Jose Mena, M.D., F.A.C.S., Joins North Oaks Cardiovascular Services​​

Triple fellowship-trained and board-certified Cardio-Thoracic and Peripheral Vascular Surgeon Jose Mena, M.D., F.A.C.S., has joined North Oaks Cardiovascular Services in Hammond and is accepting new patient referrals for Cardio-Thoracic or Peripheral Vascular Surgery. To make an appointment, call (985) 230-7350.

Certified in General Surgery, Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and Peripheral Vascular Surgery by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Mena has practiced on the Northshore for the past 18 years of his 28-year career. Prior to 2004, he practiced in Augusta, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina.

Now as the newest member of the North Oaks Cardiovascular Services team of employed providers, Dr. Mena shares, “Previously, I covered several hospitals’ inpatient and urgent needs and was unable to devote significant time to those patients with acute and chronic disease, who could be better served through outpatient care. I am excited about working with our team of cardiologists and pulmonologists to develop an outpatient practice to serve the community.”

Cardiovascular surgery describes any surgical procedure that involves the heart, or the blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart. Some cardiovascular conditions require open surgery, but many can be treated with less invasive techniques. It is common for patients who have heart disease or are at high risk for developing heart disease, as well as those who have had a heart attack, stroke or blood clot, to require these types of procedures.

Dr. Mena shares that since the age of 10, he has known that his purpose in life was to become a physician. “My approach to care centers on looking at the patient’s full story,” explains Dr. Mena. “Often, patients come to me in urgent or emergent need, so I treat their immediate problems while making a point to work with their cardiologist, pulmonologist and internal medicine team to help prevent the patient needing care emergently in the future.”

After earning a medical degree from the Escuela Autonoma de Ciencias Medicas de Centro America in San Jose, Costa Rica, Dr. Mena completed an internship in General Surgery through Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York and a residency in General Surgery through Ochsner Clinic and Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation in New Orleans. Completion of a fellowship in Peripheral Vascular Surgery through New York University was followed by completion of a second fellowship in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery through Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation.

Professionally, Dr. Mena belongs to the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society, Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the Society for Vascular Surgery. He also is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

“We are investing in the future of cardiovascular care at North Oaks – from team members and training to technology and systems – so we can provide advanced heart health care to our community,” affirms Mark Anderson, chief financial officer of North Oaks Health System. “Dr. Mena is a great addition to our growing program, as he brings valued expertise to help people living with acute and chronic heart conditions.”

Dr. Mena will see patients at North Oaks Cardiovascular Services, located in the North Oaks Clinic Building at 15813 Paul Vega, MD, Drive, Suite 403 in Hammond.

Other North Oaks Cardiovascular Services providers include: Cardiologists Nidal Abi Rafeh, Jherie D. Ducombs, Bruce Ennis, Georges Khoueiry, William P. Kopfler and James M. Parker; and Nurse Practitioners Jean Genzale, Kristen King, Travis King, Erickia LeMeunier, Maia McLin, Lacey Miller and Charlie Shelton.

Clinic hours of operation are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.