Researcher Spotlight: Steven Lewis

What is your professional background?
I graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. I went on to the Medical College of Georgia where I received my medical degree. After graduation, I was fortunate to match here at Emory University for my internal medicine residency.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I am currently a resident in the Department of Internal Medicine. I am fortunate to have met a number of mentors here at Emory; Dr. Adam Mitchell has been my mentor for this project. He is very enthusiastic about cardiology as well as nuclear imaging, and he has been an exceptional source of knowledge, support, and guidance.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
The project I am working on addresses whether we can use myocardial strain analysis derived from nuclear stress tests to detect the abnormal “apical-sparing” strain pattern associated with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. If we are able to identify this abnormal strain pattern during an ischemic evaluation, we may be able to improve our ability to detect cardiac amyloidosis in patients who otherwise may go undiagnosed. This is important because ATTR amyloidosis is believed to be underdiagnosed in the community.  

What do you like most about Emory?
My co-residents. All of them are so intelligent and accomplished, but they are also very kind and genuine people. They are fun to work with and are always willing to help each other.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Breaking Bad: great acting from the entire cast with a lot of plot twists. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to be outside. I enjoy water sports and used to go slalom water skiing regularly. I also enjoy finding trails for long-distance runs and playing basketball. 

What is a fun fact about you?
In my spare time, I enjoy learning how to dance salsa, merengue, and bachata.