Meet the Team

Providers

Our team consists of doctors who are experienced Cardiologists, and Advanced Practice Providers who are Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners, all committed to providing you with the highest quality care. Our physicians utilize the latest advancements in cardiovascular technology for diagnosing and treating cardiac conditions, and performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures.

Physicians

  • Dr. Surrender Raina, MD at Stockton Cardiology

    Surrender Raina, MD

    Stockton, San Andreas
      • Summary

        Dr. Raina joined Stockton Cardiology in 1977. Dr. Raina received his undergraduate degree from Government Medical College (M.B.B.S.) Kashmir, India. His postgraduate education and training included internship and residency in Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, Elmhurst Hospital. This was followed by his Fellowship in Cardiology at University of Pennsylvania for 2 years.

        Dr. Raina has been in cardiology (invasive and non-invasive) practice for over 40 years. He has extensive experience in complex cardiovascular intervention (heart), complex peripheral (leg) interventions, and carotid (neck artery) stent procedures.

        Dr. Raina was first to start the angioplasty program at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in 1984.

      • Locations

        Stockton, San Andreas

      • Hospitals

        Dameron Hospital – Stockton, CA, St. Joseph’s Medical Center – Stockton, CA

      • Certifications

        1975 – Certification in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine Board Eligible in Cardiology

      • Education

        Government Medical College (M.B.B.S.) Kashmir, India.

      • Residency

        Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, Elmhurst Hospital.

      • Fellowship

        Fellowship in Cardiology at University of Pennsylvania

      • Languages

        English, Hindi

  • Dr. David Lim, MD at Stockton Cardiology

    David Lim, MD

    Stockton, San Andreas
      • Summary

        Dr. Lim joined Stockton Cardiology Medical Group in 1993. He received his undergraduate degree from University of California, Berkeley and his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York. He completed his cardiology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Lim is a native Stocktonian and returned to Stockton to join us after completing his education. Dr. Lim is currently a member of San Joaquin Community Board.

      • Locations

        Stockton, San Andreas

      • Hospitals

        Dameron Hospital – Stockton, CA, Mark Twain Medical Center – San Andreas, CA

      • Certifications

        2007 – CVCTA Education – ACC level II Coronary CTA Certification
        2003 – Recertification in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine
        1993 – Certification in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine
        1989 – Certification in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine

      • Education

        Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York

      • Residency

        N/A

      • Fellowship

        Cardiology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco
        American College of Cardiology
        Professional Society Affiliations
        Fellow, American College of Cardiology

      • Languages

        English, Spanish

  • Dr. Rajiv Punjya, MD at Stockton Cardiology

    Rajiv Punjya, MD

    Manteca, Tracy
      • Summary

        Dr. Punjya joined Stockton Cardiology Medical Group in 1996. His office location is Tracy and Manteca. Dr. Punjya received his M.D. degree from Baroda Medical College, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, India. He completed his internship and residency at Wayne State University of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. His Interventional and Cardiology Fellowship was completed at Harper Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, in Detroit, Michigan.

      • Locations

        Manteca, Tracy

      • Hospitals

        Doctors Hospital of Manteca – Manteca, CA, St. Joseph’s Medical Center – Stockton, CA, Sutter Tracy Community Hospital – Tracy, CA

      • Certifications

        2007 – American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
        2006 – Cardiovascular Diseases, American Board of Internal Medicine
        2006 – Cardiovascular CT Mini – Fellowship: CT training and certification
        2005 – Certification in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal medicine
        1998 – Certification of Echocardiography
        1992 – Certification in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine
        1988 – Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
        1988 – FLEX Examination

      • Education

        Baroda Medical College, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, India

      • Residency

        Wayne State University of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan

      • Fellowship

        American College of Cardiology
        Interventional and Cardiology Fellowship – Harper Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI

      • Languages

        English, Hindi

  • Sanjeev Vaishampayan, MD at Stockton Cardiology

    Sanjeev Vaishampayan, MD

    Manteca, Tracy
      • Summary

        Dr. Vaishampayan joined Stockton Cardiology Medical Group in 2010. He received his undergraduate degree and medical education, respectively, from Kalamazoo College and Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Vaishampayan has been practicing clinical cardiology for over 15 years. His practice involves echocardiography, trans-esophageal echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiac catheterization, and pacemaker implantation. He relocated to California in July 2010 from his previous practice in Michigan, joining Stockton cardiology Medical Group.

