This field moves fast, and staying current is a responsibility I take seriously. I regularly study national outcome data, read clinical research, and stay connected with colleagues at major centers around the country. My goal is to make sure patients here have access to the same level of care they’d receive at any top institution in the U.S right here in Arkansas.

I want my patients and their families to feel informed and supported every step of the way. Before any procedure, we’ll sit down and talk through what’s happening, what options you have, and what the recovery will look like. After surgery, I stay closely involved — whether it’s checking in with your care team or answering questions as they come up. I want you to feel like you’re never navigating this alone.

That’s not only normal — it’s completely human. Most people have never been through something like this, and it’s okay to have questions or even doubts. I will always take the time to listen and make sure you understand and are comfortable with the plan. This isn’t just about doing a procedure — it’s about making sure you feel supported before, during, and after.

I’m based at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I work with a dedicated team of specialists and support staff who share the same commitment to doing what’s best for each patient, every time. 

I chose heart surgery because it requires both technical skill and compassion for patients. The heart isn’t just another organ — it’s life itself. I’ve always been drawn to the combination of science, precision, and knowledge required to perform heart surgery but most importantly the chance to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life when they need it most. 

My grandfather died of heart disease before technological advances like modern heart surgery were available to save his life. This has always been a strong motivator for me…to help people like him have more time and more life with their family. 

I completed medical school and general surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, followed by thoracic surgery residency at George Washington University and Johns Hopkins in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. I then went on to complete a fellowship in advanced cardiac surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN, and fellowship in heart and lung transplant and mechanical circulatory support (ECMO & LVAD) at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA. 

I’m double board-certified in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery, and I’m honored to be a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the American College of Cardiology (FACC), and the American College of Chest Physicians (FCCP).

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some of the best and most innovative cardiac surgeons in the world and care for patients with the most complex cardiac problems. Each institution I’ve been a part of has left an indelible impact on my education and ability as a heart surgeon – from the commitment to excellence imprinted on every graduate of the famed Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor – to learning simple and efficient approaches to complex heart valve surgery at the world renowned Mayo Clinic – to learning about the intriguing complexities of organ transplantation at University of Pittsburgh, the birth place of modern organ transplant sciences.

 I’ve also had the privilege of caring for patients at both academic and high-volume centers, and my focus has always been the same: use the best techniques and the most current knowledge available to improve outcomes and treat each patient like family.