MHVI-Heart-And-Vascular

Expertise with a human touch

We’re dedicated to bringing our patients the tools and care they need to live a heart-healthy life. Through our MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, we're always moving heart care forward. From clinical research to better testing and advanced treatments, the entire program is focused on patient care.

Our locations

Our cardiology clinics are located throughout the greater Washington, D.C, Maryland, and northern Virginia areas. Our widespread network gives our patients access to the most advanced care close to where they live and work. Find a cardiologist near you.

- MedStar Health: Cardiology Associates at Annapolis
  
  2002 Medical Parkway
  Suite 500
  Annapolis, MD 21401
  
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  Bolanle Akinyele, MD
  
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  Bolanle Akinyele, MD
  
  Bolanle Akinyele, MD, MPH, FACC, is a non-invasive cardiologist at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. She is board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and advanced echocardiography.
  
  Dr. Akinyele sees patients with a wide range of cardiovascular diagnoses including coronary heart disease, rhythm disturbances, and also provides preventive cardiovascular care. She has a special interest in advanced echocardiography and structural heart disease.
  
  Dr. Akinyele received her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine.
  
  During her time there, she served as co-director of The New Freedmen’s Clinic, a free, student-run, attending supervised clinic–the largest student-driven community initiative at Howard College of Medicine. Dr. Akinyele then completed her internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where she also served as chief resident. Following this, Dr. Akinyele pursued advanced training through fellowships in cardiology and advanced echocardiography at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
  
  Growing up in Nigeria and during her training, Dr. Akinyele recognized the value of quality healthcare and developed a passion for expanding healthcare access and addressing cardiovascular health disparities. Thus, during her fellowship training, she completed the Master of Public Health program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with certificates in global health, healthcare disparities and health equity. She brings that passion to the care of her local patients and to the international cardiovascular health nonprofit with which she remains involved.
  
  Philosophy of Care
  
  “I am a wife and mother of three and I bring my ‘mom-self’ to work. I take care of each patient as if they were family, and believe in treating the person, not just the disease. I aim to provide each patient with compassionate care, clear and candid information while respecting their decisions for treatment.
  
  I believe in excellence – in being complete and providing thorough care. I am also committed to mutual partnerships with referring physicians, offering transparent, ongoing communication to determine the best plan for their patients.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  Graduate: John Hopkins University Bloomberg School Of Public Health
  Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  Medical School: Howard University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Valeriani Bead, MD
  
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  Valeriani Bead, MD
  
  Dr. Bead is a board-certified cardiologist who is Level II trained in nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. He has extensive experience in preventive care, nuclear imaging techniques for testing of heart functioning, stress echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and electrocardiogram and echocardiogram interpretation.
  
  His research has been published in medical journals such as Heart and The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, and he serves as lead investigator and co-investigator on several clinical trials through the MedStar Research Institute.
  
  Dr. Bead is also an award-winning speaker who has presented on general and preventive cardiology at national medical conferences and local and state meetings.
  
  Patient-doctor communication is very important to Dr. Bead. He makes himself available to patients through email and a dedicated phone line. He believes in working closely with his patients and their referring physicians to ensure that all understand the patient’s cardiac risks and outcomes, and overall plan for patient care.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Johns Hopkins Hospital
  Residency: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
  Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Jefferey Chilcote, MD
  
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  Jefferey Chilcote, MD
  
  Jeff Chilcote, MD, is a board-certified cardiovascular physician practicing at MedStar Health Cardiology at Annapolis and MedStar Health Cardiology at Bowie. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Physicians, and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society.
  
  With a special interest in heart failure medicine, Dr. Chilcote treats the entire spectrum of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, lipid disorders, valvular heart disease, and arrhythmias.
  
  Dr. Chilcote’s approach combines medical therapy, preventive strategies, and advanced imaging, including echocardiography and nuclear cardiology, to deliver evidence-based, personalized treatment plans. He emphasizes educating patients in healthy lifestyle choices to reduce and prevent long-term cardiovascular risk and disease. Dr. Chilcote is known for his excellent bedside manner and strives to implement the best approach for each patient.
  
  He has researched heart failure and advanced treatment strategies that improve patients' quality of life and outcomes and published in several peer-reviewed journals, such as the Journal of Cardiac Failure. In his practice, Dr. Chilcote strives to expand access to advanced heart failure management and preventive cardiology services, helping patients manage risk factors to prevent serious heart and vascular disease.
  
  Dr. Chilcote completed his medical degree and residency training at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He then completed a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine/non-invasive cardiology at the Boston Medical Center.
  
  Born in the same hospital where he now treats patients, Dr. Chilcote is honored and proud to serve his hometown community. Happily married with four children, he loves spending time with his family.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: St. Elizabeth's Hospital of Boston
  Residency: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
  Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
  
  George Clements, MD
  
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  George Clements, MD
  
  George H. Clements, MD, is an attending noninvasive cardiologist at the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute. Board certified in cardiology, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology, Dr. Clements possesses extensive experience working with highly complex cases in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
  
  Dr. Clements mainly sees patients for coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and valvular heart disease. He also sees patients who are at high risk for heart disease, and works with them to lower their risk through preventative measures.
  
  As a noninvasive cardiologist, Dr. Clements’ goal is to provide patient-centered, evidence-based care that involves lifestyle changes, prescription medications, and diagnostic testing when appropriate. He enjoys collaborating with referring physicians to achieve the best outcome for their mutual patients. His typical diagnostic approach with patients involves an initial interview and physical exam, followed by EKGs, stress testing, and echocardiography including transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms as needed.
  
  Dr. Clements received his medical degree from Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, where he was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society as well as the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He then completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where he was awarded Resident of the Year. Finally, he completed his Cardiology fellowship training at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where he was awarded the Humanism and Professionalism Award within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.
  
  Dr. Clements was born and raised in Glyndon, Maryland. He and his wife, an Annapolis native, are both very excited to be back in the area. When out of the office, Dr. Clements enjoys tennis, and playing with his chocolate Labrador.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I try to look at every patient as an individual and get to know the person, not just the disease that they have. That way we can work together to accomplish their individual health goals.
  
  Patient education is very important. The more informed that people are about what’s going on with their body, the more I have found that they are invested in their care. This empowers people to become a more active and engaged participant in their health.
  
  I strive to provide the most up-to-date and state-of-the-art care in a compassionate and caring manner.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Internship: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Medical School: Marshall University
  
  Certification and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Daniel Dooley, MD
  
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  Daniel Dooley, MD
  
  Daniel J. Dooley, MD, is a non-invasive cardiologist at the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute and MedStar Cardiology Associates. As a cardiologist specializing in non-invasive treatments, Dr. Dooley works primarily with patients who have conditions like heart failure, hypertension, valvular disease, coronary artery disease, aortic diseases, atrial fibrillation, chest pain, and heart murmurs. He performs a wide range of diagnostic and treatment procedures that include nuclear stress testing, exercise stress echocardiography, dobutamine stress echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography.
  
  Dr. Dooley’s primary research interest has been Stage C heart failure (when patients have been diagnosed with heart failure and present symptoms) and the effectiveness of different medical therapies in these patients. Clinically, he is most interested in applying his skills in echocardiography to the treatment of different cardiovascular diseases, and specifically leveraging his knowledge of transesophageal echocardiography to care for patients with complex cardiovascular disease.
  
  Dr. Dooley received his medical degree from the Georgetown University School of Medicine, followed by a residency program in internal medicine at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where he received the Wesley Oler, MD award as an outstanding resident physician. Prior to joining MedStar Cardiology Associates, Dr. Dooley completed a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University Hospital.
  
  He believes strongly in patient-centered care and assisting with patient-centered decision-making, aiming to always provide optimal care to his patients by applying the clinical and research knowledge gained through his training. Dr. Dooley is committed to participating in timely communication with his patients and other providers, as communication is paramount in his paradigm of care.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My goal is to provide a patient-centered approach with a focus on individual patient values and beliefs. As different cardiovascular conditions often present complex care decisions, I aim to integrate the patient’s specific principles into the decision-making process so that each patient feels comfortable, safe, and understood.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency : MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  Internship: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
  
  Education:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Eric Ginsberg, MD
  
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  Eric Ginsberg, MD
  
  Eric S. Ginsberg, MD, is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, and echocardiography. Dr. Ginsberg specializes in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology, and uses innovative evaluative and collaborative diagnostic techniques to assess and diagnose cardiovascular abnormalities, helping to determine optimal treatment for individual patients.
  
  He believes that building relationships with patients is the most gratifying part of his job, and is devoted to giving patients the best possible care in treating a wide range of cardiovascular diseases, from arrhythmias to valve replacements.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Residency: Mount Sinai Medical Center
  Internship: Mount Sinai Medical Center
  Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Michael Godstein, MD
  
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  Michael Godstein, MD
  
  Michael S. Goldstein, MD is a board certified electrophysiologist whose primary focus is clinical cardiac electrophysiology and heart rhythm management. He treats both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and ventricular tachycardia. He performs ablations as well as cardiac device implantation.
  
  Dr. Goldstein delivers high-quality, patient-centric care through customized treatment plans based on the individual needs of his patients. His primary goal is to provide medical care with compassion and empathy.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: George Washington University School of Medicine
  Fellowship: George Washington University School of Medicine
  Residency: University of Pennsylvania Health System
  Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Lawrence Jacobs, MD
  
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  Lawrence Jacobs, MD
  
  Lawrence D. Jacobs, MD is board certified in cardiology, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. He has been named a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, based on outstanding professional achievement.
  
  His interests include hypertension, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, heart failure, preventative cardiology, heart valve disorders, nuclear stress testing, echocardiography, preoperative evaluations, transesophageal echocardiography, vascular disease, arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation.
  
  His primary focus is the medical therapy of various cardiovascular disorders. This starts with prevention through healthy lifestyle recommendations and medications, when necessary. He strives to efficiently diagnose and treat patients’ symptoms, using proven, evidence-based approaches.
  
  Dr. Jacobs feels it is imperative to treat the patient and not just the disease. He aims to educate patients while improving their health, because patients who understand their disease will have less anxiety and are far more likely to succeed in becoming and remaining healthy in the long run.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: University of Chicago Hospitals
  Residency: University of Pennsylvania
  Medical School: Georgetown University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Stephanie Jacobs, MD
  
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  Stephanie Jacobs, MD
  
  Stephanie Jacobs, MD is a board certified cardiologist, who has been named a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, based on outstanding professional achievement.
  
  She specializes in non-invasive cardiology, which includes consultation, nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. She also has specialty training in pregnancy-related cardiovascular disease. Women are waiting longer to have children, and thus can have a cardiac history at the time of pregnancy, or have new symptoms or conditions for which cardiovascular testing and evaluation can be helpful to both the mother and baby. Dr. Jacobs particularly enjoys seeing patients in this demographic. She also enjoys educating the public about cardiovascular disease via community events and was featured in a 2012 episode of Doc Talks.
  
  Dr. Jacobs has practiced medicine in the Annapolis area since 2005, along with her husband Dr. Lawrence Jacobs, also of MedStar Cardiology Associates. Together they have five children. She’s very active in the Annapolis community and can frequently be spotted at children’s activities, local restaurants or enjoying the Severn River. She enjoys running, biking, swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
  
  Dr. Jacobs is an extremely thorough and passionate care provider. She strongly believes in patient education and encourages her patients to play an integral role in their treatment plans. She promotes healthy living and quality of life as a patient's primary goal, uses evidence-based medicine wherever possible, and brings an undergraduate background of chemical engineering to problem solving, imaging, and treatment.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Chicago Hospitals
  Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Scott Katzen, MD
  
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  Scott Katzen, MD
  
  Scott M. Katzen, MD is board certified in cardiology and interventional cardiology. Since completion of his training in 2010, Dr. Katzen has specialized in diagnosing and managing a multitude of conditions including valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, and atherosclerotic heart disease. In addition, he regularly performs cardiac catheterization procedures and percutaneous coronary interventions.
  
  Dr. Katzen currently serves as the medical director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Anne Arundel Medical Center, which is considered one of the busiest designated chest pain centers within the state of Maryland. His specific scope of care includes both management and prevention of ischemic heart disease as well as treatment in the emergent setting.
  
  Dr. Katzen strives to provide comprehensive and thorough cardiovascular medical care. He forms immediate partnerships with his patients that result in long-lasting relationships over time. He personally works with patients to optimize their cardiovascular health – allowing them to live life to the fullest.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Medical School: University Of Maryland Baltimore
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  William Maxted, Jr., MD
  
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  William Maxted, Jr., MD
  
  Dr. William Clarence Maxted, Jr., MD is a board certified cardiologist. His interests include consultative and noninvasive cardiology as well as pacemakers.
  
  He tailors cardiac treatments to each individual patient’s needs, striving to deliver up-to-date, guideline-based medical care that allows patients to play a role in their healthcare plan. His goal is to help patients feel better and ultimately to live longer, healthier lives.
  
  Education
  Fellowship Program: Indiana University Medical Center
  Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital
  Medical School: Georgetown University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Nicholas Paivanas, MD
  
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  Nicholas Paivanas, MD
  
  Nicholas Andrew Paivanas, MD, is a board certified cardiologist. His interests include preventive cardiology, treatment resistant hypertension, lipid disorders, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, congestive heart failure, cardio-oncology, and cardiac imaging including echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.
  
  His primary focus is educating patients in healthy lifestyle choices for reducing high cholesterol and controlling lipid abnormalities, to help prevent serious heart and vascular disease before it begins. Treating each case as unique, his emphasis is on preventive cardiology, simplifying hypertension therapy, valve disorders and lipid therapy. He strives to implement the best and most effective approach for each patient.
  
  His approach with patients is to ensure that any intervention or medication fits with the lifestyle of each patient. This strategy provides the best specialized care and leads to greater success for patients.
  
  Education:
  Residency: University of Rochester Medical Center
  Internship: University of Rochester Medical Center
  Medical School: Georgetown University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Jacob Reiss, MD
  
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  Jacob Reiss, MD
  
  Jacob Reiss, MD, is a cardiologist and is board-certified in internal medicine, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular ultrasound.
  
  Dr. Reiss diagnoses and treats a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, including treatment-resistant hypertension, lipid disorders, coronary heart disease, and congestive heart failure. He performs specialized diagnostic procedures such as transesophageal echocardiograms and cardioversion and is especially interested in diagnosing and treating peripheral vascular disease.
  
  A strong advocate for preventive cardiology, Dr. Reiss guides patients in lifestyle modifications and appropriate screenings to promote long-term heart health. He provides comprehensive education on the disease process, available treatments, and medications, empowering patients to actively participate in their care and improve their quality of life.
  
  Dr. Reiss earned his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. He completed his internal medicine residency at Lankenau Medical Center, where he served as Chief Medical Resident, and went on to complete his cardiovascular disease fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center, serving as Chief Cardiovascular Disease Fellow.
  
  Dr. Reiss has been recognized for his excellence as a clinician, educator, and leader. He was twice named best teaching resident at Lankenau Medical Center. He also won the John Zachariah Humanitarian Award and the Andrew Norton, MD, Residency Leadership Award.
  
  A husband and father of two, Dr. Reiss enjoys spending time with his family and playing or watching tennis and basketball.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I strive to treat every patient as a member of my family, taking time to listen and understand their values, goals, and lifestyle. I believe in a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to heart care, with a strong focus on prevention through education, early detection, and proactive management.”
  
  Education:
  Residency Program: Baylor University Medical Center
  Medical School: Jefferson Medical College
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Kelley Sullivan, MD
  
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  Kelley Sullivan, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: Emory University Hospital
  Residency: Medical College of Virginia-VCU
  Internship: Medical College of Virginia-VCU
  Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Glen Burnie
  
  808 Landmark Drive
  Suite 120
  Glen Burnie, MD 21061
  
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  Salman Malik, MD
  
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  Salman Malik, MD
  
  Salman M. Malik, MD, is a cardiologist practicing at MedStar Health in Glen Burnie, Maryland. He is board-certified in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Malik is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society.
  
  Dr. Malik completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in biology. He then completed his medical degree at Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Malik completed his internal medicine residency, cardiovascular disease fellowship, and subspeciality fellowship in clinical cardiac electrophysiology at Drexel University College of Medicine.
  
  He commonly sees patients with the full range of cardiovascular conditions, and offers diagnostic and imaging expertise, with the use of echocardiography and nuclear stress testing. Dr. Malik has a special interest and advanced training in arrhythmia evaluation and management. His clinic provides support for patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.
  
  In his practice, Dr. Malik prioritizes informed decision-making. When determining a treatment plan, he walks each patient through the risks and benefits of all their options—from lifestyle modifications, medical therapy, and when needed, more invasive treatments. He positions them to engage in monitoring their own cardiovascular status using simple parameters, such as exercise tolerance, blood pressure readings, and rhythm monitoring with the goal of improving their quality of life as well as longevity.
  
  “I treat my patients like I would treat my family members or how I would like to be treated. For much of my life, since I was a collegiate rower at the University of Pennsylvania, I have been an active participant in rowing/crew. It's the ultimate team sport—everyone has to be synchronized and on the same page. That's how I approach the care of my patients. When we all work together—patients, families, and physicians—we achieve the best outcomes.” —Salman M. Malik, MD
  
  Outside his cardiology practice, Dr. Malik enjoys rowing, tennis, and international travel.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Drexel University College of Medicine
  Fellowship: Drexel College of Medicine Hahnemann University Hospital
  Residency: Drexel University College of Medicine
  Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Federal Hill
  
  1420 Key Highway
  Suite 303
  Baltimore, MD 21230
  
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  Kerunne Ketlogetswe
  
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  Kerunne Ketlogetswe
  
  Mehdi Gheshlaghi, MD, is a fellowship-trained cardiologist with the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute who practices at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Harbor Hospital. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, cardiac imaging, adult echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.
  
  Dr. Gheshlaghi diagnoses, treats, and manages patients with coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, applying the latest and most innovative approaches to provide evidence-based care. His clinical interests include cardiac imaging, heart failure, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiac arrhythmias.
  
  Dr. Gheshlaghi spent the early part of his career working for the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, also enlisting as a military service physician at that time. In 2011, he relocated to the United States to pursue additional clinical training as an internal medicine and cardiac care specialist.
  
  An advocate for shared decision-making, Dr. Gheshlaghi takes the time to educate his patients about the steps they can take to prevent or manage cardiovascular disease. He is a firm believer in continuity in care and strives to build lifelong bonds with his patients.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Maine Medical Center
  Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
  
  Certifications and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  Board Certification: National Board of Echocardiography, Echocardiography
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital - Russell Building
  
  5601 Loch Raven Boulevard
  Russell Morgan Building
  Suite 206
  Baltimore, MD 21239
  
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  Raktim Ghosh, MD
  
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  Raktim Ghosh, MD
  
  Raktim Ghosh, MD, is a fellowship-trained cardiologist with the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. He is board certified in cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Ghosh treats a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, hypertension, lipid disorders, and abnormal heart rhythms.
  
  Dr. Ghosh has extensive training in cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, clinical pharmacology, and outcomes research. He served as chief resident in the internal medicine program. In addition to patient care, he is dedicated to medical education, teaching medical students and residents, and conducting clinical research.
  
  Dr. Ghosh employs a collaborative, team-based approach, encouraging patients to actively participate in their treatment plans.
  
  He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), the American Society of Echocardiography (FASE), and the American College of Physicians (FACP). Dr. Ghosh has been recognized by Baltimore magazine as a Top Doctor for non-interventional cardiology in 2023 and 2024. He has published numerous manuscripts in leading journals, including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, American Journal of Medicine, American Journal of Cardiology, and International Journal of Cardiology. He also serves as a peer reviewer for prominent cardiovascular journals.
  
  His research interests focus on cardiovascular therapeutics and cardiovascular imaging.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Case Western Reserve University
  Fellowship: St. Vincent Charity Medical Center
  Residency: St. Vincent Charity Medical Center
  Internship: St. Vincent Charity Medical Center
  Medical School: R.G. Kar Medical College
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Ronak Patel, MD
  
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  Ronak Patel, MD
  
  Ronak Patel, MD, is a fellowship-trained cardiologist who is board certified in internal medicine, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology. As part of the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, he sees patients at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.
  
  Dr. Patel has a strong interest in cardiac imaging, including nuclear medicine, echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). He chose the field of cardiology because of the relationships he develops with his patients and the ability to see the tangible benefits and improvements that care can provide.
  
  He involves his patients in all aspects of their care and ensures that they fully understand their care plan. He also takes a collaborative approach when coordinating care with referring physicians.
  
  Dr. Patel is a member of the American College of Cardiology.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Drexel College of Medicine Hahnemann University Hospital
  Residency: Drexel College of Medicine Hahnemann University Hospital
  Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Janet Tsang, MD
  
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  Janet Tsang, MD
  
  Janet Tsang, MD, is a non-invasive cardiologist at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. She is board certified in clinical cardiac electrophysiology, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, adult echocardiography, and internal medicine. She is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and the Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS).
  
  Dr. Tsang is a specialist in a variety of cardiac issues, including coronary artery disease and arrhythmias. Her approach is to treat the whole patient, incorporating each individual’s social, cultural, and lifestyle factors when developing a treatment plan. Dr. Tsang enjoys working with diverse populations and has practiced in a wide variety of clinical settings over the years.
  
  When Dr. Tsang first meets with patients, she begins by educating them and takes the time to thoroughly explain their diagnoses and test results. Once patients understand their condition, Dr. Tsang helps them create an individualized plan to improve their heart health.
  
  “I am constantly learning and adapting to new advancements, knowledge, and techniques that are being developed in my field. As a physician, it is my job to stay abreast of new information so that I can pass that on to my patients and help them make the best choices for their healthcare.”
  
  “I believe in practicing medicine in a humanizing way. Patients are not just their symptoms or test results; they are people with full lives, rich histories, and a variety of social and economic factors that impact their health. Good patient care means understanding the entire context of my patients so that I can best serve their particular needs and circumstances and work with them to improve their health.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Aurora St Lukes Medical Center
  Fellowship: LAC-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
  Fellowship: Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center
  Residency: LAC-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
  Medical School: University of California Irvine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Beth Woldu
  
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  Beth Woldu, MD
  
  Bethel Woldu, MD, MPH, is a cardiologist and clinician-researcher with the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute and serves as a dedicated inpatient cardiologist for patients admitted to MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.
  
  Dr. Woldu provides comprehensive cardiac care for patients from the time of admission through discharge from the hospital. In addition to inpatient cardiac care, echocardiography is another key clinical focus of her practice.
  