      • Locations

        Manteca, Tracy

      • Hospitals

        Doctors Hospital of Manteca – Manteca, CA, St. Joseph’s Medical Center – Stockton, CA, Sutter Tracy Community Hospital – Tracy, CA

      • Certifications

        2010 – Fluoroscopy – California Department of Public Health
        2009 – Certified in Nuclear Cardiology
        2006 – Recertified in Cardiology
        2008 – Re-Certification Board of Echocardiography
        2001 – Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology
        1998 – Certified Board of Echocardiography
        1997 – Certified – American Board of Cardiology
        1992 – Certified – American Board of Internal Medicine

      • Education

        Wayne State University School of Medicine

      • Residency

        Internal Medicine at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University

      • Fellowship

        Cardiovascular Disease at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University

      • Languages

        English

  • Dr. Ajay Ramanakumar at Stockton Cardiology

    Ajay Toppur Ramanakumar, MD

    Stockton, San Andreas
      • Summary

        Dr. Ramanakumar joined Stockton Cardiology Medical Group in 2013. He is also chair of the cardiovascular division at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. He is committed to providing compassionate, evidence based cardiovascular care in a patient centered manner. He works closely with his patients and their family and actively involves them in the decision making process.

      • Locations

        Stockton, San Andreas

      • Hospitals

        Dameron Hospital – Stockton, CA, Mark Twain Medical Center – San Andreas, CA, St. Joseph’s Medical Center – Stockton, CA

      • Certifications

        Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease
        Board Certified in Internal Medicine
        Diplomate, Special Competence in Adult Echocardiography (ASCeXAM®)
        Diplomate, Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology
        Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation, ARDMS

      • Education

        American College of Cardiology
        Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions

      • Residency

        Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, PA
        Chief Resident, Dept. of Internal Medicine
        Categorical Resident, Dept. of Internal Medicine

      • Fellowship

        Saint Vincent Hospital, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA
        Interventional Cardiology Fellow
        Cardiovascular Medicine Fellow

      • Languages

        English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil

  • Dr. Ali Mirhosseini at Stockton Cardiology Tracy CA

    Ali Mirhosseini, MD

    Tracy
      • Summary

        Dr. Mirhosseini joined Stockton Cardiology Medical group in 2019. He completed medical school at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran and then finished his residency and fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital and Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago. He worked as a general cardiologist in Chicago for one year prior to joining us. He is interested in preventive cardiology, coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia and lipid management.

      • Locations

        Tracy

      • Hospitals

        Doctors Hospital of Manteca – Manteca, CA, Sutter Tracy Community Hospital – Tracy, CA

      • Certifications

        2018: Cardiovascular Disease by American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine
        2018: Echocardiography by American Society of Echocardiography
        2018: Board of Nuclear Cardiology
        2014: Internal Medicine by American Board of Internal Medicine

      • Education

        Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

      • Residency

        Mount Sinai Hospital and Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago

      • Fellowship

        American College of Cardiology

      • Languages

        English, Farsi(Persian)

  • Dr. Emani at Stockton Cardiology Manteca and Stockton, CA

    Venkata Emani, MD

    Stockton, Manteca
      • Summary

        Dr. Venkata Emani joined Stockton Cardiology in 2022. He is a board-certified interventional cardiologist who has been practicing in the San Joaquin Valley for over 22 years. Dr. Emani completed his fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at the University of Alabama, and a fellowship in Cardiology from the Medical College of Virginia.

      • Locations

        Stockton, Manteca

      • Hospitals

        Dameron Hospital – Stockton, CA, Doctors Hospital of Manteca – Manteca, CA, St. Joseph’s Medical Center – Stockton, CA, Sutter Tracy Community Hospital – Tracy, CA Doctors Medical Center – Modesto, CA

      • Certifications

        Interventional Cardiology, American Board of Internal Medicine
        Cardiovascular Disease, American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine
        Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

      • Education

        Andhra Medical College India

      • Residency

        University Of Illinois College Of Medicine

      • Fellowship

        Interventional Cardiology, University of Alabama
        Cardiology, Medical College of Virginia

      • Languages

        English, Punjabi, Hindi, Spanish

  • Dr. Glenmore Lasam at Stockton Cardiology Manteca, CA

    Glenmore Lasam, MD

    Manteca
      • Summary

        Dr. Lasam joined Stockton Cardiology Medical Group in 2022. His work experience includes roles as a Cardiology Registered Nurse, Hospitalist, and Medical Officer. He completed medical school at Cagayan State University. His fellowships included Cardiovascular Disease and Advanced Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging at Mount Sinai Health System and Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Morningside, New York, NY.

