Staff

Meet The Team

Joining a Cohesive Team of Cardiovascular Specialists

At Southern Indiana Heart & Vascular, you'll become part of a collegial, collaborative cardiology team that values mutual support and clinical excellence. This well-established practice functions more like a family than a conventional medical group, with physicians who genuinely care about each other's well-being and success. The practice culture emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and a shared commitment to outstanding patient care.

The current cardiology group features a complementary mix of clinical interests and subspecialties, ensuring comprehensive coverage for patients and stimulating professional interaction for physicians. The team's stability speaks volumes about physician satisfaction – most cardiologists have been with the practice for many years, contributing to its reputation for excellent care and consistent growth.

Physician Colleagues

Your physician colleagues will include dedicated professionals with diverse training backgrounds and complementary clinical interests. Unlike many practices where competition for cases creates tension, this team functions with genuine collegiality and mutual respect.

  • General Cardiology
    • Dr. Evan Russell (formerly interventional, transitioned to non-invasive)
    • Dr. Mark Hatfield (senior cardiologist planning to reduce call responsibilities)
    • Dr. Melinda Hunnicutt (Medical Director of the practice)
    • Dr. Manjula Burri (imaging specialist who joined in September 2023)
  • Interventional Cardiology
    • Dr. Vatsal Bajpai (joined September 2022)
    • Dr. Deepak Pattanshetty (interventional/structural cardiologist joining September 2024)
  • Electrophysiology
    • Dr. Lawrence Klein (specializing in cardiac pacing, implantable defibrillators, and radiofrequency ablation)
    • Dr. Albert Sey (joined February 2023 to expand the Atrial Fibrillation program)

Advanced Practice Providers and Clinical Support

The practice's extensive team of advanced practice providers and specialized support staff ensures that you can focus your time and expertise where they matter most – on complex clinical decision-making and direct patient care. This robust support system dramatically enhances your efficiency and effectiveness as a cardiologist.

  • 9 Nurse Practitioners who assist with:
    • Hospital rounds and patient discharges
    • Weekend call coverage
    • Outpatient follow-up visits
    • Procedure preparation and follow-up
  • Specialized Clinical Support
    • Marcella Ross, AGCNS-BS (Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist)
    • Dedicated triage team
    • Heart Failure Specialty Care Coordinator
    • Experienced echo technicians

Administrative and Support Staff

The practice benefits from a dedicated administrative team that handles the non-clinical aspects of care delivery, allowing physicians to focus on medicine rather than management.

  • Practice Leadership
    • Angela Petro (Practice Director)
    • Cheryl Hostetler (Practice Manager)
    • Kelly Oakley (Office Manager)
  • Support Staff
    • 11 non-clinical support staff members
    • 12 clinical support staff members
    • 13 patient exam rooms in the Columbus office

Collaborative Care Partners

Your practice will be enhanced by close working relationships with affiliated specialists who complement cardiology services and provide seamless patient care:

  • Cardiothoracic Surgery (IU Health Cardiovascular)
    • Dr. Greg Dedinsky
    • Dr. David Hart
  • Vascular Surgery (Southern Indiana Surgery)
    • Dr. Douglas Roese
    • Dr. Jason Christie
  • Hospitalist Program
    • 25–30 dedicated hospitalists providing 24/7 coverage
    • Manage admissions and initial inpatient care before cardiology consultation

A Culture of Stability and Growth

The remarkable 95% physician retention rate at Columbus Regional Health (reaching 98% in 2023) isn't just a statistic – it's a reflection of the supportive, physician-friendly environment you'll experience. This stability creates a practice setting where you can develop long-term relationships with patients, referring physicians, and colleagues.

Joining the cardiology team means becoming part of a group that celebrates individual strengths while working collectively toward the common goal of outstanding cardiovascular care. You'll find that collaboration is not just encouraged but embedded in the culture, with regular opportunities for case discussion, clinical updates, and shared decision-making.

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