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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.

Mohamed Abdelrahman, MD, is a cardiologist and clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at Arizona Heart Arrhythmia Associates, with locations in Phoenix, Avondale, Tempe, Chandler, Sun City, Dewey, and Prescott Valley, Arizona. Dr. Abdelrahman joined the team in 2020 and is well-known for his exceptional rapport and dedication to his patients. He strives and is committed to providing compassionate, sincere, and honest patient care.

Dr. Abdelrahman was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. He earned his medical degree from Ain Shams University, one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in Egypt. He then pursued further medical training in the United States and completed his internal medicine residency at the University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, and his cardiology training at Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania. During his training, Dr. Abdelrahman was acknowledged by receiving multiple awards, including the Fellow of the Year award and the award for Academic Excellence. 

To further his training, Dr. Abdelrahman completed his cardiac electrophysiology training at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. He was specially trained in advanced electrophysiology diagnostic and management techniques, including complex ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and robotic-assisted mapping and ablation. He also trained in complex device implantation, including biventricular devices, bundle pacing subcutaneous defibrillators, leadless pacemakers, and complex laser lead extraction. 

Dr. Abdelrahman also actively participates in research and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He has authored numerous manuscripts and abstracts and has presented in multiple national and international cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology meetings. 

Vijay Swarup, MD, FACC, FHRS, is one of the physicians at Arizona Heart Rhythm Center, which has locations in Phoenix, Peoria, Gilbert, and Prescott, Arizona. He has been practicing clinical cardiac electrophysiology in Arizona since 2002. Before joining the practice, he completed a fellowship in clinical cardiac electrophysiology at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Swarup earned his bachelor's and medical degrees at the University of Delhi in New Delhi. He continued his education at St. Louis University School of Medicine, completing an internal medicine residency and a research fellowship in molecular cardiology. He completed a Cardiovascular Disease fellowship at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He then pursued a clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Swarup has received specialized training in performing complex arrhythmia treatments, including trans-catheter ablations. He has a special interest in three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping techniques, left atrial appendage occlusion techniques, and ablative therapies for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.

In Arizona, Dr. Swarup was among the first to perform epicardial and endocardial 3D mapping guided ablation of ischemic ventricular tachycardias, open irrigated ablations, robotic catheter ablations for arrhythmias, and implantation to left atrial appendage occlusion devices. Dr. Swarup has some of the most extensive experience in AF and VT ablations and implantation of LAA occlusion devices in the country. Dr. Swarup is also an active researcher of new ablation techniques, having authored numerous abstracts and manuscripts. He has been the principal investigator in many research protocols investigating promising new ablation techniques and devices for the treatment of arrhythmias.

Dr. Swarup is board certified in cardiovascular diseases and clinical cardiac electrophysiology.

Sudarone Thihalolipavan, MD, or Dr “T” for short, is a cardiac electrophysiologist at Arizona Heart Rhythm Center, which has locations in Phoenix, Peoria, Gilbert, and Prescott, Arizona.

Dr. T completed advanced fellowships in cardiovascular disease and cardiac electrophysiology at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. T has a particular interest in the treatment of complex arrhythmias. He has extensive training and experience in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular complexes/ventricular tachycardia, left atrial appendage occlusion techniques, and other cardiac arrhythmias. He also has expertise in the implantation of pacemakers, defibrillators, and biventricular devices (cardiac resynchronization therapy). 

Prior to relocating to Arizona from Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Thihalolipavan created one of the busiest electrophysiology practices in the country. His success there was attributed to exemplary patient care, a kind bedside manner, and excellent procedural outcomes. He was the first in the state to perform epicardial ablations and perform fluoroless (radiation-free) ablation procedures. Additionally, research and teaching are among his ongoing interests, and to date, he has peer-reviewed publications in the management of atrial fibrillation and is currently enrolled in multi-center international clinical ablation trials. Finally, he has an active consulting role with major medical device companies. 

Dr. Thihalolipavan was recruited to the Arizona Heart Rhythm Center and was drawn to Arizona to be closer to family.   

Dr. T was a ‘high honors’ graduate from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency at Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also served an additional year as chief resident there. While pursuing his clinical training, Dr. Thihalolipavan achieved awards for excellence in clinical and academic arenas.  

Above all, Dr. Thihalolipavan believes that compassionate care begins with a patient-focused approach, as he incorporates clear and concise communication into his practice. 

Dr. Thihalolipavan is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, echocardiography, and clinical cardiac electrophysiology.

At the Jasser Center for Comprehensive Care (JCCC) i  we offer preventive care and comprehensive medical treatment for all patients over 12 in Phoenix and surrounding communities.

Our practice is led by two experienced internal medicine doctors, who  provide every patient with preventative screenings, early detection of medical conditions, and state-of-the-art treatments for various diseases.

