Walter L. Beard Jr. MD FACC
Cardiologist | Cardiovascular Disease
720 Westview Drive Atlanta Georgia, 30310
About
Dr. Walter Beard is currently an Assistant Professor of Cardiology and Associate Program Director for the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program at Morehouse School of Medicine. He also has staff privileges at Grady Memorial Hospital and Emory Healthcare System. Previously, Dr. Beard worked as a Noninvasive Cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente, where he was awarded the Clinical Allstar Award. Dr. Beard is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, and Nuclear Cardiology.
He graduated from the University of Mobile with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He also graduated from University of South Alabama with his Medical degree, both of which he earned with honors. After medical school, he completed his medical training in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease at the University of Mississippi. During his training at University of Mississippi, he was appointed as a research adjudicator for The Jackson Heart Study. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ervin Fox and in conjunction with Mass General and Boston University, he coauthored numerous research articles focusing on health disparities and inequalities in the African American community. Currently, Dr. Beard is pursing his Masters in Business Administration at Emory University Goizeuta Business School.
Dr. Beard is a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In his spare time, he performs community service with his fraternity. He also enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, golfing, listening to music, and international travel.
Education and Training
University of South Alabama College of Medicine MD 2011
Emory University Goizeuta MBA 2026
University of Mobile Bachelor Science Chemistry 2007
Board Certification
American Board of Internal Medicine
Cardiovascular Disease (Internal Medicine)
Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology
Provider Details
Walter L. Beard Jr. MD FACC's Expert Contributions
What helps with anemia?
Anemia by medical definition is a reduction and red blood cell count/mass; often discovered on a CBC (complete blood count). The causes (etiologies) must be worked up, diagnostically in order to God treatment. These causes can vary such as most commonly iron deficiency, acute or chronic blood loss, certain medications (few), vitamin deficiencies such as B12 and Folate. My approach to anemia is rather simple. There are essentially three mechanisms which can cause anemia: the bone marrow is not making enough red blood cells vs the red blood cells are being destroyed in the vascular or the red blood cells are being lost was commonly through a acute or chronic bleed. READ MORE
Can pneumonia be fixed with antibiotics?
Yes, if the pneumonia is bacterial and not viral. READ MORE
What medications help with pneumonia?
Most commonly pneumonia is caused by a virus for which anabiotic’s are not the treatment. However, if a pneumonia is bacterial, antibiotics will work depending on which organism such as strep, mycoplasma or staph. Depending on which organism is causing the bacterial pneumonia will dictate, which anabiotic will most likely work. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of Medicine- Fractures of the rostral portion of the mandible and maxilla in horses: 89 cases (1979-1997).
- Transarterial coil embolization of the internal and external carotid and maxillary arteries for prevention of hemorrhage from guttural pouch mycosis in horses.
- Nephrosplenic entrapment in the horse: a retrospective study of 174 cases.
- Esophagomyotomy and esophagopexy to create a diverticulum for treatment of chronic esophageal stricture in 2 horses.
- Ureteral ligation prevents the haemodynamic effect of frusemide in pentobarbitol anaesthetised horses.
- Complications of nasogastric intubation in horses: nine cases (1987-1989).
- Ileocecal intussusception corrected by resection within the cecum in two horses.
- The effect of uterine torsion on mare and foal survival: a retrospective study, 1985--2005.
- A comparative study of proximal hindlimb flexion in horses: 5 versus 60 seconds.
- Laryngeal hemiplegia in draft horses. A review of 27 cases.
- Bilateral congenital cysts in the frontal sinuses of a horse.
- Comparison of sub-bandage pressures achieved by 3 abdominal bandaging techniques in horses.
- Enterotomy technique in the descending colon of the horse. Effect of location and suture pattern.