  Growing up in Eritrea, East Africa, she gained an early understanding of the need for research and evidence-based healthcare practices, along with a passion for contributing positively to their advancement. Her research interests focus on cardiovascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa and understanding the role of inflammation in cardiovascular diseases and heart failure, including in HIV infection. She is a former HHMI-NIH Scholar and a Fogarty Global Health Fellow. During fellowship, Dr. Woldu received a Master of Public Health in Biostatistics and Epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and she is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
  
  Her personal philosophy of care is to “meet patients where they are,” treating each patient holistically while maintaining focus on the steps that can be taken to optimize overall health and meet patients’ and their families’ needs to improve quality of life.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  Graduate: John Hopkins University Bloomberg School Of Public Health
  Residency: NewYork Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center
  Medical School: University of Colorado Health Science Center
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at MedStar Harbor Hospital
  
  3001 South Hanover Street
  Baltimore, MD 21225
  
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  Mehdi Gheshlaghi, MD
  
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  Mehdi Gheshlaghi, MD
  
  Mehdi Gheshlaghi, MD, is a fellowship-trained cardiologist with the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute who practices at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Harbor Hospital. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, cardiac imaging, adult echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.
  
  Dr. Gheshlaghi diagnoses, treats, and manages patients with coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, applying the latest and most innovative approaches to provide evidence-based care. His clinical interests include cardiac imaging, heart failure, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiac arrhythmias.
  
  Dr. Gheshlaghi spent the early part of his career working for the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, also enlisting as a military service physician at that time. In 2011, he relocated to the United States to pursue additional clinical training as an internal medicine and cardiac care specialist.
  
  An advocate for shared decision-making, Dr. Gheshlaghi takes the time to educate his patients about the steps they can take to prevent or manage cardiovascular disease. He is a firm believer in continuity in care and strives to build lifelong bonds with his patients.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Maine Medical Center
  Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
  
  Certifications and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  Board Certification: National Board of Echocardiography, Echcardiography
  
  Kerunne Ketlogetswe, MD
  
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  Kerunne Ketlogetswe, MD
  
  Kerunne Ketlogetswe, MD, a non-invasive cardiologist at MedStar Harbor Hospital, is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology. She diagnoses and treats common heart problems, including heart attacks and other acute heart conditions. She considers herself an active health partner with her patients, helping to support their recovery and guiding them to improved heart health.
  
  In her practice, she provides both preventive care and treatment of heart disease and values the relationships she develops with her patients. An important part of her role is teaching her patients how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle and preventing heart disease from occurring. She believes everyone can make changes to prevent heart disease whether it's making dietary changes, or setting a goal to walk 10,000 steps each day.
  
  Dr. Ketlogetswe received her doctor of medicine from Harvard Medical School and completed her Master's degree in Health Science in Cardiovascular Epidemiology at The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and completed her fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
  
  In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Ketlogetswe is an adjunct faculty member at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has served as investigator and co-investigator on research studies and has been published in journals including Circulation, Clinical Chemistry and others. She is a member of the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and American Society of Preventive Cardiology.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  Residency: Brigham and Womens Hospital
  Medical School: Harvard Medical School
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital - Johnston Professional Building
  
  3333 North Calvert Street
  Johnston Professional Building
  Suite 500
  Baltimore, MD 21218
  
  Get Directions
  
  Firehiwot Achamyeleh, MD
  
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  Firehiwot Achamyeleh, MD
  
  Firehiwot Achamyeleh, MD, is a cardiologist with the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. Dr. Achamyeleh is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease.
  
  Dr. Achamyeleh sees patients with a wide range of cardiovascular issues and has a specialized interest in women’s health. She is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care while working collaboratively with referring primary care providers, internal medicine physicians, and other clinical specialists.
  
  Dr. Achamyeleh works to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients who are considered high risk for cardiovascular disease, have been diagnosed with the condition, or are recovering from advanced heart failure.
  
  A native of Ethiopia, Dr. Achamyeleh offers patients of various cultures a unique perspective, along with an intimate level of understanding when it comes to overcoming health and wellness barriers. She is passionate about building trusting bonds with her patients.
  
  She is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Heart Association.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: George Washington University School of Medicine
  Fellowship: Drexel University College of Medicine
  Residency: SUNY Downstate
  Medical School: Pennsylvania State University at University Park
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Mehdi Gheshlaghi, MD
  
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  Mehdi Gheshlaghi, MD
  
  Mehdi Gheshlaghi, MD, is a fellowship-trained cardiologist with the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute who practices at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Harbor Hospital. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, cardiac imaging, adult echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.
  
  Dr. Gheshlaghi diagnoses, treats, and manages patients with coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, applying the latest and most innovative approaches to provide evidence-based care. His clinical interests include cardiac imaging, heart failure, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiac arrhythmias.
  
  Dr. Gheshlaghi spent the early part of his career working for the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, also enlisting as a military service physician at that time. In 2011, he relocated to the United States to pursue additional clinical training as an internal medicine and cardiac care specialist.
  
  An advocate for shared decision-making, Dr. Gheshlaghi takes the time to educate his patients about the steps they can take to prevent or manage cardiovascular disease. He is a firm believer in continuity in care and strives to build lifelong bonds with his patients.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Maine Medical Center
  Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
  
  Certifications and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  Board Certification: National Board of Echocardiography, Echcardiography
  
  Raktim Ghosh, MD
  
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  Raktim Ghosh, MD
  
  Raktim Ghosh, MD, is a fellowship-trained cardiologist with the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. He is board certified in cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Ghosh treats a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, hypertension, lipid disorders, and abnormal heart rhythms.
  
  Dr. Ghosh has extensive training in cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, clinical pharmacology, and outcomes research. He served as chief resident in the internal medicine program. In addition to patient care, he is dedicated to medical education, teaching medical students and residents, and conducting clinical research.
  
  Dr. Ghosh employs a collaborative, team-based approach, encouraging patients to actively participate in their treatment plans.
  
  He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), the American Society of Echocardiography (FASE), and the American College of Physicians (FACP). Dr. Ghosh has been recognized by Baltimore magazine as a Top Doctor for non-interventional cardiology in 2023 and 2024. He has published numerous manuscripts in leading journals, including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, American Journal of Medicine, American Journal of Cardiology, and International Journal of Cardiology. He also serves as a peer reviewer for prominent cardiovascular journals.
  
  His research interests focus on cardiovascular therapeutics and cardiovascular imaging.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Case Western Reserve University
  Fellowship: St. Vincent Charity Medical Center
  Residency: St. Vincent Charity Medical Center
  Internship: St. Vincent Charity Medical Center
  Medical School: R.G. Kar Medical College
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Aubrey Grant, MD
  
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  Aubrey Grant, MD
  
  Aubrey J. Grant, MD, FACC, is a sports cardiologist practicing at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre.
  
  Dr. Grant specializes in treating athletes, particularly in differentiating between exercise-induced adaptations of the heart and true cardiovascular disease or pathology. He uses a variety of comprehensive tests and assessments to determine sports eligibility, provide exercise prescriptions, and make recommendations on how to prevent or manage cardiovascular disease. In particular, Dr. Grant performs cardiopulmonary exercise tests (also known as VO2 tests), a specialized stress test that measures a patient's fitness level. With this evaluation, he offers athletes specific and individualized advice on how to reach peak performance. Ultimately, his goal is to provide a detailed understanding of what athletes need in order to stay active for as long as possible, maintain good cardiovascular health, and achieve high-level athletic performance.
  
  One question that Dr. Grant often hears is, “What is an athlete? Who can or should see a sports cardiologist?” For Dr. Grant, an “athlete” is any individual who is interested in doing sports, including high school athletes, Olympians, master athletes, professional or semi-professional sports players, and even weekend warriors. If an individual is interested in improving performance or maintaining high activity levels, Dr. Grant welcomes them into his consultation room.
  
  Dr. Grant’s clinical and research interests include how race and implicit bias affect healthcare in general and sports healthcare in particular. He is also passionate about learning more about how and why young, seemingly healthy athletes suffer sudden cardiac arrest. Concurrently, he is a passionate advocate for the widespread dissemination of emergency action plans, including CPR education and training within the community, recognizing their potential as vital life-saving tools.
  
  Dr. Grant received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College, where he graduated cum laude. He completed his residency at Emory University School of Medicine and his fellowship at Georgetown University/MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Grant then had the special distinction of being accepted into the only sports cardiology program at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. For one year, Dr. Grant worked closely with professional and collegiate-level athletes, including players from teams such as the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution.
  
  Dr. Grant is the recipient of many awards, including the National Medical Quality Forum 40 Under 40 Leader in Healthcare Award, the 40 Under 40 Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund recognition, the Meharrian Factor Award, and induction into the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism Honor Society. He is a member of the American Heart Association, the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, the Association of Black Cardiologists, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
  
  Dr. Grant was born and raised in the greater Washington, DC and Baltimore area and was born in a MedStar hospital. As a young man, he volunteered in the same catheterization lab where he now practices medicine. He is incredibly proud and happy to be in his hometown, serving his community. He loves all things soccer, traveling, and food, and is especially proud of his Yelp Elite status.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “As a former Division I collegiate soccer player, I bring a deep knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a high-performing athlete to my practice. I always lead with empathy, understanding, and compassion. Shared decision-making is always at the forefront of my mind: the patient and I are a team working together toward achieving the same goal, which is maximal cardiovascular health.
  
  I also know what it is like to have a family member dealing with cardiovascular disease.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital
  Fellowship: MedStar Health
  Residency: Emory University School of Medicine
  Medical School: Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Ronak Patel, MD
  
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  Ronak Patel, MD
  
  Ronak Patel, MD, is a fellowship-trained cardiologist who is board certified in internal medicine, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology. As part of the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, he sees patients at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.
  
  Dr. Patel has a strong interest in cardiac imaging, including nuclear medicine, echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). He chose the field of cardiology because of the relationships he develops with his patients and the ability to see the tangible benefits and improvements that care can provide.
  
  He involves his patients in all aspects of their care and ensures that they fully understand their care plan. He also takes a collaborative approach when coordinating care with referring physicians.
  
  Dr. Patel is a member of the American College of Cardiology.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Drexel College of Medicine Hahnemann University Hospital
  Residency: Drexel College of Medicine Hahnemann University Hospital
  Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Wilkens Avenue
  
  4660 Wilkens Ave.
  Suite 100
  Baltimore, MD 21229
  
  Get Directions
  
  Mehdi Gheshlaghi
  
  Request an Appointment
  
  Mehdi Gheshlaghi
  
  Mehdi Gheshlaghi, MD, is a fellowship-trained cardiologist with the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute who practices at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Harbor Hospital. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, cardiac imaging, adult echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.
  
  Dr. Gheshlaghi diagnoses, treats, and manages patients with coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, applying the latest and most innovative approaches to provide evidence-based care. His clinical interests include cardiac imaging, heart failure, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiac arrhythmias.
  
  Dr. Gheshlaghi spent the early part of his career working for the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, also enlisting as a military service physician at that time. In 2011, he relocated to the United States to pursue additional clinical training as an internal medicine and cardiac care specialist.
  
  An advocate for shared decision-making, Dr. Gheshlaghi takes the time to educate his patients about the steps they can take to prevent or manage cardiovascular disease. He is a firm believer in continuity in care and strives to build lifelong bonds with his patients.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Maine Medical Center
  Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
  
  Certifications and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  Board Certification: National Board of Echocardiography, Echocardiography
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center - White Square Professional Building
  
  9105 Franklin Square Dr.
  Suite 209
  Baltimore, MD 21237
  
  Get Directions
  
  Ebony Alston, MD
  
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  Ebony Alston, MD
  
  Ebony Alston, MD is a cardiologist with MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.
  
  Dr. Alston treats patients with coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, high cholesterol, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. She has a particular interest in, and emphasizes much of her practice on, preventive cardiology.
  
  Dr. Alston seeks to understand the whole patient—integrating lifestyle modifications with medical therapies to develop an individualized cardiovascular treatment plan. Trained in naturopathic medicine, Dr. Alston offers a unique background and perspective when treating her patients. She works to optimize each patient’s cardiovascular health by incorporating evidence based medicines, cardiovascular tests, diet, exercise, and stress reduction regimens.
  
  Dr. Alston views her relationship with patients as a partnership. She places great importance on getting to know each patient and discussing their individual concerns so that she can provide them the most appropriate tools to help them become healthier individuals.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Drexel College of Medicine Hahnemann University Hospital
  Residency: Cleveland Clinic
  Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
  Medical School: Bastyr University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Rahul Anand, MD
  
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  Rahul Anand, MD
  
  Rahul Anand, MD is a fellowship-trained cardiologist with the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. He is board-certified in echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine.
  
  Dr. Anand treats patients with a wide range of cardiovascular issues including coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, high cholesterol, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.
  
  It is important to Dr. Anand that he treats and understands each patient as a whole, and not just their disease. Communication with his patients is paramount to understanding each person along with their individual circumstances.
  
  Dr. Anand values his relationship with referring physicians and enjoys collaborating with them and providing ongoing communications about mutual patients.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Mount Sinai Beth Israel
  Residency: Bronxcare Health System
  Fellowship: Medical College of Georgia Hospital
  Medical School: University College of Medical Sciences-Delhi
  
  Tamara Ashvetiya, MD
  
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  Tamara Ashvetiya, MD
  
  Tamara Ashvetiya, MD, is a general cardiologist at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. She is board certified in cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, echocardiography, and nuclear medicine.
  
  Dr. Ashvetiya sees patients with a wide range of cardiovascular disease diagnoses. She is particularly focused on preventative cardiology, including the prevention of recurring cardiac events. She also has a special interest in the long-term treatment of patients with heart failure, ischemic heart disease, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and valvular heart disease. Dr. Ashvetiya received her medical degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and subsequently completed internal medicine residency at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, followed by cardiology fellowship at University of Maryland Medical Center. Specialized in non-invasive treatment, she performs diagnostic procedures such as echocardiography, cardioversion, heart rhythm monitoring, cardiac MRI and CT, as well as stress testing to diagnose and treat a broad range of cardiovascular conditions.
  
  Quality patient care and communication is Dr. Ashvetiya's top clinical priority. Dr. Ashvetiya believes in the holistic treatment of people— treating them as unique individuals and partnering with them to create customized care plans. In her practice, she applies medical evidence and guideline-based care to suit each person’s life and goals.
  
  Dr. Ashvetiya has engaged in research analyzing the genetics of cardiovascular disease including aneurysm formation, and has an academic interest in cardiac applications of stem cell therapy. Her work has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. Awards won by Dr. Ashvetiya include the Nathan Carliner Award for Distinction in Cardiovascular Research, the American College of Physicians Award for Excellence in Basic Science Research, and the Paul Ehrlich Award for distinction in translational research awarded at the Johns Hopkins University Young Investigators' Day.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Maryland Medical System
  Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  
  Board Certification:
  American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Jeffrey J. Brown, MD
  
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  Jeffrey J. Brown, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Georgetown University School of Medicine GME
  Fellowship: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
  Residency: St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center-St. Luke's Division
  Internship: St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center-Roosevelt Division
  Medical School: Drexel University
  
  Board Certification:
  American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Elizabeth Bruchey, PA
  
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  Elizabeth Bruchey, PA
  
  Education:
  Allied Health Education: Emory University
  
  Board Certification:
  National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
  
  Jonathan Gardner, MD
  
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  Jonathan Gardner, MD
  
  Jonathan Gardner, MD, FACC, is a general cardiologist at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center who treats patients for a wide range of heart-related disorders, from preventative care to advanced heart failure. He is board-certified in general cardiology and nuclear cardiology.
  
  As a general cardiologist, Dr. Gardner’s approach is highly informed by his extensive experience in advanced heart failure. As part of his training, he completed a fellowship in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. He brings his knowledge of these specialties and a holistic perspective to his general cardiology clinic, providing exceptional care to his patients.
  
  According to Dr. Gardner, cardiovascular medicine requires a teamwork mentality that includes not only the patient but also the referring physicians and other medical professionals involved. He is passionate about advocating for all his patients when it comes to cardiovascular care—educating his patients, especially young people, on how to prevent future heart complications and actively treating heart issues when they occur in patients of all ages. He prides himself in being highly skilled in treating advanced heart failure patients as well as having a down-to-earth bedside manner.
  
  Dr. Gardner’s clinical interests revolve around preventative and after-care practices that reduce recidivism in advanced heart failure patients with comorbidities.
  
  Dr. Gardner has had exposure to multiple communities and demographics. He looks forward to leveraging the resources and collaborative expertise of the larger hospital system and the team of professionals at MedStar.
  
  Dr. Gardner obtained his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine Dominica, West Indies, where he was class president and graduated with honors. Following graduation, he went on to complete his internship and residency in internal medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, where he was Chief Resident. Next, he was a general cardiology fellow at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Lastly, he obtained a fellowship in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center.
  
  He is a professional member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, the American Society of Echocardiography, and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT).
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My philosophy of care is a team-based approach. No one can do this alone, and as physicians and medical professionals, we must work together to serve our patients. I am passionate about my work and can’t see myself doing anything else. While my journey hasn’t always been easy, I believe that success can be obtained through perseverance and hard work. My promise to my patients is that I will work with them until we get things right and they are living a fulfilled life.”
  
  “When patients meet with me, they can expect someone who works closely with them and encourages them towards success. Referring physicians should know that I enjoy being a team player and am always available to consult and collaborate for the betterment of our patients.”
  
  “Finally, family is extremely important to me, so I would like to thank my parents, my grandparents, my brother, my uncle Luis, and most importantly, my wife for supporting my journey in medicine. I would also like to dedicate my care to my baby girl.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Houston Methodist Hospital
  Residency: University of Tennessee College of Medicine
  Residency: Medical College of Georgia
  Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
  
  Mansoor Mozayan, MD
  
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  Mansoor Mozayan, MD
  
  Mansoor Mozayan, MD is a cardiologist at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. His clinical interests include all aspects of non-invasive and preventive cardiology. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chest pain, high blood pressure disorders, high cholesterol levels, palpitations, and valvular heart disease with special interest in caring for patients with coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.
  
  In addition to his medical degree, Dr. Mozayan earned a PhD at Southern Illinois University where he studied the role of autoregulation of blood flow. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University as well. He also served as chief resident during his internal medicine residency at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: USA Health University Hospital
  Residency: MedStar Union Memorial Hospital at Baltimore
  Medical School: Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences-Karad
  
  Sriram Padmanabhan, MD
  
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  Sriram Padmanabhan, MD
  
  Dr. Sriram Padmanabhan, MD, is the Chief of Cardiology at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in Baltimore. He specializes in treating adult cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and adult congenital heart disease, as well as conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
  
  Specializing in non-invasive treatment, Dr. Padmanabhan performs diagnostic procedures such as stress tests, cardiac MRI and cardiac CT, echocardiograms, transesophageal echocardiograms, and cardioversion, among others.
  
  Quality patient care is Dr. Padmanabhan’s main clinical interest, in addition to cardiac imaging and cardiac oncology. His hope is to see his patients do well in life by looking not just at their medical problems, but at other issues that may also be affecting their health.
  
  Dr. Padmanabhan received his medical degree from Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, India, and completed an internship program at Safdarjang Hospital in Delhi, India. Then, he worked as a nuclear medicine specialist at B. M. Birla Heart Research Institute in Calcutta, India. Coming to the US, he first completed a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology at the University of California, San Diego. Thereafter, he spent time conducting research on functional MRI. He completed his internship in Detroit, MI, at Henry Ford Hospital, where he switched from radiology to the internal medicine specialty. Dr. Padmanabhan completed his residency in internal medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center and went on to become a general cardiology fellow at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in cardiac imaging at the National Institutes of Health.
  
  Awards won by Dr. Padmanabhan include a President’s Gold Medal for Best Outgoing Medical Student, as well as an award at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center as the Best Attending Physician of the Year.
  
  Dr. Padmanabhan speaks English, Tamil, Hindi, and Bengali, and is learning Spanish.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “As I age, I feel that treating just the medical part of the patient doesn’t seem to be completely satisfying. It is more satisfying to treat the whole person. I try to see the whole picture: mental, spiritual, physical. Treatment is not just about prescribing medicines or performing tests. It’s about having a more holistic approach to wellness. However, for that, the patient and the physician have to have a good partnership.”
  
  “I tell my patients that I’m only here for advice, I cannot do it for them. I try to help my patients to find that motivation, to help them understand their treatment options better, and to stick to the plan we've come up with together.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: National Institutes of Health
  Graduate: University of California Los Angeles
  Fellowship: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
  Residency: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
  Internship: Henry Ford Hospital
  Graduate: University of California at San Diego-La Jolla
  Residency: BM Birla Heart Research Centre
  Internship: Safdarjung Hospital
  Medical School: Armed Forces Medical College
  
  Certification and Professional Association:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Bhavin Patel, DO
  
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  Bhavin Patel, DO
  
  Bhavin M. Patel, DO is a cardiologist with the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.
  
  Dr. Patel treats a wide range of cardiovascular disease including hypertension, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, heart rhythm issues, and congestive heart failure. He has a particular interest in preventive cardiology and the aggressive treatment of cardiovascular disease in young patients.
  
  Understanding that seeing a cardiologist can cause anxiety for some patients, he strives to put each patient at ease and make them feel comfortable by listening to them and fully understanding their concerns and complaints. He also takes the time to educate his patients about their conditions, medications, and the impact on their lives.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Deborah Heart & Lung Center
  Residency: Drexel University College of Medicine
  Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  
  Board Certification:
  American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Ramarao Vunnam, MD
  
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  Ramarao Vunnam, MD
  
  Ramarao Vunnam, MBBS, is a cardiologist at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. He is board-certified in internal medicine and trained in noninvasive cardiology, echocardiography and nuclear medicine. Dr. Vunnam treats patients with cardiovascular conditions and diseases, including heart rhythm disorders, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
  
  As a general cardiologist, Dr. Vunnam works with his patients to prevent, diagnose, and manage cardiovascular diseases and conditions. He firmly supports a patient-centric approach, treating the patient as a whole person and not merely as a condition. Additionally, he strongly emphasizes educating patients about preventing cardiovascular disease by modifying risk factors and making practical lifestyle changes. A crucial part of his practice is ensuring good communication with patients and their families.
  
  His main research interests lie in using imaging modalities to diagnose heart rhythm disorders, and he has performed his research in collaboration with the Maryland Arrhythmia and Cardiology Imaging Group.
  
  Dr. Vunnam speaks Telugu and loves spending time with his two children.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My practice is building meaningful relationships through clear communication and holistic care. I am committed to fostering strong, trusting connections with my patients and their families. My goal is for patients to feel well-informed, actively involved in their care, and guided toward making the best decisions for their health.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine
  Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown GME
  Medical School: Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Perry Hall
  
  5009 Honeygo Center Dr.
  Suite 210
  Perry Hall, MD 21128
  
  Get Directions
  
  Jonathan Gardner, MD
  
  Request an Appointment
  
  Jonathan Gardner, MD
  
  Jonathan Gardner, MD, FACC, is a general cardiologist at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center who treats patients for a wide range of heart-related disorders, from preventative care to advanced heart failure. He is board-certified in general cardiology and nuclear cardiology.
  
