Dr. William Hopkins is a cardiologist and director of the adult congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension program at the University of Vermont Medical Center. He is also an associate professor at the Larner College of Medicine at UVM in Burlington, VT. His specialties include treating patients with adult congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, valvular heart disease, genetic heart disease and adults with Down syndrome.Dr. Hopkins’ research interest lies in vascular protection in adults with Down syndrome.His passion for science—coupled with his love for helping people—attracted him to medicine. The most rewarding parts of his career are helping patients with a complex problems feel better, and teaching young people (students, interns, residents, and cardiology fellows) about the heart.He strives to educate patients and their families so that they can be part of the team that manages their problem. He believes that physicians shouldn’t be dictating to patients but should be working with them to find the best possible solution for their problem.He is most proud of the life-saving diagnoses he’s made and the awards he’s won for his teaching.Learn more about cardiology at the University of Vermont Medical Center.