Growing up in a rural community in southern Oklahoma, Dr. Holly Gaines watched her grandfather pass away after his cardiovascular disease went untreated. The experience not only motivated her to become a cardiologist but influenced the way she practices medicine.

“Providing access to care and explaining complex conditions in plain language can make all the difference for patients,” said Dr. Gaines, whose fellowship training was completed at the University of Utah. “It’s important they understand the what and why behind the care they need, and get the benefits of a coordinated, multi-disciplinary team of experts.”

Dr. Gaines is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), a diplomate in Adult Comprehensive Echocardiography with the National Board of Echocardiography and holds board certifications in Nuclear Cardiology, Adult Cardiovascular Disease, and Internal Medicine. She is also pursuing a master’s in public health from Johns Hopkins University to further expand her ability to improve heart health at both the individual and population levels.