  As a general cardiologist, Dr. Gardner’s approach is highly informed by his extensive experience in advanced heart failure. As part of his training, he completed a fellowship in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. He brings his knowledge of these specialties and a holistic perspective to his general cardiology clinic, providing exceptional care to his patients.
  
  According to Dr. Gardner, cardiovascular medicine requires a teamwork mentality that includes not only the patient but also the referring physicians and other medical professionals involved. He is passionate about advocating for all his patients when it comes to cardiovascular care—educating his patients, especially young people, on how to prevent future heart complications and actively treating heart issues when they occur in patients of all ages. He prides himself in being highly skilled in treating advanced heart failure patients as well as having a down-to-earth bedside manner.
  
  Dr. Gardner’s clinical interests revolve around preventative and after-care practices that reduce recidivism in advanced heart failure patients with comorbidities.
  
  Dr. Gardner has had exposure to multiple communities and demographics. He looks forward to leveraging the resources and collaborative expertise of the larger hospital system and the team of professionals at MedStar.
  
  Dr. Gardner obtained his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine Dominica, West Indies, where he was class president and graduated with honors. Following graduation, he went on to complete his internship and residency in internal medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, where he was Chief Resident. Next, he was a general cardiology fellow at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Lastly, he obtained a fellowship in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center.
  
  He is a professional member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, the American Society of Echocardiography, and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT).
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My philosophy of care is a team-based approach. No one can do this alone, and as physicians and medical professionals, we must work together to serve our patients. I am passionate about my work and can’t see myself doing anything else. While my journey hasn’t always been easy, I believe that success can be obtained through perseverance and hard work. My promise to my patients is that I will work with them until we get things right and they are living a fulfilled life.”
  
  “When patients meet with me, they can expect someone who works closely with them and encourages them towards success. Referring physicians should know that I enjoy being a team player and am always available to consult and collaborate for the betterment of our patients.”
  
  “Finally, family is extremely important to me, so I would like to thank my parents, my grandparents, my brother, my uncle Luis, and most importantly, my wife for supporting my journey in medicine. I would also like to dedicate my care to my baby girl.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Houston Methodist Hospital
  Residency: University of Tennessee College of Medicine
  Residency: Medical College of Georgia
  Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
- MedStar Health: Heart and Vascular at MedStar Shah Medical Group at Prince Frederick
  
  130 Hospital Rd.
  Suite 300
  Prince Frederick, MD 20678
  
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  Meena Shah, MD
  
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  Meena Shah, MD
  
  Meena Shah received her BA from Johns Hopkins University, Maryland in 2001, her MPH from Boston University in 2002 and her MD from University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2006. She is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiology. Her main focus is in preventative cardiology, early intervention, and women's health.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown GME
  Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Waldorf
  
  10 St. Patrick's Dr.
  Waldorf, MD 20603
  
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  Tarana Nekzad, MD
  
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  Tarana Nekzad, MD
  
  Tarana Nekzad, DO, is a cardiologist at MedStar Cardiology Associates at Brandywine. She is board certified in internal medicine, adult echocardiography, cardiovascular nuclear medicine, and cardiovascular medicine. She also holds a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) certification.
  
  As a general cardiologist, Dr. Nekzad focuses on risk stratification, prevention, and management of the full spectrum of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery, valvular, peripheral arterial, and aortic diseases.
  
  At her previous practice in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Nekzad gained experience with a wide scope of patients and pathology, including high-acuity cases, and a broad range of demographics and health literacy. As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, she is trained to emphasize patient-focused care, and therefore pays close attention to each person’s unique situation and circumstance, while offering guideline-based treatment plans.
  
  Throughout her training at Michigan State University, Dr. Nekzad was consistently recognized for her clinical skills and leadership strengths. She was named chief intern and most outstanding first year resident, hospital chief resident, and cardiology chief fellow.
  
  Dr. Nekzad is a member of the American College of Cardiology, the American Society of Echocardiography, and the American College of Physicians.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “One of my favorite things about my work is the opportunity for patient advocacy and patient education. It’s an integral part of holistic care that often gets overlooked. I practice empathy and active listening, while learning about each patient’s life. My patients know that my office is a safe space where their concerns will be heard. I help them fully understand their disease, and we talk about their diagnosis and how we can reduce their risk of adverse events. I love to help patients take charge of their health, and feel motivated and empowered.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Beaumont Hospital Farmington Hills
  Residency: Beaumont Hospital Farmington Hills
  Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Jay Patel, MD
  
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  Alexander Ryzhikov, MD
  
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  Alexander Ryzhikov, MD
  
  Dr. Alex Ryzhikov earned his medical degree at the Weill Corner Medical College in New York and completed his residency program at Yale University Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. Dr. Ryzhikov then went on to complete his fellowship at Georgetown Washington Hospital Center. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology, and Echocardiography. In his spare time, Alex enjoys traveling, playing sports, and spending time with his family.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Yale New Haven Medical Center Waterbury
  Medical School: Weill Medical College of Cornell University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Sonia Samtani, MD
  
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  Sonia Samtani, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of California
  Residency: University of California Irvine
  Fellowship: University of California Irvine
  Residency: Georgetown University Hospital
  Medical School: George Washington University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Frederick
  
  310 West 9th Street
  Frederick, MD 21701
  
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  Kusay Barakat, MD
  
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  Kusay Barakat, MD
  
  Education:
  Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Fellowship: Maryland General Hospital
  Residency: University of Maryland
  Residency: Good Samaritan Hospital
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Shawn Buki, MD
  
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  Shawn Buki, MD
  
  Education:
  Residency: Boston Medical Center
  Medical School: Robert Wood Johnson Med School
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Sana Shah, MD
  
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  Sana Shah, MD
  
  Education:
  Residency: Emory University
  Medical School: New York University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  David Yu, MD
  
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  David Yu, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
  Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Bel Air
  
  12 MedStar Blvd.
  Suite 170
  Baltimore, MD 21225
  
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  Ebony Alston, MD
  
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  Ebony Alston, MD
  
  Ebony Alston, MD is a cardiologist with MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.
  
  Dr. Alston treats patients with coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, high cholesterol, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. She has a particular interest in, and emphasizes much of her practice on, preventive cardiology.
  
  Dr. Alston seeks to understand the whole patient—integrating lifestyle modifications with medical therapies to develop an individualized cardiovascular treatment plan. Trained in naturopathic medicine, Dr. Alston offers a unique background and perspective when treating her patients. She works to optimize each patient’s cardiovascular health by incorporating evidence based medicines, cardiovascular tests, diet, exercise, and stress reduction regimens.
  
  Dr. Alston views her relationship with patients as a partnership. She places great importance on getting to know each patient and discussing their individual concerns so that she can provide them the most appropriate tools to help them become healthier individuals.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Drexel College of Medicine Hahnemann University Hospital
  Residency: Cleveland Clinic
  Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
  Medical School: Bastyr University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Rahul Anand, MD
  
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  Rahul Anand, MD
  
  Rahul Anand, MD is a fellowship-trained cardiologist with the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. He is board-certified in echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine.
  
  Dr. Anand treats patients with a wide range of cardiovascular issues including coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, high cholesterol, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.
  
  It is important to Dr. Anand that he treats and understands each patient as a whole, and not just their disease. Communication with his patients is paramount to understanding each person along with their individual circumstances.
  
  Dr. Anand values his relationship with referring physicians and enjoys collaborating with them and providing ongoing communications about mutual patients.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Mount Sinai Beth Israel
  Residency: Bronxcare Health System
  Fellowship: Medical College of Georgia Hospital
  Medical School: University College of Medical Sciences-Delhi
- MedStar Health: Bethesda-Cardiology Associates
  
  6410 Rocklege Dr.
  Suite 401
  Bethesda, MD 20817
  
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  Kenneth Lee, MD
  
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  Kenneth Lee, MD
  
  Kenneth Lee, MD, is a general consultative cardiologist in private practice and Facility Managing Director at the Lafayette Center Office for MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. He specializes in seeing patients who are at risk of cardiovascular disease in addition to individuals who have been diagnosed with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cardiac rhythm disturbances, heart failure, and coronary artery disease, among other cardiovascular conditions. He takes special interest in the prevention and treatment of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
  
  Prior to joining MedStar, Dr. Lee performed complex procedures such as angioplasties and cardiac catheterizations for more than 35 years in private practice. Now, he is passionate about helping patients understand their role in their overall health and cardiovascular health and how they can prevent the development of certain cardiovascular diseases.
  
  Dr. Lee focuses on a partnership approach with each patient and their family that stresses the prevention of cardiovascular disease by being proactive regarding cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and smoking, in addition to the management of ongoing cardiovascular issues.
  
  After receiving his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School, Dr. Lee completed an internal medicine internship at Portsmouth Naval Regional Medical Center. He then completed a residency in internal medicine at Bethesda National Naval Medical Center. Following this training, he served as White House Physician to President Ronald Reagan.
  
  Dr. Lee served as regimental surgeon with the U.S. Marines in Okinawa, Japan, before continuing his training in cardiology. Upon his return, he completed a general cardiology fellowship and a specialty fellowship in interventional cardiology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Lee has been recognized for his excellence in patient care and has been named a “Top Doctor” by Washingtonian magazine and Washington Checkbook magazine for the past 20 years.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “There’s no one rigid approach to healthcare management—each treatment plan has to be individualized in order to achieve the best results for each patient. My philosophy is to work with my patients to tailor treatments to their specific needs, as opposed to having them fit into a mold or a guideline of treatment.
  
  I take pride in my ability to explain medical terminology in a way that eliminates intimidation and helps patients obtain a clear understanding of their condition and their treatment options. It’s important to me that my patients feel as though they can approach me with questions and that they are part of the decision-making process regarding treatment, rather than feeling they are having a decision dictated to them.
  
  I’m fully accessible to referring physicians and do my best to communicate results as soon as I have them available.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Walter Reed National Medical Center GME
  Internship: Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
  Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  S. Zyad Qamer, MD
  
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  S. Zyad Qamer, MD
  
  Zyad Qamer, MD, is a cardiologist with clinical expertise in general cardiology, cardio-oncology, and cardiac amyloidosis. He is board-certified in internal medicine, general cardiology, cardio-oncology, echocardiography, and cardiovascular computed tomography (CT). He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the International Cardio-Oncology Society.
  
  Dr. Qamer practices general cardiology and cardio-oncology and treats patients for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, and the intersection of cancer and heart disease. His holistic and comprehensive treatment approach utilizes the most up-to-date imaging, lifestyle changes, and evidence-based medical therapies to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiovascular diseases.
  
  He has particular expertise in cardio-oncology and cardiac amyloidosis, completing additional training at Washington University School of Medicine. During his training sponsored in part by the National Amyloidosis Foundation, he gained extensive experience caring for cancer patients at the Siteman Cancer Center, working closely with oncologists to prevent and manage heart conditions related to cancer therapies as well as ATTR and AL amyloidosis. For patients with cardiac amyloidosis, he actively explores early clinical diagnosis and ensures they receive optimal, evidence-based treatment and clinical trial opportunities.
  
  Dr. Qamer completed his medical degree and his internal medicine residency at Georgetown University Hospital, where he received multiple awards, including the Edward Tsou, MD, Medical Humanities Award, the Kandavelan Viswalingham Award for Clinical Excellence, and first place at the 2019 Internal Medicine Research Day. He then pursued a cardiovascular disease fellowship at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington Hospital Center, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on general cardiology, cardiac critical care, and echocardiography. Following his general cardiology training, Dr. Qamer completed a dedicated advanced fellowship in cardio-oncology and amyloidosis at Washington University School of Medicine, sponsored by the National Amyloidosis Foundation.
  
  After completing his advanced fellowship, Dr. Qamer stayed on as faculty at Washington University School of Medicine as an Assistant Professor within the Division of Cardiology. He held a dual appointment within the Department of Medicine and the Siteman Cancer Center. He was awarded the Charles Reiss Award for Excellence in Teaching by the cardiology fellows for the 2024–2025 academic year. He was also a sub-investigator for multiple amyloidosis clinical trials and helped co-direct the biannual Washington University Amyloidosis Conference.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “It is my privilege to care for patients suffering from cardiovascular disorders and cancer. I strive to do what is best for them and their heart health to help them receive their cancer treatment. My patients know that I take the time to listen and thoroughly understand their concerns and issues.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Georgetown University School of Medicine GME
  Residency: Georgetown University School of Medicine GME
  Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
  
  Reed Shnider, MD
  
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  Reed Shnider, MD
  
  Dr. Reed M. Shnider, MD, is a Senior Administrative Partner and Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Services at the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. He treats hypertension, valvular heart disease, dyslipidemia, heart rhythm disturbance including atrial fibrillation, autonomic dysfunction, and adult and adolescent congenital heart disease, as well as evaluating chest pain.
  
  Taking an integrative approach to treatment, Dr. Shnider offers a holistic perspective. In this approach, he weaves conventional and alternative medicine into a cardiovascular wellness program that includes diet, exercise, stress management, lipid management, and blood pressure control. His goal is to help each patient optimize lifestyle to reduce cardiovascular risk.
  
  Dr. Shnider’s clinical interests focus on wellness coaching and nutrition for cardiovascular patients. Collaborating with a dietitian and an exercise physiologist, he has helped implement group nutritional and exercise programs for cardiovascular patients, offering lifestyle modification in a group environment. Dr. Shnider also enjoys learning about naturopathic medicine.
  
  In yearly trips to Africa, Dr. Shnider volunteers with a health center in Tanzania. There, he treats patients with HIV-related heart disease, congestive heart failure, infections, trauma, and other conditions. He also trains the clinic’s doctors on how to perform echocardiograms and other diagnostic tests.
  
  Dr. Shnider received his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in cardiology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
  
  Dr. Shnider speaks English and Hebrew and is learning Swahili. Outside of his work as a cardiologist, Dr. Shnider wrote a children’s book about Rusty, the red panda, who escaped from the DC Zoo.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I try to help people come to grips with, and to be accepting of, the uncertainty of life. What changes can patients make to lead healthier lives while also enjoying their lives more? I want to help the patient to accept what they can change and not let their fear interfere with their enjoyment of life. I try to tailor lifestyle changes to each individual so their own values and beliefs aren’t compromised.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship : George Washington University Hospital
  Residency : George Washington University Hospital
  Medical School: Georgetown University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Chevy Chase
  
  8401 Connecticut Ave.
  Suite PH
  Chevy Chase, MD 20815
  
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  Estelle Jean, MD
  
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  Estelle Jean, MD
  
  Estelle Darlyse Jean, MD, is a board-certified non-invasive cardiologist with MedStar Cardiology Associates at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. She is also responsible for representing and leading the women’s heart disease initiative at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center’s Women’s Health Program. Dr. Jean treats a full spectrum of cardiac disorders, with a primary focus on preventative interventions, cardiac sarcoid, women’s cardiology, and pregnancy-related cardiovascular conditions. As part of her specialization in cardiology for pregnant female patients, Dr. Jean works closely with obstetricians to manage cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia during pregnancy.
  
  The most common procedures performed by Dr. Jean include transesophageal echocardiograms, direct current cardioversions, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms. She interprets these tests alongside a full range of exercise treadmill stress tests, stress echocardiograms, nuclear stress tests, event monitors, Holter monitors, and vascular studies (including carotid ultrasounds, abdominal ultrasounds, and lower arterial duplex ultrasounds) in order to understand her patient’s current condition and provide an accurate diagnosis.
  
  Dr. Jean’s clinical and research interests focus on prevention and heart disease in women. She believes strongly in community-based medicine and improving health in the community through education, something she tries to accomplish through her professional Facebook page where she posts articles and updates on cardiovascular health and disease while facilitating interaction with her patients. Within the hospital, she also participates in discussions dealing with early screening, prevention, and women’s health.
  
  Dr. Jean received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, followed by a residency program in Internal Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. She then completed a joint fellowship program in cardiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I believe in patient-centered care, always. This means that as a physician, I include patients at the center of the decision-making process — educating them, informing them of their options, and recommending the best available solutions. It’s important to me to always maintain this emphasis on education and a team-based approach to improving cardiovascular outcomes.”
  
  Education:
  Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital
  Medical School: University Of Medicine & Dentistry Of New Jersey
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Robert Lager, MD
  
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  Robert Lager, MD
  
  Robert Lager, MD, is a clinical cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He serves as Physician Lead of MedStar Cardiology Associates, a 43-physician cardiology group at MedStar Health. He is Director of MedStar Ambulatory Services for the Southern region of the MedStar Health system, which includes the District of Columbia and Southern Maryland. Dr. Lager worked as an interventional cardiologist for 20 years and has performed over 10,000 cardiac catheterizations. He has served as a national proctor for Abbott and Medtronic, training physicians from around the nation how to perform the transradial wrist approach for catheterization. In addition, he has trained many cardiology fellows in the interventional cardiology fellowship program at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and contributed as a clinical investigator in multiple interventional cardiology research studies involving new devices and interventional techniques.
  
  Dr. Lager specializes in conditions related to coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and structural heart disease. He also sees patients for hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and cholesterol disorders, with a strong interest in preventive cardiovascular medicine.
  
  Dr. Lager received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania before completing his internship and residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital. He then completed a general cardiology and interventional cardiology fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, as well as a fellowship in vascular medicine at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital of Boston. Throughout his fellowship training, Dr. Lager served as Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Lager appreciates referrals from physicians and hospital centers for patients with all types of cardiac problems, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and cholesterol disorders. When not practicing cardiology, Dr. Lager enjoys regular exercise with his family and pursues his passion for travel.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  
  “I live by the golden rule that I treat patients like I would treat my family members or treat myself. I have found that this simple rule has guided me along my journey to develop an empathetic and patient-centered practice.”
  
  “Patients have better outcomes when they are informed and educated. For this reason, I’m very much about communication and transparency. An educated patient is generally a healthy patient. I also ask patients to take ownership of their care and urge them to live a healthy lifestyle.”
  
  “Empathy and taking the time to listen are a big part of my practice. The history and the story that one gets by listening to the patient are as valuable as any objective testing that we do. Above all, I want each of my patients to feel that they are my only patient.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
  Fellowship: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  Fellowship: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital
  Medical School: University of Pennsylvania
  
  Certifcation and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Alyssa Zaidi, MD
  
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  Alyssa Zaidi, MD
  
  Alyssa Zaidi, MD, is a non-invasive general cardiologist at MedStar Health Lafayette Centre and MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She treats the full spectrum of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, valvular disease, and arrhythmias. Her special interests include clinical lipidology, cardio-obstetrics, and multimodality cardiac imaging.
  
  Board-certified in echocardiography and a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation, Dr. Zaidi uses echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and vascular imaging to provide comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans.
  
  As a diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology, Dr. Zaidi provides advanced preventative cardiovascular care, collaborating with the National Lipid Association. She is also active in the American College of Cardiology’s Cardio-Obstetrics group and has contributed to consensus statements. Her research centers on preventive cardiology guidelines and access to care.
  
  Dr. Zaidi earned her medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society and received the Dr. Charles Schnall Alumni Award for Clinical Excellence. She completed her internal medicine residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she also completed her fellowship in cardiovascular disease, earning the Miriam and Harold Steinberg Family Fellowship Award for research excellence.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “As a cardiologist, I believe it's my responsibility to fully educate and guide my patients while respecting their values and goals. My patients can count on me to be honest, attentive, and committed to helping them make informed decisions. They should know that I care deeply and want them to feel safe, supported, and confident in their care.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell
  Residency: New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell
  Medical School: Temple University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology Associates at Gaithersburg
  
  12111 Darnestown Rd.
  Suite A
  Gaithersburg, MD 20878
  
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  Stuart Gould, MD
  
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  Stuart Gould, MD
  
  Stuart Gould, MD, is a board-certified general cardiologist with MedStar Cardiology Associates at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. He is also Physician Safety Officer and currently sits on the Credentialing Committee at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center.
  
  Dr. Gould sees patients for all cardiac diseases, including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, orthostatic hypotension, and neurocardiogenic syncope, among others. His sub-specialties focus on cardiac imaging, including nuclear stress tests, echocardiography, and vascular testing. He performs diagnostic and treatment procedures such as transesophageal echocardiograms and cardioversions.
  
  Dr. Gould places emphasis on the prevention of cardiovascular disease. His clinical interests involve helping people prevent cardiovascular disease by treating risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress, and anxiety, in addition to promoting exercise and healthy eating. He is also passionate about helping people who have neurocardiogenic syncope to prevent fainting spells.
  
  He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Michigan. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Dr. Gould completed an internal medicine residency and general cardiology fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he also served as Chief Resident.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I prioritize patient-centered care that focuses on the needs of my patients and their families by providing individualized diagnostic and therapeutic care for cardiovascular disease. This includes screening patients for cardiovascular disease and helping them treat and diagnose any cardiovascular risk factors that may predispose them to developing heart disease.”
  
  “Being a family man with a wife and three children, I cherish the importance of including families in the process of care. I want to provide the best cardiovascular care available for my patients, making sure that they and their families understand the disease process as well as how we can effectively co-manage and co-treat it. I make sure that I am always available to address any issues and concerns that my patients or their family members have.”
  
  “As a third generation Washingtonian, I have built a strong community of friends and family. I am proud to provide health care that improves the quality of life for my patients and their community. I like to contribute in other ways as well, and am very active within the Olney community by volunteering with various organizations.”
  
  “I have an open door policy with referring physicians and prioritize seeing referral patients in a timely manner.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology Associates at Leisure World
  
  3305 North Leisure World Boulevard
  Silver Spring, MD 20906
  
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  Robert Gallino, MD
  
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  Robert Gallino, MD
  
  Robert Gallino, MD, is an interventional cardiologist and is board certified in cardiovascular disease. He formerly acted as Director of Peripheral Vascular Interventions at George Washington University Hospital. He currently serves as the Trainer of Interventional Fellows at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Georgetown University Medical School. He is a member of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia and the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland.
  
  Dr. Gallino specializes in treating chronic total occlusions of the coronary arteries. He sees patients for blockages of the coronary arteries that lead to angina and heart attacks. He also treats arterial disease of the legs that can lead to claudication and non-healing ulcers.
  
  Dr. Gallino graduated with honors from Creighton University School of Medicine. He then completed his internship, residency, and chief residency training at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He remained there to complete fellowship training in cardiology, interventional cardiology, and peripheral angiography and interventions. Since 1993 and in the ensuing years, Dr. Gallino has been named a Washingtonian Top Doctor. He also published a chapter on Crossing SFA Occlusions in the publication Peripheral Artery Disease by Robert Dieter.
  
  Dr. Gallino has traveled the world performing interventional techniques for the treatment of complex coronary and peripheral arterial disease. He has taken the stage in China, Japan, Poland, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy to perform these procedures. While teaching physicians in Japan how to treat blockages through the use of a laser, he learned how to perform interventional procedures from the wrist using a transradial approach. Dr. Gallino uses this knowledge to lead the teaching program at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he teaches cardiology fellows interventional techniques.
  
