WVU Medicine has launched West Virginia’s first cardiometabolic clinic, a multidisciplinary effort between the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute and the WVU Department of Medicine Divisions of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Medical Weight Management.

“This is an example of patient-centered medicine, where we can make things as easy as possible to get the highest level of care,” George Sokos, D.O., chair of Cardiology at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute and director of the Institute’s Advanced Heart Failure Program, said. “Having the ability to discuss a patient’s care and have everyone in the same office helps to streamline care and create an improved experience.”

The clinic is designed to help patients, with a history of cardiac disease and a metabolic condition, such as pre-diabetes, diabetes or obesity, manage their care more efficiently and prevent any additional or escalating health concerns.

“The novel anti-diabetic medications that have strong cardiovascular outcome data now, more than ever, highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care,” Smita Kumar, M.D., M.P.H., WVU Medicine endocrinologist, said. “Our goal is to combine the expertise of cardiology, endocrinology and weight management in a one-stop shop to deliver the best comprehensive care.”

This approach presents a significant convenience for patients, eliminating the need for multiple appointments at differing times and locations.

“Patients will have their heart disease and diabetes treated and will get counseling on nutrition, exercise and weight management,” Laura Davisson, M.D., M.P.H., director of Medical Weight Management, said.

The clinic, which is located on the fourth floor of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, is currently seeing patients on the second Friday of each month, with an option of future expansion if needed.

For more information about WVU Medicine, visit WVUMedicine.org.