February is Heart Month
During February we'll keep this page updated with information about activities focused on improving and learning more about heart health, while inspiring others to do the same. See below for important dates, and come back to this website often throughout the month.
Step-A-Thon Challenge, Feb. 13-15
Over the weekend of Feb. 13-15, keep track of your steps with your favorite fitness app, capture screenshots of step totals, and submit the three-day step totals to be eligible to win a customized UT Southwestern fitness kit. Final step counts and photos must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15. Remember, screenshots of step totals are required to be eligible to win. Get bonus points for selfies along the way!
Heart Health Fairs
The Cardiovascular Services team will host a heart health fair on Feb. 18. Plan to check out this fun event for the latest information, including lifestyle guidance and tips to keep your heart in great shape.
Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital (CUH) dining room.
Farmers Market at CUH
Stock up on nutritious produce and local goods on Monday, Feb. 23, and Friday, Feb. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CUH dining room.
American Heart Association Resources
Heartsaver CPR Courses
Earn CPR/AED certification by completing one of several American Heart Association training options.
Heart Healthy Eating
Employee Spotlight
Ginger Griffin, M.Ed., M.S., ACSM-CEP, RCEP, CCRP
Leading cardiac rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation patients at UT Southwestern are in good hands with Ginger Griffin, M.Ed., M.S., ACSM-CEP, RCEP, CCRP. A seasoned clinical exercise physiologist, she helps patients regain strength and confidence through individualized exercise plans and day-to-day support so they can reach their recovery goals. In her role as Program Lead for Cardiac Rehabilitation, she also oversees program operations, staffing coordination, and compliance with national and institutional standards.
The spark that set her career in motion: With more than 35 years of experience in cardiac rehabilitation across five facilities, Ginger’s interest in the specialty began during graduate school at UT Tyler. She was inspired by “how much functional improvement heart patients could achieve with exercise,” an impact that has guided her career ever since.
What motivates her most: “I like seeing patients get better,” Ginger says. She finds deep gratification in helping patients regain their confidence and become stronger than they thought possible.
Driven by discovery and excellence: Ginger describes working at UT Southwestern as “awe-inspiring,” noting that the institution’s Nobel Laureates and research contributions motivate her to stay current, continually learn, and strive to exceed expectations.
Staying heart healthy: Outside of work, Ginger stays active by jogging, biking, jumping rope, lifting weights, and walking her Chiweenie, Jack.
Aminata Ka, M.H.A.
In her role: Aminata is Clinic Manager for the Clinical Heart and Vascular Center, where she oversees daily operations and focuses on implementing new workflows, improving patient experience and access, and scaling operational infrastructure.
Career trajectory at UTSW: She began her health care career five years ago as an Administrative Intern with UT Southwestern’s Heart and Vascular Service Line. “That job was a perfect introduction to the world of cardiovascular operations, and it cemented my interest in cardiovascular health.”
Her daily inspiration: “Our patients and the incredible team at the Clinical Heart and Vascular Center. Working with brilliant leaders, staff, providers, and faculty to provide the best experience to our patients and their families. I’m grounded by a firm desire to elevate our practice while keeping the people – team, patients, and their families – central to my focus.” The culture that supports her work: Aminata’s team works in “a psychologically safe environment where staff are motivated, feedback is valued, and patient-centered care is at the forefront.”
When kindness made a difference: Aminata says reading a patient letter about a staff member’s simple act of kindness was “humbling and a touching reminder of our responsibility to lead with empathy and kindness.”
Off the clock: She stays heart-healthy by running and playing soccer. Her encouragement to others: “Don’t feel intimidated – start with a heart-healthy activity you enjoy. A few minutes makes a difference.”