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Cardiothoracic Surgery : STF Heart Team

Paul K. Davis, MD, a third-generation surgeon, was the first physician in the Philadelphia area to perform the revolutionary beating heart surgery. He has performed over 3,500 open-heart cases in his 17-year career, specializing in off-pump cardiac surgery, mitral valve repair and complex aortic reconstructions. Dr. Davis is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Surgeons, the Society of Thoracic Surgery, Delaware Medical Society, Philadelphia Academy of Surgery, and the Pennsylvania Association for Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Davis is also a member of the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs and American College of Angiology. A graduate of Franklin and Marshall College, and Jefferson Medical College, he completed his residency and postdoctoral fellowships (Artificial Organs, Cardiothoracic Surgery) at Pennsylvania State University. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. An avid martial artist, Dr. Davis holds a second-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.

Cardiothoracic Physician Assistants

Carlos R. Ortega, PA-C, Chief Physician Assistant, is responsible for the pre- and post-operative management of cardiac patients, including ICU, step-down and telemetry management. He assists with radial artery harvesting and endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting in the Operating Room. Carlos holds a Master of Science-Physician Assistant from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Health Related Professions, Physician Assistant Program. He also holds a Graduate Degree in Immunology Studies from West Chester University and a Bachelor of Science from Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA. Carlos has also worked in cardiac care at hospitals in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Mindy Haenn, PA-C, Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant, graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She obtained her Physician Assistant Certification from Philadelphia University. Mindy is a captain in the United States Army Reserves and served 18 months in Operation Eagle. At St. Francis she is a first assistant during cardiothoracic cases as well as radial artery harvesting and endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting. In addition, she is responsible for pre- and post-operative management of cardiac surgery patients. 

Nancy Luxa-LeBlanc, PA-C, Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant, started her career working as a certified critical care nurse (CCRN). She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Manitoba. She continued her education and received her Physician Assistant Degree specializing in Cardiothoracic Surgery from Cornell Medical College. Nancy assists with cardiac surgery and endoscopic vein harvesting in the operating room. She manages pre- and post-operative cardiac patients. Nancy has worked in cardiac care at hospitals in Pennsylvania, New York and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Certified Clinical Perfusionists (CCP)

Robert R. Miller II, BS, Chief CCP, graduated from Hahnemann University with a Bachelor of Science Degree and Certificate in Cardiovascular Perfusion Technology in 1997. He worked at several Philadelphia-area hospitals including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University Hospital before joining St. Francis. Rob has been a part of the St. Francis Cardiac Te since its inception and brings an extensive ount of perfusion experience and skill to the OR.

Jennifer LaBossiere, BS, CCP, graduated from Howard Community College in Columbia, MD, in 1998 and 1999 with degrees in General Studies, Pre-Allied Health, and a Certificate of Proficiency in Cardiac Monitoring and Analysis. She continued her health care education at Hahnemann University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Certificate in Cardiovascular Perfusion Technology in 2000. Jennifer left Temple University Hospital and joined St. Francis shortly after the program opened. Working with the Cardiac Te at St. Francis has allowed her to experience the special relationship held between people who share a compassion for their work.

Certified Operating Room Nurses (CNOR)

Donna M. Mavrelos, RN, BSEd., RNFA, CNOR, Reiki Master, graduated in 1974 from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education, Spanish. She taught Spanish at Conestoga Senior High, Berwyn, PA, and attended Delaware County Community College, receiving an Associate Degree in Nursing. She began a career in the Operating Room in 1984, specializing in Cardiac Surgery in 1988. Donna is dedicating her career to the advancement of the care of the cardiac surgical patient. She incorporates reiki therapy as a treatment modality in the Cardiac Operating Room, where the nursing care is individualized, patient focused and personal.

Schimm Gangloff, RN, CNOR, is a cardiac operating room nurse of almost 40 years, except for a seven-year window as a nurse practitioner on Smith Island. She graduated from nursing school in Australia and continued her education in the United States at the University of Maryland and York College. Schimm has worked as a member of the St. Francis Cardiac Te for two years where she prides herself by giving comprehensive spiritual, emotional, physical and nutritional care to patients and their families. 
Janet Stack, RN, CNOR, is a graduate of Delaware County Community College with an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology, and an Associate Degree in Nursing. She is a certified operating room nurse and has been a member of the Heart Te since its conception. She ce to St. Francis from Chester County Hospital’s Cardiac OR Te. Janet is a reiki master and enjoys the te’s personalized holistic approach to health and healing they offer their patients and families.

Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner

Mary Ellen Kopp, RN, MS, CCRN, APN, Nurse Practitioner, is responsible for pre- and post-operative management of cardiothoracic surgery patients. Mary Ellen evaluates new patients requiring cardiac or thoracic surgery, and manages patients after surgery. Mary Ellen has a Masters Degree in Cardiopulmonary Nursing from the University of Delaware. She also holds a post-masters certificate as an adult nurse practitioner and is certified as an acute care nurse practitioner. Mary Ellen is a basic life support and advanced cardiac life support instructor, and is a certified critical care nurse. Mary Ellen has over 20 years caring for cardiothoracic patients.