Division of Cardiology

Kern Buckner, MD, Division Chief

What do we do? We provide the region's most comprehensive cardiovascular (heart) evaluation and consultation along with a full suite of state-of-the-art cardiac testing. We evaluate and treat heart problems such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart valve problems and heart failure.

As one of the country’s premier respiratory institutions, we also specialize in heart diseases related to lung disease such as pulmonary hypertension, cardiac sarcoidosis and other more rare diseases. In fact, we are one of the few comprehensive pulmonary hypertension treatment and evaluation centers in the region. We also specialize in the evaluation of patients with shortness of breath with exercise, preventive cardiology, exercise physiology, and are expert in the use of nutrition to improve and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Why National Jewish Health? At National Jewish Health, we treat the whole person, not just the disease. Our cardiology team works very closely with health care providers from all areas of the medical center, including rehabilitation therapists, dietitians and clinical researchers.  

Nurses & Medical Staff

• Megan Knecht, ANP-BC
• Barbara Lemer, NP
• Vicki Shin, RN
• Ann Kalivas, RN
• Ann Randall, RN
• Christie Fox, RN
• Carrie Philips, RN
• Gretchen Andrus, RN
• Yolanda Beaudoin, RN
• Dexter Ancheta, RN
• Bob Michel, RN
• Brad Deweese, RN

Directors

• George Zeman
• Andrew M. Freeman, MD, FACC, FACP

Supervisors

• Jean Glock, RN
• Cari Pfohl, Clinical Operations Supervisor

Echosonographers

• Ryan Hemje, RDCS, Lead Sonographer
• Nikki Flammond, RDCS, Sonographer
• Tim Osborne, RDCS, Sonographer
• Lexie Cauthen, RDCS, Sonographer

Exercise Physiology

• Kathy Brown, RCEP
• Bree Mabley, RCEP
• Laura Hoover, RCEP
• Peggy Daily, RCEP
• Marcelo Caiozzi, MS

Cardiovascular Technology

• Melissa Kimball

Clinical Support

• Violeta Jimenez, Lead
• Gina Marquez, Vaughn