The Interventional Cardiologist at Adventist Health Sonora will be a key provider of advanced cardiac care, focusing on both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The patient population includes a diverse mix of individuals referred from primary care physicians, internal medicine practitioners, and in-house surgery groups. The hospital’s extensive referral network also incorporates patients from orthopedic, general surgery, and GI practices, ensuring a steady and varied caseload.
Services provided will include coronary and peripheral interventions, with an emphasis on non-structural procedures. Adventist Health Sonora has established a two-lab system: a state-of-the-art GE Alia lab for high-acuity procedures, such as STEMIs, and a secondary lab used for other routine diagnostics. The facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including IVUS, IFR, and FFR capabilities. Peripheral work is an area of significant focus and need, offering an opportunity for the incoming physician to build a niche practice in this subspecialty.
The call schedule will involve sharing STEMI responsibilities with other providers, including long-term locum cardiologists, and the role will involve responding to emergency STEMI cases. Adventist Health Sonora, the only hospital in a 35-mile radius, is in the final stages of achieving STEMI Receiving Center designation, which will further enhance the interventional program. The hospital currently handles cases from within the county and expects additional referrals from neighboring counties once the designation is obtained.
Strong clinical support is provided by nurse practitioners who manage stress tests and handle inpatient rounds, allowing the cardiologist to focus on interventional cases and procedures. The clinical environment encourages collaboration and efficiency, with a comprehensive system that seamlessly integrates inpatient and outpatient services.
Current Staff
Adventist Health Sonora’s interventional cardiology team benefits from a well-rounded and collaborative staff committed to delivering high-quality patient care. The team includes general cardiologists like Dr. Melanie Davidson, who oversees diagnostic testing and refers cases requiring intervention to interventional specialists. The program is further supported by a strong base of referring providers across primary care and specialty practices, including internal medicine, orthopedic surgery, and general surgery groups.
The hospital operates two catheterization labs, staffed by a dedicated team of four radiologic technologists (RTs) and five registered nurses (RNs). Each procedure is managed by a four-person team to ensure efficiency and quality. The team handles advanced cardiac and peripheral procedures with tools like IVUS, IFR, and FFR while supporting STEMI and elective cases.
Leadership includes Dr. Stephanie Stuart, the Chief Medical Officer, and Tyler Newton, Operations Executive, both of whom play active roles in the recruitment and development of the cardiology program. Kelly Bryant, the supervisor of the cardiac cath lab, brings expertise in managing lab operations and ensuring the team is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and training.
The hospital currently utilizes long-term locum cardiologists for coverage, including Dr. Wolf and other consistent providers, ensuring continuity of care. However, there is a strong emphasis on transitioning to a permanent team of interventional cardiologists to establish a stable, high-performing program.
Adventist Health Sonora’s practice culture emphasizes collaboration, support, and patient-centered care. The staff is recognized for their professionalism and camaraderie, creating a positive and welcoming work environment.