Dr. Joseph Stella

Philosophy of care | My passion is providing patients who have complex cardiovascular problems with the best possible long-term survival and quality of life. I understand that a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease can be very difficult to understand and fully appreciate. I also know how difficult it can be to navigate the health care system for the best results. I offer you and your family the support, knowledge and expertise to make the best decisions for your circumstances, applying the knowledge and therapies that offer the most up-to-date and durable options. I look forward to helping you. | Why I entered medicine | I chose a medical career to advance the health care of patients suffering from cardiovascular disease. | Community involvement | I support the American Heart Association. | Personal interests | Outside of work I enjoy golf, exercise and travel. Dr. Atluri is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bicuspid Aortic Valve. His top areas of expertise are Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Valve Stenosis, Heart Transplant, and Lung Transplant.

Dr. Scott LeMaire is a professor of cardiothoracic surgery, the associate chief scientific officer and the associate dean for research at Geisinger. His primary research interest focuses on thoracic aortic disease, with a particular emphasis on organ protection during aortic surgery, genetic causes of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and molecular mechanisms of aortic wall degeneration. In his clinical work, Dr. LeMaire offers minimally invasive endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy to treat patients with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the palms and/or underarms). This safe, highly effective outpatient procedure can provide patients with immediate relief from symptoms. He also offers thoracic sympathectomy to patients with severe heart rhythm abnormalities that persist despite optimal treatment with medications and catheter-based procedures.|After graduating from Quincy College, Dr. LeMaire earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School. He completed residency training in general surgery, then in cardiothoracic surgery, at Baylor College of Medicine.|He has received funding from the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, and the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for his research studying the pathobiology of thoracic aortic disease. A past president of the Association for Academic Surgery, Dr. LeMaire is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Surgical Research and the second vice president of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association. He serves on the board of directors for the Thoracic Surgery Foundation, the scientific advisory board of The Marfan Foundation and the board of trustees for his alma mater, Quincy University.|Dr. LeMaire is certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Lemaire is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bicuspid Aortic Valve. His top areas of expertise are Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Marfan Syndrome, Aortic Dissection, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), and Heart Bypass Surgery.

Tyler Wallen, DO, is a general surgeon specializing in cardiac surgery. He provides heart care for men and women including treatment for coronary artery disease, heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, aortic aneurysm, valve regurgitation and aortic dissection.|He has a clinical interest in transcatheter valve replacement and thoracic aortic disease.|Along with providing clinical expertise, Dr. Wallen offers his patients and their families emotional support. “Undergoing heart surgery is a major event, which can often leave people vulnerable and overwhelmed,” he notes. “I love coming to work each day and helping my patients navigate this difficult time.”|That includes empowering patients by clearly explaining their treatment options, so they can make informed decisions about their health. “Cardiovascular disease can be complicated,” he says. “I enjoy helping patients understand the options they have and coming to a decision on how to best manage their condition.”|Dr. Wallen attended the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He followed this with a residency in general surgery at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Philadelphia and a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Florida in Gainesville.|Dr. Wallen is an active member of several professional organizations including the American College of Surgeons, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgical Society and Southern Thoracic Surgical Association.|In 2017 and 2018, Dr. Wallen received the Mercy Catholic Medical Center Surgery Resident of the Year award. In 2016, he received the C. Jules Rominger MD Award for Outstanding Humanism and Excellence for his commitment to providing high quality care to everyone he treats.|He volunteers with the International Children’s Heart Foundation, offering his surgical services to children across the globe. “I’ve had the opportunity to work on several different continents to develop cardiac surgery programs that are a source of ongoing pride for me,” he says.|Dr. Wallen has published several papers and participated in many research projects. He also enjoys serving as a mentor to young surgeons. “Professionally, I’m most proud of the medical students and residents I’ve had the chance to teach and mentor,” he says. “Watching them mature into talented physicians is truly rewarding.”|In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his spouse and children, traveling, cooking, watching motorsports and rooting for the Philadelphia Flyers. Dr. Wallen is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bicuspid Aortic Valve. His top areas of expertise are Aortic Valve Stenosis, Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Heart Valve Repair, and Aortic Valve Replacement.