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Lauren Hunter, MD

Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology
Lauren Hunter, MD
Areas of Focus
Lauren Hunter, MD
Locations

Memorial Division of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant

3501 Johnson Street
Hollywood, FL 33021

Phone: 954-265-7750

Fax: 954-276-0280

Get Directions

Memorial Division of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant

603 North Flamingo Road
Suite 307
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028

Phone: 954-265-7750

Fax: 954-276-0280

Get Directions

About Me

I am a cardiologist specialized in advanced heart failure and transplant care at Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute. I care for patients with all types of cardiomyopathies, with a focus on end-stage heart failure and cardiogenic shock.

When the heart is very weak and not able to pump blood effectively, patients are often faced with three options: a heart transplant, mechanical circulatory support or palliative medicines. I work closely with patients and families during this difficult time, guiding them through each decision and providing comprehensive cardiovascular and psychosocial support throughout the entire process.

My decision to pursue a career in medicine was inspired by a passion for advocacy and service, as well as my studies of the human condition — including the psyche, cultural systems, and ultimately, the physical body.

I chose cardiology because the heart is central — both medically and metaphorically. Many cardiac conditions are linked not only to physiology but also to behavior and lifestyle. With a background in mental health, I bring a unique perspective that bridges medical expertise with meaningful behavioral change.

What I value most in my work is the opportunity to care for heart failure patients. Connecting with patients and families is at the heart of my practice. These connections allow me to provide the individualized, integrated, and compassionate medical care heart failure patients need.

Languages

  • English

Areas of Focus

  • Cardiomyopathies
  • Heart failure and end-stage heart failure 
  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Heart transplant
  • Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and other mechanical circulatory support devices

Education

Fellowships

  • Emory University Hospital, 2025, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology
  • Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, 2024, Cardiovascular Disease

Residency

  • Drexel University College Of Medicine, 2019, Internal Medicine

Medical Education

  • St. George's University, 2016

Certifications

  • American Board of Internal Medicine-Internal Medicine

Awards, Achievements, and More

Research

My clinical research interests include renal transplantation. I'm also very interested in projects that focus on quality improvement.

My current research project focuses on comparing rates of graft loss among adolescent and young adult renal transplant recipients who have received care at either adult or pediatric transplant centers in order to better ascertain what risk factors contribute to increased graft loss among this uniquely vulnerable group.

Professional Organizations

  • American College of Physicians
  • American College of Cardiology

Presentations

  • Hunter, L. “My Story,” featured trainee speaker, 2025 GME DEI Virtual Open House, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, January 2025.
  • Hunter, L. “The Architecture of Lifestyle Modification: Behavioral Economics and Cardiovascular Health,” Grand Rounds, Einstein Health care Network, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 2023.
  • Hunter, L.; Copeland, J. “Cardiogenic Shock Teams and Mechanical Circulatory Support,” Grand Rounds, Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 2023.
  • Hunter, L.; Adeli, B.; Schiff, J.; Lawrence, I. “A Conversation on Gender Equity: Improving Awareness and Comfort with Gender Discrimination or Harassment in the Medical Environment,” oral abstract, Drexel Research Day, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 2019.
  • Karnik, N., MD; Quinn, A., MD; Hunter, L., MD; Patel, N. “Acetaminophen-Induced Pancreatitis: A Rare Complication of Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity,” Drexel Discovery Day, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 2018.
  • Karnik, N., MD; Quinn, A., MD; Hunter, L., MD; Patel, N. “Acetaminophen-Induced Pancreatitis: A Rare Complication of Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity,” American College of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 2018.
  • “Stress and Health,” presentation for women community members, Women in Medicine Organization, Grenada, West Indies, February 2014.
  • “Which Teen in Crisis Gets the Bed? Private vs. Public Insurance for Inpatient Psychiatric Beds,” podium presentation, Grenada, West Indies, November 2013.
  • “Summary of Research at Semmelweis University Heart and Vascular Center,” International Federation of Medical Students Association, Budapest, Hungary, September 2013.
  • “Trauma Narratives in the Workplace,” Seattle Children’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Unit monthly staff trainings, Seattle, Washington, July 2012.
  • “The Heart of Coaching: How Functional Assessment Guides Intervention,” Seattle Children’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine monthly staff trainings, Seattle, Washington, May 2011.
  • “Exercise and Life,” Seattle Children’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine monthly staff trainings, Seattle, Washington, April 2010.

Awards

  • Editorial Fellow, Women in Cardiology Section, American College of Cardiology, 2022-23
  • Second Place, Quality Improvement Oral Abstracts, Drexel Research Day, 2019
  • Destination Excellence Resident, 2018

Hospital Affiliations