My name is Leora Yarboro. I'm an adult cardiac surgeon. I specialize in heart failure and
transplantation. I'm the surgical director for those programs here at UVA. I treat all types of patients who have surgical cardiac disease, whether it be coronary artery disease, or valve disease. I am specialized in heart failure therapies, and that includes mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation. I love heart surgery. For me, it's tackling a problem that is really common in the US. It's a big problem that a lot of people have. It's a relatively new field and there's so much exciting new developments that are happening right now. So it's really nice to be part of that. Having heart surgery is a really, can be a scary experience. It's a big operation and we recognize that. So what I really try to do is identify the patient's needs and treat them as an individual. Having been through that really stressful point of time for them, when they come in with a new diagnosis of a problem that needs to be treated surgically, but then seeing them back in clinic, healed up, really ready to start their lives again. And for me, that's the most rewarding experience.