Get to know Dr. Christina Hughey
Christina Hughey, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Cardiovascular Medicine
What is your primary professional focus as it relates to our mission areas (clinical, research and/or medical education)?
I am passionate about providing excellent, patient-focused, cardiovascular clinical care, and providing up-to-date applicable medical education to all levels of learners.
What drew you to UW–Madison and the Department of Medicine?
In 2017, I interviewed for internal medicine residency here at UW-Madison. Originally from Kansas, the culture of professionalism, excellence in clinical care, medical education, and mid-west collaboration drew me in. I was ecstatic as my wife opened my match envelope on "Match Day" and announced I was to join the UW-Madison internal department residency in 2018. The reasons that brought me here continue to keep me here.
Specifically, within the division of cardiovascular medicine, the level of expertise is unparalleled—delivering outstanding clinical care and working on cutting-edge research, and fantastic mentorship.
What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?
As a cardiology fellow, I was in clinic with a well-established cardiologist. While seeing patients together, it was clear there was significant rapport. Almost every patient mentioned to me the importance of this cardiologist in their life—having been with them over decades of time and seeing them through some of the hardest health challenges, this was consistent for them. It was incredible to witness that.
As I start my first year, I am excited to begin building my own clinical practice in a way where I will be able to follow patients longitudinally. I look forward to taking care of patients in their darkest of medical times from cardiogenic shock in the ICU, to recovery as an outpatient, and everything in between. I hope toward the end of my practice, I have a similar rapport with my patients as what I witnessed as a fellow. I also look forward to collaboratively working with, learning from, and helping educate learners of all levels.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I am married and have two very active boys. When I am not working, we are often shuffling them to their variety of sports activities and cheering from the sidelines.
When not at their activities, we are usually exploring the outdoors with local hikes, paddling on the lake in our canoe, or zooming around our cul-de-sac having a bike race with our neighborhood friends. In the winter, we all love sledding or skiing at one of several local "ski resorts." There is a ton to do in Madison, and we enjoy taking full advantage.
Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
I have had a lot of fantastic mentors over the years who have provided exceptional and inspiring advice. Though I think possibly the most inspiring advice I got happened to be from a complete stranger.
In medical school, my first rotation was at an outpatient family medicine clinic. I was early, and not exactly sure where to go, so I sat in the waiting room while attempting to find further instructions. A woman sitting next to me turned to me and said, "Wow! Is that YOUR stethoscope?" and I said, "Oh, yes, I am a medical student here. This is my first rotation. I'm not sure where to go yet." Her response was, "Well, that is a very special, likely expensive instrument, and you carry with it much responsibility."
Every time I grab my stethoscope, I remember this conversation and am thankful to be given so much trust and responsibility when working with patients.