Charles, M.T., JOST, MD.

Principal Interventional Cardiology/Vascular Specialist
Dr. Charles Jost was born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland where he was educated in four languages and attended the University of Geneva. Dr. Jost completed his Masters of Science focusing on Genetics under the tutelage of the world renowned and fellow Swiss Jean Piaget, PhD. Dr. Jost then attended Medical School at the University of Geneva, a seven year long course of study. Dr. Jost was invited to the United States where he did his fourth year of Medical School with externships at Harvard and Yale medical school. After a year of Internship in Geneva, focusing on Nuclear Cardiology, Dr. Jost was invited to attend Albert Einstein School of Medicine for an Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine. Dr. Jost returned to Switzerland for family reasons to continue his studies in Geneva completing another Residency in Internal Medicine. After being invited for a Fellowship in Cardiology at the prestigious University of Texas’ Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Hospital, Dr. Jost returned to the United States. Recognizing the future potential of Interventional Cardiology, Dr. Jost went to the University of Toronto’s Toronto General Hospital for a specialized year of Fellowship in this emerging field first pioneered by Andreas Gruentzig, MD in Zurich, Switzerland. During his year of Fellowship Dr. Jost completed over 600 coronary angiographies and 350 PTCA’ s (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasties) as well as many stents during his Fellowship year: an extraordinary level of achievement. During Dr. Jost’s studies he was widely published in international medical journals and was invited to speak at international meetings. Dr. Jost began his career as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee at Memphis before pursuing a career in private practice under a Visa reserved for those whose achievements are recognized, on an international level, to be of Extraordinary Ability. Dr. Jost is double Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases. Dr. Jost elected to undertake the difficult and demanding task of re-certifying for his Cardiology Boards ten years after completing his Fellowships to ensure that he maintains the highest level of currency with his rapidly changing field. Dr. Jost is currently a Principal Investigator on multiple Clinical Studies and Registries, currently one of the leading world experts for the Cardiac Laser and a spokesman for Philips. This allows us to make sure patients receive the best available, evidence-based cardiology care. Dr. Jost is an Adjunct Professor, Division of Clinical Education, Midwestern University. Dr. Jost is a Fellow of the Society of Coronary Angiography and Intervention. Dr. Jost has performed over 5000 procedures in the last five years and over 15,000 procedures since his Fellowship in Cardiology. This puts Dr. Jost in the top 1% of operators in the United States and all studies in medicine suggest that high procedure volumes lead to greater proficiency and lower risks of complication. Dr. Jost practices in Mesa, Arizona and sees patients at his state-of-the-art equipped clinic. Dr. Jost was featured in Cath Lab Digest recently Here

Nareg Minaskeian, MD.

Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Cardiologist
“Having trained at the prestigious Mayo Clinic, I bring with me to SWCVA the values instilled by its 3 shields: Integrated clinical practice, education and research.” Dr. Minaskeian comes to SWCVA having completed his training at the Mayo Clinic, where he mastered the art of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology. Training under the tutelage of world renowned Mayo Clinic faculty, he has learned the fine nuances and sophistication of electrophysiology, catheter ablation, and the complexities involved in cardiac devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Furthermore, he actively participates in clinical trials, and has over 25 publications including peer-reviewed journal articles, abstracts, national presentations, and book chapters. He prides himself on delivering integrated, patient-centered, guideline-driven care to all of his patients, understanding that no two people are alike. He is currently triple board-certified in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Adult Cardiovascular Disease, and Internal medicine.
Education:

• Medical School: M.D.; St. George’s University School of Medicine
• 1 year Internship in General Surgery: Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia
• 3 year Residency in Internal Medicine: University of California, Riverside
• 3 year Fellowship in Cardiovascular Diseases: University of California San Francisco-Fresno
• 2 year Advanced Fellowship in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology: Mayo Clinic

Current Board Certifications:


• Internal Medicine: 2016
• Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology: 2018
• National Board of Echocardiography: 2018
• Adult Cardiovascular Disease: 2019
• Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology: 2021

Hospital Appointments:


• Active Staff, Banner Heart Hospital
• Active Staff, Banner Baywood Medical Center
• Active Staff, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
• Active Staff, Chandler Regional Medical Center
• Active Staff, Mountain Vista Medical Center

Publication:


