Lauren Eyadiel spends most of her week educating future PAs as an assistant professor in the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Department of PA Studies, but she dedicates one day a week to clinical practice, caring for patients with advanced heart failure, left ventricular assist devices, and following cardiac transplantation.
Her dedication has earned Eyadiel an appointment to the Heart Failure Society of America’s Advocacy Committee, and she is the first PA Fellow of the organization. She was invited to speak at the society’s annual scientific meeting in Cleveland in 2023 and again at their national conference in Atlanta in 2024.
She is a strong advocate for patients who cannot afford medical care, and was featured on HCPLive, where she discussed overcoming financial barriers to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in heart failure.
Get to know Eyadiel in her own words.
Did You Have Any Mentors Who Encouraged and Inspired You?
Two mentors were particularly influential: Dr. Barbara Pisani and Dr. T.J. O’Neill. They have had the greatest impact on my career growth and passion for the field of advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology.
Dr. Pisani was a practicing PA prior to returning to medical school and has a unique understanding of PA practice and team-based care. Dr. O’Neill continually challenged me to think deeply about each patient with a questioning attitude and spurred me towards excellent, evidence-based care.
They both have consistently believed in me, encouraged me to practice to the edge of my license, modeled leadership skills, and emphasized that no door should be closed for me on the basis of my degree alone.
What Do You Enjoy About Teaching at Wake Forest?
As an alumna of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, it’s an honor to walk alongside students and be a part of their growth into becoming a practicing PA. Watching students translate their knowledge from the classroom to the bedside is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
I have a deep passion for PAs delivering highly skilled patient care. As a practicing PA, I could impact one patient at a time. As an educator, I can influence many students who will, in turn, impact countless patients. This multiplier effect of clinical excellence is incredibly fulfilling as an educator and important for the many patients my students will one day treat.
What Is Your Role With the Heart Failure Society of America’s Advocacy Committee?
I became involved with the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) a few years ago through my role with the Academy of PAs in Cardiology (APAC). I aimed to create a seat at the table for PAs within the HFSA, where facilitating a culture for team-based heart failure was a goal, but PAs were notably absent. My involvement with HFSA began on the membership committee where I advocated for PA involvement and recruitment. I became the first PA Fellow of the HFSA, a designation indicating a significant national footprint in the heart failure space.
Currently, I serve on the advocacy committee, helping determine which legislation and legislation changes the HFSA should support or combat with a goal to benefit patients with heart failure. This includes lobbying for Medicare reimbursement changes, supporting legislation to reduce the cost of guideline directed medical therapy, advocating for telemedicine services, and addressing organ allocation criteria changes.
Why Is It Significant That You Are the First PA Fellow of the HFSA?
The fellow designation has historically been obtained by physicians and the honor of this designation marks an individual as a leader in the field. As a fellow of the HFSA, I am joined by many members of the heart failure care team including pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physicians. Being the first PA to hold this designation highlights the contributions PAs can make to heart failure care and sets a precedent for future PA involvement in leadership.
Why Is Heart Failure an Important Topic for You?
My interest in heart failure is both personal and professional. My grandfather lived with and ultimately died from advanced heart failure. His struggle with the disease deeply impacted me and fueled my passion for the field.
Professionally, I was always drawn to cardiovascular medicine. There are millions of patients living with heart failure, and that figure is expected to continue to rise. This population needs dedicated, detail-oriented, and passionate care team members and advocacy. This combination of personal experience and professional interest led me to specialize in the field of advanced heart failure.
What Are Some of the Top Issues Facing Cardiology Today?
One of the biggest issues is the aging population living longer with more cardiovascular comorbidities, coupled with a workforce shortage in cardiology. This creates a significant demand for cardiovascular care.
Additionally, making cardiology a sustainable field for both women and men with families is crucial. Historically, cardiology has been demanding, with heavy call schedules and long hours. Ensuring work-life balance and preventing burnout in this specialty is essential for the workforce to support the growing patient population with cardiovascular disease.
Why Is the PA Profession So Important in Today’s Healthcare Landscape?
PAs play a critical role in providing high-quality patient care. Traditionally, PAs have been on the frontlines, taking care of patients efficiently. However, we need to expand our presence in leadership and advocacy, integrating into larger national medical organizations. Our visibility and voices can improve patient care and shape the medical field for the better.
What Is Your Hope for the Future of the PA Profession, Particularly Regarding the Students You Work With at Wake Forest?
I hope the PA profession continues to grow beyond its current boundaries, leading and innovating in the medical field. At Wake Forest, one of our strategic goals is for PAs to not just practice but to lead and be involved in the future of medicine.
By educating and inspiring students, we can instill clinical competence, compassionate care, and a commitment to lifelong learning. My hope is that PAs will continue to provide exceptional care at the bedside as well as integral leaders in healthcare.