Cardiac Team Adds Two Renowned Experts, Launches Steering Committee
Cardiothoracic Surgeon Joins the Albany Med Health System
Soon J. Park, MD, renowned both locally and internationally for his expertise and scientific contributions to cardiothoracic surgery, will serve as surgical director of cardiovascular services at Albany Medical Center, and he will collaborate with colleagues across the System to elevate a coordinated, regional approach to cardiovascular care.
“The level of expertise Dr. Park brings to our cardiovascular services is unmatched in the region,” said Alan S. Boulos, MD, The Lynne and Mark D. Groban ’67 Distinguished Dean of Albany Medical College. “His surgical talent and decades of experience and insight will benefit patient care, medical education, and surgical training for years to come.”
Dr. Park is an expert in all aspects of adult cardiothoracic surgery, including ischemic heart disease, mitral valve repair, aortic aneurysm repair, and septal myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He also is
credited with pioneering a procedure used to close an aortic valve to prevent leaking during placement of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant, aptly called the Park Stitch.
Through partnerships between hospitals and the implementation of a unified electronic medical record, the System has expanded access to heart and vascular care for more patients in more places. Referrals to higher levels of care are also made easier with more resources in one network.
“Albany Medical Center, Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, and Saratoga Hospital each hold a critical role in their communities,” Dr. Park said. “Their collective strength sets our System apart. There are tremendous opportunities to deepen our commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care that positions the Albany Med Health System as the premier cardiovascular program in the region.”
A respected educator, scientist, and advisor, Dr. Park also said he is glad to return to academic medicine, where, Dr. Park said, patients can find the most contemporary and innovative care available.
New Chief to Lead Cardiology
Mushabbar A. Syed, MD, has been appointed chief of Albany Medical Center’s Division of Cardiology; George E. Pataki Endowed Chair of Cardiology; and director of advanced cardiac imaging at Albany Medical College.
Dr. Syed specializes in general cardiology with special interest in coronary artery disease, valvular diseases, congestive heart failure, myopathies, and adult congenital heart disease. He has a particular interest in the use of cardiac MRI, CT, and echocardiography to aid in diagnosis and disease management. Cardiac imaging allows physicians to noninvasively examine the heart and its surrounding structures to evaluate its
function and aid in the diagnosis and management of heart conditions.
“Dr. Syed’s expertise in advanced cardiac imaging, combined with our leading-edge imaging technology and highly specialized cardiac and radiological teams, presents tremendous opportunity to grow our
cardiac imaging capabilities and opens the door to further education and research in the field of advanced cardiac imaging,” said Edward Philbin III, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Medicine. “This thoughtful collaboration among disciplines strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive, individualized care to each patient and further positions us as a leader in cardiac care.”
Fellowship trained in cardiovascular imaging and credited with forming the advanced cardiovascular imaging fellowship program at Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Ill., Dr. Syed looks forward to the educational, research, and faculty development opportunities available to him through the System and hopes to form pathways to enhance training in cardiac imaging so more patients can benefit.
Cardiac Steering Committee Formed
A newly formed Cardiac Steering Committee will harness the resources of each System hospital to expand access to care and coordination between specialists.
In addition to the newest members of the System’s cardiac team, Drs. Park and Syed, the committee will include providers from throughout the System and from longtime community partners Capital Cardiology
Associates (CCA).
The growth of the System unified the team and technology to bring heart care to the next level.
“With the implementation of our Systemwide electronic medical record, our physicians are already working together more than ever to quickly and securely share information that raises the level of patient care. This
committee will further allow us to collaborate, communicate, and evaluate quality metrics and outcomes—enhancing cardiac care in our region even further,” said Jason Mouzakes, MD, executive vice president and Albany Medical Center hospital general director.
The founding vision for the Albany Med Health System was to elevate one standard of high-quality care that reduces barriers like place and time. In 2017, Albany Medical Center and Columbia Memorial Health
integrated their cardiology services and since then, specialists and subspecialists on this joint team have collaborated to share resources and technologies on both the Albany and Hudson campuses. A transformation of CMH’s Greene Medical Arts facility, expected to be completed by early 2027, will feature a Cardiac Care Center for same-day evaluations. This center will offer patients enhanced access to the System’s array of heart care services, including Albany Medical Center’s minimally invasive cardiac intervention program.
“As cardiac care continues to evolve, the steering committee will offer even more opportunities to foster a collaborative approach to evaluating resources, maximizing efficiency, and improving patient care and the patient experience,” said Dorothy Urschel, DNP, president and CEO of Columbia Memorial Health.
Meanwhile, north of Albany, patients can also receive heart care at Glens Falls Hospital and Saratoga Hospital. Patients who require a higher level of care have direct access to services provided at Albany Medical Center.
“At Saratoga Hospital, we’re proud to be part of a Systemwide effort to strengthen cardiac care across the region. By collaborating through the cardiac service line steering committee and welcoming new leaders, we’re strengthening the continuum of care for patients and expanding access to advanced heart health services close to home. These developments reflect our commitment to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care
to the Saratoga community and beyond,” said Saratoga Hospital president and CEO Jill VanKuren.
Paul Scimeca, CEO of Glens Falls Hospital said, “One of the great benefits of being part of the Albany Med Health System is the access to expanded services and care the System can provide. This steering committee and the addition of Dr. Park and division chief of cardiology Dr. Syed will enhance the continuum of care for patients throughout the region. The physicians at Adirondack Cardiology have cared for the hearts of North Country residents for decades and are excited by the recent developments.”
Relationship development throughout the region is one priority of the committee, such as that with CCA partners.
Lance E. Sullenberger, MD, CEO of CCA, said, “By aligning our clinical expertise, resources, and commitment to excellence, CCA is creating a unified front with Albany Med that ensures every CCA patient receives the
highest standard of cardiac care—whether in the hospital or the outpatient setting. This partnership not only strengthens our shared mission but sets a new benchmark for collaboration in cardiovascular medicine.”
Dennis P. McKenna, MD, president and CEO of the Albany Med Health System, said recent additions to cardiac services are consistent with the System’s reputation as a leader in heart care. “Albany Medical Center already has a long history of cardiac excellence in this region,” Dr. McKenna said. “Our recruitment of top leaders in cardiovascular care and our commitment to offering patients the most advanced, innovative, quality care close to home reflects our commitment to position the Albany Med Health System as a premier cardiovascular destination.”