  Dr. Gallino continues to consult with contacts he has made globally throughout the years. He continually improves his techniques by teaching as well as learning from other physicians. When not refining his procedural techniques, Dr. Gallino tests golf clubs for Golf Magazine. He is also a die-hard Yankees and New York Giants fan.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I strive to find a common bond with my patients. Connecting with each other enhances the interaction and leads to better outcomes. I continue to feel honored that people allow me to help care for their loved ones.
  
  Patients often thank us for all that we have given them through the extension of their life experiences, but their successes fuel and motivate us in the care of others. For that, I thank them.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Internship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Stuart Gould, MD
  
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  Stuart Gould, MD
  
  Stuart Gould, MD, is a board-certified general cardiologist with MedStar Cardiology Associates at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. He is also Physician Safety Officer and currently sits on the Credentialing Committee at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center.
  
  Dr. Gould sees patients for all cardiac diseases, including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, orthostatic hypotension, and neurocardiogenic syncope, among others. His sub-specialties focus on cardiac imaging, including nuclear stress tests, echocardiography, and vascular testing. He performs diagnostic and treatment procedures such as transesophageal echocardiograms and cardioversions.
  
  Dr. Gould places emphasis on the prevention of cardiovascular disease. His clinical interests involve helping people prevent cardiovascular disease by treating risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress, and anxiety, in addition to promoting exercise and healthy eating. He is also passionate about helping people who have neurocardiogenic syncope to prevent fainting spells.
  
  He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Michigan. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Dr. Gould completed an internal medicine residency and general cardiology fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he also served as Chief Resident.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I prioritize patient-centered care that focuses on the needs of my patients and their families by providing individualized diagnostic and therapeutic care for cardiovascular disease. This includes screening patients for cardiovascular disease and helping them treat and diagnose any cardiovascular risk factors that may predispose them to developing heart disease.”
  
  “Being a family man with a wife and three children, I cherish the importance of including families in the process of care. I want to provide the best cardiovascular care available for my patients, making sure that they and their families understand the disease process as well as how we can effectively co-manage and co-treat it. I make sure that I am always available to address any issues and concerns that my patients or their family members have.”
  
  “As a third generation Washingtonian, I have built a strong community of friends and family. I am proud to provide health care that improves the quality of life for my patients and their community. I like to contribute in other ways as well, and am very active within the Olney community by volunteering with various organizations.”
  
  “I have an open door policy with referring physicians and prioritize seeing referral patients in a timely manner.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Estelle Jean, MD
  
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  Estelle Jean, MD
  
  Estelle Darlyse Jean, MD, is a board-certified non-invasive cardiologist with MedStar Cardiology Associates at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. She is also responsible for representing and leading the women’s heart disease initiative at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center’s Women’s Health Program. Dr. Jean treats a full spectrum of cardiac disorders, with a primary focus on preventative interventions, cardiac sarcoid, women’s cardiology, and pregnancy-related cardiovascular conditions. As part of her specialization in cardiology for pregnant female patients, Dr. Jean works closely with obstetricians to manage cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia during pregnancy.
  
  The most common procedures performed by Dr. Jean include transesophageal echocardiograms, direct current cardioversions, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms. She interprets these tests alongside a full range of exercise treadmill stress tests, stress echocardiograms, nuclear stress tests, event monitors, Holter monitors, and vascular studies (including carotid ultrasounds, abdominal ultrasounds, and lower arterial duplex ultrasounds) in order to understand her patient’s current condition and provide an accurate diagnosis.
  
  Dr. Jean’s clinical and research interests focus on prevention and heart disease in women. She believes strongly in community-based medicine and improving health in the community through education, something she tries to accomplish through her professional Facebook page where she posts articles and updates on cardiovascular health and disease while facilitating interaction with her patients. Within the hospital, she also participates in discussions dealing with early screening, prevention, and women’s health.
  
  Dr. Jean received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, followed by a residency program in Internal Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. She then completed a joint fellowship program in cardiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I believe in patient-centered care, always. This means that as a physician, I include patients at the center of the decision-making process — educating them, informing them of their options, and recommending the best available solutions. It’s important to me to always maintain this emphasis on education and a team-based approach to improving cardiovascular outcomes.”
  
  Education:
  Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital
  Medical School: University Of Medicine & Dentistry Of New Jersey
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
  
  18101 Prince Philip Drive
  Suite 4100
  Olney, MD 20832
  
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  Stuart Gould, MD
  
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  Stuart Gould, MD
  
  Stuart Gould, MD, is a board-certified general cardiologist with MedStar Cardiology Associates at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. He is also Physician Safety Officer and currently sits on the Credentialing Committee at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center.
  
  Dr. Gould sees patients for all cardiac diseases, including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, orthostatic hypotension, and neurocardiogenic syncope, among others. His sub-specialties focus on cardiac imaging, including nuclear stress tests, echocardiography, and vascular testing. He performs diagnostic and treatment procedures such as transesophageal echocardiograms and cardioversions.
  
  Dr. Gould places emphasis on the prevention of cardiovascular disease. His clinical interests involve helping people prevent cardiovascular disease by treating risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress, and anxiety, in addition to promoting exercise and healthy eating. He is also passionate about helping people who have neurocardiogenic syncope to prevent fainting spells.
  
  He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Michigan. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Dr. Gould completed an internal medicine residency and general cardiology fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he also served as Chief Resident.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I prioritize patient-centered care that focuses on the needs of my patients and their families by providing individualized diagnostic and therapeutic care for cardiovascular disease. This includes screening patients for cardiovascular disease and helping them treat and diagnose any cardiovascular risk factors that may predispose them to developing heart disease.”
  
  “Being a family man with a wife and three children, I cherish the importance of including families in the process of care. I want to provide the best cardiovascular care available for my patients, making sure that they and their families understand the disease process as well as how we can effectively co-manage and co-treat it. I make sure that I am always available to address any issues and concerns that my patients or their family members have.”
  
  “As a third generation Washingtonian, I have built a strong community of friends and family. I am proud to provide health care that improves the quality of life for my patients and their community. I like to contribute in other ways as well, and am very active within the Olney community by volunteering with various organizations.”
  
  “I have an open door policy with referring physicians and prioritize seeing referral patients in a timely manner.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Estelle Jean, MD
  
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  Estelle Jean, MD
  
  Estelle Darlyse Jean, MD, is a board-certified non-invasive cardiologist with MedStar Cardiology Associates at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. She is also responsible for representing and leading the women’s heart disease initiative at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center’s Women’s Health Program. Dr. Jean treats a full spectrum of cardiac disorders, with a primary focus on preventative interventions, cardiac sarcoid, women’s cardiology, and pregnancy-related cardiovascular conditions. As part of her specialization in cardiology for pregnant female patients, Dr. Jean works closely with obstetricians to manage cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia during pregnancy.
  
  The most common procedures performed by Dr. Jean include transesophageal echocardiograms, direct current cardioversions, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms. She interprets these tests alongside a full range of exercise treadmill stress tests, stress echocardiograms, nuclear stress tests, event monitors, Holter monitors, and vascular studies (including carotid ultrasounds, abdominal ultrasounds, and lower arterial duplex ultrasounds) in order to understand her patient’s current condition and provide an accurate diagnosis.
  
  Dr. Jean’s clinical and research interests focus on prevention and heart disease in women. She believes strongly in community-based medicine and improving health in the community through education, something she tries to accomplish through her professional Facebook page where she posts articles and updates on cardiovascular health and disease while facilitating interaction with her patients. Within the hospital, she also participates in discussions dealing with early screening, prevention, and women’s health.
  
  Dr. Jean received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, followed by a residency program in Internal Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. She then completed a joint fellowship program in cardiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I believe in patient-centered care, always. This means that as a physician, I include patients at the center of the decision-making process — educating them, informing them of their options, and recommending the best available solutions. It’s important to me to always maintain this emphasis on education and a team-based approach to improving cardiovascular outcomes.”
  
  Education:
  Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital
  Medical School: University Of Medicine & Dentistry Of New Jersey
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Minhal Makshood, MD
  
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  Minhal Makshood, MD
  
  Minhal Makshood, MD, is a board-certified general and preventive cardiologist at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. She treats a broad spectrum of cardiovascular conditions, with particular expertise in women’s health and cardio-obstetrics.
  
  Dr. Makshood focuses on preventing and managing cardiovascular disease in both men and women. Her approach is comprehensive and personalized, integrating lifestyle changes such as exercise, stress management, and nutrition with evidence-based therapies and advanced diagnostic tools. She offers individualized and culturally sensitive counseling to support sustainable changes that promote long-term heart health. With Level III training in echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography, she performs and interprets advanced cardiac imaging with precision, ensuring accurate diagnoses and informed treatment decisions.
  
  A specialist in women’s cardiovascular health and cardio-obstetrics, Dr. Makshood is deeply committed to improving outcomes for women across the reproductive lifespan, particularly in addressing the rising rates of maternal morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease. She counsels women with pre-existing cardiac disease on the safety of pregnancy and provides close monitoring before, after, and during pregnancy, including guiding labor and delivery and postpartum care. In collaboration with maternal-fetal physicians, she treats a wide variety of pregnancy-related cardiac conditions such as preeclampsia, hypertensive disorders, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy of various etiologies. Overall, Dr. Makshood has a unique understanding of the presentation of cardiac disease in women and how hormonal changes, particularly in menopause, affect cardiac risk.
  
  Dr. Makshood’s research centers on pregnancy-related cardiovascular disease and ethnic disparities in heart health. She is especially passionate about reducing risk factors in South Asian populations, who are disproportionately affected by premature coronary artery disease. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular Risk Reports, and JACC: Case Reports, and she has presented at international conferences, including the Cardiac Problems in Pregnancy (CPP) meeting.
  
  Dr. Makshood completed her medical training at Albany Medical College, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. She then did her residency at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she was selected to serve as Chief Resident. After her residency, she completed a three-year general cardiology fellowship with specialized training in women’s health and cardio-obstetrics. She went on to complete a one-year advanced fellowship in advanced imaging with a focus on echocardiography and nuclear imaging.
  
  Throughout her career, Dr. Makshood has been recognized for her clinical excellence, research contributions, outstanding character, and integrity. She received the Lou and Nancy Endowed Research Fellowship to support her research during her fellowship at Johns Hopkins and the Hynson Howell Marwell, Jr. Scholarship for embodying qualities such as respect and dedication to helping others from diverse backgrounds.
  
  She is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Cardiology, the American Society of Echocardiography, and the American Heart Association.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I believe that every patient, regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status, or background, deserves compassionate, personalized, and high-quality cardiovascular care. My guiding philosophy centers on health equity, cultural humility, and patient empowerment, with a particular commitment to addressing the unique cardiovascular risks faced by women, especially during and after pregnancy, and by racially marginalized communities.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  Residency: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center-GME/Registrar
  Medical School: Albany Medical College
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Reed Shnider, MD
  
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  Reed Shnider, MD
  
  Dr. Reed M. Shnider, MD, is a Senior Administrative Partner and Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Services at the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. He treats hypertension, valvular heart disease, dyslipidemia, heart rhythm disturbance including atrial fibrillation, autonomic dysfunction, and adult and adolescent congenital heart disease, as well as evaluating chest pain.
  
  Taking an integrative approach to treatment, Dr. Shnider offers a holistic perspective. In this approach, he weaves conventional and alternative medicine into a cardiovascular wellness program that includes diet, exercise, stress management, lipid management, and blood pressure control. His goal is to help each patient optimize lifestyle to reduce cardiovascular risk.
  
  Dr. Shnider’s clinical interests focus on wellness coaching and nutrition for cardiovascular patients. Collaborating with a dietitian and an exercise physiologist, he has helped implement group nutritional and exercise programs for cardiovascular patients, offering lifestyle modification in a group environment. Dr. Shnider also enjoys learning about naturopathic medicine.
  
  In yearly trips to Africa, Dr. Shnider volunteers with a health center in Tanzania. There, he treats patients with HIV-related heart disease, congestive heart failure, infections, trauma, and other conditions. He also trains the clinic’s doctors on how to perform echocardiograms and other diagnostic tests.
  
  Dr. Shnider received his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in cardiology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
  
  Dr. Shnider speaks English and Hebrew and is learning Swahili. Outside of his work as a cardiologist, Dr. Shnider wrote a children’s book about Rusty, the red panda, who escaped from the DC Zoo.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I try to help people come to grips with, and to be accepting of, the uncertainty of life. What changes can patients make to lead healthier lives while also enjoying their lives more? I want to help the patient to accept what they can change and not let their fear interfere with their enjoyment of life. I try to tailor lifestyle changes to each individual so their own values and beliefs aren’t compromised.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship : George Washington University Hospital
  Residency : George Washington University Hospital
  Medical School: Georgetown University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Richard Weinstein, MD
  
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  Richard Weinstein, MD
  
  Richard Weinstein, MD, FACC, is a cardiologist who provides diagnostics and treatment of general heart conditions and specializes in non-invasive testing, nuclear cardiology, and transesophageal echocardiography. He is board certified by the American College of Cardiology and the American Board of Internal Medicine.
  
  As a long-time leader at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, Dr. Weinstein serves as the hospital’s Director of Echocardiography, Associate Medical Director of Quality, and Chairman of the Peer Review Committee.
  
  Dr. Weinstein’s philosophy of care is “I strive to partner with each of my patients, serving as a consultant in their lifelong healthcare journey.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Residency: George Washington University Hospital
  Internship: George Washington University Hospital
  Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology Associates at Bowie
  
  4175 North Hanson Court
  Suite 100
  Bowie, MD 20716
  
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  Bolanle Akinyele, MD
  
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  Bolanle Akinyele, MD
  
  Bolanle Akinyele, MD, MPH, FACC, is a non-invasive cardiologist at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. She is board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and advanced echocardiography.
  
  Dr. Akinyele sees patients with a wide range of cardiovascular diagnoses including coronary heart disease, rhythm disturbances, and also provides preventive cardiovascular care. She has a special interest in advanced echocardiography and structural heart disease.
  
  Dr. Akinyele received her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine.
  
  During her time there, she served as co-director of The New Freedmen’s Clinic, a free, student-run, attending supervised clinic–the largest student-driven community initiative at Howard College of Medicine. Dr. Akinyele then completed her internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where she also served as chief resident. Following this, Dr. Akinyele pursued advanced training through fellowships in cardiology and advanced echocardiography at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
  
  Growing up in Nigeria and during her training, Dr. Akinyele recognized the value of quality healthcare and developed a passion for expanding healthcare access and addressing cardiovascular health disparities. Thus, during her fellowship training, she completed the Master of Public Health program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with certificates in global health, healthcare disparities and health equity. She brings that passion to the care of her local patients and to the international cardiovascular health nonprofit with which she remains involved.
  
  Philosophy of Care
  
  “I am a wife and mother of three and I bring my ‘mom-self’ to work. I take care of each patient as if they were family, and believe in treating the person, not just the disease. I aim to provide each patient with compassionate care, clear and candid information while respecting their decisions for treatment.
  
  I believe in excellence – in being complete and providing thorough care. I am also committed to mutual partnerships with referring physicians, offering transparent, ongoing communication to determine the best plan for their patients.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  Graduate: John Hopkins University Bloomberg School Of Public Health
  Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  Medical School: Howard University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Valeriani Bead, MD
  
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  Valeriani Bead, MD
  
  Dr. Bead is a board-certified cardiologist who is Level II trained in nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. He has extensive experience in preventive care, nuclear imaging techniques for testing of heart functioning, stress echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and electrocardiogram and echocardiogram interpretation.
  
  His research has been published in medical journals such as Heart and The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, and he serves as lead investigator and co-investigator on several clinical trials through the MedStar Research Institute.
  
  Dr. Bead is also an award-winning speaker who has presented on general and preventive cardiology at national medical conferences and local and state meetings.
  
  Patient-doctor communication is very important to Dr. Bead. He makes himself available to patients through email and a dedicated phone line. He believes in working closely with his patients and their referring physicians to ensure that all understand the patient’s cardiac risks and outcomes, and overall plan for patient care.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Johns Hopkins Hospital
  Residency: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
  Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Jefferey Chilcote, MD
  
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  Jefferey Chilcote, MD
  
  Jeff Chilcote, MD, is a board-certified cardiovascular physician practicing at MedStar Health Cardiology at Annapolis and MedStar Health Cardiology at Bowie. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Physicians, and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society.
  
  With a special interest in heart failure medicine, Dr. Chilcote treats the entire spectrum of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, lipid disorders, valvular heart disease, and arrhythmias.
  
  Dr. Chilcote’s approach combines medical therapy, preventive strategies, and advanced imaging, including echocardiography and nuclear cardiology, to deliver evidence-based, personalized treatment plans. He emphasizes educating patients in healthy lifestyle choices to reduce and prevent long-term cardiovascular risk and disease. Dr. Chilcote is known for his excellent bedside manner and strives to implement the best approach for each patient.
  
  He has researched heart failure and advanced treatment strategies that improve patients' quality of life and outcomes and published in several peer-reviewed journals, such as the Journal of Cardiac Failure. In his practice, Dr. Chilcote strives to expand access to advanced heart failure management and preventive cardiology services, helping patients manage risk factors to prevent serious heart and vascular disease.
  
  Dr. Chilcote completed his medical degree and residency training at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He then completed a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine/non-invasive cardiology at the Boston Medical Center.
  
  Born in the same hospital where he now treats patients, Dr. Chilcote is honored and proud to serve his hometown community. Happily married with four children, he loves spending time with his family.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: St. Elizabeth's Hospital of Boston
  Residency: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
  Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
  Stephanie Jacobs, MD
  
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  Stephanie Jacobs, MD
  
  Stephanie Jacobs, MD is a board certified cardiologist, who has been named a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, based on outstanding professional achievement.
  
  She specializes in non-invasive cardiology, which includes consultation, nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. She also has specialty training in pregnancy-related cardiovascular disease. Women are waiting longer to have children, and thus can have a cardiac history at the time of pregnancy, or have new symptoms or conditions for which cardiovascular testing and evaluation can be helpful to both the mother and baby. Dr. Jacobs particularly enjoys seeing patients in this demographic. She also enjoys educating the public about cardiovascular disease via community events and was featured in a 2012 episode of Doc Talks.
  
  Dr. Jacobs has practiced medicine in the Annapolis area since 2005, along with her husband Dr. Lawrence Jacobs, also of MedStar Cardiology Associates. Together they have five children. She’s very active in the Annapolis community and can frequently be spotted at children’s activities, local restaurants or enjoying the Severn River. She enjoys running, biking, swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
  
  Dr. Jacobs is an extremely thorough and passionate care provider. She strongly believes in patient education and encourages her patients to play an integral role in their treatment plans. She promotes healthy living and quality of life as a patient's primary goal, uses evidence-based medicine wherever possible, and brings an undergraduate background of chemical engineering to problem solving, imaging, and treatment.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Chicago Hospitals
  Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  William Maxted, MD
  
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  William Maxted, MD
  
  Dr. William Clarence Maxted, Jr., MD is a board certified cardiologist. His interests include consultative and noninvasive cardiology as well as pacemakers.
  
  He tailors cardiac treatments to each individual patient’s needs, striving to deliver up-to-date, guideline-based medical care that allows patients to play a role in their healthcare plan. His goal is to help patients feel better and ultimately to live longer, healthier lives.
  
  Education
  Fellowship Program: Indiana University Medical Center
  Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital
  Medical School: Georgetown University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Reginald Robinson, MD
  
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  Reginald Robinson, MD
  
  Dr. Reginald L. Robinson, MD, is a board certified cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and the Bowie, Maryland office of MedStar. Dr. Robinson also serves on the board of MedStar Cardiology Associates and is part of the Quality Committee, interviewing committee, physician lead for the Irving Street Vascular Lab, and facility medical director there for the practice. In addition, he holds a position on the Greater Washington region board of the American Heart Association, where he was previously president. He is the current board president of the Eastern States Board of the American Heart Association, which covers 30 local boards from Virginia to Maine, including West Virginia. His expertise is in general clinical cardiology, treating heart arrhythmia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and other diseases of the heart.
  
  Performing a range of diagnostic procedures, Dr. Robinson informs his treatment recommendations through imaging studies such as vascular ultrasound, as well as all forms of stress testing. His treatment approach is holistic, employing lifestyle changes as well as traditional cardiology. He sees medications as a supplement to healthy lifestyle changes. His clinical interests include clinical cardiology as it relates to taking care of the patient.
  
  Dr. Robinson was named the American Heart Association (AHA) 2024 Physician of the Year. He also received the 2020 Eastern States Volunteer Health Equity Award from the Greater Washington Chapter of the American Heart Association.
  
  Dr. Robinson received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine. He then completed his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in cardiology at Temple University Hospital, where he was named Chief Cardiology Fellow in the final year of his fellowship. Dr. Robinson is a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI), a certification awarded to cardiologists who meet the highest standards in vascular ultrasound interpretation.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I look at the entire vascular tree — the arteries, capillaries, and veins that carry blood to each part of the body — and try to synthesize and link them together. I examine how the patient’s diseases interact and how they put the patient at risk for other diseases and related cardiac events.
  
  I believe in a lifestyle-focused treatment approach, because about 80% of the conditions I see can be modified by lifestyle. I talk with my patients about how diet, exercise, and activity influence their health.”
  
  Honors, Awards, & Society Memberships:
  
  Member, Phi Beta Sigma
  
  Member, 100 Black Men Washington DC chapter
  
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion National American Heart Association 2024 - Present
  
  Board Member MedStar Cardiology Associates, L.L.C.
  
  Immediate past President Eastern States Board American Heart Association 7/2021 - 7/2023 (33 local boards from VA to Maine including WVa) 2021 - 7/2023
  
  American Heart Association past president of the board; DC Affiliate (DC and Northern VA)
  
  American Heart Association Mid-Atlantic Affiliate (NC, SC, VA, DC and parts of GA and MD) Board member: 2016
  
  Former At Large Member and secretary, Medical Society of the District of Columbia
  
  America Heart Association
  
  Association of Black Cardiologists American College of Cardiology
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Temple University Hospital
  Residency: Temple University Hospital
  Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Brandywine
  
  13950 Brandywine Road
  Suite 100
  Brandywine, MD 20613
  
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  Orest Bartoszyk, MD
  
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  Orest Bartoszyk, MD
  
  Dr. Orest B. Bartoszyk, MD, is an attending cardiologist and Director of the Professional Education Committee at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. The majority of his patients suffer from coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension.
  
