Zachary Garrett, MD

I was inspired to go into medicine because of my grandfather's unfulfilled dream. He was a pre-med major in college and planned to be a physician but didn't have the means to go to medical school. I'm not just living my dream; I'm living his, too. \n In addition to staying on top of the latest advances in my field - through my membership in the American College of Cardiology - I pride myself on communicating about complex medical conditions in an easy-to-understand way. I love educating my patients - and they tell me they appreciate that I communicate in a way that's easy to understand. \n My blended family includes my wife (who works part-time at Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute), my adult son and a stepdaughter and stepson.

My father was a cardiologist, and I grew up in Ormond Beach, Florida rounding at the hospital with him after he'd pick me up after school. I knew from an early age that I didn't just want to go into medicine; I wanted to study and treat heart disease. \n I learned a lot from watching my dad. He built a strong rapport with his patients, and I strive to do the same. I treat every patient as if they're a member of my family. \n I'm honored to serve as director of the Coastal HVI Structural Heart Program for Novant Health. In addition, I'm chairman of the pharmacy and therapeutics committee at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and a board member of the Coastal Heart and Vascular Institute. \n Clinical trials are an important research tool, and I've served as principal investigator on a trial investigating treatments for high-risk pulmonary embolism and was co-principal investigator for an investigation into treatment for acute decompensated heart failure. \n My family - including my wife and three children - and I have lived in the Wilmington area since 2004. I enjoy everything this area has to offer, including fishing, spending time on the water and playing golf. I also enjoy travel and reading historical nonfiction.

When I give advice to patients, it is the advice I would give to my friends or family members. I want each patient to know that I care about them as a person, and I will be there to see them through any acute issues and any ongoing treatment. \n Earlier in my career, I worked with children taking part in research studies in the hematology/oncology division. I was able to follow patients through their entire time in those studies, and very much enjoyed developing those relationships and providing that continuity of care. I chose cardiology/electrophysiology because it, too, allows me to follow patients in clinic and develop a relationship with them. \n I am proud to have developed the atrial fibrillation clinic and to be the first physician to use radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. As the field of electrophysiology is rapidly changing, I will continue to help bring new technology and research to our community in my role as the electrophysiology division chair. \n Outside of work, I enjoy spending my time with my husband, our two children, and our dog and cat. We love being out on the water and camping. When I have time to myself, I like cooking for family and friends.