Jennifer S. Lawton, M.D., is the Richard Bennett Darnall Professor of Surgery and chief of the Johns Hopkins Division of Cardiac Surgery, as well as director of the Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory. Dr. Lawton’s clinical area of focus is adult cardiac surgery. She also leads the division’s residency education program, and conduct research in myocyte volume regulation and ATP-sensitive K channels. She has held important leadership roles in several organizations, including chair of the surgery study section of the American Heart Association, vice-chair of the ACGME residency review committee, and president of the Women in Thoracic Surgery. Lawton’s achievements also include 81 peer-review publications, 7 book chapters, and 18 abstracts. She has delivered over 50 invited lectures. Dr. Lawton is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. Her top areas of expertise are Heart Tumor, Aortic Dissection, Atrial Myxoma, Heart Bypass Surgery, and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG).

Ayim Akyea is a Cardiologist in Beltsville, Maryland. Dr. Akyea is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Stable Angina, Metabolic Syndrome, Fainting, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

Anuj Gupta is a Cardiologist in Baltimore,, Maryland. Dr. Gupta is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Aortic Valve Stenosis, Cardiogenic Shock, Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), and Aortic Valve Replacement.

Rawn Salenger is a Thoracic Surgeon in Towson, Maryland. Dr. Salenger is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Aortic Valve Stenosis, Coronary Heart Disease, Heart Bypass Surgery, and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG).

Raquel Greer is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Lutherville, Maryland. Dr. Greer is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Kidney Disease, Heart Tumor, Atrial Myxoma, High Potassium Level, and Kidney Transplant.

Dr. Zulqarnain Khan joined Cardiovascular Specialists in the summer of 2025. In addition to general cardiology, he trained in sports cardiology, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular ultrasound. He completed medical school at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. Dr. Khan went on to complete his internal medicine residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident. He completed his cardiology fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where he participated in the Sports Cardiology track (Johns Hopkins-University of Maryland combined program). Dr. Khan grew up in Catonsville, Maryland. He and his wife, Ishmal, live in Federal Hill with their two children. In his spare time, Dr. Khan is a diehard Ravens and Orioles fan, who also enjoys superhero movies (DC and Marvel). Dr. Khan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Atrial Myxoma, Carney Complex, Heart Tumor, and Myocarditis.

Reed Donaldson Quinn, M.D., is a cardiothoracic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, at Suburban Hospital. Dr. Quinn has extensive experience in the treatment of adult and congenital heart disease. He has clinical expertise in structural heart procedures including aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valve repairs and replacements. He also has extensive experience in aortic-mitral curtain reconstructions, percutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and LVOT enlargements. Dr. Quinn earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Brigham Young University, his Masters in Engineering and Bioengineering from University of Utah, and his Medical Degree from University of Utah. He completed general surgery residency at University of Rochester and cardiothoracic surgery residency at The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Additionally, he completed a fellowship in pediatric congenital cardiovascular surgery at Children’s Hospital in Boston. Dr. Quinn has interests in innovative therapies for valvular heart disease and serves as the US Master Proctor for the Corcym Perceval sutureless valve. He has been the principal investigator at Maine Medical Center for several clinical studies. Dr. Quinn is very active in international health and has led trips for teaching and performing congenital heart surgery in Kenya, and is a visiting professor at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya. Recent News Articles and Media Coverage At Suburban Hospital, Cardiac Surgery Expertise ShinesJohns Hopkins Medicine (March 2025). Dr. Quinn is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Aortic Valve Stenosis, Mediastinitis, Cystic Medial Necrosis of Aorta, Heart Bypass Surgery, and Aortic Valve Replacement.

