Lutheran Medical Group cardiologist first in area to be board certified in adult congenital heart disease

2/11/2016

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (February 12, 2016) - Thanks to technological advances in cardiac care, the number of adults diagnosed with congenital heart disease in the U.S. prior to a catastrophic health event is on the rise. However, the range of abnormalities these patients possess and the complexities of their conditions make caring for them difficult for general cardiologists. Pediatric cardiologists, who often follow patients with congenital heart disease into adult life, are also at a disadvantage, especially as the patients age and their anatomies change.

Recognizing the challenges associated with treating these conditions and the need for a more specialized emphasis on the delivery of care, the American Board of Internal Medicine created the cardiology subspecialty adult congenital heart disease. ABIM's first-ever exam for board certification in adult congenital heart disease was offered in October 2015. Having met all the eligibility requirements, Sabeena Ramrakhiani, MD, a Lutheran Medical Group cardiologist, took the inaugural exam and was recently notified by the ABIM that she had become the first physician in the area to earn board certification in the subspecialty.

"Since being exposed to the field of adult congenital heart disease during my fellowship training, I have had an interest in the field," said Ramrakhiani. "I am pleased the ABIM recognized the importance of creating this subspecialty. A lot of patients with congenital heart defects often have advanced heart failure and pulmonary hypertension issues as well, so this new subspecialty ties right in with the services offered at LMG's new Heart and Vascular Center. I am pleased to be able to care for this unique subgroup of cardiology patients."

In addition to being board certified in adult congenital heart disease, Ramrakhiani is also board certified in general cardiology, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiac CT imaging and internal medicine. She is also qualified to interpret cardiac MRI scans.

For more information about scheduling an appointment, patients may call Lutheran Medical Group at (260) 432-2297.

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