Meet Dami Aladesanmi, MD, MPH, an Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiology who was a former UNC resident!
What brought you to UNC Medical Center?
It all started when I completed my Master’s in Public Health (MPH) at UNC during medical school! My focus field was Health Care and Prevention (now named Population Health for Clinicians), and I was continually struck by the incredibly impressive medical students here who seamlessly integrated passion for equitable healthcare with strong clinical acumen, as well as the incredibly warm and knowledgeable faculty. This later motivated me to apply to UNC for Internal Medicine residency, where I was again struck by the incredible warmth and clinical acuity of the people here. Although I left briefly for cardiology fellowship, I had a feeling that I would return – and I’m glad I did!
Where are you from?
A lot of places: I was born shortly after my parents immigrated from Nigeria – we moved around a lot, but we eventually stayed in Atlanta, GA, which I consider my hometown.
Did you always want to be a doctor?
Not always but for a very long time: I knew I wanted to take care of people, and I was always interested in my dad’s work as a primary care physician. However, as I got more confident that I wanted to pursue medicine, he more frequently asked me if I was sure! Even though I’m thankful he encouraged me to consider other paths, I’m so glad that I became a doctor.
How did you choose your specialty?
Cardiology affords me all the things that I love about medicine: the chance to develop relationships with patients whether briefly in the hospital or over a long period of time, gratification in solving a problem and helping a patient feel better, and the chance to integrate both prevention and public health measures into clinical medicine.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Similar to the above, cardiology affords the opportunity to truly help patients feel better and live longer (e.g. stenting an acute MI, GDMT for heart failure, etc.) as well as develop close relationships with patients.
What are some of the new developments in your field of specialty?
Cardiology has exciting developments across all the subspecialities, but to limit briefly to my clinical interests, there is truly a renaissance in the field of hypertension. Integrated and targeted lifestyle changes have shown remarkable success in blood pressure reduction (e.g. food-as-medicine therapy), multiple novel medications with unique mechanisms have been approved, and renal denervation therapy (RDN) provides an incredible procedural opportunity for resistant hypertension patients.
Is there a particular achievement (professional or personal) that has been most gratifying to you?
The achievement belongs to my wife, but I would say I am most grateful for our three wonderful children.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t overthink it.
If you weren’t a physician, what would you like to be doing?
A close tie between public health professor and rap beat producer.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
Listening to music, watching comedy, and finding great places to eat.
Do you have a favorite quote or life motto?
“We all have a responsibility to create a just society.” – Brian Stevenson (Stevenson’s work with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) continues to move and inspire me in how I approach my everyday work).
What was the last book you read?
Dune by Frank Herbert – an incredible science-fiction epic with some of the most impressive world-building I’ve ever come across.