Celebrating One Year of Dedication to Continuing Cardiovascular Excellence

When Jayapal Reddy, MD, joined Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) in 2003, the Hospital was already at the forefront of cardiac care. Today, PVHMC offers the area’s leading cardiovascular and stroke program and Dr. Reddy is dedicated to carrying on this tradition of excellence as Medical Director for Cardiac Services at PVHMC’s Stead Heart & Vascular Center.

This year, Dr. Reddy celebrates his one-year anniversary of being named Medical Director of Cardiac Services in January 2019. He continues the legacy of his mentor Rama Thumati, MD, who pioneered the development of PVHMC’s cardiovascular program. Dr. Thumati retired in December 2018 after 32 years as Medical Director, but maintains a robust cardiology practice.

“I want to build on the great work and leadership that Dr. Thumati provided over the last three decades,” Dr. Reddy said. “The advancements in the field of cardiology during this time have been revolutionary and my goal is to continue to offer cutting-edge treatments and new services to the community.”

During Dr. Thumati’s tenure, the Hospital invested in new technology, staff, training and infrastructure to treat complex heart problems. It also expanded its program to include vascular disease and stroke. As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, PVHMC offers the highest level of stroke care available in the region.

“We’re providing advanced services in cardiovascular medicine that are second to none,” said Dr. Reddy. Those treatments include minimally invasive valve procedures (TAVR) and acute treatment of strokes with thrombectomy, a minimally invasive technique that Interventional neurologists use to remove blood clots in the brain.

“We can do procedures with smaller incisions, quicker recovery times and shorter hospitalizations,” Dr. Reddy said. “Patients with aortic aneurysms are being treated through a small puncture in the groin and they’re home the next day. Patients who aren’t candidates for surgical heart valve replacement (TAVR) because of the high risk can now have them implanted through the skin without surgical incisions. There have been enormous strides made in the field of cardiology. And while cardiovascular disease is still a leading cause of death, there’s been a huge improvement in people being able to survive and live longer.”

For more information on how you can help support the advanced care provided at the Stead Heart & Vascular Center, please contact Glenda Ferguson at glenda.ferguson@pvhmc.org, call 909.865.9659 or go online at pvhmc.org/foundation.