Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dr Balakrishnan is a cardiologist and clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at Arizona Heart Arrhythmia Associates. He is thorough, compassionate, and unwavering in his commitment to providing quality care for his patients.
Dr Balakrishnan was born and raised in Coimbatore, India. He completed his medical degree from Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital, India, and moved to the United States to pursue further medical training. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - South Campus and his Cardiology and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology fellowships at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson Campus hospitals. He is the recipient of several awards throughout his training, including outstanding performance in Cardiology and Electrophysiology, outstanding graduating fellow in Cardiology, and the Mark J. Friedman Outstanding Fellow Award. He also served as the chief fellow during his Cardiology fellowship at the University of Arizona. He has authored numerous publications in Cardiology and Electrophysiology and has presented at several national and international conferences.
Dr Balakrishnan joined the practice in 2024. He is trained in complex device implants, ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and laser lead extractions.
Dr. Cory graduated from Arizona School of Health Sciences with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and is additionally certified in Spinal Manipulation and in Biomedical Dry Needling. Dr. Cory has had extensive advanced manual therapy training that has allowed him to go beyond the norm in physical therapy, and really give top quality attention and care to his patients.
I grew up in Mesa, AZ in a family of seven boys and one girl. After high school I served a full time, two year mission for my church and loved meeting and serving people. Upon returning I worked as a tech in a PT clinic where I met my beautiful wife. We worked our way through my undergrad at ASU in Exercise and Wellness and also had our first child in my last semester. Following ASU we went to A.T. Still University for a doctorate in physical therapy. School is where I found my passion for manual therapy. We also had our second child after my first year and the third 1 week before graduation. After graduation I was lucky enough to find One Accord PT and have been with them since 2011.
Describe the essence of what you do in your role at One Accord PT?
I believe that what we do as Physical Therapists is more than just treating pain. It is helping others to improve their quality of life through personalizing every treatment session with manual/hands-on techniques and therapeutic exercises as well as providing education on self treatments/exercise and injury prevention.
What are some of your personal interests, outside of work?
My biggest interest outside of work is spending time with my wife and children. I love wrestling, reading, playing cars, climbing on the rock wall, and running around the yard with my kids, and being able to sit and talk with my wife for hours.
What are some things you believe in? What is your favorite quote or words of wisdom?
Something I believe in is, God lives and that he loves us. I know He has a plan for us all and wants us to be happy and to serve others.
Favorite quote: A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race. Joseph Smith Jr.
What do you like most about working for One Accord PT?
One thing I enjoy about working at One Accord is the focus we have to continue learning in our profession. Continuing education is an important part of our work environment to help us progress as professionals and our ability to treat those who come to see us.
What do you like most about caring for patients?
The thing I enjoy most about caring for patients is the relationship we get to have with those who come in our door. It is so much more than just a doctor-patient setting but we get to know each other and actually become friends.
Why did you choose to become a physical therapist?
I became a PT because I like helping people feel better when they are hurting. I think the human body is fascinating and I love learning about how I can help others to improve their quality of living.
What do you think patients like MOST about you?
I feel that my patients like that I have a strong desire to help each one of them feel better and improve. They can always be sure that I will be open and honest with them and that I am not afraid to say “I do not know but I will find out for you.”
What do you think patients like MOST about One Accord PT?
People love coming to One Accord because of who we are and what we offer. We have a staff that is unlike any other place I have ever worked and everyone of us has the same goal of striving to help each person who comes in. We are a happy group and we love to have a professional yet fun environment and those who come in can expect a pleasant experience.
Banner Estrella Medical Center, Chief of Cardiology 2023 to present
Abrazo Hospital
Shishir Murarka, MD, is the Chief of Cardiology at Banner Estrella Medical Center.
Dr. Murarka is a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona in the Phoenix and Goodyear locations. He is a young cardiologist with excellent clinical skills and patient rapport. He offers a fresh approach to cardiovascular care.
Dr. Murarka completed his training at the University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly and Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
He is board-certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Murarka has co-authored more than 20 publications in various medical journals, over a dozen abstracts, and two book chapters in the subjects of percutaneous mitral valve repair and recanalizing total occlusion in the periphery.
He is currently accepting new patients and looks forward to helping them on their health care journey.
Dr. Faran Bashir received his training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, University of California, Irvine, and the University of Colorado in Denver. Dr. Bashir is board certified in the fields of cardiovascular diseases, Nuclear and Interventional Cardiology. Additionally, he has received specialized training in the performance of intracardiac echocardiography, percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defects, valvuloplasty and Watchman device implantation. He has presented several studies at national Cardiology meetings and has published many journal articles in major Cardiology journals.
