Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Teodor Pitea, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and founder of Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC in Peoria, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. Pitea received his medical degree from Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, before moving to the United States in 2001 to pursue a career in gastroenterology. Following a residency in internal medicine, he completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Morningside (formerly St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center), an affiliate of Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. During that time, he also completed a postdoctoral research fellowship on the role of insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome and trained for six months as a hepatology fellow in the Liver Transplant Program at Mount Sinai Hospital. As a gastroenterology fellow, Dr. Pitea discovered his passion for endoscopy, which led him to pursue further training in advanced therapeutic endoscopy under the mentorship of Dr. Stavros Stavropoulos, one of the pioneers of endoscopic surgery, at Winthrop University Hospital in Long Island, New York.
In September 2012, Dr. Pitea launched the Interventional Endoscopy Service at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center in Sun City West, Arizona. Over the next four years, he spearheaded the building of a new endoscopy unit and developed a highly trained medical team dedicated to interventional endoscopy. Dr. Pitea joined the Digestive Institute at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix in 2016, and together with Rawad Mounzer, MD, he established the Interventional Endoscopy Service there in collaboration with University of Arizona faculty.
During his role as the Director of Endoscopy and Chief of the Advanced Endoscopy Program, he developed a comprehensive program for the management of acute and chronic pancreatitis, and he has continued to advance the field of endoscopic surgery in Arizona by providing complex, cutting-edge endoscopic interventions.
Dr. Pitea has published multiple abstracts and has been an invited speaker at national conferences. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine as well as the American Board of Gastroenterology.
Dr. Kaplan treats a wide variety of medical oncology, malignant hematology, and benign hematologic disease. She is especially interested in treating breast cancer and general oncology.
Dr. Kaplan enjoys cooking, reading, watching sports, traveling, and spending time with family and her 2 dogs named Penny.
"Dr. Kaplan was a major part of my father-in-love’s cancer treatment and was one of his biggest champions. Her bedside manner was incredibly personalized, kind, and intentional. He couldn’t say enough wonderful things about her. I highly recommend her!" -Leanne
Mohammad Nasser, MD, founder of Leading MDs in Goodyear, Tempe, Sun City, and Mesa, Arizona, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and population health specialist. Dr. Nasser has a special interest in complex patient care, gaining extensive experience as a hospitalist and internist providing care in hospitals, long-term acute care centers, and subacute rehabilitation.
With a well-known reputation as an exceptional health care innovator, Dr. Nasser creates and implements programs that improve the quality of care and diminish costs for hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.
Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Nasser received his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan. After receiving his medical degree at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Sint Maarten, he completed his internship and internal medicine residency at Ascension Providence Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Dr. Nasser is known for numerous accomplishments in his field. He was the medical director at Arkos Health and managed more than 200,000 patients through his transitional care management program.
During his tenure at Arkos Health, Dr. Nasser developed an inpatient program that shortened hospital stays and mobilized patients to the next level of care. He also implemented a skilled nursing program that improved the post-discharge process.
As a respected author, Dr. Nasser published articles in medical journals as well as the well-known book, “Management of Chronic Kidney Disease.” He also served as a manuscript reviewer for medical journals, including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Nasser is a proud member of the Phoenix community, where he welcomes patients and is highly regarded for his quality of care and leadership roles.
Board-certified internal medicine physician, William Nassour, MD, provides integrative health care at Leading MDs in Goodyear, Tempe, Sun City, and Mesa, Arizona. His expertise includes all aspects of adult health care, however, he has a special interest in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, geriatrics, and post-acute care.
Dr. Nassour is well-respected for go-to advice, with peers seeking his assistance and guidance in geriatrics and post-acute care, and patients depending on his understanding to provide honest evaluations and recommend individualized care.
Dr. Nassour received his medical degree from Tishreen University in Latakia, Syria, and completed his residency training in internal medicine at the New York University Langone Health in Brooklyn, New York.
With more than a decade of experience as a practicing physician in hospital medicine, including outpatient and subacute care, Dr. Nassour has developed extensive knowledge and skills that help him better understand each patient and create effective treatment plans.
He has successfully filled leadership roles as the medical director in different medical settings. He also remains active on various hospital committees.
Dr. Nassour welcomes new and current patients at Leading MDs, where he collaborates with each person to improve their health and well-being.
Dr. Jason Samuelian is a Board-certified Radiation Oncologist, with expertise in novel radiation techniques including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), and Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR). He has a particular interest in using new and advanced treatment techniques to minimize side effects. He derives great satisfaction from spending time with his patients and developing relationships with them that last long beyond their cancer care.
