A fellowship-trained, adult cardiologist at Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Dr. Anand Desai believes being open-minded and flexible helps him guide patients to better outcomes.

“I listen to my patients and tailor care to best fit their needs,” said Dr. Desai, whose own father was an interventional cardiologist while he was growing up. “Some have difficulty maintaining an exercise program, others have dietary sensitivities, or issues with certain medications. It’s important to adjust to their sensitivities.”

Ethnicity also plays a role in the diagnostic process, with Hispanics, African-Americans, and South Asians more predisposed to coronary artery disease, which Dr. Desai primarily treats, along with congestive heart failure, than Caucasians. In those cases and others, the Indiana University grad focuses on educating those in his care about the risks of their condition and ensuring compliance with prescribed medications.