  Working closely with his patients, Dr. Bartoszyk aims to formulate a good rapport so that together, they can collaborate in determining lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. As part of this approach, he recommends stress reduction through lifestyle modification and the use of non-medicinal strategies. He also stresses optimizing nutrition to lower blood pressure, reduce lipid levels, and improve glycemic control through food choice. Dr. Bartoszyk’s specialty is in echocardiography, including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), an imaging technology that allows him to better understand and treat a patient’s existing cardiac condition.
  
  Dr. Bartoszyk’s passion for cardiology was born when he began reading EKGs at age 18, while volunteering during the summer with the Department of Cardiology at St. Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. He then went on to participate in the Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) Biological Honors Society and Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society at Rutgers University (Newark College of Arts and Science), from where he graduated summa cum laude. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey at Newark. Dr. Bartoszyk completed his residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, and East Orange General Hospital, followed by cardiology fellowship training at St. Michael’s Medical Center.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I believe in individualized care based on total organ system analysis and its impact on cardiovascular health.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Saint Michaels Medical Center
  Residency: UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School GME
  Medical School: University Of Medicine & Dentistry Of New Jersey
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Terrance Collins, MD
  
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  Terrance Collins, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Howard University Hospital
  Residency: Howard University Hospital
  Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
  
  Conor Lundergan, MD
  
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  Conor Lundergan, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Duke University Medical Center
  Residency: Duke University Medical Center
  Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Rahul Malik, MD
  
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  Rahul Malik, MD
  
  Rahul Malik, MD, is board certified in nuclear cardiology, echocardiography and internal medicine. He combines non-invasive medicine, research and innovation with patient-oriented care to treat even the most complex cardiovascular cases. His approach is one of empowering his patients to prevent, treat, and manage heart disease at every stage.
  
  Clinical interests include: structural heart disease, difficult-to-control blood pressure, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, pericardial disease, peripheral arterial disease and aortic stenosis.
  
  Dr. Malik believes it is imperative to establish open communication with his patients, and works with them to map the best course for their health.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Advocate Health Care
  Residency: Washington Hospital Center
  Internship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Medical School: Maulana Azad Medical College
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Ida Suen, MD
  
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  Ida Suen, MD
  
  Ida Hui Suen, MD, is a cardiologist at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and MedStar Health at Brandywine. She is board certified in internal medicine and board eligible in general cardiology. Dr. Suen treats patients for a wide variety of heart conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, and arrhythmia.
  
  As a non-invasive cardiologist, Dr. Suen utilizes methods such as transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, stress testing, nuclear myocardial perfusion interpretation, transvenous pacemaker insertion, and Swan Ganz catheter insertion to treat and improve her patients' conditions.
  
  Dr. Suen’s clinical interests include preventative medicine, general adult cardiology, valvular diseases, arrhythmia, hypertension and heart disease. She is especially passionate about preventative heart care. Her goal is to screen, monitor, and treat her patients' symptoms early, before they develop into a serious condition that is more difficult to manage. Currently, she is building a patient base so that she can monitor and care for the same patients over a long period of time rather than seeing them only once or twice. When creating a treatment plan, she strives to identify and remove any barriers of care such as economic hardships, transportation issues, or insurance complications.
  
  Dr. Suen received her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Barnard College, Columbia University in New York, New York, and a Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Science and Molecular Toxicology from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health. From there she went on to earn her Doctor of Medicine from St George’s University, School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, where she graduated cum laude. Before working at MedStar Health, Dr. Suen was a Chief Fellow in the Department of Cardiology at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.
  
  Dr. Suen is fluent in Spanish and Cantonese and speaks conversational Vietnamese.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My philosophy of care is rooted in building a strong relationship with my patients and getting to know their clinical history. Not every chest pain is the same, nor is every individual's circumstances or access to care. I see each of my patients as individuals and take the time to really listen to their symptoms and concerns so that together we can create the best treatment plan possible.
  
  I want my patients to know that my work as a cardiologist extends beyond my professional life and into my personal life. Many years ago, my father told me that he was experiencing chest pain while fishing. I advised him to go to the doctor and have his heart checked. In the end, he ended up having open heart surgery, which prolonged his life. My father has since passed on, but I will always feel his love and support. I know what it is like to be a family member of someone who has a heart issue and realize that every patient I treat is someone’s parent, sibling, child, or friend and I treat them like a member of my own family.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Coney Island Hospital
  Residency: Coney Island Hospital
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Jeffrey Trabb, MD
  
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  Jeffrey Trabb, MD
  
  Jeffrey B. Trabb, MD is a non-invasive cardiologist committed to improving the cardiac health of Southern Maryland residents where he began his practice career in 2007. Since joining MedStar Cardiology Associates in 2013 as Medical Director for its Southern Maryland offices, he has brought the latest in evidence-based cardiac care to each of his patients with an individualized approach and, where appropriate, makes use of advanced diagnostic imaging, expert cardiac subspecialists, and therapeutic interventions available to providers within the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute. He is also a strong advocate for long-term cardiac risk prevention and improving the general well-being of those already impacted by heart disease.
  
  Dr. Trabb graduated with his BA from the University of Notre Dame and completed his MD at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He then pursued further training with an internship and internal medicine residency at Emory University Hospitals and subsequently completed his fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Boston University Medical Center in 2007.
  
  “My philosophy of care is to encounter each patient as a unique individual with a caring patient-centered approach. I actively engage each patient, making a point to take time to explain their condition to offer them a fuller understanding. In this way, I find that my patients more easily take ownership of their own care and partner with me in any decision making. Together, we then tailor your personalized path to cardiac wellness, improved prognosis, and better quality of life.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Boston University Medical Center
  Fellowship: Boston University Medical Center
  Residency: Emory University Hospital-GME
  Internship: Emory University Hospital-GME
  Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
- MedStar Health: Heart and Vascular at MedStar Shah Medical Group in Brandywine
  
  7704 Matapeake Business Dr
  Suite 325
  Brandywine, MD 20613
  
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  Sunil Nachnani, MD
  
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  Sunil Nachnani, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: George Washington University Hospital
  Residency: George Washington University Hospital
  Internship: Washington DC VA Medical Center
  Medical School: University Of Poona-Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College
  
  Basirmohmad Kolia, MD
  
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  Basirmohmad Kolia, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Veterans Affairs Medical Center
  Residency: Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
  Internship: Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
  Medical School: University of Barod
  
  Roy Leiboff, MD
  
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  Roy Leiboff, MD
  
  Education:
  Residency: George Washington University School of Medicine
  Residency: Stamford Hospital and Health System GME
  Internship: Stamford Hospital and Health System GME
  Medical School: New York Medical Colleg
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Clinton
  
  10403 Hospital Dr.
  Suite 102
  Clinton, MD 20735
  
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  Bryan LeBude, MD
  
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  Bryan LeBude, MD
  
  Dr. Bryan LeBude received his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College (formerly Jefferson Medical College) in Philadelphia, PA. He completed Internal Medicine residency training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he was named Chief Medical Resident. Dr. LeBude completed Cardiology fellowship training at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University Hospital, where he also served as Chief Cardiology Fellow. During fellowship training, he was elected co-chair of the American College of Cardiology Fellow-in-Training Leadership Council. Dr. LeBude practices non-invasive cardiology and is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, Vascular Ultrasound, and Internal Medicine.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital-Dept of Surgery
  Medical School: Jefferson Medical College
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Sonia Samtani, MD
  
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  Sonia Samtani, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of California
  Residency: University of California Irvine
  Fellowship: University of California Irvine
  Residency: Georgetown University Hospital
  Medical School: George Washington University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Shah Medical Group at Oxon Hill Medical Center
  
  6710 Oxon Hill Rd.
  Suite 250 and 205A
  Oxon Hill, MD 20745
  
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  Sunil Nachnani , MD
  
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  Sunil Nachnani , MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: George Washington University Hospital
  Residency: George Washington University Hospital
  Internship: Washington DC VA Medical Center
  Medical School: University Of Poona-Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College
  
  Deidra Varner, MD
  
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  Deidra Varner, MD
  
  Dr. Deidra Varner completed her Medical Degree at the Howard University College of Medicine. She completed her fellowship at Howard University Hospital and is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiology. Deidra spends her free time reading, watching movies, and Washington Redskins football games with her kids, family, and friends.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Howard University Hospital
  Residency: Howard University Hospital
  Internship: Howard University Hospital
  Medical School: Howard University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  FBoard Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
- MedStar Health: Cardiology Associates at Kent Island
  
  1630 Main Street
  Suite 208
  Chester, MD 21619
  
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  Daniel Dooley, MD
  
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  Daniel Dooley, MD
  
  Daniel J. Dooley, MD, is a non-invasive cardiologist at the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute and MedStar Cardiology Associates. As a cardiologist specializing in non-invasive treatments, Dr. Dooley works primarily with patients who have conditions like heart failure, hypertension, valvular disease, coronary artery disease, aortic diseases, atrial fibrillation, chest pain, and heart murmurs. He performs a wide range of diagnostic and treatment procedures that include nuclear stress testing, exercise stress echocardiography, dobutamine stress echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography.
  
  Dr. Dooley’s primary research interest has been Stage C heart failure (when patients have been diagnosed with heart failure and present symptoms) and the effectiveness of different medical therapies in these patients. Clinically, he is most interested in applying his skills in echocardiography to the treatment of different cardiovascular diseases, and specifically leveraging his knowledge of transesophageal echocardiography to care for patients with complex cardiovascular disease.
  
  Dr. Dooley received his medical degree from the Georgetown University School of Medicine, followed by a residency program in internal medicine at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where he received the Wesley Oler, MD award as an outstanding resident physician. Prior to joining MedStar Cardiology Associates, Dr. Dooley completed a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University Hospital.
  
  He believes strongly in patient-centered care and assisting with patient-centered decision-making, aiming to always provide optimal care to his patients by applying the clinical and research knowledge gained through his training. Dr. Dooley is committed to participating in timely communication with his patients and other providers, as communication is paramount in his paradigm of care.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My goal is to provide a patient-centered approach with a focus on individual patient values and beliefs. As different cardiovascular conditions often present complex care decisions, I aim to integrate the patient’s specific principles into the decision-making process so that each patient feels comfortable, safe, and understood.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency : MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  Internship: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
  
  Education:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Nicholas Paivanas, MD
  
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  Nicholas Paivanas, MD
  
  Nicholas Andrew Paivanas, MD, is a board certified cardiologist. His interests include preventive cardiology, treatment resistant hypertension, lipid disorders, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, congestive heart failure, cardio-oncology, and cardiac imaging including echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.
  
  His primary focus is educating patients in healthy lifestyle choices for reducing high cholesterol and controlling lipid abnormalities, to help prevent serious heart and vascular disease before it begins. Treating each case as unique, his emphasis is on preventive cardiology, simplifying hypertension therapy, valve disorders and lipid therapy. He strives to implement the best and most effective approach for each patient.
  
  His approach with patients is to ensure that any intervention or medication fits with the lifestyle of each patient. This strategy provides the best specialized care and leads to greater success for patients.
  
  Education:
  Residency: University of Rochester Medical Center
  Internship: University of Rochester Medical Center
  Medical School: Georgetown University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  George Clements, MD
  
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  George Clements, MD
  
  George H. Clements, MD, is an attending noninvasive cardiologist at the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute. Board certified in cardiology, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology, Dr. Clements possesses extensive experience working with highly complex cases in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
  
  Dr. Clements mainly sees patients for coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and valvular heart disease. He also sees patients who are at high risk for heart disease, and works with them to lower their risk through preventative measures.
  
  As a noninvasive cardiologist, Dr. Clements’ goal is to provide patient-centered, evidence-based care that involves lifestyle changes, prescription medications, and diagnostic testing when appropriate. He enjoys collaborating with referring physicians to achieve the best outcome for their mutual patients. His typical diagnostic approach with patients involves an initial interview and physical exam, followed by EKGs, stress testing, and echocardiography including transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms as needed.
  
  Dr. Clements received his medical degree from Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, where he was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society as well as the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He then completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where he was awarded Resident of the Year. Finally, he completed his Cardiology fellowship training at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where he was awarded the Humanism and Professionalism Award within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.
  
  Dr. Clements was born and raised in Glyndon, Maryland. He and his wife, an Annapolis native, are both very excited to be back in the area. When out of the office, Dr. Clements enjoys tennis, and playing with his chocolate Labrador.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I try to look at every patient as an individual and get to know the person, not just the disease that they have. That way we can work together to accomplish their individual health goals.
  
  Patient education is very important. The more informed that people are about what’s going on with their body, the more I have found that they are invested in their care. This empowers people to become a more active and engaged participant in their health.
  
  I strive to provide the most up-to-date and state-of-the-art care in a compassionate and caring manner.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Internship: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Medical School: Marshall University
  
  Certification and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Lawrence Jacobs, MD
  
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  Lawrence Jacobs, MD
  
  Lawrence D. Jacobs, MD is board certified in cardiology, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. He has been named a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, based on outstanding professional achievement.
  
  His interests include hypertension, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, heart failure, preventative cardiology, heart valve disorders, nuclear stress testing, echocardiography, preoperative evaluations, transesophageal echocardiography, vascular disease, arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation.
  
  His primary focus is the medical therapy of various cardiovascular disorders. This starts with prevention through healthy lifestyle recommendations and medications, when necessary. He strives to efficiently diagnose and treat patients’ symptoms, using proven, evidence-based approaches.
  
  Dr. Jacobs feels it is imperative to treat the patient and not just the disease. He aims to educate patients while improving their health, because patients who understand their disease will have less anxiety and are far more likely to succeed in becoming and remaining healthy in the long run.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: University of Chicago Hospitals
  Residency: University of Pennsylvania
  Medical School: Georgetown University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Kelley Sullivan, MD
  
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  Kelley Sullivan, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship Program: Emory University Hospital
  Residency: Medical College of Virginia-VCU
  Internship: Medical College of Virginia-VCU
  Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Michael Goldstein, MD
  
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  Michael Goldstein, MD
  
  Michael S. Goldstein, MD is a board certified electrophysiologist whose primary focus is clinical cardiac electrophysiology and heart rhythm management. He treats both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia. He performs ablations as well as cardiac device implantation.
  
  Dr. Goldstein delivers high-quality, patient-centric care through customized treatment plans based on the individual needs of his patients. His primary goal is to provide medical care with compassion and empathy.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: George Washington University School of Medicine
  Fellowship: George Washington University School of Medicine
  Residency: University of Pennsylvania Health System
  Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Jacob Reiss, MD
  
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  Jacob Reiss, MD
  
  Jacob Reiss, MD, is a cardiologist and is board-certified in internal medicine, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular ultrasound.
  
  Dr. Reiss diagnoses and treats a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, including treatment-resistant hypertension, lipid disorders, coronary heart disease, and congestive heart failure. He performs specialized diagnostic procedures such as transesophageal echocardiograms and cardioversion and is especially interested in diagnosing and treating peripheral vascular disease.
  
  A strong advocate for preventive cardiology, Dr. Reiss guides patients in lifestyle modifications and appropriate screenings to promote long-term heart health. He provides comprehensive education on the disease process, available treatments, and medications, empowering patients to actively participate in their care and improve their quality of life.
  
  Dr. Reiss earned his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. He completed his internal medicine residency at Lankenau Medical Center, where he served as Chief Medical Resident, and went on to complete his cardiovascular disease fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center, serving as Chief Cardiovascular Disease Fellow.
  
  Dr. Reiss has been recognized for his excellence as a clinician, educator, and leader. He was twice named best teaching resident at Lankenau Medical Center. He also won the John Zachariah Humanitarian Award and the Andrew Norton, MD, Residency Leadership Award.
  
  A husband and father of two, Dr. Reiss enjoys spending time with his family and playing or watching tennis and basketball.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I strive to treat every patient as a member of my family, taking time to listen and understand their values, goals, and lifestyle. I believe in a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to heart care, with a strong focus on prevention through education, early detection, and proactive management.”
  
  Education:
  Residency Program: Baylor University Medical Center
  Medical School: Jefferson Medical College
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Charlotte Hall
  
  37767 Market Dr.
  Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
  
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  Anil Shah, MD
  
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  Anil Shah, MD
  
  "I enjoy the personal interaction I have with patients and sharing a laugh or two," states Dr. Anil K. Shah, Cardiologist with Shah Associates, "in addition to the early detection and primary prevention of serious cardiac disease." Dr. Shah is board certified in both Cardiology and Internal Medicine, though his concentration is on Cardiology. "Dr. A.K.," as he is known to his patients, completed his residency at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Darby, PA, and his cardiology fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. In his leisure time, Dr. A.K. enjoys spending time with his wife, Dr. Beena Shah, and their two young sons. He also enjoys a good game of cricket or ping pong.
  
  Edcuation:
  Fellowship: Medical College of Virginia Hospitals
  Residency: Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital/Mercy Catholic Medical Center
  Medical School: Topiwala National Medical College
  
  Meena Shah, MD
  
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  Meena Shah, MD
  
  Meena Shah received her BA from Johns Hopkins University, Maryland in 2001, her MPH from Boston University in 2002 and her MD from University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2006. She is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiology. Her main focus is in preventative cardiology, early intervention, and women's health.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown GME
  Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology Associates at Leonardtown
  
  23507 Hollywood Road
  Leonardtown, MD 20650
  
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  Orest Bartoszyk, MD
  
  Request an Appointment
  
  Orest Bartoszyk, MD
  
  Dr. Orest B. Bartoszyk, MD, is an attending cardiologist and Director of the Professional Education Committee at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. The majority of his patients suffer from coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension.
  
  Working closely with his patients, Dr. Bartoszyk aims to formulate a good rapport so that together, they can collaborate in determining lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. As part of this approach, he recommends stress reduction through lifestyle modification and the use of non-medicinal strategies. He also stresses optimizing nutrition to lower blood pressure, reduce lipid levels, and improve glycemic control through food choice. Dr. Bartoszyk’s specialty is in echocardiography, including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), an imaging technology that allows him to better understand and treat a patient’s existing cardiac condition.
  
  Dr. Bartoszyk’s passion for cardiology was born when he began reading EKGs at age 18, while volunteering during the summer with the Department of Cardiology at St. Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. He then went on to participate in the Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) Biological Honors Society and Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society at Rutgers University (Newark College of Arts and Science), from where he graduated summa cum laude. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey at Newark. Dr. Bartoszyk completed his residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, and East Orange General Hospital, followed by cardiology fellowship training at St. Michael’s Medical Center.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I believe in individualized care based on total organ system analysis and its impact on cardiovascular health.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Saint Michaels Medical Center
  Residency: UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School GME
  Medical School: University Of Medicine & Dentistry Of New Jersey
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Terrance Collins, MD
  
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  Conor Lundergan, MD
  
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  Conor Lundergan, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Duke University Medical Center
  Residency: Duke University Medical Center
  Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Ida Suen, MD
  
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  Ida Suen, MD
  
  Ida Hui Suen, MD, is a cardiologist at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and MedStar Health at Brandywine. She is board certified in internal medicine and board eligible in general cardiology. Dr. Suen treats patients for a wide variety of heart conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, and arrhythmia.
  
  As a non-invasive cardiologist, Dr. Suen utilizes methods such as transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, stress testing, nuclear myocardial perfusion interpretation, transvenous pacemaker insertion, and Swan Ganz catheter insertion to treat and improve her patients' conditions.
  
  Dr. Suen’s clinical interests include preventative medicine, general adult cardiology, valvular diseases, arrhythmia, hypertension and heart disease. She is especially passionate about preventative heart care. Her goal is to screen, monitor, and treat her patients' symptoms early, before they develop into a serious condition that is more difficult to manage. Currently, she is building a patient base so that she can monitor and care for the same patients over a long period of time rather than seeing them only once or twice. When creating a treatment plan, she strives to identify and remove any barriers of care such as economic hardships, transportation issues, or insurance complications.
  
  Dr. Suen received her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Barnard College, Columbia University in New York, New York, and a Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Science and Molecular Toxicology from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health. From there she went on to earn her Doctor of Medicine from St George’s University, School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, where she graduated cum laude. Before working at MedStar Health, Dr. Suen was a Chief Fellow in the Department of Cardiology at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.
  
  Dr. Suen is fluent in Spanish and Cantonese and speaks conversational Vietnamese.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My philosophy of care is rooted in building a strong relationship with my patients and getting to know their clinical history. Not every chest pain is the same, nor is every individual's circumstances or access to care. I see each of my patients as individuals and take the time to really listen to their symptoms and concerns so that together we can create the best treatment plan possible.
  
  I want my patients to know that my work as a cardiologist extends beyond my professional life and into my personal life. Many years ago, my father told me that he was experiencing chest pain while fishing. I advised him to go to the doctor and have his heart checked. In the end, he ended up having open heart surgery, which prolonged his life. My father has since passed on, but I will always feel his love and support. I know what it is like to be a family member of someone who has a heart issue and realize that every patient I treat is someone’s parent, sibling, child, or friend and I treat them like a member of my own family.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Coney Island Hospital
  Residency: Coney Island Hospital
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Jeffrey Trabb
  
  Request an Appointment
  
  Jeffrey Trab, MD
  
  Jeffrey B. Trabb, MD is a non-invasive cardiologist committed to improving the cardiac health of Southern Maryland residents where he began his practice career in 2007. Since joining MedStar Cardiology Associates in 2013 as Medical Director for its Southern Maryland offices, he has brought the latest in evidence-based cardiac care to each of his patients with an individualized approach and, where appropriate, makes use of advanced diagnostic imaging, expert cardiac subspecialists, and therapeutic interventions available to providers within the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute. He is also a strong advocate for long-term cardiac risk prevention and improving the general well-being of those already impacted by heart disease.
  
  Dr. Trabb graduated with his BA from the University of Notre Dame and completed his MD at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He then pursued further training with an internship and internal medicine residency at Emory University Hospitals and subsequently completed his fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Boston University Medical Center in 2007.
  
