Duke Health

10/28/2025

10/27/2025

Terry Woodyard was feeling short of breath during his bike rides and worried something might be wrong. He went to Duke Health and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolus -- a blood clot in the lungs that can prove deadly. Thanks to quick access and the expertise of Duke providers, Woodyard avoided a potentially fatal complication and is back on his bike.

Learn more about same-day or next-day appointments for people with heart-related concerns.

When Terry Woodyard, 57, started feeling short of breath in 2025, his doctors couldn't pinpoint the cause. After coming to Duke for a second opinion, Woodyard learned he had a pulmonary emboluls and started treatment right away.

10/23/2025

A new approach developed by Duke surgeons for a risky pediatric heart surgery increases patient survival by almost 10%, according to a study published in 2022. The Norwood procedure -- the first in a series of surgeries that treat infants with congenital heart diseases like hypoplastic left heart syndrome -- is one of the most complex pediatric heart operations performed today. Learn more about the new technique and its other benefits.

Duke pediatric heart surgeons are credited with developing and honing a new approach for the Norwood operation that reduces risk and is better tolerated by newborn infants.

10/22/2025

Proud partnerships for pediatric research. See more:

10/22/2025

Communication is critical for Duke Life Flight, where Kevin found a new chapter in his career alongside a team that brings out his best. Here, he uses his unique skillset to bring together care from across the health system. Learn about Duke Life Flight and explore open roles https://duke.is/c/5758

| Duke Life Flight

10/21/2025

Kyle Wilkerson is a classically trained chef who’s always been a “big guy.” After meeting his wife, Chelsae, who also struggled with her weight, the Roxboro couple had weight loss surgery at Duke Health. They continue to be foodies, but they’ve learned to cook and eat differently. Now they are expecting their first child.

Getting weight loss surgery at Duke Health was a game-changer for a couple from Roxboro, NC, who are now expecting their first child.

10/20/2025

🚫 Is va**ng safe during pregnancy?

Duke Health researchers ran a study in mice and found that even nicotine-free e-cigarettes can harm the growth of the fetus and increase miscarriage risk.

🎥 Watch this video to learn how va**ng affects fetal development and why researchers think it’s not safe during pregnancy.

💬 Share to help others stay informed.

🔗 https://duke.is/g/b7ny

| | **ngRisks | Duke University School of Medicine

10/17/2025

Applying at Duke Health is an opportunity to start a rewarding career journey. We want every candidate to understand our hiring process and the support they’ll find here. These initial touchpoints are how we roll out the blue carpet for new members of the team. Apply now https://duke.is/y/rw4h

10/16/2025

Ever wondered what happens when someone gets sick mid-flight?

A new Duke Health study reveals that medical emergencies in the air may be more common, and more serious, than some may think. Researchers analyzed over 77,000 in-flight medical events and found that hundreds of flights were diverted, and thousands of passengers needed hospital care.

From chest pain to seizures, and even cardiac arrests, this groundbreaking research shows how airlines respond when every second counts.

✈️ It’s a fascinating look at medicine in the sky and what it could mean for safer travel.

📲 Read more: https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/new-study-reveals-frequency-flight-medical-emergencies

10/14/2025

In 2024, Dustin Smith received a life-saving kidney from his sister, but more than one life was changed for the better. Before she donated, Melissa Leatherwood overhauled her lifestyle and lost 60 pounds. Almost a year later, Dustin is back to hiking and cycling, and Melissa is in the best health of her life.

Almost a year after his kidney transplant at Duke Health, Dustin is back to his active lifestyle, and Melissa is in the best health of her life.

10/13/2025

Newsweek and Statista are proud to present the inaugural ranking of America’s Best Home Health Agencies 2026, recognizing 300 top providers across 25 states.

10/10/2025

No one wants to wait two months for a doctor’s appointment, especially when it’s for prostate cancer, infertility, or serious urinary problems.

In 2022, Duke Urology faced a median wait time of 54 days, reflecting a nationwide challenge: growing demand for urologic care and not enough specialists to meet it. More than half of U.S. counties lack a practicing urologist and the workforce is aging fast.

That's when Karen Baker, MD, MMCi, a 24-year Army veteran and “access champion” stepped in. Her team led a data-driven transformation, overhauling the triage process, prioritizing complex cases and expanding telehealth and procedure clinics.

Baker serves as the study program director for Duke University's Master of Management in Clinical Informatics (MMCi) program, which blends clinical informatics, business strategy and technology to create leaders who can improve health care quality and reduce costs.

And those wait times? Down 70% to about 17 days.

https://medschool.duke.edu/stories/getting-you-sooner-how-duke-urology-used-data-streamline-care

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A data-driven shift at Duke Urology slashed wait times for men’s health appointment by focusing on the toughest prostate cancer and infertility cases first.