UH Interventional Cardiologist Steps Up to Keep Stress Tests Moving for Patients

UH Clinical Update | June 2024

When a patient needs a cardiac stress test, they want the process to run smoothly and without delays. They’re likely feeling anxious over needing the test at all, so they want it completed in a timely way, with results pointing to prompt next steps.

Marwan Nasif, MD

UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute interventional cardiologist Marwan Nasif, MD, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at UH Lake West and UH TriPoint medical centers and recently named Chief of Medicine, is laser-focused on meeting these expectations for patients. In the midst of significant changes to the cardiac stress test workflow and the monumental change of the implementation of Epic, he has worked to keep things moving for patients, often covering for physician colleagues when they are otherwise engaged with another patient.

“Dr. Nasif shows professionalism by ensuring that he takes care of the patient, avoids further wait times and helps to keep our workflow running smooth,” says UH registered respiratory therapist Brittany Bertram. “We are so grateful that he is part of our team. He has been patient, kind and understanding with us as we all navigate the new system and new workflow for stress testing documentation and interpretation.

“He sets the best example of a great cardiologist and leader, as he always demonstrates his knowledge and has an incredible bedside manner when speaking with patients and family members. You can always tell that he cares first and foremost about patient care through the kindness he shows to the team he works with during these exams.”

Dr. Nasif says he sees it all as simply part of the job.

“I like to work as a team, and I try to always be available,” he says. “I like being helpful, assisting other physicians and helping the nurses get their daily work done.”

UH CEO Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair, recently recognized Dr. Nasif for this collegial and patient-centered approach to care, naming him a “Dinner with the Doc” honoree.

Dr. Nasif has strong roots at UH. He completed fellowship training in both cardiology and heart failure here, then traveled to Tulane University Hospital and Clinic for fellowship training in interventional cardiology. After a few years post-fellowship, he returned to UH.

He says the rapid, immediate impact he’s able to have for his interventional cardiology patients keeps him motivated in his leadership roles at UH Lake West and UH TriPoint.

“I love taking care of patients where after my intervention, they leave the cath lab smiling,” he says. “It's amazing. In a short period, we can take them from the most suffocating, worst pain in the world to leaving the cath lab without pain and saving their lives. I love the acute coronary intervention. That's my main specialty.”

To nominate a physician for this honor, click here. The next deadline is September 27.