  “My philosophy of care is to encounter each patient as a unique individual with a caring patient-centered approach. I actively engage each patient, making a point to take time to explain their condition to offer them a fuller understanding. In this way, I find that my patients more easily take ownership of their own care and partner with me in any decision making. Together, we then tailor your personalized path to cardiac wellness, improved prognosis, and better quality of life.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Boston University Medical Center
  Fellowship: Boston University Medical Center
  Residency: Emory University Hospital-GME
  Internship: Emory University Hospital-GME
  Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
- MedStar Health: Heart and Vascular at MedStar Shah Medical Group at Phillip H. Bean Medical
  
  24035 Three Notch Rd.
  Hollywood, MD 20636
  
  Get Directions
  
  Jay Patel, MD
  
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  Adinath Patil, MD
  
  Request an Appointment
  
  Adinath Patil, MD
  
  Dr. Adinath Patil has been with Shah Associates since 1979 and is Board Certified in Cardiology as well as Internal Medicine. "I enjoy taking care of the people of Southern Maryland," says Dr. Patil, "and I get a lot of satisfaction in helping my patients deal with their cardiac conditions and maintain a healthy lifestyle." Adinath completed his internship and residency at City Hospital in New York City and his Cardiology Fellowship at the Deborah Heart Lung Institute in New Jersey. He is a proud father of three grown children. In his spare time, he enjoys walking, hiking and spending time with his family. In addition, he likes reading history books, keeping up with current world events and visiting national parks.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Albert Einstein Medical Center
  Residency: Montefiore Medical Center-Weiler Division
  Residency: Elmhurst Hospital Center
  Internship: NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases-Orthopedic Inst
  Medical School: Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Amish Shah, MD
  
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  Amish Shah, MD
  
  Dr. Amish Shah earned his medical degree at the University of Maryland and now specializes in Cardiology. Amish completed his Internal Medicine residency at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia and completed his Cardiology training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Growing up in Southern Maryland, Amish is happy to be home and able to give back to the community that helped raise him. Dr. Shah has taken an active role in learning the newest treatments in medicine as well as integrating the latest technology in providing the best patient care. In his spare time, Amish enjoys watching movies, playing tennis, going to Redskins games and spending time with his family.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Yeshiva University
  Residency: Drexel University College of Medicine
  Medical School: University Of Maryland Baltimore
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Anil Shah, MD
  
  Request an Appointment
  
  Anil Shah, MD
  
  "I enjoy the personal interaction I have with patients and sharing a laugh or two," states Dr. Anil K. Shah, Cardiologist with Shah Associates, "in addition to the early detection and primary prevention of serious cardiac disease." Dr. Shah is board certified in both Cardiology and Internal Medicine, though his concentration is on Cardiology. "Dr. A.K.," as he is known to his patients, completed his residency at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Darby, PA, and his cardiology fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. In his leisure time, Dr. A.K. enjoys spending time with his wife, Dr. Beena Shah, and their two young sons. He also enjoys a good game of cricket or ping pong.
  
  Edcuation:
  Fellowship: Medical College of Virginia Hospitals
  Residency: Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital/Mercy Catholic Medical Center
  Medical School: Topiwala National Medical College
  
  Meena Shah, MD
  
  Request an Appointment
  
  Meena Shah, MD
  
  Meena Shah received her BA from Johns Hopkins University, Maryland in 2001, her MPH from Boston University in 2002 and her MD from University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2006. She is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiology. Her main focus is in preventative cardiology, early intervention, and women's health.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown GME
  Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at McLean
  
  1420 Beverly Rd
  Suite 205
  McLean, VA 22101
  
  Get Directions
  
  Marius Chukwurah, MD
  
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  Marius Chukwurah, MD
  
  Marius Chukwurah, MD, FACC, is a sports cardiologist. He specializes in preventive cardiology, clinical lipidology, and cardiovascular imaging. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and clinical lipidology.
  
  Dr. Chukwurah has clinical expertise in caring for athletes and highly active individuals who have, or are at risk for, various forms of heart conditions but want to continue exercising safely and optimize their performance. Passionate about helping his patients stay active, he offers comprehensive evaluations, including advanced cardiopulmonary exercise testing (maximal effort VO2 studies), to prevent, diagnose, and manage cardiovascular issues such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, dyslipidemia, complex lipid disorders, valvular and vascular heart disease, and cardiomyopathy. He is engaged in preparticipation screening, return-to-play evaluations, and overall cardiovascular care of professional/elite, masters, collegiate, high school, tactical (military, police, firefighter, etc.) personnel, and recreational athletes.
  
  His approach to patient care is rooted in evidence-based medicine. He begins with lifestyle changes and risk-factor management and, when necessary, prescribes the latest guideline-directed medical therapies. Dr. Chukwurah firmly believes in shared decision-making, partnering closely with patients to develop tailored care plans that align with their health goals and fit their lifestyles.
  
  Dr. Chukwurah's research centers on disparities in health outcomes of cardiovascular disease, sudden cardiac death in athletes, and advancing the understanding of the athlete’s heart, particularly how exercise affects cardiac structure and function over time. In his clinic, he utilizes echocardiography and stress testing to differentiate between benign physiological adaptations in athletes and malignant cardiac pathology.
  
  Throughout his career, Dr. Chukwurah has been recognized for his dedication to mentoring future physicians, expanding opportunities in medicine to promote a more diverse and inclusive workforce, and advancing research that reduces health disparities. The National Medical Association awarded him the Early Career Investigator Award and Emerging Scholars Award. During his fellowship at Duke University, he earned the Excellence in Graduate Medical Education Award and the Dr. Brenda Armstrong Award. He also received the Black Health Connect 40 Under 40 Award.
  
  Dr. Chukwurah was born in the DMV, specifically Laurel, MD, and raised in Baltimore, MD. Outside of work, he is passionate about community service and enjoys spending time with family. He also enjoys attending sporting events, traveling both domestically and internationally, listening to music, attending art and comedy shows, cooking, and trying new food scenes.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My approach to care centers on treating each patient as I would my own family members, doing everything I can to protect their heart health while encouraging and supporting their desire to stay active and engaged in life. I believe the best care happens when we work together. I take the time to listen, understand patients’ goals, and build a plan that feels right for them; one that empowers them to live life fully and confidently.
  
  Heart health can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I strive to make cardiovascular care clear and accessible by explaining things in simple and plain language, and ensuring my patients understand the ‘why’ behind every decision. Prevention is always better than intervention, and I am committed to offering the latest advances in medicine to help preserve the heart health of my patients while helping them feel their best every day.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital
  Fellowship: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania GME
  Residency: Duke University School of Medicine
  Medical School: Howard University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Christopher Puleo, MD
  
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  Christopher Puleo, MD
  
  Christopher W. Puleo, MD is a noninvasive cardiologist at MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute. He is board certified in internal medicine and board certified in cardiovascular disease, adult echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.
  
  As a noninvasive cardiologist, Dr. Puleo diagnoses and treats a broad spectrum of cardiovascular health conditions, including coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and valvular disease. He predominantly sees patients in the outpatient setting in addition to performing routine inpatient cardiovascular consultations for patients admitted to MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He incorporates his experience with a variety of cardiac imaging modalities, including echocardiography and nuclear stress testing, to further risk stratify patients for a wide range of cardiac conditions.
  
  Dr. Puleo’s main clinical interest is in preventive care – he emphasizes the importance of preventing disease, not just treating it. He has a strong interest in working with patients to identify and incorporate healthy lifestyle choices that they enjoy to both treat and prevent cardiac disease before it reaches advanced stages. Dr. Puleo’s research interests are also focused on preventive cardiology and include cardiac biomarkers and cardiac risk stratification. He is very excited by the continuous development of new medicines and interventions in the field of cardiology.
  
  Dr. Puleo earned his medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He then completed an internal medicine internship and residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, before joining Ochsner Clinic Foundation for a three-year cardiovascular disease fellowship program.
  
  Dr. Puleo is excited to be living in the DC area, the closest he has been in recent years to his family in the Northeast. It is also very special for him to have the opportunity to practice medicine in the region where his grandfather was a physician many years ago.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “Medicine is both an art and a science. Physicians go through training for years and years to master that science, but it’s all for nothing unless you're able to build a relationship with your patient.
  
  As cardiologists, we’re not here to tell people, ‘you need to do this’ or ‘you need to stop eating that.’ We’re here to make recommendations and to work with patients to help them meet their health goals and live the lives they want.
  
  My goal is to help all of my patients feel better, live longer, manage their conditions, and prevent future disease. I believe the best way to do all of the above is by building a strong patient-physician partnership and working together to achieve the health goals of the individual patient, whether that’s playing with grandkids or running marathons.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Ochsner Foundation Hospital
  Residency: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
  Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Ida Suen, MD
  
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  Ida Suen, MD
  
  Ida Hui Suen, MD, is a cardiologist at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and MedStar Health at Brandywine. She is board certified in internal medicine and board eligible in general cardiology. Dr. Suen treats patients for a wide variety of heart conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, and arrhythmia.
  
  As a non-invasive cardiologist, Dr. Suen utilizes methods such as transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, stress testing, nuclear myocardial perfusion interpretation, transvenous pacemaker insertion, and Swan Ganz catheter insertion to treat and improve her patients' conditions.
  
  Dr. Suen’s clinical interests include preventative medicine, general adult cardiology, valvular diseases, arrhythmia, hypertension and heart disease. She is especially passionate about preventative heart care. Her goal is to screen, monitor, and treat her patients' symptoms early, before they develop into a serious condition that is more difficult to manage. Currently, she is building a patient base so that she can monitor and care for the same patients over a long period of time rather than seeing them only once or twice. When creating a treatment plan, she strives to identify and remove any barriers of care such as economic hardships, transportation issues, or insurance complications.
  
  Dr. Suen received her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Barnard College, Columbia University in New York, New York, and a Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Science and Molecular Toxicology from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health. From there she went on to earn her Doctor of Medicine from St George’s University, School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, where she graduated cum laude. Before working at MedStar Health, Dr. Suen was a Chief Fellow in the Department of Cardiology at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.
  
  Dr. Suen is fluent in Spanish and Cantonese and speaks conversational Vietnamese.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My philosophy of care is rooted in building a strong relationship with my patients and getting to know their clinical history. Not every chest pain is the same, nor is every individual's circumstances or access to care. I see each of my patients as individuals and take the time to really listen to their symptoms and concerns so that together we can create the best treatment plan possible.
  
  I want my patients to know that my work as a cardiologist extends beyond my professional life and into my personal life. Many years ago, my father told me that he was experiencing chest pain while fishing. I advised him to go to the doctor and have his heart checked. In the end, he ended up having open heart surgery, which prolonged his life. My father has since passed on, but I will always feel his love and support. I know what it is like to be a family member of someone who has a heart issue and realize that every patient I treat is someone’s parent, sibling, child, or friend and I treat them like a member of my own family.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Coney Island Hospital
  Residency: Coney Island Hospital
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Cardiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  
  3800 Reservoir Rd, NW.
  MedStar Georgetown University Hospitaln
  Washington, DC 20007
  
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  Vaani Garg, MD
  
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  Vaani Garg, MD
  
  Vaani Panse Garg, MD, is a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, and adult comprehensive echocardiography.
  
  Dr. Garg diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, from hypertension to heart failure. She is passionate about prevention and works with patients for the entire duration of their disease process.
  
  She is particularly interested in structural echocardiography, which enhances her diagnosis of, and treatment decisions for, a variety of pathology. She is highly skilled at interpreting—and teaching other providers how to read—transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE), transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE), and 3-D echocardiography.
  
  Her current research interests involve novel techniques and teaching approaches in echocardiography, as well as new initiatives to enhance provider wellness and medical education.
  
  Dr. Garg earned her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. She then completed an internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai Hospital. Following her residency, she remained at Mount Sinai Hospital for a clinical cardiovascular disease fellowship, during which she served as chief cardiology fellow for two years.
  
  Participating in several international projects throughout her training years introduced Dr. Garg to a global health perspective. This interest brought her to Soweto, South Africa, where she was a volunteer at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Cardiology Department, as well as Pune, India, where she was a public health service corps fellow with the William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service Program. She brings this broad, global health awareness to her practice today.
  
  Prior to joining MedStar Health, Dr. Garg practiced at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where she also served as site director for the cardiology fellowship program (Veterans Affairs track) and the associate program director of the cardiology fellowship program. She was also a clinical assistant professor of medicine (cardiology) at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  I always aim to understand each patient’s life and daily practices. This gives me a deep understanding of how to coach them on medications, exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes. I also emphasize hands-on health education. I draw diagrams, share images, and ensure all questions are answered. I fully explain the “why” of decision making, and in doing so, empower them to better manage their health.
  
  In my partnerships with referring providers, I emphasize open communication and make myself readily available to discuss patient cases.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Mount Sinai Hospital
  Residency: Mount Sinai Hospital
  Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
  
  Charles German, MD
  
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  Charles German, MD
  
  Charles Amir German, MD, MS, FAHA, FASPC, is the Director of Preventive Cardiology and a preventive cardiologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular medicine.
  
  Dr. German works with patients to identify, address, and ultimately lower their risk of cardiovascular events. He helps patients manage their high cholesterol, hypertension, and cardiometabolic disease through personalized diet and exercise plans or medications.
  
  As an expert in risk assessment, Dr. German begins every visit with a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s risk factors to fully understand each individual’s unique circumstances. This includes novel biomarkers, blood testing, and cardiovascular imaging. He then collaborates with patients to develop a practical treatment plan, including lifestyle changes, medication, or other therapies.
  
  Dr. German is at the forefront of preventive cardiology research and is a Fellow of the American Heart Association and the American Society for Preventive Cardiology. He is passionate about helping individual patients and impacting the general population with proven strategies for lowering risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “When patients visit my office, I assess their unique cardiovascular risk factors and create a tailored plan to reduce their risk of heart disease, which consists of both lifestyle modifications as well as medication therapy when needed. My goal is for patients to leave feeling listened to, informed, and confident about their care moving forward.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
  Residency: University of Alabama Birmingham-Internal Medicine
  Medical School: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
  
  Syed Haider, MD
  
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  Syed Haider, MD
  
  Syed Waqas Haider, MD, MPH, FACC is a board-certified cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where he serves as Director of the Pericardial Disease Program. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of complex pericardial syndromes, recurrent pericarditis, and inflammatory cardiac conditions, with additional clinical expertise in multimodality imaging and general cardiology.
  
  Dr. Haider is certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology. His academic work focuses on advanced imaging applications for inflammatory heart disease and clinical trials in recurrent pericarditis. He is actively involved as site investigator for the RESONANCE registry and co-primary investigator for the MAvERIC-Pilot trial, a multi-center study investigating cannabidiol therapy in recurrent pericarditis. He previously contributed to NIH-sponsored COVID-19 trials during the pandemic’s early phase.
  
  He has published in high-impact journals including JACC Case Reports, Frontiers in Medicine, and BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, and served as a guest editor for JACC Case Reports. In addition to his clinical and research leadership, Dr. Haider is a committed educator and received the 2023 Educator of the Year Award from the MedStar Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center Cardiovascular Fellowship. He holds an MPH from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  Many of my patients call me an “old-school doctor”—a term I wear with pride. I believe in personalized, attentive care and take the time to listen beyond just cardiac symptoms. In doing so, I often uncover important clinical details that shape better diagnoses and treatment. Cardiovascular disease is one of the few major killers we can often prevent or control. My goal is to translate complex guidelines and therapies into clear, actionable steps for each patient—making care not just evidence-based, but practical.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center-Roosevelt Division
  Residency: St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center-Roosevelt Division
  Medical School: Ziauddin University
  
  Certification and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Christy Kaiser, MD
  
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  Christy Kaiser, MD
  
  Christy Kaiser, MD, is Assistant Program Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She is a member of the American College of Cardiology.
  
  As a cardiologist, Dr. Kaiser specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease through medical treatments and therapies.
  
  Dr. Kaiser is passionate about medical education and is dedicated to improving education for medical trainees, teaching others how to be better educators, and designing effective curriculum. She has received numerous awards for her efforts toward medical education, including the Faculty Teacher of the Year Award in 2017 and the Cardiology Fellow Teaching Award in 2015, both from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, as well as awards for Top Fellow in the Veterans Administration Cardiology Clinic for the years 2013, 2014, and 2015.
  
  Dr. Kaiser received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. She then completed an internship and residency training in internal medicine at Duke University. Finally, she joined MedStar Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center for a three-year cardiology fellowship, where she also served as Chief Fellow.
  
  Dr. Kaiser is also involved in international medical activities. She has volunteered in Leon, Nicaragua for multiple years, taking part in an annual two-week program that provides cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery services to people in need.
  
  In addition to English, Dr. Kaiser is very proficient in Spanish and French.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My interest in education extends to my patients as well as to medical trainees. Education is vital for the patient to understand their disease process so that they can help me develop a treatment plan that aligns with their priorities. The doctor-patient relationship has to be a two-way conversation. By building a partnership with each individual, the patient is more motivated to make whatever lifestyle changes are necessary and to adhere to the treatment plan.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Duke University Hospital
  Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
  
  Certifcation and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Richard Morrisey, MD
  
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  Richard Morrisey, MD
  
  Education:
  Residency: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
  Internship: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
  Medical School: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
  
  Certifcation and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Ricardo Nieves, MD
  
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  Ricardo Nieves, MD
  
  Ricardo Nieves, MD, is a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. As a general cardiologist, he treats patients with a wide range of cardiovascular disorders, utilizing traditional and advanced cardiology methods like stress testing, coronary CTA, and cardiac MRI. He is board-certified in internal medicine, echocardiography, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac MRI.
  
  His treatment approach is patient-centered and holistic. Passionate about helping people improve their health while considering their lifestyle and the social determinants that influence their access to care, he works closely with his patients to develop a care plan that aligns with their personal goals and values. He promotes lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, to improve cardiovascular health.
  
  Dr. Nieves specializes in utilizing cardiac MRI imaging technology to better diagnose, treat, and understand heart diseases such as infiltrative cardiomyopathies and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, among other processes. He is also excited about the future of 4D cardiac MRI imaging, a technology that allows cardiologists to evaluate blood flow in the heart in real time while simultaneously evaluating the structure of the heart.
  
  Dr. Nieves completed his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He went on to complete his residency, internship, and two fellowship programs at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
  
  In his career, Dr. Nieves has received several awards and honors, including the Galal M. Ziady Memorial Award for his commitment to the underserved and the UPMC Excellence in Research Award. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, and Alpha Omega Alpha.
  
  Dr. Nieves speaks fluent Spanish. When he is not working with patients, he likes to play guitar, row, exercise, and spend time with his family.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My philosophy of care is simple: the patient comes first. It is important to me to focus on someone’s goals and fully understand where they are coming from. I believe that knowledge is power and that the more you know, the better equipped you are to take care of yourself and your health. When I sit and talk with patients, I am seeking to understand where they are coming from and how I can meet them there with information regarding their health.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Monvadi Srichai-Parsia, MD
  
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  Monvadi Srichai-Parsia, MD
  
  Monvadi Barbara Srichai-Parsia, MD, is the Vice Chief of Cardiology and the Director of the Non-Invasive Cardiology Lab at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She treats patients with heart failure, congenital heart disease, aortopathies, syncope, coronary artery disease, and other conditions of the heart. Dr. Srichai-Parsia has a special focus on autonomic dysfunction disease and connective tissue disorders. In addition, she works in cardio-oncology, treating cancer patients who have developed heart failure or weakened hearts.
  
  With specialized training in non-invasive testing, Dr. Srichai-Parsia uses advanced cardiac imaging, including echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and CT, as well as stress testing. In her practice, she emphasizes shared decision making with patients when selecting tests and treatments.
  
  Dr. Srichai-Parsia’s research interests focus on the roles of advanced imaging and other new technologies in refining treatment and diagnosis. She also participates in research on patient-centered approaches to shared decision making. Dr. Srichai-Parsia is exploring different testing techniques for patients with chest pain and the factors that influence choosing diagnostic approaches based on symptomology and patient preferences.
  
  Dr. Srichai-Parsia received her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed her residency in internal medicine at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. As a fellow in general cardiology, imaging, and radiology at the Cleveland Clinic, she received a Young Investigator Award. Dr. Srichai-Parsia also holds a Master’s degree from New York University in Comparative Effectiveness, a course of study focused on improving the use of health care resources where they are most valued.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I like to hear and understand a patient’s background and get their input and opinions on treatment. I am a strong proponent of shared decision-making. I like to present all the options as I know them and discuss my patients’ preferences and how they would like to proceed.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic
  Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic
  Internship: Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center
  Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Margaret Stevenson, MD
  
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  Margaret Stevenson, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Stanford University Medical Center
  Fellowship: University of Connecticut Health Center
  Residency: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Allen Taylor, MD
  
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  Allen Taylor, MD
  
  Allen J. Taylor, MD, FACC, FAHA, is Chairman of Cardiology at MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, including MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Taylor is a board-certified cardiologist and clinical researcher, specializing in cardiovascular imaging and prevention. He is a member of the corporate Board of Directors for MedStar Health, the leading academic health system in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland region.
  
  Dr. Taylor obtained his medical training at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, followed by internal medicine residency training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, and a cardiovascular disease fellowship at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. During a 20-year career in the United States Army at Walter Reed, he served as the Director of Cardiovascular Research, Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Training Program, and Chief of the Cardiology Service. He retired from military service in 2008 at the rank of Colonel, during which he held the Army's “A” proficiency designator and was decorated with the Legion of Merit. He is a full Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, and Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
  
  Dr. Taylor's major research accomplishments include defining the role of lipid-lowering therapy on carotid atherosclerosis, focusing on HDL cholesterol and the use of niacin. His pioneering work in the field of cardiac CT includes conducting long-term prospective outcomes trials, randomized clinical trials on the utility of the technique, and methods to enhance the safety and appropriateness of cardiovascular imaging. He has published more than 210 manuscripts in the areas of imaging, lipids, prevention, cardiovascular outcomes, and quality in journals such as Circulation, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and the New England Journal of Medicine. He receives ongoing research funding from various federal and private sources, including the NIH. He is the author and/or editor of five books on topics within cardiovascular disease.
  
  Dr. Taylor served as founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Cardiovascular CT, and as Editor of the Braunwald's Heart Disease companion text atlas on cardiac CT. He is a Past President of the Society of Atherosclerosis Imaging and Prevention, and within the American College of Cardiology has held the posts of Chair of the Imaging Council, Chair of the FOCUS Campaign for Appropriate Use of Cardiovascular Imaging, and member of the Board of Governors. He is a founder of the Society of Cardiovascular CT, serving on its Board of Directors from 2006–2012, and also a founder of the Certification Board of Cardiovascular CT. He serves on the Board of Directors for Inteleos, an organization leading certification pathways and excellence among cardiovascular imaging experts. His work on national writing groups and task forces includes multi-society guidelines on cardiac CT training, terminology, and performance; quality standards for imaging performance and radiation protection; Appropriate Use Criteria for diagnostic testing; and national standards on cardiovascular disease management and prevention.
  
  Dr. Taylor contributes frequently to media reports as an authority on cardiovascular disease in major regional and national venues such as the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, CNN, Associated Press, Reuters, Forbes, and National Public Radio. He is also a frequent commentator on national video media including Good Morning America and the NBC and CBS Nightly News programs.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Virginia School of Medicine
  Residency: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
  Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Carolina Valdiviezo-Schlomp, MD
  
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  Carolina Valdiviezo-Schlomp, MD
  
  Carolina Isabel Valdiviezo, MD, is an attending cardiologist at the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and adult echocardiography.
  
  Her clinical interests include atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease prevention, cardiac CT, echocardiography, stress testing, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease in pregnancy.
  
