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McLaren Health Care, the statewide health care provider, has established the McLaren Heart & Vascular Institute (MHVI) to unify McLaren’s 13 hospital-based cardiology, vascular, and cardiothoracic services and cardiovascular diagnosis, treatment, and prevention its primary purpose.

Interventional cardiologist Samer Y. Kazziha, MD, FACP, FACC, FSCAI, FCCP, FSVMB, will lead the initiative as its Chief Medical Director.

“Dr. Kazziha brings an extensive and beneficial blend of clinical and administrative experience that can effectively position our teams to advance the level of cardiovascular care in the communities we serve and increase the therapies offered to our patients,” said Dr. Justin Klamerus, McLaren Health Care Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer. “His career has been highlighted by establishing and leading strong cardiovascular programs in Southeast Michigan.”

Through the MHVI, the collaboration by cardiovascular physicians and surgeons will position McLaren heart and vascular programs throughout the state to expand their services and advances the therapies they can provide their communities — increasing access to new technologies and clinical research. Together, the institute will also develop and implement clinical practice guidelines, performance benchmarks, and enhance the partnerships that exist across McLaren facilities.

McLaren cardiovascular programs throughout the state have routinely expanded their care offerings, often introducing the latest technologies and procedures to the communities they service, including such advanced, minimally invasive procedures as TAVR, Watchman, T-CAR, and WEB, among others, that address common, quality-of-life-limiting and potentially life-threatening conditions.

“With our shared vision for providing the best possible care for each patient through access and innovation, I am excited to join McLaren and work with this exceptional program and team of providers,” Dr. Kazziha said. “With the development and aim of this institute, I believe we can make a significant and positive impact on the lives and health of so many across Michigan.”

Dr. Kazziha most recently served as the President of Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology for Cardiovascular Consultants, PC, overseeing and standardizing clinical operations among multiple providers at several care sites throughout Macomb and Oakland counties while maintaining privileges at several area hospitals. Throughout his career, he has established and grown — in size and scope — significant cardiovascular service departments at hospitals throughout Southeast Michigan.

Beginning his clinical practice in Michigan in 1992, Dr. Kazziha advanced quickly into clinical leadership positions of increasing responsibility, including ultimately leading cardiovascular services at the Mat Gaberty Heart Center at Mount Clemens General Hospital, now McLaren Macomb. He earned his medical degree from the University of Damascus, Health Center and Affiliate Hospitals. He trained in internal medicine and cardiology at Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, an interventional cardiology fellowship at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, and an interventional vascular fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic.

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