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Cardiology Division director to begin Feb. 1 Michael R. Gold, M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed director of the Division of Cardiology at MUSC and the first head of the Medical University’s Heart and Vascular Center.  His appointment begins Feb. 1. In the capacity of Cardiology Division director, Gold succeeds Bruce Usher, M.D., who held the position in an acting capacity following the death of Michael Assey, M.D., last October. He comes to MUSC from the University of Maryland in Baltimore where he served as professor of medicine and director of the Cardiac EP (electrophysiology) Service. “A great teacher, physician and leader was tragically taken from MUSC’s Cardiology Division last fall,” said Allen H. Johnson, M.D., interim chairman of the Department of Medicine. “During that tragic time, we were fortunate that Dr. Bruce Usher stepped in to maintain the division’s functions. Under Dr. Usher’s able leadership, the Division of Cardiology has not only been maintained, but has thrived and moved forward. Dr. Gold is a nationally prominent cardiologist, and under his leadership, we anticipate that the division will rise to new heights.” In addition, Gold will be the first head of the university’s Heart and Vascular Center. This interdisciplinary program brings together cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, interventional radiologists, pediatric cardiologists and cardiac anesthesiologists to provide the state’s most comprehensive heart services for adults and children. The center also contains a research component—the Gazes Cardiac Research Institute where research scientists work to discover prevention methods and new, less invasive treatments. At the University of Maryland, Gold established a world renowned electrophysiology program for the treatment of heart arrhythmias. “We are excited about Dr. Gold’s bringing his talents to MUSC,” said Jerry Reves, M.D., vice president of medical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine at MUSC. “He will help us develop a full spectrum of cardiovascular and  peripheral vascular services. We already have a strong base in our existing cardiology, cardiac surgery and peripheral vascular radiology and surgical programs.  Under Dr. Gold’s leadership we plan to build up our existing program while putting greater emphasis on the treatment of arrhythmias and heart failure as well as  other clinical services for the elderly. “We are pleased to find a proven leader whose focus on patient care, relationship with community physicians,   innovative research and the training of young physicians is remarkable,” continued Reves. “We know he will be a successful leader not only for our Cardiology Division, but for the entire Heart and Vascular Center.” A member of the editorial board of the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, Gold serves on the Scientific Advisory boards of the International Academy of Cardiology and the 2nd International Congress on Heart Disease. Gold has a strong background in cardiovascular research having held grants sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association and a variety of major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. A graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, Gold received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Virginia and his M.D. degree from the University of Colorado.