Doctor Archives - Arkansas Heart Hospital

Saul Rios, MD

Dr. Saul Rios is an interventional cardiologist who brings a warm, patient-first approach to cardiovascular care. He specializes in coronary interventions, complex cardiac procedures, and evidence-based management of heart disease. He joins Arkansas Heart Hospital after completing advanced interventional cardiology fellowship training at Montefiore/Einstein Medical Center in Bronx, New York, where he also served as Chief Fellow in General Cardiology and Chief Resident in Internal Medicine.

Originally from Guatemala City, Dr. Rios earned his medical degree and Bachelor of Science from Universidad Francisco Marroquín. Throughout his training he received multiple recognitions for excellence in clinical care and medical education, including three Teaching Fellow of the Year awards and the Humanism in Medicine Award for his compassionate and patient-centered approach.

Dr. Rios chose cardiology because it blends meaningful long-term relationships with innovative, minimally invasive procedures that help patients feel better fast. He believes patients deserve clear communication, unhurried visits, and a true partnership in their health journey.

Care Philosophy
“I’ve always been fascinated by the human body and how it works. As a physician, I get to use that knowledge to help people live healthier lives. I enjoy spending time face to face with my patients, learning their stories, and guiding them toward their best and healthiest selves. My goal is to build long-term relationships where patients feel supported, empowered and actively involved in their care.”

Clinical Interests

Coronary artery disease and PCI
Structural heart considerations and transcatheter therapies
Cardiovascular outcomes and prevention
Long-term management of chronic heart conditions

Languages
English, Spanish

Outside the Clinic
Dr. Rios enjoys spending time with his family and dog, traveling, trying new restaurants and cuisines, outdoor exercise and photography.

Dr. Rios in the news:

Dr. Rios shares tips to avoid holiday heart syndrome

Request an Appointment

New Patients: (833) 733-7244

Andrew Hinson, MD

Dr. Andrew Hinson is a board-certified internal medicine physician with fellowship training in critical care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga. Following residency, he pursued a critical care fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Before his medical training, Dr. Hinson worked as a surgical first assistant in cardiothoracic surgery at Arkansas Heart Hospital, where he developed a deep respect for the precision, teamwork, and compassion that define heart care. His experience spans both academic medicine and hospital-based care, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and textbook contributions in endocrinology, thyroid, and parathyroid surgery.

Fluent in Spanish and passionate about global medicine, Dr. Hinson has participated in international medical programs and research fellowships, including the Cachamsi Medical Spanish Institute in Ecuador and the David Sugarbaker Fellowship at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Recognized for his dedication and resilience, Dr. Hinson received Arkansas Heart Hospital’s “All Heart Award” in 2017, while serving as a surgical assistant with Dr. Kris Freeland. Today, he brings that same commitment to excellence and patient-centered care to his work as a hospitalist, where he focuses on delivering compassionate, evidence-based care for patients with complex cardiovascular and critical conditions.

Galimat Khaidakova, MD

Dr. Galimat Khaidakova is a board-certified vascular surgeon known for her compassionate care, clinical excellence and commitment to advancing the field of vascular surgery. A native of Little Rock and graduate of Central High School, Dr. Khaidakova’s path to medicine was guided by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

She earned her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) before completing her integrated vascular surgery residency at Emory University. She was honored with the Iron Intern Award and recognized for her kindness and dedication to both patients and colleagues. Prior to joining Arkansas Heart, she practiced in Alaska, where she developed innovative protocols and provided patient-centered care to underserved communities.

Dr. Khaidakova specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of vascular conditions—including arterial and venous disease, aneurysms, carotid artery disease and chronic limb ischemia—utilizing both traditional open surgery and advanced minimally invasive techniques.

In addition to her surgical expertise, Dr. Khaidakova is a passionate advocate for patient education and awareness. Her clinical interests include dialysis access management, vascular trauma, and thoracic outlet syndrome. She has presented at numerous regional and national conferences and remains active in research, quality improvement, and medical education.

Outside of medical practice, Dr. Khaidakova enjoys baking, painting and spending time with her husband and their two children. She is excited to return home to Arkansas and continue serving patients with skill, compassion and heart.

Make an appointment
New and Existing Patients: (501) 748-8400

Sarah Alshami, MD

Dr. Sarah Alshami is an endocrinologist with a passion for helping patients live better, healthier lives. After earning her medical degree at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine, Dr. Alshami trained at the University of Missouri and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she completed her endocrinology fellowship.

