Doctor Type: Doctor

Wesley Lane, MD

Dr. Wesley Lane is an interventional cardiologist, board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease. Specializing in structural heart disease, his passions include performing complex interventions and treating ischemic and valvular heart disease. Dr. Lane finds his field rewarding for the opportunity to help people get better and live better.

Dr. Lane grew up in Abilene, Texas, and graduated from Texas Tech University. He graduated top of his class at Texas Tech University School of Medicine and was the recipient of the Gold Headed Cane Award.  He completed his internal medicine residency at Baylor Scott and White and received several teaching awards.  He remained at Baylor Scott and White for fellowship training in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology and was awarded Fellow of the Year.

From the first visit with Dr. Lane, patients feel comfortable because he walks with them through each step of their health journey, from diagnosis to recovery.

“The pride we take in our work really comes from results…of being able to meet a patient, establish a diagnosis, see them through to treatment and see them start to thrive, is very rewarding. And that’s why we love to do this,” he said.

Dr. Lane enjoys traveling and spending time with his family, cooking and grilling, exercising and playing the guitar. He’s involved in his church and likes studying and teaching Christian theology.

What patients are saying about Dr. Lane:

“Dr. Lane is amazing. My husband and I are so thankful for him and his team.”

“I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my heart.”

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3624
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

Michael T. Nolen, MD

Dr. Michael Nolen received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Arkansas Tech University in 1993 before completing his medical degree and general surgery internship and residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1997 and 2002, respectively. He subsequently completed the cardiovascular and thoracic fellowship in 2004 at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston, under the direction of Dr. Denton A. Cooley. He is certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Nolen’s interests are minimally invasive surgery, coronary bypass and valve surgery, aortic aneurysm repairs, and peripheral vascular surgery. His office is located at the Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic.

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

What patients are saying about Dr. Nolen:

“Dr. Nolen has been great to our entire family!”

“Dr. Nolen and his staff were so very professional and nice. I couldn’t have asked for better.”

 

Kristofer Freeland, MD

Dr. Freeland is originally from Fordyce, Arkansas. He attended medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed his general surgery residency at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. His cardiothoracic training is from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Freeland is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon with an interest in coronary vascularization, structural heart disease including the TAVR procedure as well as aortic pathology. In 2004 Dr. Freeland was a patient care partner before continuing on with his education.

In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his daughters.

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

What patients are saying about Dr. Freeland:

“I had a heart attack in 2016 and Dr. Freeland saved my life after a quad bypass. I am so grateful to Dr. Freeland…”

“I have had two valve replacement in the last two years, and Dr. Freeland did my surgery. I am doing a whole lot better because of him and his staff. I want to thank him and his staff for a job well done.”

 

Irina Lendel, MD

What patients are saying Dr. Lendel:

“She listens and understands. She is compassionate and takes her time with each of her patients. I never feel rushed. She is willing to go the extra mile for her patients. She is easy to speak with and open to trying new medications and exploring the latest research to help her patients. I am truly blessed to have her as my endocrinologist.”

“Dr. Irina Lendel is wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about her.”

Dr. Lendel in the news:

Irina named one of AY’s Best Women in Healthcare.

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

Samuel Bledsoe, MD

Dr. Samuel Bledsoe, director of the Bariatric &  Metabolic Institute and bariatric and general surgeon, earned his Doctorate of Medicine from UAMS. He completed his residency at the Baptist Health System in Birmingham, Alabama, and completed additional training in Bariatric Surgery at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Prior to joining Arkansas Heart Hospital, he served as the Medical Director for Bariatric Surgery at Christus Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Dr. Bledsoe is a Board Certified weight loss physician who performs gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries. He is a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He holds additional membership in the Southeastern Surgical Society and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

Dr. Bledsoe is known by his patients as caring for the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of each of his patients. He especially loves to see bariatric patients resolve their diabetes and go on to live richer, longer lives without medications or limitations.

Get to know Dr. Bledsoe

What is the most interesting part of being a bariatric surgeon?

