Every year, thousands of patients trust their hearts to the MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute (MHVI) at Long Beach Memorial—and with good reason.
Recognized as one of the nation’s leading cardiovascular institutes, MHVI provides comprehensive and innovative care for the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular disease.
MHVI is taking that commitment to an even higher level with the formation of a new clinical and research partnership with the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine.
A New Partnership
“We’re very excited by the possibilities of this new partnership,” says Diana Hendel, chief executive officer of Long Beach Memorial and Miller Children’s Hospital. “Each organization has its unique strengths—Long Beach Memorial’s reputation for clinical excellence, distinguished medical staff, extensive patient population, and UC Irvine’s highly regarded medical school, cardiology fellowship program and extensive research facilities. By combining these strengths, we can provide an even higher level of cardiovascular care to the communities we both serve.”
In conjunction with the UC Irvine partnership, MHVI has named Jagat Narula, M.D., as its new medical director. Currently chief of the Cardiology Division at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, Dr. Narula is well-known for his research in the prevention and reversal of heart failure and prediction and prevention of heart attacks. He will retain his position at UCI in addition to his new role with MHVI.
The new academic-private partnership brings significant advantages to both institutions, as well as for the community, according to Hendel. “While MHVI is already a very active clinical research site for emerging drug therapies and devices, the partnership with UC Irvine will allow MHVI to have even greater access to new treatments and protocols, physician expertise and research funding,” says Hendel. “UC Irvine will gain access to a broader patient base and expanded clinical programs. Most important, patients will benefit from the combined expertise of both institutions.”
Unique Strengths
The UC Irvine School of Medicine is ranked as one of the top 50 U.S. medical schools for research and is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and practice of medicine through scholarly research, physician education and the provision of high-quality medical care.
The MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute is ranked by the state in the top 1 percent of California’s top hospitals and is a recognized leader in pioneering new treatments for heart disease. Furthermore, Long Beach Memorial is considered by the state to be one of the safest places in California to survive a heart attack. Combining leading-edge technology with physician expertise, MHVI offers a full spectrum of cardiac services, including programs in women’s heart health, cardiac rehabilitation, arrhythmia management, electrophysiology and minimally invasive surgery using robotics and other advanced technologies. Nearly 500 cardiac surgeries are performed each year at MHVI, making it an area leader in open heart surgery.
Close to Home
Additionally, Long Beach Memorial shares many of its cardiac services, medical staff and research capabilities with its sister hospital, Orange Coast Memorial, located in Fountain Valley. This enables patients in Northern and Central Orange County to have access to the highest level of cardiac care close to home.
For referral to a Long Beach Memorial cardiologist, or for more information visit MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute.