  Dr. Valdiviezo-Schlomp completed her medical degree at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara and completed residency training at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Her cardiovascular disease fellowships include Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I listen carefully to my patients, believe in good communication, and use a team approach. After learning about their lifestyle and daily habits, I give the pros and cons of different treatments so together, with their primary care physician, we can customize the treatments that will produce the best outcomes.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  Fellowship: Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Yeshiva University
  Residency: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  Fellowship: Mount Sinai Medical Center-GME
  Medical School: Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara
  
  Education:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Anam Waheed
  
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  Anam Waheed, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Brigham and Womens Hospital
  Residency: Boston University Medical Center
  Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  Medical School: Aga Khan University Medical School
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology Associates at MedStar Washington Hospital Center - Physicians Office Building
  
  106 Irving Street NW
  Physician Office Bldg.
  Suite 4800 Washington, DC 20010
  
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  Ahmed Khan, MD
  
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  Ahmed Khan, MD
  
  Ahmed N. Khan, MD, MS, is an attending advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist at the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute.
  
  As a heart failure specialist who is board-certified in cardiology, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology, Dr. Khan sees patients for the treatment of heart failure at both its early and later stages. For patients in the early stages of heart failure, he works to ensure that patients receive appropriate medical therapy and close follow-up in order to successfully manage and treat their condition. For patients who are in the later stages of heart failure and who may need advanced therapies, such as heart transplantation and LVAD, he works closely with the transplant team at the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute to provide exceptional and collaborative care.
  
  In addition to heart failure, Dr. Khan also treats a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, and atrial fibrillation.
  
  Dr. Khan’s clinical interests include caring closely for patients with all stages of heart failure. Dr. Khan is encouraged by advancements in the treatment of heart failure and related conditions that allow patients to live longer and with fewer symptoms. His research interests include medical bioethics as it pertains to heart failure and heart transplantation.
  
  Dr. Khan received his medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where he stayed to complete an internal medicine residency and served as Chief Resident. During his time at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Dr. Khan was a clinical instructor of medicine and Assistant Professor of a course he designed, entitled “Medicine, Ethics, and the Humanities.” He then completed a three-year cardiology disease fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where he served as Chief Fellow and during which he was awarded the Faculty-Chosen Fellow Teacher of the Year Award and the Nathan Carliner Award for Distinction in Cardiovascular Research. He then did a specialty fellowship in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Khan also received a Master of Science in Bioethics from Columbia University.
  
  Following his passion for education and mentorship, throughout his time in residency and fellowship training, Dr. Khan held many teaching positions including instructor, lecturer, and preceptor. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, and the Heart Failure Society of America.
  
  Dr. Khan enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, reading, and exploring the DC area.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “A diagnosis of heart failure can be a lifelong diagnosis that can be difficult and scary for patients and their families. My goal as a heart failure physician is to treat my patients as though they were my family and provide them with the best care possible.
  
  I try to meet my patients where they are, give my best expert medical advice and opinion, and work with the patient and their families to realize their goals in their care. I enjoy helping my patients get back to the things that make life worthwhile for them.
  
  Each of my patients is a unique person who I am excited to have the opportunity to work with. I’ve found the more collaborative that you are with your patients, the better the doctor-patient relationship is and the more likely you are to reach your treatment goals. I feel honored when my patients say that they felt heard and well cared for by me.
  
  I view referrals as an important responsibility, and I see it as a privilege to be trusted with a patient’s care. I look forward to collaborating with referring physicians, maintaining close communication, and working together to do the best for the patient.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: University of Maryland Medicine GME
  Residency: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
  Residency: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
  Medical School: University Of Medicine & Dentistry Of New Jersey
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Edward Morris, MD
  
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  Edward Morris, MD
  
  Edward Morris, MD, is a board-certified cardiologist with MedStar Cardiology Associates at the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, and valvular heart disease, among others.
  
  Dr. Morris’s practice focuses on thorough diagnostic testing that includes techniques such as nuclear cardiology stress tests, stress echocardiograms, treadmill stress tests, echocardiograms, Holter monitoring, event monitoring, carotid duplex studies, leg arterial studies, and venous duplex studies.
  
  His clinical interest is nuclear cardiology, a specialty that uses non-invasive techniques to diagnose various cardiovascular conditions. He is also passionate about educating patients on the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
  
  Dr. Morris received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine. He then joined Duke Medical Center, where he completed an internal medicine residency, a cardiology fellowship, and a specialty fellowship in nuclear cardiology. He has been named a “Top 20 Cardiologist” by the Washingtonian from 2009 to 2016.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “Many cardiovascular events can be prevented. I stress prevention to my patients who are at risk of having a cardiac event. To those that have already had a cardiac event, I try to work on preventing another one from occurring by helping them to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes and, if indicated, medication.
  
  I care deeply for each one of my patients’ overall well-being and emphasize the importance of understanding that overall health is important to cardiovascular health.
  
  I’m open to all cardiovascular disease referrals and pledge to work in conjunction with my referring physicians to achieve the overall best health of their patients.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Duke University School of Medicine
  Residency: Duke University Internal Medicine Program
  Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Reginald Robinson, MD
  
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  Reginald Robinson, MD
  
  Dr. Reginald L. Robinson, MD, is a board certified cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and the Bowie, Maryland office of MedStar. Dr. Robinson also serves on the board of MedStar Cardiology Associates and is part of the Quality Committee, interviewing committee, physician lead for the Irving Street Vascular Lab, and facility medical director there for the practice. In addition, he holds a position on the Greater Washington region board of the American Heart Association, where he was previously president. He is the current board president of the Eastern States Board of the American Heart Association, which covers 30 local boards from Virginia to Maine, including West Virginia. His expertise is in general clinical cardiology, treating heart arrhythmia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and other diseases of the heart.
  
  Performing a range of diagnostic procedures, Dr. Robinson informs his treatment recommendations through imaging studies such as vascular ultrasound, as well as all forms of stress testing. His treatment approach is holistic, employing lifestyle changes as well as traditional cardiology. He sees medications as a supplement to healthy lifestyle changes. His clinical interests include clinical cardiology as it relates to taking care of the patient.
  
  Dr. Robinson was named the American Heart Association (AHA) 2024 Physician of the Year. He also received the 2020 Eastern States Volunteer Health Equity Award from the Greater Washington Chapter of the American Heart Association.
  
  Dr. Robinson received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine. He then completed his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in cardiology at Temple University Hospital, where he was named Chief Cardiology Fellow in the final year of his fellowship. Dr. Robinson is a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI), a certification awarded to cardiologists who meet the highest standards in vascular ultrasound interpretation.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I look at the entire vascular tree — the arteries, capillaries, and veins that carry blood to each part of the body — and try to synthesize and link them together. I examine how the patient’s diseases interact and how they put the patient at risk for other diseases and related cardiac events.
  
  I believe in a lifestyle-focused treatment approach, because about 80% of the conditions I see can be modified by lifestyle. I talk with my patients about how diet, exercise, and activity influence their health.”
  
  Honors, Awards, & Society Memberships:
  
  Member, Phi Beta Sigma
  
  Member, 100 Black Men Washington DC chapter
  
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion National American Heart Association 2024 - Present
  
  Board Member MedStar Cardiology Associates, L.L.C.
  
  Immediate past President Eastern States Board American Heart Association 7/2021 - 7/2023 (33 local boards from VA to Maine including WVa) 2021 - 7/2023
  
  American Heart Association past president of the board; DC Affiliate (DC and Northern VA)
  
  American Heart Association Mid-Atlantic Affiliate (NC, SC, VA, DC and parts of GA and MD) Board member: 2016
  
  Former At Large Member and secretary, Medical Society of the District of Columbia
  
  America Heart Association
  
  Association of Black Cardiologists American College of Cardiology
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Temple University Hospital
  Residency: Temple University Hospital
  Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  Micheas Zemedkun, MD
  
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  Micheas Zemedkun, MD
  
  Micheas Zemedkun, MD, is a non-invasive cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre.
  
  He uses his experience and clinical expertise to diagnose and deliver specialized care across a wide range of cardiovascular needs. His approach to each patient is individualized and utilizes the latest medical technology and information. Dr. Zemedkun specializes in coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, and preventive cardiology. He strives to implement the most effective approach for each patient by offering coordinated care and working closely with other care providers to ensure the best possible individualized treatments.
  
  He believes that interaction with each patient brings the most insight into that patient’s illness and needs, and finds it important to invest in listening, explaining, and engaging patients and their families in their treatment plan.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Medstar-Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Medstar-Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: New York Presbyterian Hospital
  Medical School: Harvard Medical School
  
  Certifications and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  
  110 Irving Street, NW
  First Floor, North Addition
  Washington, DC 20010
  
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  Brian Baturin, MD
  
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  Brian Baturin, MD
  
  Brian Baturin, MD, is an imaging cardiologist with the structural heart team at the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute. Dr. Baturin practices advanced echocardiography with a focus on valvular heart disease.
  
  Dr. Baturin specializes in interventional echocardiography, which requires an additional level of expertise beyond general cardiology. When patients are referred to the structural heart program, Dr. Baturin collaborates with the rest of the team to determine the most appropriate tests in order to advise decisions on treatment. Options for treatment include optimizing medical management, transcatheter intervention, or surgery when necessary.
  
  At the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, Dr. Baturin performs imaging studies for clinical trials for different types of transcatheter interventions. His considerations in determining whether a person is a candidate for transcatheter methods include the severity and etiology of the disease as well as the individual’s medical history. Dr. Baturin is interested in research that involves advanced echocardiography and structural heart imaging in order to better assess valvular disease and determine treatment options.
  
  Dr. Baturin is committed to helping his patients fully understand the nature of their individual conditions and their treatment options. His desire is for every patient he sees to be assured that their concerns are important to him and that their questions will be heard and answered. He is very excited to be working in the rapidly expanding field of valvular heart disease.
  
  Dr. Baturin has completed an advanced echocardiography fellowship at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He received his medical degree from Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School. He then completed a three-year residency in internal medicine at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, followed by a three-year cardiovascular disease fellowship at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the American Society of Echocardiography.
  
  Outside of work, Dr. Baturin loves traveling, spending time with his wife and son, and exploring D.C. area parks.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “Because of all the options we have in the field of cardiology and valvular heart disease, I think shared decision making is very important; having a thorough discussion about the patient’s thoughts and values and what they want to get out of their care.
  
  In this day and age, it’s important to have an imaging specialist who is trained in performing and interpreting these specialized echocardiograms involved in the care of these patients. For patients with severe or complex valvular heart disease, the best care is provided when we utilize a heart team approach including an imaging specialist, and that’s what I bring.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Medstar-Washington Hospital Center
  Fellowship: Cooper University Hospital/Health System GME
  Residency: Brown University
  Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  Board Certification: Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology
  Board Certification: National Board of Echocardiography, Echcardiography
  
  Patrick Bering, MD
  
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  Patrick Bering, MD
  
  Patrick Bering, MD, is a clinical cardiologist who is the medical director for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He is a member of the MedStar cardiovascular imaging team with a focus on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart).
  
  Dr. Bering performs a variety of diagnostic imaging tests, including: transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), stress echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and thoracic magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). He participates in treating structural heart disease by performing intraprocedural TEE guidance.
  
  He is involved in clinical research for investigational medical options to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He participates as a cardiac imager in research projects utilizing echocardiography and cardiac MRI to characterize heart conditions like cardiomyopathy and valvular heart disease.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  "I am passionate about clinical care for patients and their family members with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. HCM is a condition that wears many faces and is unique to each individual. My approach relies on empowering patients through education about their condition and treatment options. We engage in shared decision making to find a plan best suited to their goals and wishes. As a cardiac imaging specialist, I can translate diagnostic results directly into clinical decisions. I am proud that our multidisciplinary MedStar team offers high quality, personalized care to patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Washington, DC community and beyond!"
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  Fellowship: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
  Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Vaani Garg, MD
  
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  Vaani Garg, MD
  
  Vaani Panse Garg, MD, is a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, and adult comprehensive echocardiography.
  
  Dr. Garg diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, from hypertension to heart failure. She is passionate about prevention and works with patients for the entire duration of their disease process.
  
  She is particularly interested in structural echocardiography, which enhances her diagnosis of, and treatment decisions for, a variety of pathology. She is highly skilled at interpreting—and teaching other providers how to read—transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE), transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE), and 3-D echocardiography.
  
  Her current research interests involve novel techniques and teaching approaches in echocardiography, as well as new initiatives to enhance provider wellness and medical education.
  
  Dr. Garg earned her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. She then completed an internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai Hospital. Following her residency, she remained at Mount Sinai Hospital for a clinical cardiovascular disease fellowship, during which she served as chief cardiology fellow for two years.
  
  Participating in several international projects throughout her training years introduced Dr. Garg to a global health perspective. This interest brought her to Soweto, South Africa, where she was a volunteer at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Cardiology Department, as well as Pune, India, where she was a public health service corps fellow with the William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service Program. She brings this broad, global health awareness to her practice today.
  
  Prior to joining MedStar Health, Dr. Garg practiced at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where she also served as site director for the cardiology fellowship program (Veterans Affairs track) and the associate program director of the cardiology fellowship program. She was also a clinical assistant professor of medicine (cardiology) at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  I always aim to understand each patient’s life and daily practices. This gives me a deep understanding of how to coach them on medications, exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes. I also emphasize hands-on health education. I draw diagrams, share images, and ensure all questions are answered. I fully explain the “why” of decision making, and in doing so, empower them to better manage their health.
  
  In my partnerships with referring providers, I emphasize open communication and make myself readily available to discuss patient cases.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Mount Sinai Hospital
  Residency: Mount Sinai Hospital
  Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
  
  Syed Haider, MD
  
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  Syed Haider, MD
  
  Syed Waqas Haider, MD, MPH, FACC is a board-certified cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where he serves as Director of the Pericardial Disease Program. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of complex pericardial syndromes, recurrent pericarditis, and inflammatory cardiac conditions, with additional clinical expertise in multimodality imaging and general cardiology.
  
  Dr. Haider is certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology. His academic work focuses on advanced imaging applications for inflammatory heart disease and clinical trials in recurrent pericarditis. He is actively involved as site investigator for the RESONANCE registry and co-primary investigator for the MAvERIC-Pilot trial, a multi-center study investigating cannabidiol therapy in recurrent pericarditis. He previously contributed to NIH-sponsored COVID-19 trials during the pandemic’s early phase.
  
  He has published in high-impact journals including JACC Case Reports, Frontiers in Medicine, and BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, and served as a guest editor for JACC Case Reports. In addition to his clinical and research leadership, Dr. Haider is a committed educator and received the 2023 Educator of the Year Award from the MedStar Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center Cardiovascular Fellowship. He holds an MPH from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  Many of my patients call me an “old-school doctor”—a term I wear with pride. I believe in personalized, attentive care and take the time to listen beyond just cardiac symptoms. In doing so, I often uncover important clinical details that shape better diagnoses and treatment. Cardiovascular disease is one of the few major killers we can often prevent or control. My goal is to translate complex guidelines and therapies into clear, actionable steps for each patient—making care not just evidence-based, but practical.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center-Roosevelt Division
  Residency: St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center-Roosevelt Division
  Medical School: Ziauddin University
  
  Certification and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Sumbal Janjua, MD
  
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  Sumbal Janjua, MD
  
  Sumbal A. Janjua, MD, is a non-invasive cardiologist at the Heart and Vascular Institute of MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and preventive cardiology, but her special interests include the use of cardiac CT in pre-procedural structural assessment and advanced echocardiography in the intraprocedural guidance of structural heart procedures.
  
  As a multimodality cardiac imager, Dr. Janjua has particular expertise in structural echocardiography and cardiac CT and works with cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists in the collaborative diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of patients with structural heart disease.
  
  Dr. Janjua spent a couple of years completing the NIH-sponsored T-32 advanced imaging research fellowship, with a particular focus on coronary and carotid plaque analysis by CT and its association with outcomes. She was selected as a finalist for the “Young Investigator” Award at the Society of Cardiovascular CT meeting for her research involving statin use and plaque on coronary CT angiography from the ROMICAT trial. In addition, her work investigating carotid plaque by CT among people with HIV has been published in the American Heart Association’s Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging. Dr. Janjua has several publications in leading peer-reviewed journals and has presented her work at various cardiology meetings including ACC, AHA, and SCCT. She has also served as a reviewer for Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My philosophy of care revolves around providing excellent and compassionate patient care, being a strong advocate for my patients, and involving them in shared decision making. I believe in a multidisciplinary approach in patient care and working in a collaborative manner to provide the highest standards of care to all patients.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Rhode Island Hospital
  Graduate: Brown University Program in Medicine
  Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital
  Graduate: Tufts University School of Medicine
  Residency: St. Elizabeth Hospital
  Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital
  Medical School: The Aga Khan University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Christy Kaiser, MD
  
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  Christy Kaiser, MD
  
  Christy Kaiser, MD, is Assistant Program Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She is a member of the American College of Cardiology.
  
  As a cardiologist, Dr. Kaiser specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease through medical treatments and therapies.
  
  Dr. Kaiser is passionate about medical education and is dedicated to improving education for medical trainees, teaching others how to be better educators, and designing effective curriculum. She has received numerous awards for her efforts toward medical education, including the Faculty Teacher of the Year Award in 2017 and the Cardiology Fellow Teaching Award in 2015, both from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, as well as awards for Top Fellow in the Veterans Administration Cardiology Clinic for the years 2013, 2014, and 2015.
  
  Dr. Kaiser received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. She then completed an internship and residency training in internal medicine at Duke University. Finally, she joined MedStar Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center for a three-year cardiology fellowship, where she also served as Chief Fellow.
  
  Dr. Kaiser is also involved in international medical activities. She has volunteered in Leon, Nicaragua for multiple years, taking part in an annual two-week program that provides cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery services to people in need.
  
  In addition to English, Dr. Kaiser is very proficient in Spanish and French.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My interest in education extends to my patients as well as to medical trainees. Education is vital for the patient to understand their disease process so that they can help me develop a treatment plan that aligns with their priorities. The doctor-patient relationship has to be a two-way conversation. By building a partnership with each individual, the patient is more motivated to make whatever lifestyle changes are necessary and to adhere to the treatment plan.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Duke University Hospital
  Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
  
  Certifcation and Professional Assocations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Preetham Kumar, MD
  
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  Preetham Kumar, MD
  
  Preetham Kumar, MD, is a Cardiologist at the Heart and Vascular Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Kumar is the Director of the Echocardiography Laboratory and Interventional Echocardiography.
  
  Dr. Kumar underwent cardiovascular diseases fellowship training at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and advanced cardiovascular imaging and structural echocardiography fellowship training at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. His residency training was at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India; Coventry & Leicester, United Kingdom; and SJHMC, Michigan, USA. He received his medical degree from Bangalore University in India.
  
  Dr. Kumar’s prior training in cardiovascular imaging, internal medicine, and psychiatry has created a foundation for his cardiology practice, which combines advanced cardiac imaging during complex cardiac interventions with patient-centered clinical practice delivered with clarity and emphasis on listening to and understanding patient needs with empathy.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Mayo Clinic Scottsdale
  Fellowship: Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
  Residency: St. John Hospital And Medical Center-Detroit
  Medical School: Bangalore Medical College
  
  Diego Medvedofsky, MD
  
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  Diego Medvedofsky, MD
  
  Diego A. Medvedofsky, MD, is a cardiologist at the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute at Washington Hospital Center. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University. Dr. Medvedofsky specializes in advanced echocardiography imaging, including during interventional and intraoperative procedures.
  
  Dr. Medvedofsky is keen on providing comprehensive clinical cardiac care and echocardiographic imaging to evaluate and guide cardiac structural and surgical interventions for patients in the Washington, DC area.
  
  His areas of research include three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography, myocardial deformation (strain) analysis, contrast echocardiography, and the role of cardiac imaging in valvular heart disease and heart failure.
  
  Dr. Medvedofsky has published his research on novel approaches to cardiac imaging in more than 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, European Heart Journal, Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, Journal of Cardiac Failure, Hypertension, Journal of Cardiology, American Journal of Cardiology, International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging, Echocardiography, Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine, and others. In addition, he reviews manuscripts for many of the top cardiovascular journals.
  
  Dr. Medvedofsky is fluent in English, Spanish, and Hebrew.
  
  He received his medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires Medical School. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Meir General Hospital and a fellowship in cardiology at Sheba Medical Center, both in Israel. He then completed a three-year fellowship in advanced non-invasive cardiac imaging at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Chicago Hospital
  Fellowship: Chaim Sheba Medical Center
  Residency: Sapir Medical Center
  Internship: Rabin Medical Center
  Medical School: Universidad de Buenos Aires
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Ricardo Nieves, MD
  
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  Ricardo Nieves, MD
  
  Ricardo Nieves, MD, is a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. As a general cardiologist, he treats patients with a wide range of cardiovascular disorders, utilizing traditional and advanced cardiology methods like stress testing, coronary CTA, and cardiac MRI. He is board-certified in internal medicine, echocardiography, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac MRI.
  
  His treatment approach is patient-centered and holistic. Passionate about helping people improve their health while considering their lifestyle and the social determinants that influence their access to care, he works closely with his patients to develop a care plan that aligns with their personal goals and values. He promotes lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, to improve cardiovascular health.
  
  Dr. Nieves specializes in utilizing cardiac MRI imaging technology to better diagnose, treat, and understand heart diseases such as infiltrative cardiomyopathies and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, among other processes. He is also excited about the future of 4D cardiac MRI imaging, a technology that allows cardiologists to evaluate blood flow in the heart in real time while simultaneously evaluating the structure of the heart.
  
  Dr. Nieves completed his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He went on to complete his residency, internship, and two fellowship programs at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
  
  In his career, Dr. Nieves has received several awards and honors, including the Galal M. Ziady Memorial Award for his commitment to the underserved and the UPMC Excellence in Research Award. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, and Alpha Omega Alpha.
  
  Dr. Nieves speaks fluent Spanish. When he is not working with patients, he likes to play guitar, row, exercise, and spend time with his family.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My philosophy of care is simple: the patient comes first. It is important to me to focus on someone’s goals and fully understand where they are coming from. I believe that knowledge is power and that the more you know, the better equipped you are to take care of yourself and your health. When I sit and talk with patients, I am seeking to understand where they are coming from and how I can meet them there with information regarding their health.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  
  Certifcation and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Jonathan Patrick, MD
  
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  Jonathan Patrick, MD
  
  Dr. Jonathan Patrick, MD, is a board-certified clinical cardiologist and Vice President, Clinical Quality for MedStar Health. Dr. Patrick’s professional focus is within MedStar Health’s Institute for Quality and Safety, designing health delivery systems that provide the highest quality, most efficient, and safest care possible for patients.
  
  Clinically, Dr. Patrick specializes in non-invasive cardiology, preventive cardiology, and diagnostic testing. He treats patients with valvular heart disease and/or acute cardiovascular illness, as well as patients who are experiencing heart failure as a result of coronary artery disease or other causes. Dr. Patrick performs diagnostic testing such as echocardiography as well as cardiac stress testing.
  