Dr. Samuelian joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2015. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from Brigham Young University, where he graduated cum laude. He earned his medical doctorate at Midwestern University in Glendale, where he was awarded the MICA Scholastic Award in 2008, and graduated with Honors in 2010. He completed an internal medicine internship at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, followed by residency training at the Baylor College of Medicine, where he also served as chief resident. In addition, Dr. Samuelian has completed two brachytherapy fellowships — at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Seattle Prostate Institute.
Dr. Samuelian is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology, American Brachytherapy Society, American College of Radiology, American College of Radiation Oncology, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He has been invited to serve on the ASCO Professional Development Committee. He currently serves as Chairman of the Cancer Committee at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, a program accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC).
Dr. Samuelian actively participates in cooperative group clinical trials. His research has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals, and he has presented at national meetings on SABR for COPD patients with early-stage lung cancer, IMRT for the treatment of rectal cancer, and prostate cancer brachytherapy, among others.
"Dr. Samuelian has always been very honest and truthful in presenting us with our options I trust his opinion 100 present and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking his treatment." -Rick
"I have been very impressed with Dr. Jason Samuelian. He seems extremely knowledgeable. I have had several doctors that had horrible bedside manner. Dr. Samuelian has an incredible bedside manner. It was so obvious that he was really concerned with my welfare. I would also like to do a shout out to his support team. They were incredible, and kind. I can't say enough about the entire experience. I'd give him six stars if I could." -Peter
Caleb attended Grand Canyon University earning his BSN in 2008 and has practiced at various hospitals in Phoenix, AZ. He attended Wilkes University completing his MSN in psychiatric mental health and is currently a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at 2nd Chance Treatment Center. He has been in the Valley of the Sun for over three decades and considers himself a local. Caleb has a true passion for treating various mental health conditions, believing that every individual can achieve their best vision of who they want to be and perhaps more. He strives to provide excellent care based on current research and methods. Furthermore, he endeavors to treat each individual with dignity and respect. He has practiced as a registered nurse for more than 15 years in various roles before transitioning to mental healthcare.
When he isn’t providing care, he may be encountered outside or indoor rock climbing, pursuing his hobby with dedication. He is involved in the local rock-climbing community, where he has served as a guide and continues to provide instruction for PCGI. Personal recreation is an essential aspect of physical health that Caleb often integrates into treatment, as a healthy body creates a more resilient mind, increasing the capacity for mental healing.
Caleb’s true passion is celebrating and supporting his wife and four children. He shares in their personal hobbies and interests, and they share in his. You may see them on the trails, mountain biking, climbing, or camping.
Jeffrey Pakula, DO, FACC, is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology. He provides a wide range of cardiology services at Cardiac Care Consultants in Peoria, and Sun City West, Arizona. Dr. Pakula has been practicing medicine in Arizona since 1997 and joined Cardiac Care Consultants in 2001. He specializes in coronary artery disease and heart failure.
Dr. Pakula received his medical degree from Kansas City University in Missouri. He completed his internal medicine training at the University of Illinois and received his cardiology fellowship at the University of Health Sciences at the Chicago Medical School in Illinois. After completing his fellowship, he served as the Director of Medical Education at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Pakula welcomes both new and existing patients to Cardiac Care Consultants and is excited to be a part of their health care journey. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pakula, call the office or book a consultation online
Charanjit Kapoor, MD, FACC, is board-certified in general, nuclear, and interventional cardiology. Dr. Kapoor has been practicing medicine since 2000 and joined Cardiac Care Consultants in Peoria, Glendale, and Sun City West, Arizona, in 2010. He specializes in coronary artery disease, heart failure, pacemaker implants, and loop implants.
Dr. Kapoor received his medical degree from Government Medical College in Patiala, India. He completed his internship and residency at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix, where he was appointed chief medical resident. Dr. Kapoor received his advanced heart failure, cardiac transplantation, and cardiology fellowship training at the Ochsner Clinic and Medical Foundation in New Orleans.
After completing his fellowship, Dr. Kapoor completed an interventional cardiology fellowship at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Cardiovascular Disease.
Dr. Kapoor looks forward to welcoming new patients to Cardiac Care Consultants and being a part of their health care team. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online.
About Ashim Aggarwal, MD, FRCP (London), FACC, FSCAI, FASE
Ashim Aggarwal, MD, FRCP (London), FACC, FSCAI, FASE, is board certified in general cardiology, echocardiography, nuclear medicine, and interventional cardiology. Dr. Aggarwal joined Cardiac Care Consultants in Peoria, Glendale, and Sun City West, Arizona, in 2018.