      • Locations

        Manteca

      • Hospitals

        Doctors Hospital of Manteca – Manteca, CA, Sutter Tracy Community Hospital – Tracy, CA

      • Certifications

        ARDMS Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation
        Certification Board of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
        Diplomate, Adult Comprehensive Echocardiography (National Board of Echocardiography)
        Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology

      • Education

        Cagayan State University

      • Residency

        Internal Medicine – Atlantic Health System Overlook Medical Center, an Affiliate of Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Summit, NJ
        Internal Medicine – University of the Philippines Philippine General Hospital and Medical Center, Manila, Philippines

      • Fellowship

        Cardiovascular Disease – Mount Sinai Health System and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Morningside, New York, NY
        Advanced Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging Fellowship – Mount Sinai Health System and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai West, New York, NY
        Cardiovascular Imaging Research – Atlantic Health System, Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Medical Center, an Affiliate of Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Morristown, NJ

      • Languages

        English, Ilocano, Tagalog

  • Dr Nadia Shaikh at Stockton Cardiology

    Nadia Shaikh, MD

    Stockton, San Andreas
      • Summary

        Dr. Shaikh joined Stockton Cardiology Medical Group in 2023. She is a graduate of Stanford University, and completed medical school at the University of Massachusetts. She completed Cardiovascular and Interventional Cardiology fellowships at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington MA, and residency in Internal Medicine at Brown University.

      • Locations

        Stockton, San Andreas

      • Hospitals

        Mark Twain Medical Center – San Andreas, CA, St. Joseph’s Medical Center – Stockton, CA

      • Certifications

        American Board of Internal Medicine
        American Board of Internal Medicine: Cardiovascular Diseases
        Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology
        Certification Board of Cardiovascular CT
        National Board of Echocardiography

      • Education

        University of Massachusetts

      • Residency

        Internal Medicine – Brown University

      • Fellowship

        Cardiovascular Medicine – Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington MA,
        Interventional Cardiology – Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington MA

      • Languages

        English

  • Dr. Baljit Dhesi, MD at Stockton Cardiology

    Baljit Dhesi, MD

    Lodi, Stockton
      • Summary

        Dr. Dhesi joined Stockton Cardiology in August 2025. A native of California’s San Joaquin Valley, he has proudly returned to the region to serve the community where he was raised.
         
        Dr. Dhesi earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of California, Davis, where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the UC Davis Medical Center. He went on to complete fellowships in General Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program, gaining comprehensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
         
        His return to Stockton reflects his strong commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate cardiovascular care to the Central Valley.

      • Locations

        Lodi, Stockton

      • Hospitals

        Dameron Hospital – Stockton, CA, St. Joseph’s Medical Center – Stockton, CA

      • Certifications

        American Board of Internal Medicine
        American Board of Internal Medicine: Cardiovascular Diseases
        Board Eligible for Interventional Cardiology
        Certification Board for Adult Echocardiography
        Certification Board for Nuclear Cardiology
        Certification Board for Fluoroscopy

      • Education

        UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento CA

      • Residency

        UC Davis Medical Center, Internal Medicine, Sacramento CA

      • Fellowship

        General Cardiology: UCSF Fresno Medical Campus, Fresno CA
        Interventional Cardiology: UCSF Fresno Medical Campus, Fresno CA

      • Languages

        English, Punjabi, Hindi

  • Dr. Richard Waters II

    🌺 In Loving Memory 🌺 of Richard Waters, MD

    Stockton, San Andreas

    Summary

    🌺 Dr. Richard Evereley Waters II 🌺
    August 14, 1971 – September 24, 2024

    We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Rip Waters, a skilled cardiologist and compassionate physician who served our community with distinction for nearly two decades. His commitment to providing outstanding patient care leaves a lasting impact on our practice and the countless lives he touched. Read about it in the Stockton Record

    Dr. Waters joined Stockton Cardiology Medical Group in 2005.
    He was a native of Stockton.

Advanced Practice Providers

  • Caroline Andersen PA-C at Stockton Cardiology

    Caroline
 Andersen, PA-C

    Stockton, San Andreas

    Summary

    Caroline Andersen is a dedicated healthcare professional and proud Stockton, CA native. After graduating from Lincoln High School, Caroline pursued higher education at the University of Pacific in Stockton, where she earned a bachelor’s degree. With a passion for medicine and patient care, she continued her studies at the University of California, Davis, where she earned qualifications to become a Physician Assistant.

    Since 2011, Caroline has been an integral part of Stockton Cardiology, applying her expertise to provide exceptional cardiovascular care. Her commitment to patient well-being combined with her medical knowledge allows her to make a meaningful impact on the lives of her patients. Whether working directly with patients or collaborating with medical teams, she strives to uphold the highest standards of compassionate, high-quality care.

    Outside of work, Caroline enjoys cultivating a thriving garden, finding joy in the natural beauty and relaxation that it brings.

