In this month’s Chair’s Spotlight, we highlight Brigid Carlson, MD, a clinician and assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. We recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Carlson, learn more about her work, and pick up some important tips for improving heart health just in time for February’s American Heart Month.
Dr. Carlson is a non-invasive cardiologist who sees inpatient and outpatient populations in the UMass Memorial Health system. Her inpatient work focuses on cardiac critical care, and in her outpatient cardiology clinics, she sees a full spectrum of patients on the University campus and at Shrewsbury Internal Medicine.
In her outpatient practice, Dr. Carlson often sees the impact that poor health choices have on her patients. In many cases, unhealthy habits start at a young age, which can lead to a variety of cardiac problems throughout the adult lifespan. Leading causes of poor heart health at all ages, and in particular in younger adults, include smoking and diets high in sodium and saturated fats. Although patients seem to have a greater awareness of the risks associated with these health choices, Dr. Carlson believes that educating children about the risks and working with parents to help them introduce good habits early in life could positively impact their heart health as they age into adulthood. “Kids are thirsting to learn more. They're really curious and teaching them healthy habits [at a young age] is important,” said Dr. Carlson. “I think that a lot of times with diet and healthy food choices, [physicians] talk about things to avoid. I tell my patients to try to have five fruits or vegetables in a day, so rather than thinking, ‘I can't have that’ which can be discouraging and hard to maintain, I ask them to make sure that they’ve prioritized healthy foods first. This advice goes for parents working to instill good habits with their children as well.”
Dr. Carlson also emphasizes the importance of establishing a relationship with a physician for regular screenings and preventive care. “The PCPs within UMass are phenomenal,” said Dr. Carlson. “They’re incredibly smart and work so hard. Several UMass Cardiologists have close working relationships with primary care which is great for patients because it's easier access and creates better communication between their providers.”
Beyond her work in the clinic, Dr. Carlson is actively involved in community health and wellness events. Recently, she spoke to elementary school children in the Worcester Public Schools about cardiac disease and heart-healthy choices as part of February’s Heart Health Month. She has also volunteered at the diabetic foot clinic at St. Johns Church in Worcester where members of the community can come for a free foot exam, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and educational materials.
Dr. Carlson earned her medical degree and completed a combined residency in internal medicine and pediatrics, as well as a fellowship in cardiology at UMass Chan. She began practicing at UMass Memorial Health in 2014.
We thank Dr. Carlson for her care and commitment to her patients and for promoting heart health and wellness at community events throughout the year.
For resources on heart health, including healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, and fitness tips as well as various health topics, visit https://www.heart.org.
Learn more about the 2024 Central Massachusetts Heart & Stroke Walk, on Saturday, June 8, 2024.