complications is an excellent conference held annually in Seattle. It focuses on learning from the mistakes of others and supporting those dealing with challenging cases. It's an invaluable learning experience.