Dr. Alshami is an accomplished researcher with multiple published works within her discipline. She has completed research at the Mayo Clinic, the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Her current research provides her with unique insights into biochemical testing for endocrinological disorders.

By volunteering in medical and educational activities, Dr. Alshami works to improve care for patients, as well as mentor a diverse range of physicians as they complete their studies and training. In her free time, Dr. Alshami enjoys being active and seeing new places.

Contact the Endocrinology Team
Phone: (501) 748-8440

Hamza Rayes, MD

Dr. Hamza Rayes is an interventional cardiologist specializing in coronary and peripheral interventions and is board-certified in cardiovascular medicine, cardiac CT, critical care medicine, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology. He treats every patient as family and enjoys investing in their lives.

After earning his medical degree at the University of Tripoli Medical School in Libya, Dr. Rayes trained at Creighton University, Mayo Clinic and the University of Cincinnati. He completed his interventional cardiology fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, during which he trained at Arkansas Heart Hospital.

Dr. Rayes is a member of many medical and scientific societies including the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Physicians and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Rayes is a renowned researcher and has been cited in more than 130 research projects and publications.

As an active volunteer in medical and educational activities, Dr. Rayes seeks to improve patient care locally and internationally. In his free time, Dr. Rayes enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family.

Make an appointment
(501) 664-5860

Dr. Rayes talks about heart health in Heart to Heart Facebook live panel.

Mahesh Bavineni, MD, MBA

Dr. Mahesh Bavineni is a general cardiologist with interests in preventive cardiology, heart failure, cardiac imaging and cardio-oncology. An Arkansan since 2016, he loves the natural state’s beauty and is proud to call Little Rock his home.

Born in India, Dr. Bavineni graduated with honors from PSI Medical College. He then completed his internship in internal medicine at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Lafayette before moving to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, where he served as chief resident and completed his internal medicine residency. He completed his cardiology fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences at Little Rock where he also served as chief fellow during his final year. Dr. Bavineni has a strong passion and interest in healthcare management, which led to him earning a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Business, and he was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, a Prestigious International Business Honor Society. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, adult echocardiography and nuclear cardiology.

Patients love Dr. Bavineni’s passion for improving their overall health, his positive attitude and listening ear. Outside of work, he and his wife enjoy traveling and exploring new cuisines with their children.

Get to know Dr. Bavineni

What do you enjoy about being a general cardiologist?

The most rewarding part of my career is listening to my patients and seeing them recover and walk around cheerfully. I want them to see me as part of their family, and I want to treat them as part of my family. I will be a patient listener and an advocate for their heart health and overall health.

What patients are saying about Dr. Bavineni:

“Dr. Bavineni is so personable. He really cared what I had to say.”

“He is professional, proficient and productive.”

“Dr. Bavineni is a good, caring doctor.”

Dr. Bavineni in the news:

Dr. Bavineni reacts to trending online videos on heart health during the Docs React series.

Dr. Bavineni shares four tips for prioritizing your health as you age

Request an Appointment

New Patients: (833) 733-7244

Nureddin Almaddah, MD

Dr. Nurredin Almaddah (Dr. Nuri) is an interventional cardiologist dedicated to excellence in patient care. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Echocardiography, and Nuclear Cardiology. In 2007, he earned a medical degree with honors from the University of Zawia Faculty of Medicine in Libya. Dr. Almaddah worked in the largest specialist heart center in Libya, National Heart, in the post-cardiac ICU prior to moving to the US for residency. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital in Massachusetts where he served as chief resident. He went on to complete a fellowship in cardiology at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, an interventional cardiology fellowship at University for Medical Sciences at Little Rock, and a Masters in Interventional Cardiology from National University of Ireland.

Dr. Nuri is known for being personable and has a strong passion for working alongside patients to find a solution to cardiovascular diseases.

In his free time, Dr. Nuri enjoys outdoor activities, reading and spending time with his family.

Make an appointment
New Patients: (833) 733-7244
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3654

What patients are saying about Dr. Nuri:

“Dr. Nuri is my husband’s doctor. He has always gone beyond what you would expect.”

“Love Dr. Nuri! He is such a great physician, and we are lucky to have him!”

“He did my moms heart cath, and she was very impressed! She was treated so well by everyone at AHH, and she thought highly of Dr. Nuri.”

