What's New & News :: (continued)

Cardiologists Relocate Practice From Dallas.

"We wanted to get established on the west side first, since three of the major hospitals are so close here," explained Assi. "Then we will expand to full services for the east side, where so much of the residential growth and patient demand stems."

Their 3100 sq. ft. suite in Sierra Towers at 1700 Curie Drive #3400, which was completely remodeled and renovated, was chosen for its quick freeway access, proximity to three major hospitals and convenience for patients. "We could have taken our practice anywhere in the nation," said DeLuca. "But we chose El Paso. It's got so many advantages for people. Everyone we spoke to said how it was a great place to raise a family."

Strong family-oriented men, each married with three children, they stress the quality of life issues available in El Paso that didn't exist in Dallas. "I've spent more time in the last two months playing with my kids outside than I did in all of the last three years in Dallas," said Assi, an El Paso native who was voted by the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce as a 1990 Youth of the Month.

In lieu of the crowds, commutes, humidity, mosquitoes and expensive living, Assi knew he wanted to move back to West Texas. It didn't take long to convince Houston-raised DeLuca, either.

"One visit and he was hooked," said Assi.

"It's true. I loved it," said DeLuca. "The mountains, the culture, the fabulous weather. The outdoor recreational options are almost endless. We both felt we had an incredible opportunity here personally and professionally."

"Dallas is so large, congested and saturated with cardiology services," said Assi, who said two hour commutes from the office to his home were not uncommon. "As much as we enjoyed working with our colleagues and patients there, we recognized we could make a much bigger difference in an area with greater need for our expertise. "

He noted the very low ratio of cardiologists in El Paso in relation to the patient pool and the hundreds of thousands of people who come from Mexico to El Paso for their healthcare. Other benefits he cited include the general lack of managed care, the proximity of hospitals, the established high quality of medicine and health care already practiced here, affordable real estate and a lower cost of living.

"El Paso is large enough to support our field," said DeLuca, "yet there's a small town feel that is so appealing: people are friendly and the cultural diversity is very exciting."

Assi, who is now El Paso's youngest cardiologist at 35, received extensive national training before working in private practice for several years with DeLuca. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology, Assi graduated with a B.S. from Baylor University-Waco and received his medical degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center-Fort Worth. He finished his residency at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio, and completed his fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at Texas A&M-Scott & White in Temple.

DeLuca, whom Assi met during their fellowship and later practiced with in Dallas, holds board certifications in Internal Medicine and Cardiology as well as medical licenses in Texas, Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania and Florida. He graduated with a B.A. from the University of North Texas State-Denton and received his medical degree from St. Georges University School of Medicine - Grenada, West Indies after completing two years of Basic Science Training at Semmelweis University of Medicine in Budapest, Hungary and two years of Clinical training in London England. He completed his Internal medicine residency and chief residency year at Hahneman University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Scott and White Hospital/Texas A&M University was the location of his Cardiology Fellowship and interventional cardiology Fellowship.

As extensively experienced, university hospital-trained heart procedure specialists-both are trained in echocardiography (ultrasound), nuclear medicine (multi-slice CT scans) and interventional cardiology (angiograms, balloons, stents)--the physicians are able to identify heart disease and/or damage as well as the patient's likelihood or predisposition. Together, they work to develop treatment plans and maintenance options along with pharmaceutical recommendations and lifestyle alterations to help patients live as long and productively as possible.

Although most of their patients are aged 50 to 80, there is a significant growing trend toward heart disease in younger people who are experiencing abnormal heartbeats, shortness of breath and other symptoms potentially representative of coronary disease and artery blockages. With technological advancements in screenings and tests, physicians can detect potential problems and help prevent further damage.

In addition to younger patients, cardiologists are seeing many more women.

"For years, women with heart disease were considered the exception," said DeLuca. "They're not. Their symptoms were written off as nervous conditions or panic attacks. Studies are really supporting what physicians have been seeing for years. Although women experience pain and symptom patterns very differently than men, their conditions are just as serious. As a result, cardiology has refocused on women and their heart disease with specific treatment regimens and protocols that take these differences into account."

While most relocating physicians leave their staffs behind, Assi and DeLuca invited theirs to join them in El Paso.

"They're not only employees, but more like family members, and we wanted any who were able to come and join us," said Assi.

"We flew them out and they loved the area," said DeLuca, referring to their nurse and administrative account services person. "We hated to lose their talents and skills. Knowing they'll be here with us makes the transition so much smoother," he said.

Assi and DeLuca's departure from Dallas was difficult not only for their patients, but for colleagues and hospital employees they worked with for years.

"Patients...talk to them about anything"

"These cardiologists are so approachable," said Chris Brown, an R.N. in the intensive care unit of Trinity Medical Center. He worked with Assi and DeLuca for three years. "Patients and staffers could talk to them about anything and they would explain things in easy to understand terms. They are so personable, with a wonderful, patient and knowledgeable bedside manner. I really enjoyed being with them, not just as professionals, but as people. We were friends and I was fortunate to get to know them outside of a medical care setting as well.

"I was very sad to see them go. It's a great loss for Dallas, but El Paso is very lucky to have two such special, experienced and caring physicians." It's this personable, patient-first medical philosophy-a clinical, hands-on approach that stresses open communications and listening--that Assi and DeLuca combine with in-house technological advancements to create the best experience and most positive outcomes for their patients.

"Our patients' time is every bit as valuable as our own," said Assi. "We do everything possible to minimize the time spent waiting, but while they do, it'll feel like they're in their own living rooms." From the leather easy chairs and sofa sectionals to tapestry armchairs designed for superior comfort, the furnishings make it easy for patients to relax and still stand back up with minimal effort.

To expedite data maintenance and further minimize wait times, every patient room will be equipped with a computer for complete instant electronic medical records management.

"All these things help us to spend as much time as possible with the patient, to educate them about their conditions and options. It's amazing how many patients are out there who have had heart disease for ten or twenty years, and they have no idea what specifically is wrong with them. We strive to educate patients, to ask questions and keep them apprised of everything related to their care. Most importantly, we listen. We can learn as much from them as they can from us."

Assi's parents continue to reside in the house where he was raised on the west side, amid renowned gardens profiled on local television. His father, a retired dry good salesperson, lived in Mexico City and Chihuahua before moving to El Paso more than 50 years ago.

DeLuca's in-laws, who have visited El Paso from Kingwood, are seriously considering moving to the Sun City.

"The climate, the people, the culture," said DeLuca. "Living here is ideal."