Kathleen Allen, MD, is the Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Presbyterian Hospital.

She graduated from New York Medical College in 1989, and pursued cardiology training at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

Dr. Allen is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Interventional Cardiology.

Dr. Allen's practice philosophy: "I am particularly interested in a proactive approach to heart disease with an emphasis on prevention and healthy lifestyle.

I encourage patients to join me in taking responsibility for their health."

Bryan Beck, MD, is an Electrophysiologist specializing in abnormal heart rhythms and implantable devices.

Dr. Beck received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston Medical School, did his cardiology training at the University of Kentucky, and his electrophysiology studies at the University of Oklahoma.

He has been a member of the Presbyterian Heart Group since 1998.

Dr. Beck's practice philosophy: "It is my mission, and privilege, to treat patients with heart disease. In that endeavor, the Golden Rule should be our measure."

Dr. Beck enjoys: skiing; breaking things at home by trying to repair them while they are still working; and being a part of the faith community at his church.

Richard Converse, MD, is the Director of the Nuclear Lab at the Presbyterian Heart Group, and a general cardiologist. He has been with the Presbyterian Heart Group since 2003.

He graduated from Johns Hopkins Medical School and completed his cardiology training at University of Texas Southwest Medical Center and Parkland Hospital.

His professional expertise includes cardiac imaging and all aspects of general cardiology.

His practice philosophy: "Evidence-based medicine is the foundation of excellent patient care."

His outside interests include cycling and travel. 

Kayvan Ellini, MD, is an interventional cardiologist who joined Presbyterian Heart Group in August 2008.

He's a New Mexico native, including graduating from University of New Mexico - School of Medicine in 2000. Dr. Ellini then moved to California, where he completed his cardiology training in Los Angeles at Kaiser Permanente - U.C.L.A. Affiliate.

He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, and Nuclear Cardiology. His professional interests include interventional cardiology, cardiovascular imaging, valvular heart disease, and preventive cardiology.

His practice philosophy: "I strive to provide my patients with the most up-to-date care using evidence-based medicine. I'm also a big believer in preventive cardiology, promoting the power of regular exercise and lifestyle change to my patients."

Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, mainly enjoying the outdoors through golfing, hiking, and skiing.

Daniel Friedman, MD, is a general cardiologist, with particular interest in preventive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation. He has been with Presbyterian Heart Group since 1996.

He graduated from Duke University Medical School, and completed his cardiology training at University of Texas Southwest Medical Center and Parkland Hospital.

Dr. Friedman's practice philosophy: "I treat people as I would like my family to be treated."

When not at work, Dr. Friedman spends his time with his family, writing and performing music, and staying physically active.

Michael Harding, MD, is the Medical Director of the Peripheral Vascular Disease Program at the Presbyterian Heart Group.

He is an interventional cardiologist on the staff of Presbyterian Hospital since 1992.

He received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University, and completed his cardiology fellowship at Duke University.

His professional expertise includes interventional cardiology and peripheral interventions.

His practice philosophy: "Have fun." When not at work, he enjoys fly fishing.

Pamela Hsu, MD, is a general cardiologist.

She graduated from University of New Mexico Medical School and completed her cardiology fellowship at the University of New Mexico Medical Center.

She completed her cardiology echo fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, and worked at the Mayo Clinic before joining Presbyterian Heart Group in 2007.

Her professional interests include pulmonary hypertension.

Her practice philosophy: "The patient's needs come first."

Charles Karaian, MD, is the Medical Director of the Presbyterian Heart Service Line as well as the Director of our Heart Failure Clinic. He has been on the Presbyterian Hospital Staff since 1982.

Dr. Karaian graduated from Harvard Medical School and completed his cardiology fellowship at the University of Colorado.

His professional interests include congestive heart failure and preventive heart care.

Dr. Karaian's practice philosophy: "The patient is at the center of my world. I treat my patients as I would want to be treated – with utmost competence and compassion."

His outside interests include fly fishing, ballroom dancing, international travel, history, and snow sports.

Melissa Klein, MD, is a general cardiologist, and has been with the Presbyterian Heart Group since 2000.

She graduated from the University of New Mexico Medical School, and completed her cardiology training at the University of Wisconsin.

Her professional interests include the prevention of coronary and vascular disease, echocardiography, and the management of patients with coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure.

Dr. Klein's practice philosophy: " I strive to use evidence-based medicine to provide the very best cardiovascular care to my patients."

Carl Lagerstrom, MD, is the Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at Presbyterian Hospital.

He received his medical degree from the University of Texas at Houston in 1983, and pursued his cardiothoracic surgery training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

His professional expertise includes the surgical management of children and adults with congenital heart disease, as well as atherosclerotic and valvular heart disease.

Dr. Lagerstrom has been a member of the Presbyterian Hospital Staff since 1992.

Dara Lee, MD, is a part-time general cardiologist with the Presbyterian Heart Group since 2002.

She graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1992 and completed her residency and fellowship training at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Her professional interests include echocardiography, management of cardiac issues in pregnant women and adults with congenital heart disease, medical student education, and the integration of alternative and traditional medicine.

Her practice philosophy: "Doctors need to know more than just the facts – we must also be versed in the art of educating, motivating, and supporting our patients."

