Meet Our Team
Join a Team Where Collegiality Isn't Just a Buzzword
Step into a cardiovascular program where the phrase "collaborative environment" actually means something. At St. Francis, you'll join a tight-knit team of 12 physicians who genuinely support each other's success rather than compete for procedures or patients. As Dr. Souka emphasizes, "It's a close-knit group... I mean, that happens everywhere, but for the most part, people get along." This isn't the political minefield common in many cardiology programs – it's a practice where interventionalists respect general cardiologists, where partners cover for each other without keeping score, and where seasoned physicians actively mentor newcomers rather than protecting their turf.
Your Physician Colleagues
The cardiology team represents an ideal blend of experience and energy, with several physicians having invested decades in building this program while others bring fresh perspectives from recent training.
- Dr. John Joliff – Medical Director (30 years), general + interventional, mentoring focus
- Dr. Swapna Mamidipally – 15 years, general, cardiac CT, quality leader
- Dr. Hemant Boolani – 10 years, general, originally J-1, performs some diagnostics
- Dr. Timothy Kusa – newest, 2023 start, exceeding RVU targets in first year
- Three interventional cardiologists – including structural heart (TAVR, Watchman)
- Dr. Sumer Dhir – Electrophysiologist, 3,500+ device patients, full ablation spectrum
- One contracted interventionalist – provides additional device/procedure coverage
The Secret Weapon: Your Nurse Practitioner Team
The nine nurse practitioners (soon to be eleven) represent perhaps the program's greatest asset. Many bring 20–25 years of experience and know the patients, systems, and medicine cold.
- Diane – 25 years, heart failure specialist, anticipates patient needs
- Angie – 22 years, supports EP service, general cardiology expertise
- Two new NPs joining this fall to expand support
- Independently manage routine follow-ups, respect physician autonomy
- Weekend coverage ensures you’re never alone on service
- Coumadin clinic runs 6,000 visits annually
- As physicians note: "They know the patients very well, so if something is not right, they'll say 'I'll just go check in.'"
Support Infrastructure
- Amy Oatman – Administrative Director, manages scheduling & credentialing
- Dedicated referral specialist for new patients
- Two device clinic techs for 3,500+ patient panel
- Echo, nuclear medicine, and stress lab staff
- Triage nurses screen calls – no midnight wake-ups for routine issues
- Reliable IT support for EMR and troubleshooting
Practice Culture in Action
The culture reveals itself in small but meaningful ways. Dr. Joliff shared 10–15 pounds of homegrown peppers from a patient with colleagues. Partners describe the environment as "friendly" where people "don’t have their territory marked." When Dr. Souka was recruited, existing partners helped close the deal because they wanted good colleagues, not competition.
- Weekly case conferences every Thursday noon
- Monthly journal clubs for continued learning
- Informal pickleball games with staff and physicians
- Annual Heart & Vascular Center parties
- Partners text to check in during vacation but respect boundaries
- Amy notes: "I try to be really responsive... it builds a trusting relationship."
Physician Retention Tells the Story
- Only 2 departures in 6 years from general cardiology
- Dr. Beard left for VA benefits after military service
- Dr. Alzamora returned East Coast for family
- Multiple J-1 physicians stayed permanently
- Several physicians here 10+ years, with core at 15–30 years
- As leadership notes: "They don’t have a whole lot of turnover."
Collaborative Decision-Making
- Group determines call structure and coverage
- Physicians chose weekend coverage model for continuity
- Flexibility to pursue clinical interests without bureaucracy
- Direct input on quality metrics and bonus structures
- Regular communication with administration that drives change
Room for Growth
- Expanding to 7 general cardiologists and 4 interventionalists
- Succession planning with Dr. Dixon (CT surgery) mentoring
- EP service ready for device-interested general cardiologist
- Administration committed to resourcing volume growth
- Technology investments guided by physician input
This isn’t just a medical staff – it’s a true partnership where your success becomes everyone’s success, where your challenges are shared, and where the phrase "work family" actually rings true.