Adam Pflum, MD

Cardiology is a very personal field for me, as I have seen the impacts remarkable heart care can have on a patient and a family. My younger brother was born with a heart defect and was not expected to survive his first year. My father suffered from coronary artery disease and required heart surgery when I was young. Because of the quality care they received while I was growing up in Asheville, North Carolina, both my brother and father survived for many years. Seeing that inspired me to pursue a career in cardiology. \n I perform angioplasty and stent procedures, and see patients both in our clinics and local hospitals. I particularly enjoy visiting with patients years after they have presented with heart issues and required emergency care. Our initial treatments are only a first step towards long-term health, and I am proud of being part of that valuable first step. \n Southeastern North Carolina is a great place to call home. I love the opportunities I have here to enjoy multiple watersports including surfing, kitesurfing and sailing. I also enjoy running and biking, and traveling with my family. Together we try to stay as active as possible, something I encourage my patients to strive for as well.

Both my maternal grandparents died in their 50s of heart disease. I remember, from a young age, reflecting on how unfair that was and wanting to do something to change it. In college, I discovered an interest in epidemiology and hemodynamics. Cardiology is the field that best marries these two interests. \n As a researcher, my areas of focus are disease prevention, cardiac imaging and cardio-oncology, a relatively new field in which cardiologists help cancer patients and providers navigate cardiac issues that can arise during treatment. My goal is to get the patient to the finish line, either curing their cancer or turning it into a stable, chronic disease. \n Cancer patients are truly warriors; they're some of the most motivated and inspiring people I've ever met. I also enjoy partnering with oncologists and offering patients the benefit of a multidisciplinary approach to their treatment. \n When I first meet with patients, my goal is to educate and empower them with the tools and knowledge to improve their health. I am not a physician who makes decisions on behalf of patients but rather someone who can find common ground between what science can offer and what the patient's preferences may be. \n I am a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and was honored to be a Novant Health Healthcare Heroes finalist in 2022. \n My wife, who works in Novant Health's corporate communications department, and I have two young children - a son and a daughter. I'm passionate about all water sports, including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and boating. I am also a fan of UNC Tarheel sports.

My father was a family physician in a small North Carolina town for over 50 years, and my admiration for - and loving relationship with - him helped shaped my desire to pursue a career in medicine. \n So did my first personal exposure to medicine. As a 5-year-old-boy, I spent almost two weeks in the hospital receiving treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever. That experience not only helped develop my personal faith in God, but led to a strong belief that my purpose in life is helping others. \n I attended N.C. State University as a scholarship athlete and finished my swimming career as an NCAA All-American and ACC champion. After graduation from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and after further medical training in Charlotte and Chicago, I relocated to Wilmington in 2003 with my wife. \n I had visited the Wilmington area often as a child since both my parents were raised here and graduated from New Hanover High School. Those visits ultimately led to a desire to settle down here. My wife and I now call Wilmington home - as do our three children. \n Since 2003, I have been an attending physician at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in cardiology and electrophysiology. I am board-certified in cardiovascular disease and electrophysiology and an active member and recognized Fellow of the American College of Cardiology as well as a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society. \n My major clinical interest has always been direct patient care in electrophysiology. I consider it an honor to cultivate lasting personal relationships with my patients. \n When not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, coaching youth athletics, spending time outdoors - especially at the beach - and cheering on the N.C. State Wolfpack.