Your Questions, Answered Honestly.
Dr. Bhama wants you to feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Your Questions, Answered Honestly.
Dr. Bhama wants you to feel informed and confident every step of the way.
General Questions
What is Dr. Jay Bhama’s background and training?
Dr. Bhama is a double, board-certified, cardiothoracic surgeon with extensive training in some of the nation’s most respected programs including Baylor College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. His focus has always been on combining advanced surgical skill with compassionate patient care.
Dr. Bhama has a unique training background having trained in advanced heart and lung failure surgery including heart and lung transplantation, artificial heart technology and heart surgery in the setting of heart failure.
Where does Dr. Bhama practice?
Dr. Bhama practices at St. Bernards Health Care in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where he is part of a multidisciplinary team focused on advanced cardiac care.
Does Dr. Bhama see patients outside of Jonesboro?
Yes. While his surgical practice is based in Jonesboro, many of Dr. Bhama’s patients travel from surrounding regions. The St. Bernards team can assist with coordinating consultations and follow-up care.
Is this website affiliated with St. Bernards Medical Center
This site is a personal and professional resource curated specifically for Dr. Bhama’s patients and broader community. While he practices at St. Bernards, the site is managed independently to provide education, background, and direct insight into his approach to care.
Surgery & Care Process
How do I know if I need heart surgery?
Heart surgery is usually considered when non-surgical options are no longer effective or surgery is expected to have a better outcome. Dr. Bhama evaluates every patient carefully using advanced imaging, diagnostics, and clinical data to determine the most appropriate plan of care.
Will I have a chance to ask questions before surgery?
Absolutely. Clear, open conversation is a central part of Dr. Bhama’s approach. He makes time to sit down with patients and families to explain procedures, risks, outcomes, and alternatives in plain language. Dr. Bhama uses a variety of medical illustrations, sometimes drawing pictures himself, to help explain what is wrong and how surgery can correct it. Often, Dr. Bhama or one of his staff reviews the images of your own studies with you helping you get a better understanding of the problem.
How long is the recovery process after heart surgery?
Recovery time depends on the type of procedure, your health history, and other factors. Dr. Bhama and his team will guide you through every step of recovery — from ICU care to home instructions — and help you understand what to expect after surgery.
Does Dr. Bhama offer second opinions?
Yes. Whether you’re seeking a second opinion from him or want to get another perspective before moving forward, Dr. Bhama fully supports informed, confident decision-making.
Philosophy & Ethics
Does Dr. Bhama get paid on a case-by-case basis or get paid more for doing more complex procedures?
No. Dr. Bhama is not directly compensated based upon the complexity of the procedure or on a case-by-case basis. Any additional steps taken during surgery are strictly based on what’s best for patient outcomes — never a financial motivation.
How does Dr. Bhama determine if a surgical procedure is necessary?
When a patient is referred to Dr. Bhama, they have already been seen by a cardiologist and have been diagnosed with a heart problem that is typically treated with surgery. After a thorough review of all the diagnostic tests, Dr. Bhama collaborates with the cardiologist to determine if surgery is the best plan for your problem, considering standard guidelines coupled with the latest medical literature.
Often, a patient may have multiple problems that require other procedures performed at the same time to provide a safe operation and prevent needing another surgery in the near future. This may include doing a bypass for a blocked artery, fixing a valve that is in the process of failing, or performing a procedure to lessen the risk of a complication such as a surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation or closing a hole in the heart that could lead to a stroke.
What is Dr. Bhama’s philosophy on patient care?
Dr. Bhama believes in high-quality, ethical care rooted in evidence-based medicine, sound clinical judgement, and human connection.
He sees his role as a guide, educator, and advocate — not just a surgeon.
Dr. Bhama believes it is very important for physicians to stay up to date with the latest medical developments and offer patients the most cutting-edge innovative care possible based upon todays knowledge, not just what they learned years ago in their training.
How does Dr. Bhama measure success?
Success is not just about survival or technical completion of a surgery. It’s about how patients feel months or years later. It about lower complications, better quality of life, and long-term wellness are the real goals.
Video, Media & Website Content
What types of videos will I find on this site?
The videos include patient testimonials, educational explainers, and behind-the-scenes insights into Dr. Bhama’s work. They are designed to give an honest, accessible look at what he does and why.
Why does Dr. Bhama have a personal website?
This site exists to give patients, families, and the public a place to learn directly from Dr. Bhama’s perspective. In an age of confusing and often misleading online information, it’s important to have a clear, reliable source.
Dr. Bhama also wants patients to have hope for a brighter future when it comes to their health and he feels the better you know how he practices the more hope you will have, regardless of your condition.
What topics are covered in the blogs?
The blog content focuses on cardiac health education, patient guidance, and insights into heart surgery and recovery. The goal is to answer the kinds of questions patients often have but may not know how to ask.
Media or Contact
How can I reach Dr. Bhama’s office?
All patient and media inquiries should be directed through St. Bernards Medical Center. Please contact their main office for appointment requests, follow-ups, or general information.
Can I schedule an interview or media request?
Yes. Please direct all media or speaking requests through St. Bernards Medical Center’s marketing department. They’ll be able to coordinate availability and any approvals needed.
Does Dr. Bhama participate in public education or outreach events?
Yes. When time allows, Dr. Bhama supports community education and may be available for select speaking opportunities. Please contact St. Bernards Medical Center to inquire about availability.
“Patients aren’t just cases—they’re people with fears, families, and stories. My job is to listen first, then offer the best path forward with clarity and care.”
-Dr. Jay K. Bhama
Certifications & Affiliations