Dr. Bashir is currently serving as Chief of Cardiology and CVT Surgery at Banner Estrella Medical Center. He also holds the position of Clinical Assistant professor of Medicine at Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix. He is a member of faculty both in the Cardiology as well as Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Programs and is actively involved in teaching future cardiologists. Dr. Bashir’s clinical skills are outstanding and he will be happy to provide timely and professional care.
Dr. Bashir is currently accepting new patients. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking a consultation online today.
Zaher Akkad, MD, FACC, is a cardiologist at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, with four locations in Phoenix, Maricopa, Goodyear, and Chandler, Arizona. Dr. Akkad holds multiple board certifications, including internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and echocardiography, as well as Endovascular Medicine.
Dr. Akkad was trained at Wayne State University-affiliated hospitals in Detroit, Michigan. Before joining Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, Dr. Akkad was an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Wayne State University. During this time, he was the Interim Director of the Echocardiography Lab.
He has published multiple textbook chapters in the fields of cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and congestive heart failure.
Dr. Akkad’s clinical skills are outstanding. He is a multi-talented cardiologist, he is experienced in all aspects of non-invasive cardiology, including echocardiography, transesophageal echo, and nuclear cardiology. He is a fully-trained interventional cardiologist with superb skills in all aspects of cardiac Catheterization and stents also endovascular, carotid and peripheral interventions as well as pacemaker implantation. He is experienced in Structural Cardiac interventions including TAVR and Watchman procedures.
Dr. Akkad is very compassionate and has exceptional patient skills. His philosophy is to treat his patients as if they are family and provides prompt, cutting-edge, and evidence-based treatments. He is currently accepting new patients and eager to help them get healthy as soon as possible. Please check the testimonials from some of our patients below. On behalf of Dr. Akkad and his team, we look forward to taking care of you.
Teodor Pitea, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and founder of Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC in Peoria, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. Pitea received his medical degree from Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, before moving to the United States in 2001 to pursue a career in gastroenterology. Following a residency in internal medicine, he completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Morningside (formerly St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center), an affiliate of Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. During that time, he also completed a postdoctoral research fellowship on the role of insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome and trained for six months as a hepatology fellow in the Liver Transplant Program at Mount Sinai Hospital. As a gastroenterology fellow, Dr. Pitea discovered his passion for endoscopy, which led him to pursue further training in advanced therapeutic endoscopy under the mentorship of Dr. Stavros Stavropoulos, one of the pioneers of endoscopic surgery, at Winthrop University Hospital in Long Island, New York.
In September 2012, Dr. Pitea launched the Interventional Endoscopy Service at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center in Sun City West, Arizona. Over the next four years, he spearheaded the building of a new endoscopy unit and developed a highly trained medical team dedicated to interventional endoscopy. Dr. Pitea joined the Digestive Institute at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix in 2016, and together with Rawad Mounzer, MD, he established the Interventional Endoscopy Service there in collaboration with University of Arizona faculty.
During his role as the Director of Endoscopy and Chief of the Advanced Endoscopy Program, he developed a comprehensive program for the management of acute and chronic pancreatitis, and he has continued to advance the field of endoscopic surgery in Arizona by providing complex, cutting-edge endoscopic interventions.
Dr. Pitea has published multiple abstracts and has been an invited speaker at national conferences. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine as well as the American Board of Gastroenterology.
Zaher Akkad, MD, FACC, is a cardiologist at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, with four locations in Phoenix, Maricopa, Goodyear, and Chandler, Arizona. Dr. Akkad holds multiple board certifications, including internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and echocardiography, as well as Endovascular Medicine.
Dr. Akkad was trained at Wayne State University-affiliated hospitals in Detroit, Michigan. Before joining Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, Dr. Akkad was an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Wayne State University. During this time, he was the Interim Director of the Echocardiography Lab.
He has published multiple textbook chapters in the fields of cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and congestive heart failure.
Dr. Akkad’s clinical skills are outstanding. He is a multi-talented cardiologist, he is experienced in all aspects of non-invasive cardiology, including echocardiography, transesophageal echo, and nuclear cardiology. He is a fully-trained interventional cardiologist with superb skills in all aspects of cardiac Catheterization and stents also endovascular, carotid and peripheral interventions as well as pacemaker implantation. He is experienced in Structural Cardiac interventions including TAVR and Watchman procedures.
Dr. Akkad is very compassionate and has exceptional patient skills. His philosophy is to treat his patients as if they are family and provides prompt, cutting-edge, and evidence-based treatments. He is currently accepting new patients and eager to help them get healthy as soon as possible. Please check the testimonials from some of our patients below. On behalf of Dr. Akkad and his team, we look forward to taking care of you.
