Zachary Garrett, MD

I've been enamored with medicine for as long as I can remember. My grandfather, for whom I was named, was a general practitioner in my hometown of Reidsville, North Carolina and took care of nearly the entire town. \n Within a few hours of my premature birth, my grandfather suspected I had pneumonia. He had me transferred to Moses Cone Hospital, where I spent three weeks in the ICU. A few weeks after I was discharged, I went into septic shock. Again, my grandfather recognized the signs. He coded me during the ambulance ride, which saved my life. \n I was always driven to succeed academically and wanted to attend a top college to improve my chances of following in my grandfather's footsteps. At Wake Forest University, I majored in chemistry and volunteered at healthcare clinics in Winston-Salem. I was thrilled to attend Wake Forest for medical school, which is where my passion for cardiology began to blossom. \n I did my internal medicine residency at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas because the program director's pitch included that the school is known for training cardiologists and sending them all over the world. I knew I wanted to live in North Carolina, so the all over the world part didn't attract me. The cardiology training program did. \n During my cardiology fellowship at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, I fell in love with the city and with a New Orleans girl named Alex. \n During my second year in fellowship, I interviewed for a job with a Wilmington practice with incredible doctors, advanced practitioners and administrators. Accepting the job was one of the easiest decisions of my life. (Marrying Alex was the easiest.) \n My specialties include general cardiology; advanced imaging, including transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography; stress testing and coronary CTA. I also perform cardioversions and implant loop recorders. I love my job, my patients, this community and the people with whom I have the pleasure of working. \n In my free time, I love running and spending time with Alex and our young son. A wonderful golden retriever and calico cat complete our family. We are in love with the city and enjoy days on the beach, diving into new restaurants and bars, walking the loop and exploring all the water sports the area makes possible.

Adam Pflum, MD in Wilmington, NC, specializes in Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology. With a wealth of experience and board certifications in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, and Interventional Cardiology, Dr. Pflum provides comprehensive care to his patients. Utilizing his background from prestigious institutions like Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University, he offers a high standard of medical expertise. Patients commend Dr. Pflum for his attentive bedside manner, professionalism, and thorough approach to healthcare. His dedication to patient well-being is evident through the positive feedback and trust he garners. With a focus on personalized care and effective communication, Dr. Pflum ensures that each patient feels valued and informed throughout their medical journey. Located at the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute, Dr. Pflum's practice is committed to excellence in cardiovascular care. Through a patient-centric approach and a team of skilled professionals, the institute provides a supportive environment for individuals seeking top-tier cardiac services in Wilmington. Generated from the website content

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.