Our Team
 

Robert Stein, M.D.

For the past 25 years, Dr. Stein has practiced cardiology in Escondido. A graduate of Penn State University and Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, he is board-certified in cardiovascular disease and is a member of the American Heart Association and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. At Palomar Health, he has helped spearhead efforts to close the gap between science and clinical practice in cardiac care, which has resulted in Palomar Medical Center receiving several Sustained Performance Achievement Awards for both coronary artery disease and heart failure.

Donald Ponec, M.D., FSIR

Dr. Ponec earned his BS degree at University of Southern California and graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa. He first moved to San Diego to complete his MD at University of California San Diego in 1979. Dr. Ponec maintains an appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor of Radiology there. His interest in research was encouraged when he received an American Heart Association grant for the study of cardiac and vascular disease at UCSD. He attended University of California San Francisco for Radiology Residency and Interventional Radiology Fellowship. His active participation in research as the Principle or Co-investigator on multiple FDA-sponsored clinical trials has produced several publications. In addition, he is the National Medical Expert for a major peripheral vascular study and a Distinguished Reviewer for the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.

Paul E. Patchen, RN, MBA, FACHE

With more than 20 years experience in healthcare, Paul has oversight of Cardiovascular Services at both Palomar and Pomerado Hospitals. In addition to being a registered nurse, Paul has an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management. He is board certified in healthcare administration as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). He has extensive experience in the cardiovascular area coming from a clinical, administrative, and consulting background within the field. Additionally, he is on faculty with University of Phoenix for both the Healthcare Services and General Management Schools in San Diego.

Virginia Barragan, PT, DPT, MOMT

In her role as Director, Virginia Barragan oversees all aspects of Rehabilitation Services, including Cardiac Rehab and leads her extensive staff of caregivers and highly skilled therapists and nurses by example. She has been a licensed Physical Therapist since 1987, and recently received a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Western University in Pomona, California. She also holds a Master's degree in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, and is a certified Athletic Trainer. Additionally, she has completed coursework in TMJ, wound care and orthopedics. In addition to her clinical skills, Virginia received her certification in Health Care Executive Leadership from UCSD, and has advanced experience in Medicare and Manage Care reimbursement and compliance. Virginia has been with Palomar Health since 2001.

Kathleen Mendez, RN, MS, CNS, CCRN, NE-BC

Kathleen has more than 30 years experience in nursing. She holds national certifications as a Nurse Executive (NE-BC) and in Critical Care (CCRN). Kathleen joined Palomar Health in 2002 from the VA Medical Center San Diego were she served as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Kathleen now serves as the Director of the Cardiac Care Unit at Palomar Medical Center. The American Heart Association has recognized Kathleen’s unit since 2003 for excellence in care of myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure patients.

Nancy Peterson, HCA, MA, RCIS

Nancy is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a degree in Health Care Administration and a Masters Degree in Management from National University. Nancy served in the Navy as a Medical Service Corp Officer. She currently supervises the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Palomar Medical Center (PMC) and the Interventional Radiology Lab, Pomerado Hospital. PMC has been recognized by the American Heart Association; "Get with the Guidelines" and the cardiac cath lab maintains a door-to-balloon STEMI time of less than 90 minutes. Additionally, Nancy is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE).

Charles Crow, R.N., MAED

With more than 20 years in the medical field - most of those in cardio/pulmonary rehabilitation - Charles supervises Palomar Health's team of cardio/pulmonary therapists at Palomar Medical Center and continues to work as a therapist, himself. He joined Palomar Health in 2006, coming from McConnell Heart Health Center in Columbus, Ohio, where he oversaw daily operations of the institution's cardiac facility. Charles is a Fellow with the American Association for Cardio Vascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, worked for Boeing Aircraft as the first RN to run their employee exercise development program and was responsible for the establishment of three different cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation programs in Mississippi.

Zennia Ceniza, RN

Maria Sudak, RN, MSN/ed., CCRN

Cathy Prante, RN, MSN

Joanne Barnett, RN, BSN

Charmaine Ciancio

Kritina Ford, RN

Cheryl Graydon, RN, MICN