Over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles, abstracts, publications, book chapters, and presentations at national meetings, most recent including:

• Minaskeian N, Hajnal SP, Liu MB, Klooster LM, Devick KL, Schwartz L, Jokerst CE, Sorajja D, Scott LRP. Safety of MRI in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices with generator and lead(s) brand mismatch. J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2022: doi: 10.1002/acm2.13520.
• Sriramoju A, Minaskeian N, Srivathsan K, Sell-Dottin K, Shen WK. Left ventricular summit ablation through open sternotomy with hybrid utilization of standard electrophysiology catheters and maneuvers. HeartRhythm Case Rep. 2021 Oct; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrcr.2021.09.011.
• Ashraf H, Minaskeian N, Sell-Dottin K, El Masry HZ. Combined endocardial and epicardial ablation of drug-refractory ventricular tachycardia by direct ventricular puncture. HeartRhythm Case Rep. 2021 June; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrcr.2021.09.006.
• Minaskeian N, Ladia V, Valverde A, Srivathsan K, Shen WK. Repeat accessory pathway ablation: challenges, surprises and lessons learned. HeartRhythm Case Rep. 2021 May; 7(5): 292-295.
• Rattanawong P, Ladia V, Minaskeian N, Sorajja D, Shen WK, Srivathsan K. Empirical ablation to prevent sequential purkinje system recruitment: a novel therapy for idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. JACC Case Rep. 2021 Mar; 3(3):517-522.
• Ko Ko NL, Minaskeian N, El Masry HZ. A case of irreversible bradycardia after rituximab therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Cardiooncology. 2020 Oct 13;6:22.
• Minaskeian N, Srivathsan K, Valverde A, Shen WK. Novel use of an endocardial mitral annular catheter for accessory pathway mapping. JACC. 2021 May; 77(18):2127.
• Minaskeian N, Srivathsan K, Valverde A, Shen WK. Epicardial VT entrainment mapping and cryoablation via median sternotomy approach. JACC. 2021 May; 77(18):2108.
• Liu M, Pannunzio S, Minaskeian N, Klooster L, Sorajja D, Scott L. The safety of MRI in patients with hybrid cardiac implantable electronic devices. JACC. 2021 May; 77(18):245.

Procedures Performed:


• Diagnostic Electrophysiology Study
• Supraventricular Tachycardia Ablation, including A-V Nodal Modification, Focal Atrial Tachycardia Ablation, Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia Ablation, Accessory Pathway and other Reciprocating Tachycardia Ablation(s)
• Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter/Tachycardia Ablation, Including Persistent and Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
• Ventricular Tachycardia and Fibrillation Ablation
• Interrogation, Programming, and Interpretation of Loop Recorder, Pacemaker, and Defibrillator Diagnostic Information
• Permanent Single and Dual Chamber Pacemaker Insertion
• Transvenous and Sub-Cutaneous Patch Automatic Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator Insertions
• Bi-ventricular Pacing for both ICDs and Pacemakers
• Atrioventricular Nodal Ablation
• Cardiac Contractility Modulation Therapy Device Implantation
• ST Segment Ischemia Monitoring Device Implantation
• Transthoracic Echocardiography
• Exercise Stress Testing
• Holter Monitoring
• Right Heart Catheterization and Swan-Ganz Insertion
• Implantable Loop Recorder Insertion
• Temporary Pacemaker Insertion
• CardioMems Pulmonary Artery Pressure Monitoring Device Insertion

Robert Candipan, PhD., MD.

Interventional Cardiology
Southwest Cardiovascular Associates welcomes Dr. Robert Candipan to our growing and expanding team. Dr. Candipan is an Interventional Cardiologist who has over 34 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Miami School of Medicine Medical School in 1987. His area of clinical expertise encompasses but is not limited to cardiac critical care. Dr. Candipan is accepting new patients. Therefore, we encourage you to call and make an appointment with our new provider for your better cardiac health.
LICENSES: Dr. Candipan is licensed to practice medicine in the states of Arizona, Utah, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and California.
AWARDS/RECOGNITION: CMS Meaningful Use Stage 1 Certification, NextGen Ambulatory EHR, NextGen Healthcare, 2013; Fellow (FACC), American College of Cardiology
UNDERGRADUATE/GRADUATE: University of California, Los Angeles, B.S. Biochemistry
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of Miami School of Medicine (1987)
RESIDENCY: University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, Residency, Internal Medicine (1988 – 1990)
INTERNSHIP: University of Southern California, Internship in Internal Medicine (1987 – 1988); Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, Los Angeles Department of Biology (1984 – 1985)
FELLOWSHIP: Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology, Sequoia hospital Redwood City, CA (1995 – 1996); Postdoctoral Research fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (1993 – 1995), Fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (1990 – 1993)
CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology; American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

Kirk D. Minkus, MD.