I really like talking with diabetics because diabetics particularly can benefit greatly from weight loss surgery. For anyone who struggles with diabetes, they owe it to themselves to at least consider the possibility of bariatric surgery. We can cure diabetes 83 percent of the time.

What patients are saying about Dr. Bledsoe:

“Dr. Bledsoe was amazing! He truly cares about his patients. I will always recommend everyone to him and this hospital.”

“He was a wonderful with me and helped me take my life back.” 

“Dr. Bledsoe is simply amazing. He gave me the tool to change my life.” 

“God has blessed him with a caring heart and the spirit of a warrior.” 

“Dr. Bledsoe, you have been literally a godsend to many.” 

“Dr. Bledsoe is a great doctor as well as an awesome person.”

“I have never been so impressed with the level of compassion and care.” 

“From the first visit with Dr. Bledsoe, I knew my life was going to change for the better.”

Dr. Bledsoe in the news:

Healthcare Journal of Arkansas – Bariatric surgery reduces the risk of cardiovascular death

THV11 The Vine – Weight loss surgery now covered for state employees

THV11 The Vine – Bariatric surgery helping resolve health conditions long term

Make an appointment
Call 501-219-7770

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.

Gary Nash, MD

Dr. Gary Nash is an interventional cardiologist, providing care for patients with cardiovascular conditions such as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, high blood pressure, pulmonary embolism or after a heart attack.

Growing up in Mississippi as a son of a farmer, Dr. Nash knows the value of hard work. He finds purpose and passion in his practice at Arkansas Heart, and enjoys building a relationship with his patients and working to improve their lives.

Dr. Nash graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s in biology before attending the University of Mississippi School of Medicine for his medical degree. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Baptist Health Systems in Birmingham, Alabama, before completing his internal medicine residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. His cardiovascular disease fellowship was performed at East Carolina University and his interventional cardiology fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He is board certified in adult echocardiography, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, internal medicine, nuclear cardiology and vascular ultrasound.

Dr. Nash is married with two children. He enjoys spending time with his family and exploring Arkansas outdoors.

Get to know Dr. Nash

What do you enjoy most about your career? 

I enjoy the balance of being able to get to know my patients in a clinic setting and work with my hands performing procedures.

What patients are saying about Dr. Nash:

“Dr. Nash is amazing. Thank you for being the best doctor.”

“Dr. Nash helped save my life after a severe anaphylactic reaction. Now I see him as my cardiologist and he is just great!”

Dr. Nash in the news:

Arkansas Heart Hospital has the state’s only Post-COVID Pulmonary Rehab Program

What is broken heart syndrome?

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3625
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

Wilson Wong, MD

Dr. Wilson Wong is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease, with added qualifications in cardiac electrophysiology. A 1985 graduate of Nation Taiwan University College of Medicine, Dr. Wong went on to complete his internship and residency in internal medicine in 1988 at the National Taiwan University Hospital and its affiliated hospitals. He came to the United States for a fellowship in clinical pharmacology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he also completed fellowships in cardiology and clinical cardiac electrophysiology. Dr. Wong practiced for eight years as a cardiologist at Summers County Appalachian Regional Healthcare Hospital in Hinton, West Va.

Before coming to Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic, he held such positions as chief of the cardiopulmonary department, chairman of the ethics committee and chief of medical staff. Dr. Wong is involved in research, has had nearly two decades of teaching experiences and has authored several publications in leading medical journals. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of general cardiology, nuclear medicine, transthoracic and trans-esophageal echocardiography, fast cardiac CT angiography, cardiac catheterization, myocardial biopsy, cardiac arrhythmias, Head-Up Tilt Test electrophysiology study, radiofrequency catheter ablation, and pacemaker or defibrillator implantation and follow-up.

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3639
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

William Aimar Rollefson, MD

Dr. William A. Rollefson is a cardiologist board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. At Arkansas Heart, he leads the cardiac catheterization lab and interventional cardiology department. Dr. Rollefson is a founder of the structural heart program at Arkansas Heart Hospital and spearheaded radial access for both cardiac and peripheral interventions in Arkansas, training several hundred cardiologists from around the country in the technique. He is the Associate Interventional Fellowship Director for UAMS and a clinical professor of medicine.

