Charting a Course for Cardiac Excellence
With one team seeing patients in communities across our region, the Albany Med Health System is strengthening its commitment to comprehensive cardiac care. 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, Soon Park, MD, and Mushabbar Syed, MD, 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 late 2026 to early 2027, will feature a Cardiac Care Center for same-day evaluations. This center will offer patients enhanced access to the Albany Med Health 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 system-wide 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.” 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 world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Soon Park and division chief of cardiology Dr. Mushabbar 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 Health 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.”