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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.

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.

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.

Randall Piette, MD, is a skilled internal medicine physician at The Maxwell Group in Sun City, Arizona. He is board-certified in internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Piette was born in West Allis, Wisconsin, and attended the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. There, he earned his bachelor’s degree in medical science. Dr. Piette received his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, graduating in 1997. 

He completed his internship and residency at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He has a passion for geriatric medicine and has been in private practice for over 25 years. He joined The Maxwell Group in 2000.

Dr. Piette enjoys helping his patients achieve the best quality of life possible. He holds leadership positions on various medical committees and boards.

Dr. Piette enjoys spending time with his wife and two beautiful children, traveling, golfing, and hiking in his free time. He loves music and being a drummer in his church’s praise and worship band.

Dr. Piette warmly welcomes his patients to The Maxwell Group and looks forward to helping them maintain exceptional health and wellness.

Srinivasa R. Palnati, M.D. was born in Venice Itlay. He perused his medical degree at the college of DR Ambedkar Bangalore, graduating in 1988. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at St. Louis University Community Hospital, MO. Srinivasa R. Palnati has been in private practice for over 20 years in Sun City and has been with The Maxwell Group for 10 years.

He is married and blessed with 3 children. In his leisure time, Dr. Palnati enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and he also actively participates in community services.

Dr. Divyashree Varma is a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist based in Phoenix, Arizona, where she has been in practice since 2020. Born in India and raised in New Delhi, Dr. Varma completed her medical education at Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, graduating as Valedictorian with honors in all subjects.

She moved to the United States for advanced training, completing her Internal Medicine residency at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, followed by a Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship at UT San Antonio. She then pursued subspecialty training in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan.

Dr. Varma specializes in the full spectrum of cardiac electrophysiology, including complex catheter ablations, cardiac device implantation, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), and the diagnosis and management of channelopathies and genetic arrhythmia disorders. Her professional interests focus on patient-centered clinical care and clinical research aimed at advancing treatments for cardiac arrhythmias. Outside of medicine, Dr. Varma enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs. She also enjoys cooking and gardening.

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.

Kishlay Anand, MD, MS, FHRS, is a founding partner of AZ Cardiology, which has locations in Peoria, Prescott, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, and Prescott Valley. He is also a board-certified cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with over 15 years of experience. He is dedicated to advancing the field of cardiology, having contributed to numerous peer-reviewed journals and delivered research presentations at both national and international conferences. Dr. Anand's commitment to patient care and innovation is matched by his entrepreneurial spirit, as seen through his leadership in voluntary health initiatives.

Dr. Anand graduated from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, India. He furthered his education by earning a master's degree in epidemiology from Columbia University in New York. Dr. Anand completed his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at Creighton University in Nebraska, followed by specialized training in cardiac electrophysiology at the University of California, San Diego.

With a focus on cardiac electrophysiology, Dr. Anand specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. His expertise extends beyond clinical care, as he has made significant contributions to health awareness and patient welfare through his work with Prayatna, a voluntary organization. Dr. Anand's dedication to improving patient outcomes is evident in both his clinical work and his passion for advancing the field of cardiology.

At AZ Cardiology, you’ll find thoughtful, timely care for every stage of heart health. Our team listens, explains your options clearly, and handles most testing on site—so you get answers without extra trips. Same-week appointments are often available at our Peoria, Prescott, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, and Prescott Valley clinics.

If you’re experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on. Same-week evaluations and on-site testing mean you won’t wait long for answers or a plan.

Led by Kishlay Anand, MD, MS,, AZ Cardiology is dedicated to delivering premier cardiovascular care to patients across Arizona. With offices in Peoria, Prescott, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, and Prescott Valley, we are proud to serve our communities with compassion, expertise, and innovation.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide timely, patient-centered, and comprehensive cardiovascular care while advancing the science of heart health.

We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, heart disease, high blood pressure, and vascular disease. From identifying the cause of chest pain or dizziness to performing advanced procedures like pacemaker implantation, stress testing, and cardiac monitoring, our team is committed to guiding patients from prevention through advanced therapies.

At AZ Cardiology, we understand that access matters. We strive to schedule new consultations within one week, offering in-house diagnostic testing and state-of-the-art treatments to ensure care is both efficient and effective.

Our commitment to advancing care extends beyond the clinic. Through our sister organization focused on clinical research, we actively participate in cutting-edge trials that bring the latest innovations to our patients. We also believe in strengthening the broader healthcare community, and our cardiologists are developing continuing medical education (CME) opportunities to support primary care providers across the region.

Above all, communication, compassion, and quality guide everything we do. From the moment you call our office, you’ll connect with a live, caring team member ready to help. We work diligently to keep wait times short and deliver the highest level of care to every patient, regardless of background.

AZ Cardiology — leaders in heart health, committed to your care.

 Call your nearest AZ Cardiology office or book an appointment online at www.azcardiology.com today.

Board Certifications

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology
• Nuclear Cardiology

Hospital Affiliations

• Banner University Medical Center
• St. Joseph's Hospital
• Banner Estrella Medical Center
• Abrazo Hospital
• Arizona Heart Hospital
   

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.

