The dissertation defense will be open and held virtually.
This event has passed. The written dissertation or abstract is available by clicking the link below.
The PhD in Translational Health Sciences Program is proud to announce the Dissertation Defense of:
PhD Candidate: Isha Kalia, MS, MPH, CGC
Addressing the Underdiagnosis of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring the Knowledge and Practice Behaviors of Cardiology Healthcare Providers
Dissertation Committee Chair: Lisa Schwartz, EdD, MS, CGC
September 9, 2022, 12-1:30pm E
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder that is vastly underdiagnosed and undertreated. FH causes lifelong elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol resulting in an increased risk for coronary heart disease, myocardial infarctions, and sudden cardiac death. The purpose of this explanatory mixed methods study was to describe the practice behaviors of cardiology healthcare providers (CHCPs) at a single institution in the screening, diagnosis, and management of FH, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives of CHCPs regarding interventions that can be implemented in cardiology clinical practice. Findings suggest that future FH targeted interventions in cardiology practice should aim to increase didactic FH-content knowledge, improve experiential FH knowledge as well as incorporate institutional, local, and national FH resources. Improving CHCPs’ ability to screen, diagnose, and manage FH patients is vital to reducing FH-related morbidity and mortality, as well as improving immediate and long-term FH health outcomes.