Q&A with Cassie Campbell, MD, assistant professor, Division of Cardiology
Hometown: Clemson, South Carolina
Educational/professional background: After finishing my undergraduate degree at Clemson University, I moved to Greenville, South Carolina, for medical school at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. I completed my pediatric residency training and cardiology fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee. I finished my training with an additional fellowship in advanced imaging at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Previous position (title, institution): Advanced Imaging Fellow, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I am a pediatric cardiologist with a special interest in cardiac imaging and fetal cardiology. I have a passion for taking care of kids with congenital heart disease starting before they are born. I want to build relationships with families as they begin the journey of addressing their child’s heart disease.
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? I take care of kids who have problems with their hearts, both before and after they are born.
What attracted you to UW–Madison? The culture of community, the prioritizing of patient care, and the dedication to education.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? I am still learning about the city, but my priority has been trying coffee shops.
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? If you listen, every patient has something to teach you. It is also important to remember that it doesn’t matter how many times you have done or seen something, it is the first time for a patient, which can be scary.
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how. To me the Wisconsin Idea is about commitment to the community and sharing knowledge. This is important to me because I want families to understand their child’s congenital heart disease so we can work together to achieve the best quality of life for their child. I also want my patients to grow up knowing about their hearts and to feel empowered to advocate for their care.
What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter during video chats and parties? Congenital heart disease is the number one birth defect; it affects approximately 40,000 births per year in the U.S. (about 1% of births).
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? I am a sourdough baker, and my main thing to make is sourdough pizza in an Ooni oven. In between stretch-and-folds, I am watering my ever-growing house plant collection, finishing one of my many in-progress craft projects, going to the gym, or riding my road bike.