Jon R. Resar received his M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1985. He completed an internal medicine residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and fellowships in cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins in 1992 and is currently a Professor of Medicine/Cardiology. He was the past Director of the Adult Catheterization Laboratory and Interventional Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. His field of specialization is management of coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease. Dr. Resar holds memberships in the American Heart Association and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Resar is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Aortic Valve Stenosis, Heart Attack, Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Aortic Valve Replacement, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

Tala K Al-Talib, M.D. is a cardiologist in Baltimore, MD. She is the Medical Director of Johns Hopkins Medicine – Cardiology at Johns Hopkins Greenspring Station. Dr. Al-Talib’s clinical areas of focus are in general and preventative cardiology. She specializes in cardiovascular disease in women, with a particular interest in cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment of cardiac conditions in women with breast cancer or other oncological history. She was integral in the establishment of the Preventative Cardiology Program to Improve Heart Health for Female Breast Cancer Survivors, a collaborative effort to detect asymptomatic cardiovascular disease and ultimately prevent cardiovascular events in this patient group. After receiving her medical degree from University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Al-Talib completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where she was Chief Medical Resident. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Al-Talib also serves as an inpatient echocardiographer at Bayview Medical Center, performing transesophageal echo (TEE) and cardioversions and attends on the inpatient cardiology services. Videos Red Chair SeriesDr. Tala Al-Talib. Dr. Al is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. Her top areas of expertise are Heart Attack, Cardiomyopathy Due to Anthracyclines, Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy, and Apoplexy.

Mark Nelson, MD, specializes in cardiothoracic surgery and is board certified in thoracic and cardiac surgery by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. He practices at UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute and is affiliated with UPMC Shadyside and UPMC Presbyterian. Dr. Nelson completed his fellowship and residency at West Virginia University School of Medicine and medical education at University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Nelson is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Carotid Artery Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Carotid Artery Surgery, and Heart Bypass Surgery.

Ahmet Kilic is a cardiac surgeon in Baltimore, Maryland. He is an associate professor of surgery at the Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He also serves as director of heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support. Dr. Kilic's areas of clinical expertise include adult cardiac surgery with a special interest in heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Kilic served as associate professor of surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and was the director of the heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support programs. He was co-director of the advanced heart failure program as well as the vice director of clinical and academic affairs in the division of cardiac surgery. Although a recognized leader in the field of heart failure, Dr. Kilic’s expertise runs the spectrum of cardiac surgery. Dr. Kilic is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Heart Tumor, Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM), Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis, Heart Transplant, and Heart Bypass Surgery.

James Gammie is the surgical lead and co-director for the Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute and cardiac surgeon-in-chief for the Johns Hopkins Health System. With over 23 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery, Dr. Gammie joined Johns Hopkins after serving as chief of the division of cardiac surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center from 2012 to 2021. Dr. Gammie graduated from Brown University with a degree in biochemistry, and received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Gammie trained in both general and cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His clinical and research efforts are focused on decreasing the mortality and morbidity of valve disease and improving the surgical treatment of mitral valve and other structural heart diseases. He performs over 225 mitral valve operations and interventions per year, and leads a cardiac surgery team that performs more than 1,200 cardiac operations annually. He is recognized by the Mitral Foundation and the American Heart Association as one of less than 25 reference surgeons in the U.S. for his experience in mitral valve repair and excellent patient outcomes. Dr. Gammie has a strong interest in all aspects of heart valve disease, and has published more than 200 peer-reviewed contributions in leading specialty journals including The New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and Circulation. He has served as a deputy editor for The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and as chair of the Access and Publications Committee of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database. He serves on the steering committee of the NHLBI-sponsored Cardiothoracic Surgery Trials Network, and led the protocol development committee of a worldwide randomized tricuspid valve surgery trial. He is a member of the Halsted Society and the 21st Century Cardiothoracic Surgical Society. In 2011, Dr. Gammie was awarded the Johns Hopkins/University of Maryland Alliance for Science and Technology Development BioMaryland LIFE Prize, and he was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the University of Maryland Baltimore in 2014. He is the inventor of a novel transseptal catheter designed to simplify transcatheter cardiac procedures, and founded a commercial company to commercialize the device. With 20 issued or submitted patents, he continues to innovate in the mitral valve space, and recently published the world’s first clinical experience with a novel surgical repair for secondary mitral valve regurgitation, which was developed in his laboratory: mitral valve translocation. From 2016–2021, Dr. Gammie was consistently named a Top Doctor by Baltimore magazine, and in 2018 he received the Golden Apple Teacher of the Year award. Dr. Gammie is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Tricuspid Regurgitation, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Embolectomy, and Heart Bypass Surgery.