On of our passions is nuclear cardiology where we can forcus on cardiac patients advanced screening exams, including carotid and venous ultrasounds and echocardiograms.

Telemedicine is another convenient option the practice offers to make each patient’s care management easy and stress-free.

Call the Jasser Center for Comprehensive Care today to schedule an appointment or book a telemedicine appointment on the website.

M. Zuhdi Jasser, M.D., F.A.C.P. has been in the private practice of internal medicine and nuclear cardiology in Phoenix, Arizona since 1999. After joining his father in practice in 1999, Dr. Zuhdi Jasser founded the Jasser Center for Comprehensive Care in 2004. The Jasser Center is a community-leading comprehensive internal medicine practice in Phoenix, Arizona, serving patients across Maricopa County and the state of Arizona for over 20 years.

Dr. Jasser and his team of medical providers and healthcare leaders are dedicated to maintaining their uniquely traditional approach to comprehensive adolescent and adult primary care, prevention, and diagnosis and care of complicated chronic medical conditions. He is focused on compassionate, detailed, academic, and family-oriented care of all his patients with a particular emphasis on early cardiovascular disease diagnosis and risk factor prevention.

He has been recognized by his peers and Phoenix Magazine as an Internal Medicine Top Doc numerous times in the past 15 years, including most recently in 2025, and was named the Internist of the Year for the Arizona Chapter of the American College of Physicians in 2018.

Dr. Jasser earned his medical degree with Honors in Research on a U.S. Navy scholarship at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1992, and then completed his residency in internal medicine at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD in 1996, serving also as Chief of Residents in 1997.

His tours of duty included serving as medical department head aboard the USS El Paso (LKA-117) in Operation Restore Hope (1993-94) and selection for service as staff internist to the Office of the Attending Physician for the U.S. Congress and Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. from 1997-1999. He served 11 years as a medical officer, receiving an honorable discharge as a Lieutenant Commander in 1999. He is a recipient of the U.S. Navy’s Meritorious Service Medal.

Dr. Jasser serves as teaching faculty at Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix and the University of Arizona School of Medicine-Phoenix, where he is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Bioethics and Medical Humanism.

Dr. Jasser is a recognized expert in biomedical ethics, serving as Medical Director for Bioethics at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix since 2021 and chair of their Bioethics Committee since 2002. He has over 25 years of experience in bedside bioethics consultation and education.

With his dedication to medical ethics, Dr. Jasser has long served as medical director for various home health and hospice programs. He has served as medical director for Summit Healthcare Services Home Health and Hospice Programs since 2022.

Dr. Jasser is a past president of the Arizona Medical Association (2006-2007) and has served as one of five physician delegates for Arizona to the American Medical Association House of Delegates (AMA-HOD) since 2008. He founded and chaired the AMA’s Private Practice Physician’s Section (AMA-PPPS) in 2019 and served on their Governing Council from 2020 to 2023. He continues to serve on the board of directors of the Arizona Medical Association (2008-present).

He also serves on the Board of Directors of NotmyKid (2014-present), an Arizona organization dedicated to protecting vulnerable youth from substance abuse, mental health crises, bullying, and online predators. He has served on the Maricopa County Board of Health (2004-2012) and the Board of the Area Agency on Aging and Elderfriends (2007-2012).

Beyond medicine, Dr. Jasser is involved in international religious freedom advocacy and much-needed Muslim reforms. He was appointed by the U.S. Senate to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom from 2012-2016, serving as its Vice-Chair.

Zuhdi and his wife Gada live in Scottsdale, Arizona, with their three children.

Dagmarie Cruz Rodriguez is a dedicated and compassionate bilingual (Spanish-English) Physician Assistant (PA) specializing in Primary Care and Value Based Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona. With 2 years of experience in the clinical setting, Dagmarie works closely with Jasser Center’s team to provide high-quality care to adult patients. Dagmarie is known for her patient-centered care and is committed to helping patients control their chronic medical conditions and achieve optimal health outcomes. Dagmarie completed her medical degree at Autonomous University of Guadalajara, School of Medicine, her pre-internship year at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Arizona and her bachelor’s in biology at University of Puerto Rico.

In addition to her professional work, Dagmarie enjoys outdoor activities, sports events and water sports. She is committed to train Spanish-speaking communities on how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation around the Valley; commitment that opened the door for her (soon to be) CPR brand – The CPR Doc, LLC. Her goal is for the non- medical community in Arizona to know how to respond properly and effectively in case of anyone around them suffering from a cardiac arrest.

Professional Memberships:
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
Academia de Asociados Médicos de Puerto Rico

Personal Philosophy & Approach to Care:
Dagmarie believes in a holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of treating the whole person, not just the condition. With a focus on clear communication
and patient education, Dagmarie strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard and empowered in managing their health.

