Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center expands cardiac services with additions at Heart Center of Niagara

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center announced the expansion of its Heart Center of Niagara by welcoming four new cardiology providers from Great Lakes Cardiovascular, a division of General Physician, PC.

A press release stated, “The expansion demonstrates both institutions' commitment to providing exceptional cardiac care and setting a new benchmark for the Niagara region and beyond.”

"Our partnership with Great Lakes Cardiovascular epitomizes the spirit of collaborative health care, driving the Heart Center of Niagara to offer unmatched cardiac services," NFMMC President and CEO Joseph Ruffolo said. "This extension of our team signifies our enduring commitment to elevating the caliber of care we provide."

Ruffolo also noted that fortifying cardiac care resources gives Niagara Falls Memorial the additional manpower to address high rates of coronary heart disease in Niagara County.

The most recent data from the New York State Department of Health indicates the 98.4/100,000 coronary heart disease premature mortality rate in Niagara County is 47% higher than the average New York state rate of 66.9/100,000.

The newest members of the team, in association with Great Lakes Cardiovascular, include: Jeffery D. Stahl, D.O.; Aneesha Thobani, M.D.; Sheila Lekanka, A.G.P.C.N.P.; and Lydia Lutkoff, D.N.P., A.G.N.P.-B.C. Current team members include: Sachin Wadhawan, M.D.; James G. Conley, M.D.; Kinan Dalal, M.D.; Susan DeLong, F.N.P.-B.C.; and Deborah Lavin, N.P.

With these recent onboardings, the Heart Center of Niagara now boasts a team of five physicians and four nurse practitioners, bringing the total number of clinical personnel from Great Lakes Cardiovascular to nine. In addition, NFMMC said Ronald P. Emerson, M.D., the medical director of NFMMC's cardiac catheterization lab, “remains a pivotal part of our cardiac team.”

Wadhawan said, "At a time when numerous health care institutions are dealing with obstacles and potential cuts in services, the Heart Center of Niagara continues to prioritize patient-centered care above all else. Despite these challenges, the community can trust our dedication to leading cardiac care has never been stronger."

To schedule an appointment with a member of the Great Lakes Cardiovascular team, call the Heart Center of Niagara at 716-299-0524. For appointments with Emerson, patients can call 716-278-4300 to schedule at NFMMC's cardiac catheterization lab.