BUIES CREEK, North Carolina – Dr. Bryan Kluck has practiced interventional cardiology and vascular medicine for twenty-nine years. A graduate of Gettysburg College and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kluck’s professional interests are in carotid and vascular medicine, endovenus therapy, and complex cardiac intervention.
“Part of a well-rounded medical education, is to have these opportunities for engagement with innovators in a variety of fields,” said Dr. John M. Kauffman dean of the medical school. “Dr. Kluck was a positive influence on my medical training – he was guy you could count on to be there to mentor you through handling the most critical of cases.”
Dr. Kluck spent the day at the Buies Creek campus, enjoying lunch with students, touring the Campbell University campus, and even stopping at the university bookstore to buy a Campbell tie.
“This is a thrilling, rare opportunity for me to speak to med students – I usually only teach residents,” said Kluck. “So there are three things I want to share with you before we start our discussion of carotid artery disease: do what you WANT to do!…OGKFS – only God knows for sure…And, look to your right and to your left – these people are your colleagues – treat each other well – you will be working together for referrals throughout your career. They are your network.”
After sharing these words of wisdom, Dr. Kluck provided an overview of carotid artery anatomy, carotid stenosis diagnosis, and the connection between extracranial carotid artery disease and stroke. His presentation reviewed the history and evolution of evidence on available treatments for carotid artery disease: medication therapy, carotid endarterectomy, and the use of carotid artery stents.
Dr. Kluck is among the innovators of the cardiology and vascular medicine community regarding use of carotid artery stents and embolic protection devices. After training in Europe, he collaborated with colleagues to develop an interdisciplinary team at Lehigh Valley Health Network who care for patients with carotid artery disease.
“I believe these treatments are complementary,” concluded Kluck. “We must evaluate what is best for each individual patient.”