Welcome to the Division of Cardiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. I am excited and honored to lead this renowned clinical division, which has a long and outstanding history of clinical excellence, education and discovery. Our division is in the midst of an exciting era or rapid growth. We pride ourselves in the exceptional clinical care that we provide in diverse and highly complex areas of cardiology. Our mission is to deliver outstanding clinical cardiovascular care, to educate the next generation of leaders in cardiovascular medicine, and to lead the way in transformative medical discoveries and innovations…

Hesham Sadek, MD, PhD
Chief, Division of Cardiology
Director, Sarver Heart Center

Cardiology

The Division of Cardiology includes nationally recognized faculty in cardiovascular medicine, heart failure and transplant cardiology, advanced coronary and structural interventions, cardiac imaging, resuscitation sciences, and electrophysiology. These physicians and physician scientists are committed to advancing patient care, collaborating with basic scientists to bridge bench-to-bedside knowledge and pursuing multidisciplinary and cutting edge clinical and population research in cardiovascular disease.

A diverse group of fellows comprise our fellowship programs in Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology.

As the heart of the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, the cardiology faculty and fellows work closely with the more than 135 heart center members from across campus. Disciplines represented in the center include cellular and molecular medicine, immunology, physiology, biomedical engineering, nursing, pharmacology, cardiothoracic surgery, neurology, pediatric cardiology, vascular surgery, emergency medicine, endocrinology, pathology and radiology. Medical students, residents and fellows with interest in cardiovascular research are encouraged to pursue opportunities with mentors within the heart center, and to compete for investigational research awards offered through the Sarver Heart Center.

Established within the UA College of Medicine in 1968 by its first chief Frank I. Marcus, MD, the division and its faculty have been involved in some impressive "firsts," such as:

  • Discovering that radiofrequency energy was a safer substitute for DC energy in eliminating arrhythmia sites in the heart.
  • Performing the world’s first successful bridge-to-transplant procedure using an artificial heart.
  • Demonstrating and promoting chest-compression-only CPR as a resuscitation method that doubles survival from sudden cardiac arrest.

We look forward to many more innovative advances in cardiovascular care to come.

News

Local AHA chapter nominates DOM’s Dominica Padilla as ‘Woman of Impact’

The stroke survivor and DOM operations support program manager embraces recognition to help raise awareness, funds for women’s heart health for Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Heart Association. Read about her experience and help her win the title!


Fanfare at 2025 College of Medicine – Tucson Faculty Teaching Awards Rewarding for All

The Department of Medicine took 19 of 68 total awards presented Feb. 27 at the HSIB Forum. Eight divisions were represented by faculty winners, with three each to Inpatient Medicine and General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine, two to Hem-Onc, PACCS and Nephrology, and one for Cardiology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases. See who won and a mini-photo gallery.


Thank A Resident Day, Feb. 28, offers chance to show ‘housestaff’ our appreciation

The Vice Chair of Education Office and Internal Medicine Residency Program at the Department of Medicine are uniting to promote “Thank a Resident Day,”  by collecting thank you messages. Add your note of gratitude for their work with students and patients here and nationwide.