Thaslim Kassim, MD, FACC, is a board-certified cardiologist at the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona in Tempe, Arizona. He is highly skilled in all areas of cardiology, with more than a decade of experience. 

Dr. Kassim completed medical school, including a one-year rotatory internship, at TD Medical College in India. Afterward, he gained clinical experience at the Regional Cancer Center and Primary Health Center in India. He then completed an internal medicine residency and a cardiovascular medicine fellowship as a chief cardiology fellow at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C.

Dr. Kassim is board-certified in internal medicine and general cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He’s also certified by the National Board of Echocardiography and the Board of Nuclear Cardiology. 

Dr. Kassim specializes in transthoracic, trans-esophageal, and stress echocardiograms, as well as nuclear stress testing, peripheral vascular ultrasounds, coronary angiograms, heart catheterization, and pacemaker placement.

He has extensive research experience, having published numerous studies in prestigious medical journals and presented at medical conferences nationwide. 

Dr. Kassim is a member of the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, the Heart Failure Society of America, and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography.

He welcomes new and existing patients to the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona and looks forward to improving their heart health.

Krystal is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and is board certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  She specializes in Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Pain Management, Internal Medicine, and Addiction Medicine.  She completed her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and Master’s of Science in Nursing at Grand Canyon University. Krystal was an ICU nurse for over 10 years, this gave her the unique experience to really connect and bond with her patients, ultimately exceeding her patient's expectations, calm their fears and deliver exceptional medicine.

Patrick lives in Gilbert, AZ and is thrilled to bring his skillset closer to home. Patrick’s undergraduate degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology were attained at Washington State University, for which he was awarded the ‘Honored Graduate’ upon commencement and was the department representative for the College of Veterinary Medicine, Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Physiology. After a brief career in histopathology, nanoparticle research, and bioengineering, he moved to Boston to begin managing the Special Chemistry and Infectious Disease departments of the highest volume clinical laboratory in the country. He still provides laboratory direction and oversight for in-office labs.

From the Northeast, he took his experience to matriculate to a graduate program in Physician Assistant Studies at A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ. He is a board-certified Physician Assistant. Arizona has been home ever since. Patrick practiced the majority of his career in Internal Medicine and as a consultant for various specialty clinics in Arizona and Oregon. Clinical innovations and telemedicine are his primary focus, as delivering upon the need for more affordable and accessible patient-centered healthcare with maximum efficacy and efficiency is his passion.

Additional educational experience includes certification in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) from the Beck Institute, clinical doctorate studies in Behavioral Health at Arizona State University, and graduate business school at Harvard. Patrick is a member of the American Psychological Association, an International Member of Psi Chi, the Association of Physician Assistants in Psychiatry, the Harvard Extension Business Society, and the American Society for Men’s Health.

Emily Shortridge, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Pediatric Ophthalmologist. She specializes in ophthalmic care for children and also for adults with special needs.

Dr. Shortridge’s Pediatric practice is comprehensive and includes a wide range of pediatric eye needs. This includes strabismus, cataracts, tear duct disorders, amblyopia (or “lazy eye”), complex glasses needs, ptosis (drooping eyelids), dermoid cysts, ocular surface problems like pterygium and chronic inflammation, as well as medical glaucoma. She understands the value of education as she partners with patients and parents in making customized medical decisions that are right for them. She strives to create a friendly, welcoming environment, helping make every pediatric patient as comfortable as possible during the clinic visit and exam process.

Dr. Shortridge also devotes her practice to surgical care for special needs adults, an area of medicine that is typically very underserved in Arizona. Dr. Shortridge uses her background in pediatric ophthalmology, and employs exam and surgical techniques that are more suitable for adults with special needs. These patients often include individuals with Down syndrome, severe autism, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and genetic disorders that affect intellectual and physical functioning.

Dr. Shortridge graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biology at Grand Canyon University. She attended the University of Arizona, Phoenix campus for her medical degree. She completed her year in internal medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix and her Ophthalmology residency at UTMB in Galveston, Texas. She then completed a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at MUSC in South Carolina, where she trained under Dr. Edward Wilson, the world’s leading expert in pediatric cataract surgery.

Dr. Shortridge enjoys hiking, skiing, tennis, and spending time with her family in Phoenix.

Teodor Pitea, MD

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.

Dr Khosla is fellowship trained in
interventional pain management,
functional & regenerative medicine. He is
also board certified in multiple specialities
such as neurocritical care, headache
medicine, orthopedic regenerative
medicine and is also a certified brain
injury specialist.

He provides an array of pain treatments
such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem
cell regenerative therapies along with
prolotherapy, epidurals, radio-frequency
ablations, peripheral nerve blocks, joint
injections, spinal cord stimulators, vertiflex
interspinous spacer implants,
percutaneous laser disc discectomy
(LASE), and more.