Dr. Kamalani Hanamaikai, DO, is a distinguished board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Radiology, specializing in Vascular and Interventional Radiology. He is currently serving patients at HealthyU Clinics, with locations in Surprise, Paradise Valley, and Gilbert, Arizona.
Born and raised in Provo, Utah, Dr. Hanamaikai is of Hawaiian, Japanese, and Navajo descent, enriching his perspective and approach to patient care. He is fluent in Spanish, a skill honed during his LDS mission in Montevideo, Uruguay. After earning his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, he pursued his medical education at the A.T. Still University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Mesa, Arizona, graduating in 2014.
Dr. Hanamaikai furthered his medical training at The University of Arizona in Tucson, where he completed his internship in Internal Medicine, Residency in Diagnostic Radiology, and Fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology. He has developed expertise in a wide range of advanced Interventional Radiologic procedures, including atherectomy, interventional oncology, interventional pain, vertebral augmentation, musculoskeletal procedures, trauma management, and many other advanced Interventional Radiologic procedures.
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Hanamaikai is passionate about education and knowledge sharing. He serves as a professor of Medical Imaging and Anatomy at his alma mater, A.T. Still University. He has also been a Grand Rounds speaker at The University of Chicago in 2022 and a keynote speaker at the Radiology Expo 2022, where he shared his journey and passion for Radiology.
As a member of the American College of Radiology, Society of Interventional Radiology, and Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society, Dr. Hanamaikai is committed to staying at the forefront of his field. His unique blend of cultural and professional expertise in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology allows him to provide empathetic, comprehensive, personalized care to his patients. He is dedicated to incorporating the latest advancements in his field to ensure his patients receive the highest standard of care.
Dr. Ertz-Archambault is triple board-certified in Hematology, Medical Oncology, and Internal Medicine, dedicated to providing expert and compassionate care to patients facing blood disorders and cancers, with a special emphasis in breast cancer. Dr. Ertz-Archambault has dedicated her career to serving the Phoenix cancer community. She spent over four years caring for the underserved cancer population at Valleywise Health, where she partnered with the breast cancer team honored with The Spirit of Healing Award from the Cancer Support Community of Arizona in 2022. Her commitment extends beyond the clinic through volunteer work, charity educational programs, and quality improvement initiatives for underserved cancer patients. Dr Ertz-Archambault is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. She also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Creighton University, Phoenix School of Medicine, mentoring the next generation of physicians. Outside of medicine, she enjoys painting, gardening, and spending time with her family
Dr. Nagaiah received his medical degree from MGR Medical University in India and has been in practice for more than 20 years. His residency and internship were completed at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Pennsylvania, and he completed a fellowship at West Virginia University. He earned a Masters in Clinical Research from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston. Dr. Nagaiah has expertise in treating lymphoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer, among other conditions.
PHILOSOPHY
I believe that being an oncologist is a privilege that is not to be taken lightly. I strive to provide evidence-based care that is appropriate to my patients’ particular problem, recognizing and respecting individual patient’s wishes. I take a multidisciplinary approach to care, including alternative therapies that have been shown to be effective.
RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
Nagaiah G, Hossain A, Mooney CJ, Parmentier J, Remick SC. Anaplastic thyroid cancer: A review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. J Oncol.2011;2011:542358. 2. Batalo M, Nagaiah G, Abraham J. Cognitive dysfunction in postmenopausal breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther.2011;11(8):1277-1282. 3. Nagaiah G, Remick SC. Combretastatin A4 phosphate: A novel vascular disrupting agent. Future Oncol. 2010;6(8):1219-1228 4. Mooney CJ, Nagaiah G, Fu P, et al. A phase II trial of fosbretabulin in advanced anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and correlation of baseline serum-soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 with outcome. Thyroid. 2009;19(3):233-240. 5. Nagaiah G, Almubarak M, Khan M, Altaha R. Cerebrospinal fluid leak during treatment with bevacizumab and irinotecan after carmustine-impregnated wafers placement in patients with grade 2 oligodendroglioma and glioblastoma multiforme: Report of two cases and review of literature. Cancer Invest. 2010;28(10):1048-1053
Leon Thompson, DO, is an experienced internal medicine physician at Thompson Medical Group in Peoria, Arizona. He provides comprehensive care to adults of all ages living with conditions ranging from heart disease and diabetes to memory loss. He supports people with personalized chronic disease management and weight management programs.
Dr. Thompson is a native of Arizona. He attended St. Matthew Catholic School in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School, also in Phoenix. Dr. Thompson completed his undergraduate studies at Arizona State University in Phoenix and attended medical school at the Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California.
After graduating with a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Thompson completed his internship and residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He completed an American College of Osteopathic Internists fellowship and is board-certified in internal medicine.
Dr. Thompson welcomes patients to Thompson Medical Group, where they can be sure of outstanding care delivered in a professional and respectful environment.
