Lauren Gardner, ACNP

I was inspired to go into medicine because of my grandfather's unfulfilled dream. He was a pre-med major in college and planned to be a physician but didn't have the means to go to medical school. I'm not just living my dream; I'm living his, too. \n In addition to staying on top of the latest advances in my field - through my membership in the American College of Cardiology - I pride myself on communicating about complex medical conditions in an easy-to-understand way. I love educating my patients - and they tell me they appreciate that I communicate in a way that's easy to understand. \n My blended family includes my wife (who works part-time at Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute), my adult son and a stepdaughter and stepson.

My father was a cardiologist, and I grew up in Ormond Beach, Florida rounding at the hospital with him after he'd pick me up after school. I knew from an early age that I didn't just want to go into medicine; I wanted to study and treat heart disease. \n I learned a lot from watching my dad. He built a strong rapport with his patients, and I strive to do the same. I treat every patient as if they're a member of my family. \n I'm honored to serve as director of the Coastal HVI Structural Heart Program for Novant Health. In addition, I'm chairman of the pharmacy and therapeutics committee at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and a board member of the Coastal Heart and Vascular Institute. \n Clinical trials are an important research tool, and I've served as principal investigator on a trial investigating treatments for high-risk pulmonary embolism and was co-principal investigator for an investigation into treatment for acute decompensated heart failure. \n My family - including my wife and three children - and I have lived in the Wilmington area since 2004. I enjoy everything this area has to offer, including fishing, spending time on the water and playing golf. I also enjoy travel and reading historical nonfiction.

Christopher Barber, MD is a cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology specialist based in Whiteville, NC. With over undefined years of experience, Dr. Barber received his medical training from the University of Florida and completed his residency and fellowship at Wake Forest University. Board certified in cardiovascular disease, Dr. Barber is known for his expertise and compassionate care. Patients have praised Dr. Barber for his professionalism, thoroughness, and attentive bedside manner. His dedication to explaining medical conditions in a clear and understanding way has earned him high praise from those under his care. Patients appreciate the time he takes to listen to their concerns and provide personalized medical guidance. Generated from the website content