Khalid Zirvi is a Cardiologist and an Interventional Cardiologist in Laurel, Maryland. Dr. Zirvi is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Apoplexy, Heart Attack, Arterial Embolism, Atherosclerosis, and Angioplasty.

"Originally from Wisconsin, Dr. Czarny attended the University of Wisconsin where he majored in molecular biology. After medical school at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, he completed an internal medicine residency at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston followed by cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, and structural heart disease fellowships at Johns Hopkins. Currently, he is a faculty member in interventional cardiology and performs heart catheterizations and coronary artery stenting for patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarctions (""heart attacks"") at both the Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. He is also a member of the Structural Heart Disease team and performs minimally invasive, catheter-based treatments for structural heart disease at the Johns Hopkins Hospital including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic valve stenosis, valve repair/replacement procedures for mitral valve regurgitation and stenosis, patent foramen ovale closure, atrial septal defect closure, alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and left atrial appendage occlusion with the Watchman(TM) device. He sees patients in his structural heart disease clinics at both the Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Dr. Czarny's research interests include the safety of cardiac stenting at hospitals without cardiac surgery backup and outcomes of catheter-based structural heart procedures.". Dr. Czarny is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Aortic Valve Stenosis, Apoplexy, Heart Attack, Aortic Valve Replacement, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

Dr. Chao-Wei Hwang is an interventional cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Hwang received doctoral and medical training at Harvard Medical School. He completed residency in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology fellowships at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Hwang joined the Division of Cardiology as faculty in 2011. He spent a year at Virtua Health System in New Jersey as systemwide Director of Interventional Cardiology, and is now Director of the Johns Hopkins Interventional Cardiology Program at Frederick Health Hospital (FHH) and Co-Medical Director of the FHH Cardiac Catheterization Lab. Dr. Hwang is an expert interventional cardiologist specializing in complex coronary interventions, management of acute coronary syndromes and advanced coronary artery disease. He has specialized expertise in PCI of chronic total occlusions (CTO). Dr. Hwang has been involved in a number of device and coronary clinical trials, and his broad areas of research interests include developing and optimizing devices for the treatment of coronary artery disease. Dr. Hwang has published extensively in stent-based drug delivery systems and local delivery systems for cell-based therapies to the heart. Dr. Hwang is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Heart Attack, Apoplexy, Arterial Embolism, Angioplasty, and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).

Shawn Howell is a Cardiologist in Cumberland, Maryland. Dr. Howell is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. Her top areas of expertise are Adenosine Deaminase 2 Deficiency, Heart Murmurs, Coronary Heart Disease, and Atherosclerosis. Dr. Howell is currently accepting new patients.

Peter Cho is a Thoracic Surgeon in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Cho is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Aortic Valve Stenosis, Heart Tumor, Atrial Myxoma, Heart Bypass Surgery, and Aortic Valve Replacement.

Kurt Wehberg is a Thoracic Surgeon in Salisbury, Maryland. Dr. Wehberg is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Lung Nodules, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, Heart Bypass Surgery, and Aneurysm Repair.

R C Stewart Finney is a Thoracic Surgeon in Towson, Maryland. Dr. C Stewart Finney is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Aortic Valve Stenosis, Aortic Regurgitation, Rheumatic Fever, Heart Bypass Surgery, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

Lee Pennington is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Pennington is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atrial Myxoma. His top areas of expertise are Sitosterolemia, Subacute Combined Degeneration, Atrial Myxoma, and Heart Tumor. Dr. Pennington is currently accepting new patients.