The Concept

In November of 2004, the Duke Clinical Medicine Series began with the first broadcast of the Cardiovascular Cath Lab Conference, created and hosted by Dr. Peter Berger. This televised lecture series provided live, interactive medical education conferences to hospitals and individuals across North America by satellite broadcast, and across the globe via the Internet. Prestigious speakers from around the world were sought to address cutting-edge topics during the conferences, which were broadcast from the Duke Clinical Research Institute studio in Durham, North Carolina.

This innovative approach to CME was chosen to provide an alternative to the prohibitive costs of attending traditional conferences in remote cities. Also, given the limited number of engagements speakers could accept in a given year, the series helped provide greater access to presentations from thought leaders in interventional cardiology. Smaller hospitals, especially those with limited resources, could now take advantage of the same educational opportunities available to larger institutions.

Continuing this distinctly populist approach, the Duke Clinical Medicine Series expanded to include Endocrinology, Nephrology, and Gastroenterology.

The Format

Each program centers on a presentation by a distinguished guest speaker and the conference host, a Duke faculty member. In addition, some programs open with a case presentation by a Duke fellow who, together with the guest speaker, discusses the case in light of the evidence-based presentation.

These programs present the results of recent clinical trials and other timely subjects of clinical relevance. Lively exchanges between the host and guest speaker make for an appealing and fast-paced experience.

Conferences appear on a regular schedule and are available for internet viewing.

All programs are CME accredited.

The Conferences and Hosts

Cardiology Conference
    Sunil Rao, MD
    Assistant Professor of Medicine
    Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
    Duke University School of Medicine

Endocrinology Conference
    Diana B. McNeill, MD, FACP
    Associate Professor of Medicine
    Assistant Chief of Clinical Services
    Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition
    Duke University School of Medicine

Gastroenterology Conference
    John McHutchison, MD
    Professor of Medicine
    Director of GI/Hepatology Research
    Duke University School of Medicine

Nephrology Conference
    Lynda A. Szczech, MD
    Associate Professor of Medicine
    Division of Nephrology
    Duke University School of Medicine

DCRI Communications

The Communications Group at the Duke Clinical Research Institute was started in 1992 and encompasses writing services, graphic design and media services, production services, the American Heart Journal editorial office, event planning, and web services. The Communications staff ensures that all DCRI communications are clear, consistent, accurate, and high-quality. They coordinate the production of trials materials, manuscripts for publication in books or journals, slide presentations, and DCRI and clinical trials promotional materials.

The Duke Clinical Medicine Series originated at the DCRI and is managed by the Communications Group. Many of the media, editorial, events, web, and videography professionals in the Communications group play prominent roles in the production and broadcasting of the Duke Clinical Medicine Series.