Spotlight on Roderick Tung, MD
05/01/2024
Meet Roderick Tung, MD, Director of the Cardiovascular Center at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. An internationally-recognized expert in cardiology and electrophysiology, Dr. Tung believes that through innovative strides research and highly specialized programs like cardio-oncology and cardiometabolic and obesity treatment, heart care in Phoenix can be revolutionized to make patients’ lives better. Learn more about Dr. Tung.
Q. What led you from Boston to Arizona and your current role with Banner?
A. It’s exciting to build a premier cardiovascular destination center within a mature health system like Banner and in the fifth-largest city in the U.S. that focuses on compassionate care, medical education, and clinical innovation. I would love to see Phoenix emerge as a city known for biomedical innovation and leading edge health care.
Q. Tell us about a turning point that helped determine your future career in medicine, specifically cardiology.
A. As a college freshman, I had supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), where my heartbeat suddenly shot up over 200 beats per minute and I felt I was going to die. The careful drawing the cardiologist drew at my bedside changed my life, as it inspired me to seek a greater understanding of the electrical conduction system of the heart. I am living proof that “ablation can be salvation,” as I have not had recurrences of this arrhythmia. This is exactly what I do every day now and every case is so rewarding, because I understand the impact that this can have on a person’s life.
Q. You are also a fashion designer. Can you tell us more?
A. I always have had a penchant for details and design and began creating a bespoke line of dress shirts from Italy in 2007. The pursuit was simple: to create the perfect dress shirt. The details of a cuff, collar and cut are critical to the anatomy of a dress shirt and I wanted to combine elements from many great concepts and brands to make something unique and special. I have not made new collections for several years, but I continue making them for friends and family.
Dr. Tung presented at the WISH (Women Investing in Science & Health) luncheon, "Elevate Your Heart IQ: Breakthroughs in Cardio Care" on May 9, 2024. Check out photos here. Explore the newest advances and treatments for your heart health.
Each WISH program is part of a series that addresses our organization’s mission to raise awareness of women’s and family health issues through education and philanthropic support.