  Dr. Patrick attended medical school at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in internal medicine at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and his fellowship in cardiology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Patrick received an award in 2015 as a top educator of internal medicine residents, as well as an award in 2016 for innovation within the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “As a cardiologist, I feel my job is to understand, in the most fundamental way possible, what is wrong with the person’s heart, how that is affecting their life, and what it means for that person in the long run. I communicate this to my patients, and I work with them to come to a decision on how to move forward together.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Georgetown University School of Medicine GME
  Medical School: Georgetown University Medical Center
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Allen Taylor, MD
  
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  Allen Taylor, MD
  
  Allen J. Taylor, MD, FACC, FAHA, is Chairman of Cardiology at MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, including MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Taylor is a board-certified cardiologist and clinical researcher, specializing in cardiovascular imaging and prevention. He is a member of the corporate Board of Directors for MedStar Health, the leading academic health system in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland region.
  
  Dr. Taylor obtained his medical training at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, followed by internal medicine residency training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, and a cardiovascular disease fellowship at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. During a 20-year career in the United States Army at Walter Reed, he served as the Director of Cardiovascular Research, Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Training Program, and Chief of the Cardiology Service. He retired from military service in 2008 at the rank of Colonel, during which he held the Army's “A” proficiency designator and was decorated with the Legion of Merit. He is a full Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, and Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
  
  Dr. Taylor's major research accomplishments include defining the role of lipid-lowering therapy on carotid atherosclerosis, focusing on HDL cholesterol and the use of niacin. His pioneering work in the field of cardiac CT includes conducting long-term prospective outcomes trials, randomized clinical trials on the utility of the technique, and methods to enhance the safety and appropriateness of cardiovascular imaging. He has published more than 210 manuscripts in the areas of imaging, lipids, prevention, cardiovascular outcomes, and quality in journals such as Circulation, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and the New England Journal of Medicine. He receives ongoing research funding from various federal and private sources, including the NIH. He is the author and/or editor of five books on topics within cardiovascular disease.
  
  Dr. Taylor served as founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Cardiovascular CT, and as Editor of the Braunwald's Heart Disease companion text atlas on cardiac CT. He is a Past President of the Society of Atherosclerosis Imaging and Prevention, and within the American College of Cardiology has held the posts of Chair of the Imaging Council, Chair of the FOCUS Campaign for Appropriate Use of Cardiovascular Imaging, and member of the Board of Governors. He is a founder of the Society of Cardiovascular CT, serving on its Board of Directors from 2006–2012, and also a founder of the Certification Board of Cardiovascular CT. He serves on the Board of Directors for Inteleos, an organization leading certification pathways and excellence among cardiovascular imaging experts. His work on national writing groups and task forces includes multi-society guidelines on cardiac CT training, terminology, and performance; quality standards for imaging performance and radiation protection; Appropriate Use Criteria for diagnostic testing; and national standards on cardiovascular disease management and prevention.
  
  Dr. Taylor contributes frequently to media reports as an authority on cardiovascular disease in major regional and national venues such as the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, CNN, Associated Press, Reuters, Forbes, and National Public Radio. He is also a frequent commentator on national video media including Good Morning America and the NBC and CBS Nightly News programs.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: University of Virginia School of Medicine
  Residency: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
  Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Bernard Wagman, MD
  
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  Bernard Wagman, MD
  
  Education:
  Medical School: State University of New York at Buffalo
  Internship Program: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency Program: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Fellowship Program: Pacific Medical Center
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine/CardiovascDise
  
  Anam Waheed, MD
  
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  Anam Waheed, MD
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Brigham and Womens Hospital
  Residency: Boston University Medical Center
  Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  Medical School: Aga Khan University Medical School
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Gaby Weissman, MD
  
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  Gaby Weissman, MD
  
  Gaby Weissman, MD, has been on the faculty at MedStar Washington Hospital Center since 2007 and at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital since 2009. After training in cardiac echocardiography and nuclear cardiology at Yale University, he obtained further specialization in cardiovascular CT and MRI.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Yale New Haven Hospital
  Residency: Yale New Haven Hospital
  Medical School: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
  
  Certifications and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
- MedStar Health: Cardiology at Lafayette Centre
  
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  Suite 700
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  Marius Chukwurah, MD
  
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  Marius Chukwurah, MD
  
  Marius Chukwurah, MD, FACC, is a sports cardiologist. He specializes in preventive cardiology, clinical lipidology, and cardiovascular imaging. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and clinical lipidology.
  
  Dr. Chukwurah has clinical expertise in caring for athletes and highly active individuals who have, or are at risk for, various forms of heart conditions but want to continue exercising safely and optimize their performance. Passionate about helping his patients stay active, he offers comprehensive evaluations, including advanced cardiopulmonary exercise testing (maximal effort VO2 studies), to prevent, diagnose, and manage cardiovascular issues such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, dyslipidemia, complex lipid disorders, valvular and vascular heart disease, and cardiomyopathy. He is engaged in preparticipation screening, return-to-play evaluations, and overall cardiovascular care of professional/elite, masters, collegiate, high school, tactical (military, police, firefighter, etc.) personnel, and recreational athletes.
  
  His approach to patient care is rooted in evidence-based medicine. He begins with lifestyle changes and risk-factor management and, when necessary, prescribes the latest guideline-directed medical therapies. Dr. Chukwurah firmly believes in shared decision-making, partnering closely with patients to develop tailored care plans that align with their health goals and fit their lifestyles.
  
  Dr. Chukwurah's research centers on disparities in health outcomes of cardiovascular disease, sudden cardiac death in athletes, and advancing the understanding of the athlete’s heart, particularly how exercise affects cardiac structure and function over time. In his clinic, he utilizes echocardiography and stress testing to differentiate between benign physiological adaptations in athletes and malignant cardiac pathology.
  
  Throughout his career, Dr. Chukwurah has been recognized for his dedication to mentoring future physicians, expanding opportunities in medicine to promote a more diverse and inclusive workforce, and advancing research that reduces health disparities. The National Medical Association awarded him the Early Career Investigator Award and Emerging Scholars Award. During his fellowship at Duke University, he earned the Excellence in Graduate Medical Education Award and the Dr. Brenda Armstrong Award. He also received the Black Health Connect 40 Under 40 Award.
  
  Dr. Chukwurah was born in the DMV, specifically Laurel, MD, and raised in Baltimore, MD. Outside of work, he is passionate about community service and enjoys spending time with family. He also enjoys attending sporting events, traveling both domestically and internationally, listening to music, attending art and comedy shows, cooking, and trying new food scenes.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “My approach to care centers on treating each patient as I would my own family members, doing everything I can to protect their heart health while encouraging and supporting their desire to stay active and engaged in life. I believe the best care happens when we work together. I take the time to listen, understand patients’ goals, and build a plan that feels right for them; one that empowers them to live life fully and confidently.
  
  Heart health can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I strive to make cardiovascular care clear and accessible by explaining things in simple and plain language, and ensuring my patients understand the ‘why’ behind every decision. Prevention is always better than intervention, and I am committed to offering the latest advances in medicine to help preserve the heart health of my patients while helping them feel their best every day.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital
  Fellowship: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania GME
  Residency: Duke University School of Medicine
  Medical School: Howard University
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Robert Lager, MD
  
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  Robert Lager, MD
  
  Robert Lager, MD, is a clinical cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He serves as Physician Lead of MedStar Cardiology Associates, a 43-physician cardiology group at MedStar Health. He is Director of MedStar Ambulatory Services for the Southern region of the MedStar Health system, which includes the District of Columbia and Southern Maryland. Dr. Lager worked as an interventional cardiologist for 20 years and has performed over 10,000 cardiac catheterizations. He has served as a national proctor for Abbott and Medtronic, training physicians from around the nation how to perform the transradial wrist approach for catheterization. In addition, he has trained many cardiology fellows in the interventional cardiology fellowship program at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and contributed as a clinical investigator in multiple interventional cardiology research studies involving new devices and interventional techniques.
  
  Dr. Lager specializes in conditions related to coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and structural heart disease. He also sees patients for hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and cholesterol disorders, with a strong interest in preventive cardiovascular medicine.
  
  Dr. Lager received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania before completing his internship and residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital. He then completed a general cardiology and interventional cardiology fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, as well as a fellowship in vascular medicine at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital of Boston. Throughout his fellowship training, Dr. Lager served as Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Lager appreciates referrals from physicians and hospital centers for patients with all types of cardiac problems, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and cholesterol disorders. When not practicing cardiology, Dr. Lager enjoys regular exercise with his family and pursues his passion for travel.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I live by the golden rule that I treat patients like I would treat my family members or treat myself. I have found that this simple rule has guided me along my journey to develop an empathetic and patient-centered practice.”
  
  “Patients have better outcomes when they are informed and educated. For this reason, I’m very much about communication and transparency. An educated patient is generally a healthy patient. I also ask patients to take ownership of their care and urge them to live a healthy lifestyle.”
  
  “Empathy and taking the time to listen are a big part of my practice. The history and the story that one gets by listening to the patient are as valuable as any objective testing that we do. Above all, I want each of my patients to feel that they are my only patient.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
  Fellowship: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  Fellowship: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital
  Medical School: University of Pennsylvania
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Kenneth Lee, MD
  
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  Kenneth Lee, MD
  
  Kenneth Lee, MD, is a general consultative cardiologist in private practice and Facility Managing Director at the Lafayette Center Office for MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. He specializes in seeing patients who are at risk of cardiovascular disease in addition to individuals who have been diagnosed with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cardiac rhythm disturbances, heart failure, and coronary artery disease, among other cardiovascular conditions. He takes special interest in the prevention and treatment of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
  
  Prior to joining MedStar, Dr. Lee performed complex procedures such as angioplasties and cardiac catheterizations for more than 35 years in private practice. Now, he is passionate about helping patients understand their role in their overall health and cardiovascular health and how they can prevent the development of certain cardiovascular diseases.
  
  Dr. Lee focuses on a partnership approach with each patient and their family that stresses the prevention of cardiovascular disease by being proactive regarding cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and smoking, in addition to the management of ongoing cardiovascular issues.
  
  After receiving his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School, Dr. Lee completed an internal medicine internship at Portsmouth Naval Regional Medical Center. He then completed a residency in internal medicine at Bethesda National Naval Medical Center. Following this training, he served as White House Physician to President Ronald Reagan.
  
  Dr. Lee served as regimental surgeon with the U.S. Marines in Okinawa, Japan, before continuing his training in cardiology. Upon his return, he completed a general cardiology fellowship and a specialty fellowship in interventional cardiology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Lee has been recognized for his excellence in patient care and has been named a “Top Doctor” by Washingtonian magazine and Washington Checkbook magazine for the past 20 years.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “There’s no one rigid approach to healthcare management—each treatment plan has to be individualized in order to achieve the best results for each patient. My philosophy is to work with my patients to tailor treatments to their specific needs, as opposed to having them fit into a mold or a guideline of treatment.
  
  I take pride in my ability to explain medical terminology in a way that eliminates intimidation and helps patients obtain a clear understanding of their condition and their treatment options. It’s important to me that my patients feel as though they can approach me with questions and that they are part of the decision-making process regarding treatment, rather than feeling they are having a decision dictated to them.
  
  I’m fully accessible to referring physicians and do my best to communicate results as soon as I have them available.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Walter Reed National Medical Center GME
  Internship: Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
  Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Michael Lee, MD
  
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  Michael Lee, MD
  
  Michael Lee, MD, is a non-invasive cardiologist at MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre and MedStar Health at McLean. Dr. Lee is board certified in cardiovascular diseases and treats cardiac conditions such as coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, and valvular disease.
  
  Dr. Lee focuses primarily on treating and managing heart disease by interpreting cardiac studies (e.g., echocardiograms and various stress test modalities) and non-invasive vascular studies (e.g., carotid duplex scans, aortic duplex imaging, ABIs, renal artery duplex scans, and lower extremity arterial and venous duplex studies). Once he has thoroughly investigated his patient’s symptoms, he collaborates with them to develop a health care plan that aligns with their lifestyle and health goals.
  
  Dr. Lee believes that early detection of heart disease and atherosclerosis is vital to improving overall outcomes. To this end, he actively promotes early screening and heart health education.
  
  He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). Dr. Lee has been chosen by his peers as one of Washington, D.C.’s best doctors every year since 2019, and his name appears on the Washingtonian Top Doctors list.
  
  Dr. Lee received his medical degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. He completed his residency and a fellowship in cardiovascular diseases at the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital, where he received training in non-invasive vascular imaging.
  
  Dr. Lee is happily married with four children. When he is not practicing medicine, he is at home helping his children with homework or participating in the many activities they are involved in.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “I believe in listening to patients and thoroughly investigating their symptoms before developing a treatment plan that is appropriate for them and their lives. Patients and physicians should be on the same team, working together to improve the patient’s health. Everyone is different; not everybody is interested in pursuing the same pathways in regard to diagnosis, treatment, or medications. That is why I believe in working with patients to come up with a treatment plan that aligns with their philosophies and their health goals.”
  
  “When it comes to working with referring providers, I believe that primary care providers are the cornerstone of care for patients. I always strive to have clear and concise communication with my patients’ primary care providers, because at the end of the day they are the ones who are putting all the pieces together for them.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Strong Memorial Hospital of the University of Rochester
  Residency: Strong Memorial Hospital of the University of Rochester
  Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
  
  Christopher Puleo, MD
  
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  Christopher Puleo, MD
  
  Christopher W. Puleo, MD is a noninvasive cardiologist at MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute. He is board certified in internal medicine and board certified in cardiovascular disease, adult echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.
  
  As a noninvasive cardiologist, Dr. Puleo diagnoses and treats a broad spectrum of cardiovascular health conditions, including coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and valvular disease. He predominantly sees patients in the outpatient setting in addition to performing routine inpatient cardiovascular consultations for patients admitted to MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He incorporates his experience with a variety of cardiac imaging modalities, including echocardiography and nuclear stress testing, to further risk stratify patients for a wide range of cardiac conditions.
  
  Dr. Puleo’s main clinical interest is in preventive care – he emphasizes the importance of preventing disease, not just treating it. He has a strong interest in working with patients to identify and incorporate healthy lifestyle choices that they enjoy to both treat and prevent cardiac disease before it reaches advanced stages. Dr. Puleo’s research interests are also focused on preventive cardiology and include cardiac biomarkers and cardiac risk stratification. He is very excited by the continuous development of new medicines and interventions in the field of cardiology.
  
  Dr. Puleo earned his medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He then completed an internal medicine internship and residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, before joining Ochsner Clinic Foundation for a three-year cardiovascular disease fellowship program.
  
  Dr. Puleo is excited to be living in the DC area, the closest he has been in recent years to his family in the Northeast. It is also very special for him to have the opportunity to practice medicine in the region where his grandfather was a physician many years ago.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “Medicine is both an art and a science. Physicians go through training for years and years to master that science, but it’s all for nothing unless you're able to build a relationship with your patient.
  
  As cardiologists, we’re not here to tell people, ‘you need to do this’ or ‘you need to stop eating that.’ We’re here to make recommendations and to work with patients to help them meet their health goals and live the lives they want.
  
  My goal is to help all of my patients feel better, live longer, manage their conditions, and prevent future disease. I believe the best way to do all of the above is by building a strong patient-physician partnership and working together to achieve the health goals of the individual patient, whether that’s playing with grandkids or running marathons.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Ochsner Foundation Hospital
  Residency: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
  Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  S. Zyad Qamer, MD
  
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  S. Zyad Qamer, MD
  
  Zyad Qamer, MD, is a cardiologist with clinical expertise in general cardiology, cardio-oncology, and cardiac amyloidosis. He is board-certified in internal medicine, general cardiology, cardio-oncology, echocardiography, and cardiovascular computed tomography (CT). He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the International Cardio-Oncology Society.
  
  Dr. Qamer practices general cardiology and cardio-oncology and treats patients for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, and the intersection of cancer and heart disease. His holistic and comprehensive treatment approach utilizes the most up-to-date imaging, lifestyle changes, and evidence-based medical therapies to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiovascular diseases.
  
  He has particular expertise in cardio-oncology and cardiac amyloidosis, completing additional training at Washington University School of Medicine. During his training sponsored in part by the National Amyloidosis Foundation, he gained extensive experience caring for cancer patients at the Siteman Cancer Center, working closely with oncologists to prevent and manage heart conditions related to cancer therapies as well as ATTR and AL amyloidosis. For patients with cardiac amyloidosis, he actively explores early clinical diagnosis and ensures they receive optimal, evidence-based treatment and clinical trial opportunities.
  
  Dr. Qamer completed his medical degree and his internal medicine residency at Georgetown University Hospital, where he received multiple awards, including the Edward Tsou, MD, Medical Humanities Award, the Kandavelan Viswalingham Award for Clinical Excellence, and first place at the 2019 Internal Medicine Research Day. He then pursued a cardiovascular disease fellowship at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington Hospital Center, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on general cardiology, cardiac critical care, and echocardiography. Following his general cardiology training, Dr. Qamer completed a dedicated advanced fellowship in cardio-oncology and amyloidosis at Washington University School of Medicine, sponsored by the National Amyloidosis Foundation.
  
  After completing his advanced fellowship, Dr. Qamer stayed on as faculty at Washington University School of Medicine as an Assistant Professor within the Division of Cardiology. He held a dual appointment within the Department of Medicine and the Siteman Cancer Center. He was awarded the Charles Reiss Award for Excellence in Teaching by the cardiology fellows for the 2024–2025 academic year. He was also a sub-investigator for multiple amyloidosis clinical trials and helped co-direct the biannual Washington University Amyloidosis Conference.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “It is my privilege to care for patients suffering from cardiovascular disorders and cancer. I strive to do what is best for them and their heart health to help them receive their cancer treatment. My patients know that I take the time to listen and thoroughly understand their concerns and issues.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Georgetown University School of Medicine GME
  Residency: Georgetown University School of Medicine GME
  Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
  
  Alyssa Zaidi, MD
  
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  Alyssa Zaidi, MD
  
  Alyssa Zaidi, MD, is a non-invasive general cardiologist at MedStar Health Lafayette Centre and MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She treats the full spectrum of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, valvular disease, and arrhythmias. Her special interests include clinical lipidology, cardio-obstetrics, and multimodality cardiac imaging.
  
  Board-certified in echocardiography and a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation, Dr. Zaidi uses echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and vascular imaging to provide comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans.
  
  As a diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology, Dr. Zaidi provides advanced preventative cardiovascular care, collaborating with the National Lipid Association. She is also active in the American College of Cardiology’s Cardio-Obstetrics group and has contributed to consensus statements. Her research centers on preventive cardiology guidelines and access to care.
  
  Dr. Zaidi earned her medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society and received the Dr. Charles Schnall Alumni Award for Clinical Excellence. She completed her internal medicine residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she also completed her fellowship in cardiovascular disease, earning the Miriam and Harold Steinberg Family Fellowship Award for research excellence.
  
  Philosophy of Care:
  “As a cardiologist, I believe it's my responsibility to fully educate and guide my patients while respecting their values and goals. My patients can count on me to be honest, attentive, and committed to helping them make informed decisions. They should know that I care deeply and want them to feel safe, supported, and confident in their care.”
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell
  Residency: New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell
  Medical School: Temple University School of Medicine
  
  Certification and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
  
  Micheas Zemedkun, MD
  
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  Micheas Zemedkun, MD
  
  Micheas Zemedkun, MD, is a non-invasive cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre.
  
  He uses his experience and clinical expertise to diagnose and deliver specialized care across a wide range of cardiovascular needs. His approach to each patient is individualized and utilizes the latest medical technology and information. Dr. Zemedkun specializes in coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, and preventive cardiology. He strives to implement the most effective approach for each patient by offering coordinated care and working closely with other care providers to ensure the best possible individualized treatments.
  
  He believes that interaction with each patient brings the most insight into that patient’s illness and needs, and finds it important to invest in listening, explaining, and engaging patients and their families in their treatment plan.
  
  Education:
  Fellowship: Medstar-Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: Medstar-Washington Hospital Center
  Residency: New York Presbyterian Hospital
  Medical School: Harvard Medical School
  
  Certifications and Professional Associations:
  Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

Experts in heart health

High quality, good care starts with an accurate diagnosis. Our clinicians take time to listen to you, investigate your symptoms, and address any concerns you may have. Once a diagnosis is made, a personal care plan will be created with you.

Hear from our experts

Facebook Live: Heart Disease in Women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States—and symptoms in women don’t always look the same as they do in men.

In this conversation, specialists from MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute share what every woman should know about risk factors, warning signs, prevention, and treatment.

Hear insights from Dr. Kerunne Ketlogetswe, Dr. Richa Gupta, Dr. Rimmy Farrakhan, and Kerry Lynch, PA, as they answer common questions and offer practical guidance to help you take charge of your heart health.

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Are you at risk for heart disease?

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Heart disease and strokes account for one out of four deaths in the U.S. each year. Complete our short quiz to assess your cardiovascular health.

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What is heart disease?

Although the term refers to a variety of conditions affecting the cardiovascular system, the most common is coronary artery disease. This condition decreases blood flow and can ultimately lead to a heart attack.

When it comes to cardiovascular disease, any symptoms should be taken seriously. Don’t delay care if you’re experiencing:

chest pain, tightness, or heaviness
shortness of breath
nausea

dizziness
pain in the jaw, neck, or left arm

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Benefit from the latest innovations and research

Our experts at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute are continually learning new techniques. We strive to always be at the forefront of care, providing the latest innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of people with heart disease.

Our year by the numbers:

Leader in innovation and compassion

35

2024-2025 US News and World Report Best Hospitals Award Badge #38 Hospital in the country for cardiology and heart and vascular surgery

MedStar Washington Hospital Center was awarded.
30

Lowest mortality rates for heart attack patients
100

Among America's top 100 hospitals for Cardiac care or Coronary Intervention

Awarded to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
by Healthgrades’ Specialty Excellence Awards.
High Performing Hospital

High-performing hospital for heart attack care, heart bypass surgery, heart failure care, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. MedStar Union Memorial Hospital recognized by U.S. News & World Report.

Fiscal year 2024 data

Frequently asked questions

How does the heart work?

The heart pumps blood through the body using muscle, chambers, valves, and an electrical system that controls each heartbeat.

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What is cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems.

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How can I reduce my risk of cardiovascular disease?

You can lower your risk by maintaining a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping conditions like blood pressure and cholesterol under control with your healthcare provider.

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What happens when heart arteries become blocked?

Plaque can narrow or block arteries, reducing blood flow and causing chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.

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When should I see a cardiologist?

The American Heart Association (AHA) and experts suggest starting regular heart health checkups with your primary doctor in your 20s to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle, with formal cardiology consultations often beginning around ages 40-50 or earlier if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or family history, though it's important to see a cardiologist sooner if you experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.

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