“He’s a favorite…an amazing cardiologist and the total package! He loves his patients and loves what he does.”

Michael Loguidice, MD

Michael Loguidice is a cardiologist who is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, he completed both his undergraduate coursework and medical degree in Philadelphia. He graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania before receiving his medical degree at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. He then moved to Charlottesville, Virginia where he completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency at the University of Virginia Medical Center. After residency, he moved to Dallas, Texas where he completed both his General Cardiology Fellowship and Advanced Fellowship in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Dr. Loguidice treats heart rhythm disorders such as supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation/flutter, and ventricular tachycardia with simple and complex atrial and ventricular catheter ablation therapy, cardioversions, and anti-arrhythmic medications. He implants traditional and leadless pacemakers for bradycardia, traditional and subcutaneous defibrillators for prevention of sudden cardiac death, cardiac resynchronization therapy devices and cardiac contractility modulators for patients with severe heart failure, and the Watchman device in select patients with atrial fibrillation.

In his free time, he enjoys playing his guitar, seeing live music, and engaging in an active life style through hiking, running, kayaking, and yoga.

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 219-7805
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

What patients are saying about Dr. Loguidice:

“He is an all around great doctor. He goes out of his way to help you understand the problem and solution. He is very knowledgeable and answered all my questions completely.”

“Dr. Loguidice is a very personable professional! He was very easy to talk to and makes things easy to understand.”

“Dr. Loguidice is a good doctor. He did my mom’s pacemaker surgery, and he did an awesome job.”

Dr. Loguidice answers questions on heart failure, AFIB, heart disease symptoms and more on Heart to Heart Facebook Live Panel: Fact or Fiction.

Scott Ryan, MD

Dr. Scott Ryan is a vascular surgeon who enjoys caring for patients with all forms of vascular disease. Dr. Ryan graduated from Baylor University in 2009 with degrees in Business and Economics and minors in Biology and Chemistry. He then attended medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and graduated with his Doctor of Medicine in 2013. Dr. Ryan completed his general surgery residency at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, where he won both the Junior Surgical Resident Award and Senior Surgical Resident Award. He went on to finish his vascular surgery fellowship at the University of Texas – Houston. Following fellowship, he founded Arkansas Vascular Surgery, PLLC. As a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon, Dr. Ryan treats all conditions associated with the peripheral vascular system using medical, traditional open surgical and minimally invasive endovascular therapies. His highest priority is always providing excellent, individualized care for his patients. Dr. Ryan and his wife Emily married in 2009 and have four children. He enjoys hiking, fishing, kayaking, and spending time with his family in his spare time.

Make an appointment
New and Existing Patients: (501) 748-8400

What patients are saying about Dr. Ryan:

“Dr. Scott Ryan gave me a life with no pain. He is an excellent surgeon.”

James JJ Tucker, MD

James “J.J.” Tucker is a native Arkansan. After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas, he attended Medical School at the American University of Caribbean and traveled to Pennsylvania where he completed his residency in General Surgery. After many hours dedicated to bariatrics during residency, he decided to pursue a fellowship in Bariatrics, Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Dr. Tucker is licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board and board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He is a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons and American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. Growing up in Hot Springs, Arkansas brought a lot of love for the community and exploring the outdoors. He, his wife and two children spend a lot of time enjoying what the Spa City has to offer, including golfing, biking, hunting and enjoying the lake with family and friends. Most importantly, he enjoys giving back to the community that has given so much to him.

Dr. Tucker’s personalized care and clear communication resonates with his patients as he partners with them to achieve their health and weight loss goals.

Start your journey at bmi.arheart.com to learn about our weight loss surgery options, watch our free online seminar, see if you qualify for surgery and more.

Make an appointment
Call 501-219-7770

What patients are saying about Dr. Tucker:

“Dr. Tucker and his staff saved my life — 110 pounds gone forever.”

“He definitely changed my life! I’ve lost 150 pounds so far with the help of Dr. Tucker and team. I can’t say how great they are or thank them enough.”

“Dr. Tucker is so caring and informative. He sits and talks with you and answers any questions you may have. I am so happy I chose Dr. Tucker and the BMI at Arkansas.”

Dr. Tucker in the News

Dr. Tucker reacts to trending weight loss videos in Docs React series.

Dr. Tucker, BMI patient talk to KATV on benefits of bariatric surgery for weight loss, disease management