OVERLAND PARK, KS — HCA Midwest Health, the region’s largest healthcare provider, today announced that Dhanunjaya “DJ” Lakkireddy, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained cardiologist, researcher, renowned leader in electrophysiology research and Medical Director of Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute at HCA Midwest Health received the Exemplary Leadership Award from Kansas City Medical Society. Founded more than 140 years ago as a regional medical organization, the Kansas City Medical Society strives to improve the health of all in greater Kansas City through leadership, advocacy and innovation.
Dr. Lakkireddy has published more than 550 papers and 1100 abstracts on his leading-edge research in the field of electrophysiology. He is passionate about cardiology education to advance the profession and train younger generations of physicians on new technology, procedures, devices and medications to heal patients who suffer from electrophysiology conditions, namely atrial fibrillation (or AFib). In 2012, Dr. Lakkidreddy established and is currently the course director for the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Symposium, which has provided medical education to over 25,000 clinical participants from more than 50 countries over the past 15 years.
“Dr. Lakkireddy truly exemplifies strong leadership in all the communities he serves, from the classroom to the operating room and to local and international medical organizations,” says Kansas City Medical Society President Scott Kujath, MD. “His natural talent for engaging others in change and improvement, building teams and challenging the status quo is an inspiration to us all.
“Dr. Lakkireddy is an example of a physician who has devoted his life and career to improving the health of his patients and the community at large. He is a relentless researcher and thought leader in the field of AFib, ventricular appendages, and left atrial appendage (LAA), to name a few. As a gifted teacher and mentor, I was honored to nominate him, and pleased this award was bestowed on him.”
“On behalf of our health system, we congratulate Dr. Lakkireddy on this esteemed award,” says HCA Midwest Health President Keith Zimmerman. “His remarkable leadership has helped transform cardiac electrophysiology (EP) care throughout the region and across the world. Whether he’s delivering high quality, compassionate care to patients at the bedside or bringing caregivers, community physicians and well-known, reputable healthcare organizations to the table to advance innovation and technology, Dr. Lakkireddy is passionate about HCA Midwest Health being the best health system to receive EP cardiology care and the best place for colleagues around the world to refer EP cardiology services to their valued patients.”
“I am deeply honored for this prestigious recognition from the Kansas City Medical Society,” says Dr. Lakkireddy. “I’m proud of the impact I’ve made in the practice of electrophysiology, and grateful for the guidance of professors and colleagues, as well as the ongoing support of HCA Healthcare and HCA Midwest Health.”