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Assistant Professor/Associate Program Director Morehouse School of Medicine 2024 - Present
- General Non-Invasive Cardiologist The Southeast Kaiser Permanente Medical Group 2021 - Present
- Adjunct Professor Cardiology Emory University Healthcare 2023 - Present
- Director Nuclear Cardiology Lab / General Non-invasive Cardiologist Diagnostic & Medical Clinic 2019 - 2020
- Fellow of Cardiovascular Disease University of Mississippi Medical Center 2014 - 2017
- House Officer Internal Medicine University of Mississippi Medical Center 2011 - 2014
- Research Assistant & Adjudicator “Jackson Heart Study” and “Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study,” Jackson Cohort University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Medicine 2011 - Present
- Research Assistant, “Autosomal Dominant Foramen Magnum Dysplasia, another Neurocristopathy?” University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Department of Neurology 2010 -
- Program Assistant Biomedical Enrichment & Recruitment Program 2008 - 2008
- Summer Research Fellow, “Screening of Natural Product Extracts for Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors” Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2008 - 2008
- Summer Research Fellow, “Obesity Screening for Bladder and Bowel Incontinence” Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2007 - 2007
Awards
- Clinical All-Star 2023 Kaiser Permanente
- Minority Medical Scholarship Award 2011 University of South Alabama College of Medicine
- Area Award in Chemistry for Highest GPA, Presented at Graduation 2007 University of Mobile
- Advanced Diploma with Honors 2003 John S. Shaw High School
Professional Memberships
- Association, black cardiologist
- American College of Cardiology
- American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
- American Medical Association
- American Heart Association
- University of South Alabama chapter of the Student National Medical Association
- Kappa Alpha Psi
- American College of Physicians
- Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Alabama
Fellowships
- University of Mississippi Medical Center Cardiovascular Disease 2017
Treatments
- Using non-invasive modalities for the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases
Internships
- Internal medicine
Fellowships
- Cardiovascular diseases
Professional Society Memberships
- Fellow of theAmerican College of CardiologyAmerican Heart AssociationAssociation of Black cardiologistKappa Alpha Psi Inc.
Articles and Publications
- Epidemiology of Heart Failure Stages in Middle-Aged Black People in the Community: Prevalence Epidemiology of Heart Failure Stages in Middle-Aged Black People in the Community: Prevalence and Prognosis in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Vasan RS, Musani SK, Matsushita K, Beard W, Obafemi OB, Butler KR, Chang PP, Mosley TH, Fox E. J Am Heart Assoc. 2021 May 4;10(9):e016524. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.120.016524. Epub 2021 Apr 21. PMID:33880930; PMCID: PMC8200743.Clinical correlates and prognostic significance of change in standardized left ventricular mass in a community-based cohort of African Americans, Fox ER, Musani SK, Samdarshi TE, Taylor JK, Beard WL, Sarpong DF, Xanthakis V, McClendon EE, Liebson PR, Skelton TN, Butler KR, Mosley TH, Taylor H, Vasan RS., Journal of the America Heart Association, 2015 Feb PMID: 25655570.Palliative care for the terminal heart failure patient, Beard W., Long RC, Geraci SA. Journal of the Mississippi State MedicalAssociation. PMID: 24640063.Obesity Screening for Bladder and Bowel Incontinence, Beard W., Porter K., Brooks N., Mulekar M., Ringold F., Journal ofObstetrics and Gynecology, April 2008; 111:25S. and Prognosis in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Vasan RS, Musani SK, Matsushita K, Beard W, Obafemi OB, Butler KR, Chang PP, Mosley TH, Fox E. J Am Heart Assoc. 2021 May 4;10(9):e016524. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.120.016524. Epub 2021 Apr 21. PMID:33880930; PMCID: PMC8200743.Clinical correlates and prognostic significance of change in standardized left ventricular mass in a community-based cohort of African Americans, Fox ER, Musani SK, Samdarshi TE, Taylor JK, Beard WL, Sarpong DF, Xanthakis V, McClendon EE, Liebson PR, Skelton TN, Butler KR, Mosley TH, Taylor H, Vasan RS., Journal of the America Heart Association, 2015 Feb PMID: 25655570.Palliative care for the terminal heart failure patient, Beard W., Long RC, Geraci SA. Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association. PMID: 24640063.Obesity Screening for Bladder and Bowel Incontinence, Beard W., Porter K., Brooks N., Mulekar M., Ringold F., Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, April 2008; 111:25S.
