ARLINGTON VA—A slate of military physicians in the field of cardiology were honored last month as “Heart Heroes” by the American Heart Association (AHA) and CGI, an IT and business process services provider.

The six physicians honored were chosen by the AHA and CGI based on their diverse expertise and real-life experience treating cardiovascular disease at home and abroad. “These doctors provide care to ensure that our soldiers can go into high risk areas … they save our soldiers’ lives,” said CGI Vice President Cheryl Campbell at the 7th Annual Physicians’ Reception.

James B Peake, MD, who is the senior vice president for Health Industry at CGI Federal and a retired Army Surgeon General and former VA secretary, also spoke words of appreciation for the physicians noting that military medical personnel have taken “high-tech healthcare far forward” on the battlefield and in humanitarian missions.

In total, 20 cardiologists from the Air Force, Army, and Navy were nominated by their peers to serve as a Heart Hero based on service and experience treating cardiovascular disease stateside and in theater.

CGI and the AHA interviewed the nominees asking them to share their personal story as a military doctor, as well as how technology has played a role in their experience. A leadership team from CGI and the AHA chose six “Heart Heroes” that they felt encapsulated the Heart Heroes Program.

A Heart Heroes Gallery was displayed at the event that included quotes and photographs from each of the physicians. The display has been shown at medical facilities around the Washington, DC area.

The six hailed as “Heart Heroes” included:

• Saira Aslam, MD, a cardiologist serving at the National Naval Medical Center
• Craig Dobson, MD, a pediatric cardiologist at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center
• Brian Hemann, MD, a cardiologist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
• Mark Kolasa, MD, an electrophysiologist at Malcolm Grow Hospital at Andrews Air Force Base and National Capital Region Cardiology
• Todd Villines, MD, a cardiologist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
• Stephen Thurber, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon at the National Naval Medical Center

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