Dr. Debbie Rinde-Hoffman | Cardiogenic Shock/Heart Failure | Best Researcher Award
MD at Tampa General Hospital -USF, United States
Dr. Debbie A. Rinde-Hoffman is a distinguished cardiologist specializing in advanced heart failure and cardiac transplantation. With over three decades of clinical and academic excellence, she has significantly contributed to cardiac care and mechanical circulatory support. As a Fellow of multiple prestigious medical societies and a current leader at the Heart & Vascular Institute and Tampa General Hospital, her influence spans clinical innovation, education, and research. Her dedication to optimizing outcomes for heart failure patients through integrated care pathways and advanced technologies has garnered her widespread recognition.
Profile
Education
Dr. Rinde-Hoffman earned her Bachelor of Science with High Honors in Microbiology from the University of Florida in 1981. She subsequently received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of South Florida in 1985. Her postgraduate training includes an internship and residency in Internal Medicine, followed by a Cardiovascular Disease fellowship, all at the University of South Florida. Over the years, she attained advanced certifications in echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and mechanical circulatory assist device management, including HeartMate and HeartWare systems.
Experience
Dr. Rinde-Hoffman’s expansive career spans critical leadership roles. At Tampa General Hospital, she served as Medical Director of the Advanced Heart Failure & Mechanical Circulatory System Program (2007–2023) and Medical Director of the Cardiac Transplant Program (2007–2019). She is currently Vice Chief of HVI Business Development and Physician Networks at the Heart & Vascular Institute. At Tampa General Medical Group, she has directed Transplant Cardiology since 2010. Additionally, she has held academic roles at the University of South Florida as Associate Professor in Cardiology. Her professional engagements reflect an integrated approach to clinical practice, leadership, and innovation.
Research Interest
Dr. Rinde-Hoffman’s research interests include mechanical circulatory support systems, cardiac transplantation, heart failure biomarkers, and immunosuppression modulation in transplant patients. She has actively participated in multicenter clinical trials such as the MOMENTUM 3 trial and various device and pharmaceutical studies related to heart failure and transplantation. Her commitment to translational research aims to refine patient selection and improve quality of life and survival outcomes for patients with end-stage heart disease.
Awards
Dr. Rinde-Hoffman’s academic excellence began early with High Honors from the University of Florida and membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa. Throughout her career, she has been recognized by peers and institutions for her contributions to cardiology and heart failure care. She is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Physicians, and the Heart Failure Society of America, distinctions awarded for her clinical leadership and scholarly contributions.
Publications
Dr. Rinde-Hoffman has authored and co-authored impactful peer-reviewed articles.
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Efficacy of bariatric intervention as a bridge to cardiac transplant, Surg Obes Relat Dis, 2023 — Cited for its implications on pre-transplant weight management.
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Variability in Blood Pressure Assessment in Patients Supported with the HeartMate 3TM, ASAIO J, 2022 — Highlighted for improving monitoring protocols in LVAD patients.
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Monitoring cell-mediated immunity during immunosuppression reduction in heart transplant recipients, Clin Transplant, 2020 — Influential in refining immunosuppressive strategies.
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Quality of life and functional outcomes in the MOMENTUM 3 trial, J Heart Lung Transplant, 2018 — Frequently cited in device therapy literature.
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Ventricular tachycardia ablation outcomes in patients with LVADs, PACE, 2012 — Contributed to procedural risk assessment.
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Ablation of ventricular tachycardia via mechanical mitral valve prosthesis crossing, PACE, 2010 — Case-based procedural innovation.
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Elevated b-type natriuretic peptide in LVAD patients with subdural hematoma, ASAIO J, 2010 — Important for differential diagnosis in LVAD monitoring.
Conclusion
Dr. Debbie Rinde-Hoffman embodies the integration of compassionate patient care, rigorous clinical research, and visionary leadership. Her legacy in heart failure management, transplantation, and mechanical support therapy continues to shape the future of cardiovascular medicine. As a trusted educator, mentor, and advocate for innovation, her contributions extend beyond the hospital and into the broader sphere of cardiology and transplant communities. Through her ongoing efforts, she remains at the forefront of advancing heart care, ensuring improved outcomes and hope for patients with complex cardiac conditions.