Interventional Radiology Specialist
Dr. Minkus hails from Chicago, IL, where he spent his first 35 years and completed his medical training in multiple locations in the Midwest. His undergraduate studies were completed at Washington University in St. Louis, graduate study at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and initial medical school training at St. George’s University School of Medicine, graduating in a combined M.D.-M.Sc. medical doctor and clinical research combined degree program. His masters research thesis focus was on HIV/AIDS, stemming from lab & neurosurgical research at Northwestern University in Chicago in the late 1980’s. Clinical, hospital, and specialty training continued at the Medical College of Ohio (now University Toledo) in Toledo, Ohio, where he completed his 4-year radiology residency and gained his initial training in interventional radiology. Once his vascular & interventional radiology fellowship was completed at Rush University Hospital in Chicago Illinois, he was immediately drafted to Arizona and has been practicing here since 2004. Dr. Minkus has over 15 years of collective interventional radiology practice and training, and has performed over 40,000 procedures. Advanced postgraduate training in the area of interventional pain, aesthetics, and peripheral arterial disease procedural techniques was gained over the past 4 years with certificates earned. Dr. Minkus now focuses mainly on peripheral arterial and venous disease of the legs, interventional oncology/cancer treatments, and administering interventional pain treatments into the spine and joints. Licensed to practice medicine in 7 states. Recent awards: Patient’s choice award – Vitals.com 2013 Most Compassionate Doctor – Vitals.com 2013 Top 10 Doctor in Arizona – Vitals.com 2014 Dr. Minkus has been an avid musician, drummer, multi-percussionist, singer, musical composer, and live performer for 40 years as well, and enjoys golf, travel, and spending time with his family and little dogs.

Amad Zineldine, MD, FACC

Invasive Cardiologist
Southwest Cardiovascular Associates welcomes Dr. Amad Zineldine to our growing and expanding team. Dr. Zineldine was born in Alexandria Egypt and is a graduate of Alexandria university Faculty of medicine. His residency was at North Shore University Hospital in New York, and he completed his cardiovascular fellowship at Cornell University in New York. He was a chief resident and chief fellow. Dr. Zinedine is an Invasive Cardiologist who has more than 25 years of experience in the cardiovascular field with special interest in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, advanced cardiovascular imaging, CT scan, Nuclear stress test, echocardiogram, vascular studies, Vein ablation, coronary angiogram and Device implant. For the past 15 years Dr. Zineldine has been providing outreach cardiovascular care to Native Americans in Pineridge, South Dakota. His hobbies are mostly outdoor activities including jogging, biking, hiking, golfing and swimming. During his leisure time he loves to travel. He is extremely proud of his three children; two sons who are in medical school and his daughter who is a dentist. LICENSES: Dr. Zineldine is licensed to practice medicine in the states of Arizona and South Dakota. BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Internal Medicine Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease Board Certified in Echocardiography Board Certified in Nuclear Cardiology Board Certified in Cardiac Computed Tomography Board Certified RPVI, Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation Dr. Zineldine is accepting new patients. Therefore, we encourage you to call and make an appointment with our new provider for your better cardiac health.

Bernadette Rojvanit, NP-C

Bernadette Rojvanit is a certified nurse practitioner by American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2003 and she has been in healthcare since. She has over 15 years of critical care nursing experience including emergency nursing and neonatal/pediatric intensive care. In 2019, she received her Master’s degree in family nurse practitioner from University of Phoenix. She worked as an advanced practice nurse in Internal Medicine and joined Southwest Cardiovascular Associates group in early 2021. She feels fortunate to be part of such an amazing cardiology group. Bernadette met her husband in Arizona. Together, they enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and playing outdoor sports with their two beautiful children and a playful Maltipoo.