Chattanooga, TN – Parkridge Health System today announced the opening of two cardiac specialty practices: Centennial Heart at Parkridge, a full-service multispecialty practice specializing in diagnosing, managing and treating the full spectrum of cardiac and vascular disorders, and Centennial Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Parkridge, a surgical specialty group focusing on the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the heart and lungs. The practices will be located on the second floor of the Diagnostic Center at 2205 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN, 37404.
The multispecialty practices are comprised of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac imaging specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons and electrophysiologists, who will offer a wide range of treatments, ranging from medical management of cardiac disease and ablation for atrial fibrillation (Afib) to specialized interventional procedures for treating chronic total occlusion, leading-edge surgical techniques and percutaneous left atrial appendage closure device implantation to prevent stroke in patients who cannot take blood thinners. The addition of these two practices will allow Parkridge Health to treat the majority of cardiac conditions.
“It is a significant milestone to welcome such an esteemed group of physicians to a health system,” said Tom Ozburn, president and CEO of Parkridge Health System. “Centennial Heart at Parkridge is a tremendous win for the Chattanooga area, in terms of heart and vascular care, and we believe this group will reshape the landscape of cardiac care in our community. As heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, we are thrilled to welcome this group of world-class specialists who are among the highest regarded physicians in our area. They will elevate the level of care we are able to provide and position us for continued growth in the coming years.”
“Centennial Heart at Parkridge marks a new era of cardiac care in Chattanooga,” said Alison L. Bailey, MD, FACC, chief of cardiology for Centennial Heart at Parkridge. “We have assembled a team of elite specialists who not only have the expertise to use the full spectrum of treatment options but also are committed to partnering with their patients to improve their cardiovascular health.”
Centennial Heart at Parkridge connects Chattanooga to the Centennial Heart network, which is based in Middle Tennessee and is also affiliated with HCA Healthcare. Such alignment brings a wider array of services and access to leading-edge technology to the community.
Parkridge Health is proud to introduce the following physicians:
Centennial Heart at Parkridge
Michael Christian Allan, MD, a fellowship-trained, double board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist who specializes in heart rhythm disorders, such as Afib. He introduced percutaneous left atrial appendage closure device implantation to Chattanooga as a treatment for persistent Afib in patients who cannot tolerate blood thinners, and to date, he has performed more such procedures than any physician in the city. He has also introduced zero-fluoroscopy ablation to the area so that arrhythmias like SVT and Afib can be fixed with no radiation exposure to the patient. Prior to joining Centennial Heart at Parkridge, Dr. Allan practiced for thirteen years in Chattanooga with Diagnostic Cardiology Group.
Maurice Alston, DO, FACC, a fellowship-trained interventional cardiologist specializing in minimally invasive approaches to diagnosing, treating and managing cardiovascular disease. His training allows him to use both preventive and interventional approaches to stave off and treat cardiac disease. Dr. Alston previously practiced with Parkridge Medical Group – Cardiology. He has a passion for working with minorities and the underserved community in order to help reduce healthcare disparities.
Alison Bailey, MD, FACC, FAACVPR, a fellowship-trained cardiologist who is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, and advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology.Prior to joining Centennial Heart at Parkridge, Dr. Bailey was associate chief of cardiology and medical director of the Cardiovascular Ambulatory Practice at Erlanger Health System, where she also started the Advanced Heart Failure Clinic. Dr. Bailey has been part of a multidisciplinary team overseeing the care of advanced heart failure patients in the Chattanooga region for the past five years and is excited to continue her clinical work in this area as well as continuing her work in prevention and sports cardiology. She will serve as the chief of cardiology at Centennial Heart at Parkridge.
Michael Mikolaj, MD, MPH, FACC, a cardiologist who is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular medicine. Additionally, he is one of two physicians in Tennessee who is board-certified in cardiovascular computed tomography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, adult comprehensive echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. He is also fellowship-trained in cardiovascular medicine and advanced cardiovascular imaging. Using non-invasive approaches and advanced imaging technology, such as cardiovascular computed tomography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, Dr. Mikolaj diagnoses a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. He previously served as an affiliated assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Chattanooga, and practiced at Erlanger Health System.
Jennifer Mirza, DO, a fellowship-trained cardiologist specializing in the prevention, management and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Mirza treats the full spectrum of cardiac conditions, including arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, hyperlipidemia and hypertension.She previously practiced at Parkridge Medical Group – Cardiology.
Centennial Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Parkridge
Mark Bonnell, MD, a fellowship-trained cardiothoracic surgeon who is board-certified in general and thoracic surgery. Prior to joining Centennial Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Parkridge, Dr. Bonnell served as cardiothoracic surgeon, vice chief of cardiac surgery and director of mechanical circulatory support at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital, in Lansing, Michigan.
Stephen Martin, MD, a fellowship-trained cardiothoracic surgeon who specializes in open and minimally invasive approaches to cardiothoracic surgery to tailor each procedure to the specific needs of the patient. He focuses on treating persistent atrial fibrillation, blocked coronary arteries, thoracic aortic aneurysm and valve disorders. Dr. Martin has interest and experience in performing the Convergent procedure and thoracoscopic ligation of the left atrial appendage, as well as open carotid endarterectomy cases. He previously practiced with Parkridge Cardiothoracic Surgery.