 

Testimonials

Board Certifications

• Internal Medicine
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology
• Endovascular Medicine
• Echocardiography
• Nuclear Cardiology

Hospital Affiliations

• Banner University Medical Center
• Chandler Regional Medical Center
• St. Joseph's Hospital
• Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
• Banner Estrella Medical Center
• Banner Desert Medical Center
• Cardiac Cath Lab of Phoenix
• Abrazo Hospital
• Arizona Heart Hospital
• Promise Hospital of Phoenix

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.

Soy cardióloga que habla español.

Testimonials

 

 

Board Certifications

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology
• Nuclear Cardiology

Hospital Affiliations

• Banner University Medical Center
• St. Joseph's Hospital
• 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. 

 

Testimonials

Comprehensive Pulmonary, Sleep & Allergy Services

At our clinic, we provide world-class respiratory, sleep, and allergy care under the expert leadership of Vikas Sayal, MD, FCCP. Dr. Sayal brings a distinguished pedigree of medical excellence to our practice, having completed his training at prestigious institutions including Yale University, Tufts University, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Before founding Pulmonology Group LLC, Dr. Sayal held key leadership roles, including Chief of Pulmonology and Critical Care at the VA Hospital in Des Moines, IA, and Founding Director of ICU position at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, AR and ICU director at Valley View Medical Center, Fort Mohave, AZ.

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Our Specialized Services

We offer an all-encompassing suite of diagnostic and treatment options, ensuring you receive advanced care under one roof.

Advanced Respiratory Care

• PFT Testing: Full pulmonary function testing to measure lung capacity and health.

• Asthma Management: Expert care for advanced asthma, including injectables and monoclonal antibodies.

• Chronic Condition Management: Specialized treatment for Pneumonia, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Pulmonary Hypertension.

• Lung Cancer & Nodules: Early diagnosis and advanced technology for lung nodule follow-up.

• Bronchoscopy: Diagnostic procedures to visualize the airways.

• Allergy & Immunology

  • Skin Allergy Testing: Precise, in-house testing to identify environmental and food triggers.

  • Allergy Management: Comprehensive care plans tailored to your specific sensitivities.

  • Oral Treatments: Advanced oral therapies to manage and reduce allergic reactions effectively.

Sleep Medicine & Therapy

• Sleep Studies: Both in-lab and Home Sleep Study options available.

• CPAP Support: Comprehensive CPAP orders and personalized mask adjustments for maximum comfort.

• Inspire Evaluation: Specialized screening for the Inspire sleep apnea implant.

In-House Diagnostic Imaging

• Echocardiograms: To monitor the vital link between heart and lung health to diagnose and manage Pulmonary Hypertension.

• Ultrasound of Legs: Screening for vascular issues related to pulmonary health.

• Advanced Bronchoscopy: Including EBUS and Robotic Ion Bronchoscopy for high-precision diagnostics for lung masses and diagnosis of cancers and increased size of the glands in the chest in a less invasive manner. This is state of the art procedure performed by our providers.

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Innovation on the Horizon

We are committed to staying at the forefront of medical technology. We are excited to announce that our facility will soon be offering:

• In-House Imaging coming soon: Dedicated CT and PET Scans for faster, streamlined treatment planning and less hassle to the patients.

Our Mission: To combine Ivy League-level expertise with a patient-first approach, ensuring every breath you take is a healthy one.

Vikas Sayal, MD, FCCP, is board certified in Pulmonary medicine, and Critical Care medicine and experienced in Sleep medicine for 15 years. He’s the founder of Pulmonology Group- Lung Specialist in Las Vegas, Henderson, Nevada and Bullhead City, Arizona, a medical practice that specializes in treating the full range of lung and respiratory conditions. Dr. Sayal is also on staff at most hospitals in the area and serves as a intensivist and pulmonologist at different hospitals.

Dr. Sayal trained at the world-renowned Yale University, where he received fellowship training in Pulmonary medicine, then went on to complete his fellowship in Critical Care at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He did his transitional year residency at Tufts University, followed by an Internal medicine residency at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey.

Dr. Sayal has extensive experience in pulmonary and critical care at several hospitals and currently serves as Chair of Pulmonary and Critical Care services at Western Arizona Regional Medical Center, Bullhead City, AZ .

He’s the author of numerous research papers and articles and continues to serve in various leadership roles.

Lauren Havard, MD, is a family medicine and primary care physician. She serves patients at HealthyU Clinics at our Phoenix, Arizona, clinic. 

Dr. Havard joined HealthyU Clinics in 2021. She previously worked as an outpatient family physician at two Banner Medical Group clinics in Phoenix, Arizona. She also worked at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, Arizona, mid-pandemic, as a hospitalist. 

Dr. Havard completed her residency at Abrazo Central Family Medicine Residency Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended medical school at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Marteen. 

During medical school, she spent her third year in Chichester, England (where she met her husband), and her fourth year in the United States.  

Dr. Havard and her husband love spending time with their dog Lily, playing co-ed soccer, hiking, working out, listening to music, watching binge-worthy shows, and most importantly spending time with friends and family.

 

Dr Deborah Dykema founded The Wellness Center and The Pilot Center and advocates healthy lifestyle choices for her patients and pilots. She is a Board Certified physician and a Commercial rated pilot focusing on providing pilot Flight Medicals and Consults to the aviation community.