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 at Houston Medical School, and completed his Cardiology training at the University of Kentucky.

He has been a member of the Presbyterian staff since 1984 and Presbyterian heart Group since 1996.

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.

Paul Cochran, MD, has been a member of the Presbyterian staff since 1977 and the Presbyterian Heart Group since 1997. He is the past Director of the Heart Group, and currently a Non-invasive Cardiologist working part-time.

He graduated from Case Western Reserve Medical School and subsequently completed his Cardiology fellowship at the Georgetown University Medical Center.

His practice philosophy: "Patients want to know how much you care as well as how much medical knowledge you have."

When he is not at work, he enjoys family outings, the great outdoors, and growing tomatoes in his garden.

Richard Converse, MD, is the Director of the Nuclear Lab at the Presbyterian Heart Group, and a Non-invasive 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 non-invasive 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 Presbyterian Hospital staff 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 Non-invasive 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 Group 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 Preventative 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, international travel, linguistics, military history, and snow sports.

Melissa Klein, MD, is the Assistant Medical Director of the Presbyterian Heart Group. She is a Non-invasive Cardiologist, and has been with PHG 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 non-invasive 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.

Joseph Mnuk, MD, is an Interventional Cardiologist with Presbyterian Hospital since 1990.

He received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin, and completed his Cardiology fellowship at the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Mnuk's professional interests include the management of coronary artery disease and all aspects of Interventional Cardiology.

His practice philosophy: "The basis of good medical care is a team approach between the patient and physician".

When not at work, he enjoys backpacking, biking, and running – "it's great to be in New Mexico!"

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, 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 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 Non-invasive Cardiologist with the Presbyterian Heart Group since 1999. She will serve 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.

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.

Chris Wehr, MD, is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon with the Presbyterian Hospital since 1991.

He graduated from Ohio State University Medical School and completed his Cardiothoracic surgical training at Vanderbilt University.

His professional interests include cardiac surgery, vascular and vein surgery.

His practice philosophy: "Treat every patient with the utmost respect and courtesy and provide the best care possible."

Outside of work, he enjoys cycling and skiing.

Jerome Yatskowitz, MD, is Director of the Echocardiography Lab at Presbyterian Heart Group and a Non-invasive Cardiologist.

He joined PHG 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.