Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Visalia

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Visalia

Definition of Cardiothoracic Medicine

Cardiothoracic medicine is a specialized field of healthcare that focuses on the organs within the chest, primarily the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. This medical specialty combines elements of cardiology and thoracic surgery to provide comprehensive care for patients with conditions affecting these critical organ systems.

Cardiothoracic specialists in Visalia treat a wide range of conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, lung cancer, and congenital heart defects. Their expertise extends to both surgical and non-surgical interventions, allowing them to offer tailored treatment plans for each patient's unique needs.

Significance of Choosing the Right Cardiothoracic Doctor

Selecting the appropriate cardiothoracic specialist is a decision of utmost importance for residents of Visalia seeking care for heart or lung conditions. The choice of doctor can significantly influence patient outcomes, recovery times, and overall quality of care. A skilled and experienced cardiothoracic physician can provide accurate diagnoses, recommend optimal treatment strategies, and perform complex procedures with precision.

The specialized nature of cardiothoracic medicine underscores the need for patients to seek out doctors with specific expertise in this field. In Visalia, there are several highly qualified cardiothoracic specialists, each bringing unique skills and experiences to their practice. By understanding the qualifications and strengths of these doctors, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare providers.

Overview of Doctor Selection Process in Visalia

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cardiothoracic Specialist

Board Certifications and Qualifications

• American Board of Thoracic Surgery certification
• Additional certifications like American Board of Surgery

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• Star ratings from Healthgrades (e.g., 5.0, 4.4, 3.7)
• Number of reviews (e.g., 3, 5, 9 reviews)

Experience and Educational Background

• Medical school information (e.g., Wake Forest University, Augusta University Medical College of Georgia)
• Residencies and fellowships (e.g., University of Tennessee, UCLA Hospital)

Language Capabilities

• English proficiency
• Additional languages (e.g., Portuguese, Arabic, Hindi, French, Spanish)

Resources for Researching Doctors in Visalia

Online Platforms

• Healthgrades website and its features
• How to use doctor profile links for detailed information

Local Medical Associations

• Contacting Visalia medical societies for recommendations
• Inquiring about cardiothoracic specialists at local hospitals

Top-Ranked Cardiothoracic Doctors in Visalia

Dr. Leheb Araim

Qualifications and Expertise

• Board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Specializes in General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Education: University of Tennessee and Augusta University Medical College of Georgia

Patient Satisfaction

• 5-star rating on Healthgrades
• 5 patient reviews
• Highly regarded for cardiothoracic procedures

Additional Information

• Fluent in English and Arabic
• Contact number: (559) 459-4301

Dr. Frederick Mayer

Qualifications and Expertise

• Board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Education: Wake Forest University Medical School, 1976

Patient Satisfaction

• 5-star rating on Healthgrades
• 3 patient reviews
• Highly recommended for cardiothoracic procedures

Additional Information

• Fluent in English and Portuguese
• Contact number: (907) 375-2000

Dr. Satish Kesavaramanujam

Qualifications and Expertise

• Board certified by the American Board of Surgery
• Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery
• Education: Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai University, 1993

Patient Satisfaction

• 4.4-star rating on Healthgrades
• 9 patient reviews
• Well-regarded for surgical skills

Additional Information

• Fluent in English and Hindi
• Contact number: (559) 688-0821

Additional Highly-Rated Specialists

Dr. Jeffrey Milliken

• Board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• 3.7-star rating with 6 reviews
• Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Phyllis Edwards

• Board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• 3.7-star rating with 3 reviews
• Fluent in English and French

Dr. Sergio Caminha

• Board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• 3.0-star rating with 6 reviews
• Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish

Additional Resources for Finding the Right Cardiothoracic Doctor

Tips for Evaluating Doctor Profiles

Interpreting Star Ratings and Review Counts

• Explain the significance of star ratings (e.g., Dr. Leheb Araim's 5.0 rating)
• Discuss the importance of review counts (e.g., Dr. Satish Kesavaramanujam's 9 reviews)

Considering Multiple Factors Beyond Ratings

• Emphasize the importance of board certifications (e.g., American Board of Thoracic Surgery)
• Highlight the value of diverse language capabilities (e.g., Dr. Sergio Caminha's trilingual skills)

Questions to Ask Potential Doctors

Inquiries About Experience with Specific Procedures

• Suggest asking about familiarity with particular cardiothoracic surgeries
• Recommend inquiring about success rates for relevant procedures

Discussion Points Regarding Treatment Approaches

• Advise asking about minimally invasive options if applicable
• Suggest discussing post-operative care and recovery expectations

Local Medical Facilities and Support Services

Overview of Hospitals and Clinics Specializing in Cardiothoracic Care

• List main hospitals in Visalia where these doctors practice
• Mention any specialized cardiothoracic units or centers

Information on Support Groups or Resources for Cardiothoracic Patients

• Suggest local support groups for heart and lung patients
• Mention online resources specific to cardiothoracic health