What do you attribute your success to?
- Unwavering belief in God. Unconditional love and support from my parents Walter Sr. and Kathy Beard. Wisdom from my grandparents Alton and Mary Beard and Doris Grisby (maternal). Remaining grounded knowing who I am and whom I belong.
Areas of research
- Health disparities, epidemiology, congestive heart failure, coronary disease
Awards
- Clinical All-Star 2023 (maintaining greater than 90% patient satisfaction for the entire year)
Philanthropic Initiatives
- Community service with my fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated. Donating to numerous charitable organizations, such as Saint Judes Childrens Hospital, March of Dimes and my local community and church.
Teaching and speaking
- Grand rounds at Morehouse school of medicine Department of cardiology lecture Cardiac AmyloidosisInvited lecturer atCardiovascular Annual symposium at Bathurst healthcare in Pensacola:Hypertension: diagnosis, management and treatmentNumerous lectures given at noon conference for educational purposes
Favorite Place to Vacation
- Belize
Hobbies / Sports
- SEC football (U of Alabama), fishing, golfing, bowling, traveling, attending, live, sporting events, attending concerts, reading medical literature. Spending time with my family.
Favorite professional publications
- Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Areas of research
Researcher and published author with the Jackson Heart Study (JHS). JHS is a population based epidemiological study focused on cardiovascular diseases and health disparities in the African American population.
Walter L. Beard Jr. MD FACC's Practice location
Morehouse School of Medicine
720 Westview Drive -Atlanta, Georgia 30310Get Direction
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Media Releases
Get to know Family Physician Dr. Ana Norell Torbenson, who serves patients in Hastings, Minnesota.
A trusted family physician, Dr. Torbenson is affiliated with Allina Health, working with patients at the Hastings Clinic in Minnesota. Her professional interests span a broad spectrum, ranging from preventive care and prenatal care to women’s health, child and adolescent medicine, and chronic disease management. Furthermore, her commitment to accessible healthcare is evident in her provision of face-to-face virtual visits, ensuring that patients receive quality care regardless of their location or circumstances.
With a passion for holistic healthcare, her practice philosophy revolves around meeting patients where they are, fostering trust, and emphasizing open communication to achieve overall health and well-being. Through her years of practice, she has gleaned invaluable lessons from her patients, recognizing the importance of listening to each individual’s unique story. She acknowledges that sometimes lending an ear can be the most impactful form of care.
Driven by a lifelong calling to make a positive difference in people’s lives, Dr. Torbenson’s journey into medicine began in her youth, reinforced by volunteering experiences during her academic years. With educational credentials from esteemed institutions such as Winona State University, Danish Institute for Study Abroad, Gustavus Adolphus College, and Creighton University School of Medicine, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. She completed her residency in family medicine at La Crosse-Mayo, further honing her skills and solidifying her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
Following her training, the doctor attained board-certification in family medicine through the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). The ABFM is a non-profit, independent medical association of American physicians who practice family medicine and its sub-specialties. She holds a medical license in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Family medicine is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for people of all ages. The specialist is called a family physician or family doctor. A family physician is often the first person a patient sees when seeking healthcare services. They examine and treat patients with a wide range of conditions and refer those with serious ailments to a specialist or appropriate facility.
Originally from Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Torbenson is an avid dog lover, with dreams of venturing into the realm of dog training or daycare if she weren’t a physician. Her affection for animals aligns with her belief in the therapeutic power they possess. Outside of medicine, she finds joy in various activities, including camping, hiking, figure skating, and traveling.
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