When not at work, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and reading.

Guilherme Bromberg Marin, MD, joined the Presbyterian Heart Group in January of 2010 after working at the University Hospital of the Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, in Brazil.

Dr. Marin graduated from the Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1998 and completed his cardiology fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He completed an interventional cardiology fellowship with peripheral interventional training at the University of California, San Diego.

His professional interests include all aspects of vascular disease, including coronary, carotid and peripheral vascular disease.

Dr. Marin's practice philosophy: "Treat often, comfort always, feel better."

His outside interests include international travel, linguistics, and running.

Vanessa Cole Marin, MD, is a general cardiologist.

An Albuquerque native, she graduated from Sandia high school. She went on to receive her medical degree from Duke University and completed her cardiology training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Her professional interests include cardiac imaging (echocardiography and nuclear cardiology) as well as all the aspects of general cardiology, with an emphasis on prevention and exercise. Dr. Marin practiced in both San Diego, CA and at the University Hospital in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil before "coming home" and joining the Presbyterian Heart Group in 2010.

In her free time Dr. Marin enjoys spending time with her son and husband, running, traveling and film.

Her practice philosophy: "Treat the patient as a whole human being, not an organ system. As physicians, we must take into account where each person is coming from - philosophically, culturally and spiritually."

Lawrence Nair, MD, is the Director of the Electrophysiology Laboratory and the Clinical Research Department at Presbyterian Heart Group.

He received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, trained at Johns Hopkins Hospital for internal medicine, and completed his cardiology and electrophysiology training at Duke University.

He has been a member of the Presbyterian Heart Group since 1998. He is skilled in all areas of electrophysiology, with a special interest in ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation and the use of cardiac resynchronization devices.

Dr. Nair believes in actively involving patients in their disease management while providing them with expert advice, treatment, and continuity of care.

When not at work, he does his best to keep up with his three very active young sons.

Jane Schauer, MD, PhD, is a part-time general cardiologist with the Presbyterian Heart Group since 1999. She served as chair of the American College of Cardiology's National Board of Governors in 2008.

Dr. Schauer received a PhD in exercise physiology from the University of Wisconsin, and then remained there to complete her medical degree and cardiology fellowship.

Dr. Schauer's professional interests include the management of adults with congenital heart disease and the recognition of holistic, ancient, and nontraditional medical practices that address the whole patient.

Her practice philosophy: "The heart is the center of your being – it's not only a pump. It's the center of who we are, the center of our emotions."

Hirak Sen, MD, is an Electrophysiologist who joined the Presbyterian Heart Group in 2006.

He received his medical degree from Calcutta Medical College, and completed his cardiology and electrophysiology training at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center and the University of Wisconsin.

His professional interests include arrhythmia ablation, implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators, and cardiac imaging.

Dr. Sen's practice philosophy: "I am committed to providing high quality, evidence-based, compassionate care to patients with heart disease. I have special training in cardiac rhythm disorders. I like to spend time with my patients so that they understand their disease process better and are better able to take care of themselves."

When not at work, Dr. Sen is an avid traveler who enjoys hiking, classical fine art, and playing chess.

Neal Shadoff, MD, is an Interventional Cardiologist who joined the Presbyterian staff in 1985.

He graduated from Boston University Medical School and completed his cardiology training at Duke University.

His medical expertise includes interventional cardiology, with a special interest in carotid disease.

His professional interests also include medical education and legal expert consultation.

His practice philosophy: "My patients are an extension of my family."

Outside of work, he enjoys golf and skiing.

Harold Sunderman, MD, is a general cardiologist.

He attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch and was a practicing Internal Medicine physician from 1986 until 2008. In 2008 he completed his cardiology training at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

Dr. Sunderman's practice philosophy: "While knowledge of cardiology is important, the ability to listen, understand and communicate effectively with patients leads to the best cardiology care."

When not at work, Dr. Sunderman enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, and skiing.
 

Peter Walinsky, MD, is the Vice Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Presbyterian Hospital, and a cardiothoracic surgeon with the Presbyterian Heart Group since 2004.

He graduated from Hahnemann Medical School and completed his cardiothoracic surgical training at Johns Hopkins University.

His professional expertise includes aortic valve and aortic root surgery, valve preservation, surgery for congestive heart failure, and complex thoracic surgery.

His practice philosophy: "Treat every patient as I would treat a member of my own family."

Outside of work, he enjoys golf, skiing, and spending time with his children.

Jerome Yatskowitz, MD, is Director of the Echocardiography Lab at Presbyterian Heart Group and a general cardiologist.

He joined the Presbyterian Heart Group in 1999, after having served in the Medical Corps of the United States Air Force.

He received his medical degree from New Jersey Medical School, and completed his fellowship in cardiology at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

Dr. Yatskowitz provides services in all aspects of general cardiology, including cardiac ultrasound diagnostics, atherosclerotic heart disease, heart failure, and prevention.

Dr. Yatskowitz's particular passion is the promotion of a healthy heart lifestyle to prevent heart disease. His philosophy is that "caring for one's heart, one can truly nurture mind, body, and spirit."

When he is away from work, his life centers around an active family. He enjoys hiking and bicycling, especially along the scenic Bosque trail and the beautiful mountains of New Mexico.