He specializes in complex coronary interventions, including Impella LVAD support and percutaneous structural heart disease treatment, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis, MitralClip™ therapy for severe mitral regurgitation, CardioMEMS™ HF System, Watchman™ implantation, and PFO Closures.
Dr. Aggarwal went to medical school at KMC Mangalore (Manipal University) in India. He then finished his residency and obtained the prestigious MRCP (MD equivalent) from the Royal College of London in the United Kingdom. He then relocated to the United States and completed his internal medicine residency at Unity Health System, affiliated with the University of Rochester in New York.
Afterward, he completed an advanced heart failure/cardiac transplant fellowship from Advocate Christ Medical Center, affiliated with the University of Illinois. Dr. Aggarwal did his general cardiology fellowship at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, where he was appointed a Chief Cardiology Fellow. He then completed his interventional cardiology fellowship at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
Dr. Aggarwal has published extensively and has authored multiple articles/manuscripts in many prestigious peer-reviewed journals. He has also presented abstracts and oral presentations at all major national and international cardiology conferences.
Dr. Aggarwal is an External Examiner for Residency/Fellows training programs in the United Kingdom. He was also nominated in the prestigious Top Doctors 2021.
Dominika Zoltowska, MD, FACC, is an accomplished and affable cardiologist. She’s a proud member of the team of renowned physicians At Arizona Heart Rhythm Center, serving patients in their locations of Phoenix, Sun City (Peoria) and Prescott, Arizona.
Dr. Dominika Zoltowska received her medical degree from the Medical University of Gdansk in Gdansk, Poland, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2013. Dr. Zoltowska then completed her residency in Internal Medicine from Western Michigan University in Kalamzoo and her Fellowship in Cardiovascular Diseases at the University of Florida College of Medicine.
While in Florida, she developed a passion for clinical excellence and research by participating in various studies to reduce events in non-obstructive coronary artery disease.
Her areas of interest include coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, venous reflux disease, adtult congenital heart disease, heart failure, advanced echocardiography, nulear cardiology, and preventative cardiology.
Dr. Dominika Zoltowska is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Zoltowska is also certified in Physicians Vascular Interpretation (RPVI). She is a member of the American Society of Echocardiography and the American Society of nuclear cardiology.
Dr. Zoltowska believes the relationship between a physician and patient is sacred, and they should work closely together to accomplish the desired healthcare goal. She considers her principal role is to provide the patient with the lates, accurate information about their condition or diagnosis and clearly define options of treatment that are currently available in managing their particular situation.
Vijay Swarup, MD, FACC, FHRS, is one of the physicians at Arizona Heart Rhythm Center, which has locations in Phoenix, Peoria, Gilbert, and Prescott, Arizona. He has been practicing clinical cardiac electrophysiology in Arizona since 2002. Before joining the practice, he completed a fellowship in clinical cardiac electrophysiology at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Swarup earned his bachelor's and medical degrees at the University of Delhi in New Delhi. He continued his education at St. Louis University School of Medicine, completing an internal medicine residency and a research fellowship in molecular cardiology. He completed a Cardiovascular Disease fellowship at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He then pursued a clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Swarup has received specialized training in performing complex arrhythmia treatments, including trans-catheter ablations. He has a special interest in three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping techniques, left atrial appendage occlusion techniques, and ablative therapies for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
In Arizona, Dr. Swarup was among the first to perform epicardial and endocardial 3D mapping guided ablation of ischemic ventricular tachycardias, open irrigated ablations, robotic catheter ablations for arrhythmias, and implantation to left atrial appendage occlusion devices. Dr. Swarup has some of the most extensive experience in AF and VT ablations and implantation of LAA occlusion devices in the country. Dr. Swarup is also an active researcher of new ablation techniques, having authored numerous abstracts and manuscripts. He has been the principal investigator in many research protocols investigating promising new ablation techniques and devices for the treatment of arrhythmias.
Dr. Swarup is board certified in cardiovascular diseases and clinical cardiac electrophysiology.
“Fantastic experience in all regards. One question - should not there be paper towels or an air dryer in the patient bathroom for hand washing purposes?”
Mohammad Nasser, MD, founder of Leading MDs in Goodyear, Tempe, Sun City, and Mesa, Arizona, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and population health specialist. Dr. Nasser has a special interest in complex patient care, gaining extensive experience as a hospitalist and internist providing care in hospitals, long-term acute care centers, and subacute rehabilitation.
With a well-known reputation as an exceptional health care innovator, Dr. Nasser creates and implements programs that improve the quality of care and diminish costs for hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.
Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Nasser received his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan. After receiving his medical degree at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Sint Maarten, he completed his internship and internal medicine residency at Ascension Providence Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Dr. Nasser is known for numerous accomplishments in his field. He was the medical director at Arkos Health and managed more than 200,000 patients through his transitional care management program.
During his tenure at Arkos Health, Dr. Nasser developed an inpatient program that shortened hospital stays and mobilized patients to the next level of care. He also implemented a skilled nursing program that improved the post-discharge process.
As a respected author, Dr. Nasser published articles in medical journals as well as the well-known book, “Management of Chronic Kidney Disease.” He also served as a manuscript reviewer for medical journals, including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Nasser is a proud member of the Phoenix community, where he welcomes patients and is highly regarded for his quality of care and leadership roles.
Board-certified internal medicine physician, William Nassour, MD, provides integrative health care at Leading MDs in Goodyear, Tempe, Sun City, and Mesa, Arizona. His expertise includes all aspects of adult health care, however, he has a special interest in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, geriatrics, and post-acute care.
Dr. Nassour is well-respected for go-to advice, with peers seeking his assistance and guidance in geriatrics and post-acute care, and patients depending on his understanding to provide honest evaluations and recommend individualized care.
Dr. Nassour received his medical degree from Tishreen University in Latakia, Syria, and completed his residency training in internal medicine at the New York University Langone Health in Brooklyn, New York.
With more than a decade of experience as a practicing physician in hospital medicine, including outpatient and subacute care, Dr. Nassour has developed extensive knowledge and skills that help him better understand each patient and create effective treatment plans.
He has successfully filled leadership roles as the medical director in different medical settings. He also remains active on various hospital committees.
Dr. Nassour welcomes new and current patients at Leading MDs, where he collaborates with each person to improve their health and well-being.
Banner Estrella Medical Center, Chief of Cardiology 2023 to present
Abrazo Hospital
Shishir Murarka, MD, is the Chief of Cardiology at Banner Estrella Medical Center.
Dr. Murarka is a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona in the Phoenix and Goodyear locations. He is a young cardiologist with excellent clinical skills and patient rapport. He offers a fresh approach to cardiovascular care.
Dr. Murarka completed his training at the University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly and Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
He is board-certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Murarka has co-authored more than 20 publications in various medical journals, over a dozen abstracts, and two book chapters in the subjects of percutaneous mitral valve repair and recanalizing total occlusion in the periphery.
He is currently accepting new patients and looks forward to helping them on their health care journey.
Zaher Akkad, MD, FACC, is a cardiologist at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, with four locations in Phoenix, Maricopa, Goodyear, and Chandler, Arizona. Dr. Akkad holds multiple board certifications, including internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and echocardiography, as well as Endovascular Medicine.
Dr. Akkad was trained at Wayne State University-affiliated hospitals in Detroit, Michigan. Before joining Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, Dr. Akkad was an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Wayne State University. During this time, he was the Interim Director of the Echocardiography Lab.
He has published multiple textbook chapters in the fields of cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and congestive heart failure.
Dr. Akkad’s clinical skills are outstanding. He is a multi-talented cardiologist, he is experienced in all aspects of non-invasive cardiology, including echocardiography, transesophageal echo, and nuclear cardiology. He is a fully-trained interventional cardiologist with superb skills in all aspects of cardiac Catheterization and stents also endovascular, carotid and peripheral interventions as well as pacemaker implantation. He is experienced in Structural Cardiac interventions including TAVR and Watchman procedures.
Dr. Akkad is very compassionate and has exceptional patient skills. His philosophy is to treat his patients as if they are family and provides prompt, cutting-edge, and evidence-based treatments. He is currently accepting new patients and eager to help them get healthy as soon as possible. Please check the testimonials from some of our patients below. On behalf of Dr. Akkad and his team, we look forward to taking care of you.
Dr. Faran Bashir received his training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, University of California, Irvine, and the University of Colorado in Denver. Dr. Bashir is board certified in the fields of cardiovascular diseases, Nuclear and Interventional Cardiology. Additionally, he has received specialized training in the performance of intracardiac echocardiography, percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defects, valvuloplasty and Watchman device implantation. He has presented several studies at national Cardiology meetings and has published many journal articles in major Cardiology journals.
Dr. Bashir is currently serving as Chief of Cardiology and CVT Surgery at Banner Estrella Medical Center. He also holds the position of Clinical Assistant professor of Medicine at Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix. He is a member of faculty both in the Cardiology as well as Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Programs and is actively involved in teaching future cardiologists. Dr. Bashir’s clinical skills are outstanding and he will be happy to provide timely and professional care.
Dr. Bashir is currently accepting new patients. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking a consultation online today.
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