Dr. William J. Parsons

I came to Duke for cardiology fellowship training in 1985. I have always enjoyed the central role of the heart in human health and helping people manage their heart and vascular disease. As a young Assistant Professor of Medicine at Duke more than 25 years ago, I had the privilege of working in cardiovascular basic science with some of Duke's finest academicians. I then joined the faculty at UTSW-Dallas. Shortly after my arrival in Dallas, my daughter Abby, at the age of 3, became ill with a brain tumor. At that point, I decided to leave academics and enter private practice. After 10 years, Abby's neurosurgeon in Dallas felt that she was cured, prompting us to return to the Triangle. For 14 years, I enjoyed practicing cardiology in Raleigh with Carolina Cardiology Consultants. Given the complexities of today's health care systems, I am pleased to return to Duke after a 24-year hiatus, where I believe the best care is available to my patients. I have a particular interest in cardiac imaging and vascular medicine. My wife Darlene and I have three grown children Emily, Abigail, and Will, and have lived in Raleigh since 2001. I enjoy traveling, usually in a car, with my wife and any other family members who will join us.

Dr. Parsons is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pulmonary Embolism. His top areas of expertise are Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), Heart Failure, Pulmonary Edema, and Atherosclerosis.