A native of Little Rock, Dr. Rollefson graduated from Hendrix College in Conway before earning his medical degree with honors from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed his internship and residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. He completed his fellowship in cardiology at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he served for several years as director of cardiovascular interventions.

The recipient of numerous awards, including “Outstanding Staff Teacher” and “Outstanding Original Research,” Dr. Rollefson has been well recognized for his talents in medicine, teaching and research. In his spare time, he enjoys scuba diving, golf, and traveling with his family.

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3618
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

What patients are saying about Dr. Rollefson:

“Dr. William Rollefson is absolutely the best. Everyone should go to him if you’re worried about a loved one — he is the man.” 

 

Vijay Raja, MD

Dr. Vijay Raja is an interventional cardiologist who cares for patients with all forms of coronary, vascular and structural heart disease. His passions include treating patients with refractory symptoms, those needing acute interventions and patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Dr. Raja earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and then completed his medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He completed his post-graduate training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. In addition to patient care, Dr. Raja has a strong interest in health care management and earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Dallas during his cardiology fellowship.

Dr. Vijay Raja

He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, interventional cardiology, and vascular medicine. Dr. Raja is trained to treat all forms of cardiac or peripheral artery blockages including 100% occlusions as well as evaluate and treat a variety of structural heart diseases such as congenital heart defects (patent foramen ovale, atrial and ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus), perivalvular defects, alcohol septal ablations and transcatheter valve diseases.

He and his wife enjoy spending time together as a family and watching their three children grow up in Arkansas.

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 219-6461
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

What patients are saying about Dr. Raja:

“Dr. Raja is awesome. He makes me feel comfortable, which is hard to do. He’s very compassionate and explains everything so you can understand it.” 

“Thank you, Dr. Raja, for your great care! I don’t know what we would do without you.” 

“Dr. Raja is the best. He cares about you and your health.” 

“I have been a patient of Dr. Raja for about two years now, and I feel like he’s one of the best heart doctors that I’ve ever seen.” 

“Dr. Raja is definitely the best cardiologist.” 

 

Vasili Lendel, MD

Originally from Russia, Dr. Vasili Lendel moved to Nova Scotia in 2000 for a fellowship to study medicine. He completed his residency and cardiology and interventional cardiology fellowships at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in 2007. He then went into private practice at the Memphis Heart Clinic in Tennessee. Dr. Lendel joined Arkansas Heart Hospital in 2011. Dr. Lendel’s accomplishments include many medical and academic distinctions. He has participated in many medical research studies and has spent time volunteering in hospitals and nursing homes. He currently resides in Little Rock with his wife, who is an endocrinologist, and his two daughters.  Dr. Lendel’s personal interests include music, reading and athletics, especially soccer, hiking, running and fishing.

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3665
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

Get to know Dr. Lendel

Why did you decide to become a physician?

I always knew it was the only career for me. I decided to become a physician at five years old, and 44 years later my feelings remain the same.

What is the best aspect of your career? 

The best part of practicing medicine is the ability to help patients by improving their quality of life and relieving pain. I also greatly enjoy interacting with them and learning about their families, hobbies and interests, which helps me develop an individualized treatment plan to provide optimal care.

What patients are saying about Dr. Lendel:

“Dr. Lendel has been my heart doctor for over 10 years and he is the best. He truly cares for his patients and treats them like family. He is funny and down-to-earth. I highly recommend him to any and everyone.”

“We are eternally grateful to Dr. Lendel for the incredible care he provided for my father…he is the best.” 

“No doubt he and his team have kept me from having a heart attack.”

“He is the best! He has helped me have a few more quality years.” 

“This fine gentleman, doctor and friend has taken care of my husband and me for almost 10 years. We have trusted him with not only with our lives, but also our futures. He cares for his patients, and his one on one is a blessing to those of us who are anxious and/or afraid.”

“He has been my mom’s doctor for years and takes great care of her.” 

“So very grateful for Dr. Lendel and AHH.” 

Dr. Lendel in the news:

Health Matters: Doctors perform bypass without surgery