Dr. Gerald Angoff brings a unique blend of cardiology expertise, business acumen, and technical savvy to MAVEN Project’s volunteer corps. As an Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, he specialized in both pediatric and adult congenital heart disease while also serving as co-director of the Adult Congenital Heart Program. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Angoff’s background includes an MBA with a concentration in Medical Management, Certified Physician Executive designation, and Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
Dr. Angoff joined MAVEN Project in April 2020, responding to a call for volunteers during the COVID-19 crisis. What started as providing cardiology consultations has expanded to include educational presentations and mentoring—each bringing a different reward.
When it comes to consults, Dr. Angoff enjoys staying connected to clinical work.”I try to do some teaching too, by giving some background information and showing providers how to think through the case,” Dr. Angoff explains. “I like to attach some key articles from the literature to expand their knowledge and comfort with the topic at hand.”
His educational sessions focus on practical applications rather than theory. “I try to pass on clinical experience rather than screenshots of articles you can read,” he notes. “I like teaching the process of HOW to approach patients, what to think about and tricks on using all the skills you have when you don’t have access to a lot of testing.” As a mentor, Dr. Angoff offers career guidance informed by his own professional journey. “I like hearing what the issues and perspectives are for those starting out in their careers,” he shares. “They’re reminders of my past and always give me an appreciation for what’s new and what’s the same.”
Dr. Angoff’s perspective on healthcare delivery has been shaped by his 26 years volunteering with Children’s Health Organization Relief and Educational Services (CHORES) in Grenada in the West Indies and his experience implementing electronic medical records at community health centers in Greater Boston.
“What MAVEN does best, the gap they fill, is the support of community health centers,” he notes. “My belief is that community health centers really represent not a side branch of healthcare, but a way we really could organize and provide healthcare across the spectrum.” Looking forward, he’s optimistic about improvements in artificial intelligence to help providers work more efficiently and support them to deliver more comprehensive care.
Through his volunteer work with MAVEN Project, Dr. Angoff continues to advance healthcare access by sharing not just his clinical expertise but also his wisdom about navigating complex healthcare systems. His ability to bridge clinical cardiology, healthcare administration, and technology implementation makes him an invaluable resource to MAVEN Project’s partner clinics.