Dr. Hemu is a board-certified interventional cardiologist with extensive training from prestigious medical institutions across the United States. After graduating from Chicago Medical School in 2017 with both a medical degree and a master's in biomedical sciences, Dr. Hemu completed internal medicine residency training at Rush University Hospital in Chicago.
He then pursued further training in cardiology at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where he earned board certification in cardiology and specialized in echocardiography. This comprehensive training provided a strong foundation in non-invasive cardiac diagnostics and medical management of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Hemu further enhanced his expertise with subspecialty training in interventional and structural cardiology at Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego. The first year focused on complex coronary interventions, including challenging techniques such as chronic total occlusion procedures. During the second year, he mastered advanced structural and peripheral interventions, including the management of critical limb ischemia, culminating in board certification in interventional cardiology. This unique combination of training at leading medical centers has equipped Dr. Hemu with exceptional skills in both diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular care. His expertise spans from echocardiography to complex coronary, structural heart, and peripheral vascular procedures, allowing him to provide comprehensive cardiovascular care using the latest evidence-based approaches and cutting-edge techniques.
Dr. Hemu welcomes both new and existing patients to Cardiac Care Consultants and is excited to be a part of their healthcare journey. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hemu, call the office or book a consultation online
About Ashim Aggarwal, MD, FRCP (London), FACC, FSCAI, FASE
Ashim Aggarwal, MD, FRCP (London), FACC, FSCAI, FASE, is board certified in general cardiology, echocardiography, nuclear medicine, and interventional cardiology. Dr. Aggarwal joined Cardiac Care Consultants in Peoria, Glendale, and Sun City West, Arizona, in 2018.
He specializes in complex coronary interventions, including Impella LVAD support and percutaneous structural heart disease treatment, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis, MitralClip™ therapy for severe mitral regurgitation, CardioMEMS™ HF System, Watchman™ implantation, and PFO Closures.
Dr. Aggarwal went to medical school at KMC Mangalore (Manipal University) in India. He then finished his residency and obtained the prestigious MRCP (MD equivalent) from the Royal College of London in the United Kingdom. He then relocated to the United States and completed his internal medicine residency at Unity Health System, affiliated with the University of Rochester in New York.
Afterward, he completed an advanced heart failure/cardiac transplant fellowship from Advocate Christ Medical Center, affiliated with the University of Illinois. Dr. Aggarwal did his general cardiology fellowship at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, where he was appointed a Chief Cardiology Fellow. He then completed his interventional cardiology fellowship at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
Dr. Aggarwal has published extensively and has authored multiple articles/manuscripts in many prestigious peer-reviewed journals. He has also presented abstracts and oral presentations at all major national and international cardiology conferences.
Dr. Aggarwal is an External Examiner for Residency/Fellows training programs in the United Kingdom. He was also nominated in the prestigious Top Doctors 2021.
Charanjit Kapoor, MD, FACC, is board-certified in general, nuclear, and interventional cardiology. Dr. Kapoor has been practicing medicine since 2000 and joined Cardiac Care Consultants in Peoria, Glendale, and Sun City West, Arizona, in 2010. He specializes in coronary artery disease, heart failure, pacemaker implants, and loop implants.
Dr. Kapoor received his medical degree from Government Medical College in Patiala, India. He completed his internship and residency at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix, where he was appointed chief medical resident. Dr. Kapoor received his advanced heart failure, cardiac transplantation, and cardiology fellowship training at the Ochsner Clinic and Medical Foundation in New Orleans.
After completing his fellowship, Dr. Kapoor completed an interventional cardiology fellowship at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Cardiovascular Disease.
Dr. Kapoor looks forward to welcoming new patients to Cardiac Care Consultants and being a part of their health care team. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online.
Jeffrey Pakula, DO, FACC, is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology. He provides a wide range of cardiology services at Cardiac Care Consultants in Peoria, and Sun City West, Arizona. Dr. Pakula has been practicing medicine in Arizona since 1997 and joined Cardiac Care Consultants in 2001. He specializes in coronary artery disease and heart failure.
Dr. Pakula received his medical degree from Kansas City University in Missouri. He completed his internal medicine training at the University of Illinois and received his cardiology fellowship at the University of Health Sciences at the Chicago Medical School in Illinois. After completing his fellowship, he served as the Director of Medical Education at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Pakula welcomes both new and existing patients to Cardiac Care Consultants and is excited to be a part of their health care journey. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pakula, call the office or book a consultation online
/assets/images/provider/photos/2348451.jpg)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2348451.jpg)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2346515.png)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2346515.png)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2288383.jpg)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2288383.jpg)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2377432.jpg)
/assets/images/provider/photos/2377432.jpg)
