Meet the Presbyterian Heart Group Doctors

General Cardiology

Richard Converse, MD, is the Medical 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.

Daniel Friedman, MD, is a general cardiologist with particular interest in preventive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation. He joined the Presbyterian Heart Group in 1996. He believes in treating his patients as he would like his own family to be treated. When not at work, Dr. Friedman spends time with his family, writing and performing music, and staying physically active. Dr. Friedman graduated from Duke University Medical School and completed his cardiology training at the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center and Parkland Hospital.

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 Heart Center at Presbyterian, as well as the Medical Director of Presbyterian's Heart Failure Clinic. He has been on the staff of Presbyterian Hospital since 1982. His professional interests include congestive heart failure and preventive heart care. His patients are at the center of his world - Dr. Karaian treats his patients as he would want to be treated - with utmost competence and compassion. Dr. Karaian is a graduate of the Harvard Medical School and completed fellowship training at the University of Colorado. His outside interests include fly fishing, ballroom dancing, international travel, history, and snow sports.

Melissa Klein, MD, is the Medical Director of the Echocardiology Lab at Presbyterian, 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."

Dara Lee, MD, is a general cardiologist who feels that doctors must know more than just facts - they must also be versed in the art of educating, motivating and supporting their patients. She joined the Presbyterian Heart Group in 2002. Her professional interests include preventive cardiology, echocardiography, cardiac issues in pregnant women, and general cardiology issues including coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease. Dr. Lee is also open to the use of alternative therapies. While Dr. Lee's main clinic is at Presbyterian Hospital, she also holds monthly clinics in Belen and Socorro. She is a part-time physician. Dr. Lee is a graduate of the Harvard Medical School and completed her residency and fellowship training at Brigham and Women's Hospital. When not at work, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and reading.

Vanessa Cole Marin, MD, is a general cardiologist and Albuquerque native who emphasizes prevention and exercise with her patients. Dr. Marin joined the Presbyterian Heart Group in 2010. Her professional interests include cardiac imaging (echocardiography and nuclear cardiology) and all aspects of general cardiology. Her practice philosophy is, "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." Dr. Marin received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University, medical degree from Duke University and completed her cardiology training at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. In her free time Dr. Marin enjoys spending time with her son and husband, running, traveling and film.

Jane Schauer, MD, PhD, is a general cardiologist. She joined the Presbyterian Heart Group in 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."

Harold Sunderman, MD, is a general cardiologist. His medical expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of general cardiovascular problems. He joined the Presbyterian Heart Group in 2008. Dr. Sunderman believes that while knowledge of cardiology is important, the ability to listen, understand and communicate effectively with his patients leads to the best cardiology care. He attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He completed his internal medicine training at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1986. In 2008, Dr. Sunderman completed his cardiology training at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. When not at work, Dr. Sunderman enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing and skiing.

Jerome Yatskowitz, MD, is 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.

Interventional Cardiology

Kathleen Allen, MD, 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."

Kayvan Ellini, MD, is the Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Presbyterian. His professional interests include interventional cardiology, cardiovascular imaging, valvular heart disease, and preventive cardiology. Dr. Ellini joined Presbyterian Heart Group in 2008. He strives to provide his patients with the most up-to-date care using evidence-based medicine. He is a big believer in preventive cardiology, promoting the power of regular exercise and lifestyle change to his patients. Dr. Ellini is a New Mexico native. He graduated from the University of New Mexico - School of Medicine and completed his cardiology training in Los Angeles at Kaiser Permanente - UCLA Affiliate. Dr. Ellini is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Interventional Cardiology, and Nuclear Cardiology. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, mainly enjoying the outdoors through golfing, hiking, and skiing.

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.

Guilherme Bromberg Marin, MD, is an interventional cardiologist interested in coronary, carotid and peripheral vascular disease. He joined the Presbyterian Heart Group in 2010. His practice philosophy is, "Treat often, comfort always, feel better." Dr. Marin graduated from the Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil and completed his cardiology fellowship at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He completed an interventional cardiology fellowship with peripheral interventional training at the University of California, San Diego. His outside interests include international travel, linguistics, and running.

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.

Electrophysiology

Bryan Beck, MD, is an electrophysiologist specializing in abnormal heart rhythms and implantable devices. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Heart Group since 1998. It is his mission and privilege to treat patients with heart disease. In this endeavor, the Golden Rule is his measure. Dr. Beck received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, received his cardiology training at the University of Kentucky and his electrophysiology studies at the University of Oklahoma. 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.

Lawrence Nair, MD, is the Medical 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.

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.

Cardiothoracic/Cardiovascular Surgery

Dana Booth, MD

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.

Peter Walinsky, MD, is the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Presbyterian Hospital, and a cardiothoracic surgeon with the Presbyterian Heart Group since 2004. He performs between 250 and 290 complex operations annually with an overall operative mortality of less than one percent. His professional expertise includes aortic valve and aortic root surgery, valve preservation, surgery for congestive heart failure, complex thoracic surgery and endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms. He treats every patient as he would treat a member of his own family. Dr. Walinsky graduated from Hahnemann Medical School and completed his general surgical and cardiothoracic surgical training at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He is board certified in both general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, skiing, and spending time with his children.

Vascular Surgery

Karl P. Dittrich, MD