    Locations

    Stockton, San Andreas

    Certifications

    Certified Physician Assistant (2011-present) – NCCPA

    Experience

    Physician Assistant Student (2009-11), San Joaquin General Hospital, French Camp, CA
    Medical Volunteer/Pharmacy Technician Volunteer (2007-11) Virgil Gianelli M.D. Free Medical Clinic, Stockton, CA

    Education

    Physician Assistant Certification (2011), FNPPA Program, University of California Davis, Sacramento
    Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Minor in Psychology (2009), University of the Pacific, Stockton

  • Thao Lai, FNP-C at Stockton Cardiology

    Thao Lai, FNP-C

    Stockton

    Summary

    Thao Lai is a certified Nurse Practitioner who joined Stockton Cardiology in 2022. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Samuel Merritt University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of California, Davis. She is committed to delivering culturally competent care and supporting patients from diverse backgrounds in achieving optimal heart health. Languages:
    Vietnamese

    Locations

    Stockton

    Certifications

    FNP-C – American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)

    Experience

    Registered Nurse, Sub-Acute Care, (2022) Roseville Care Center
    Urgent Care (2022) VA Medical Center, Martinez CA
    Primary Care (2021-22) Elica Health Center, Sacramento CA
    Primary Care (2021) CommuniCare, Woodland CA
    Cardiology (2021) Sutter North, Yuba CA

    Education

    MSN FNP (2019-22) at Samuel Merritt University, Sacramento, CA
    BS-Biochem (2012-2014) at UC Davis, Davis, CA

  • Samuela Fanua Jr., PA-C at Stockton Cardiology

    Samuela Fanua Jr., PA-C

    Manteca, Tracy

    Summary

    Samuela Fanua Jr. joined Stockton Cardiology in 2022, working in both the Manteca and Tracy offices. He is a compassionate Physician Assistant dedicated to managing cardiovascular conditions through evidence-based diagnostics and interventions. He believes in enhancing patient experiences through empathetic, culturally sensitive communication to build strong patient relationships with a focus on patient education. Languages:
    English, Spanish

    Locations

    Manteca, Tracy

    Certifications

    Certified Physician Assistant (2022 – present) – NCCPA
    Advanced Cardiac Life Support (2023 – present)
    Point of Care Ultrasound Fundamentals (2021 – present)
    Medication Assisted Treatment (2022 – present)

    Experience

    PA-C (2022-present) at Stockton Cardiology

    Education

    MS, Physician Asssistant (MSPA) 2022
    California State University, Monterey Bay
    Applied Exercise Sciences (2017) Azusa Pacific University

  • Chantalle Zavala, FNP-C at Stockton Cardiology

    Chantalle Zavala, FNP-C

    Stockton

    Summary

    Chantalle Zavala, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who joined us in 2024. She has over 15 years of experience in healthcare, including five years as a registered nurse and three years as a nurse practitioner. Chantalle brings a deep clinical foundation and a compassionate approach to patient care.
     
    Chantalle is licensed in Family Medicine and has chosen Cardiology as her specialty, driven by a strong passion for cardiovascular health and disease prevention. She is board-certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and holds certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS). She is also a member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
     
    Originally from Upstate New York, Chantalle relocated to California two years ago. She is committed to improving heart health in her community and making a meaningful difference in her patients’ lives through evidence-based care, education, and lasting relationships.

    Locations

    Stockton

    Certifications

    American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
    Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
    Registered Nurse – NY, CA
    Family Nurse Practitioner – NY

    Experience

    Adult Nurse Practitioner (2022-24) at Gardner Health Services – San Jose, CA
    Registered Nurse (2019-21) at St. Joseph’s Primary Care Center – Syracuse, NY
    Registered Nurse (2017-19) at St. Joseph’s Hospital Cardiac Vascular Unit – Syracuse, NY
    Technician (2012-17) at Cayuga Medical Center – Ithaca, NY

    Education

    Master’s Degree, Family Nurse Practitioner (2021) at Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY
    Bachelor’s Degree, Nursing (2017) at Elmira College, Elmira, NY

  • Armeghan Bagherpour PA-C at Stockton Cardiology

    Armeghan Bagherpour, PA-C

    Stockton

    Summary

    Armeghan Bagherpour is a Certified Physician Assistant who joined us in 2024. She over five years of experience in cardiology. She graduated from the University of the Pacific in 2019 with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies. She holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Iran. Her background combines clinical expertise from both international and U.S. healthcare systems, allowing her to approach patient care with a well-rounded and culturally sensitive perspective.

    I’m passionate about cardiology and committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-based care while building strong relationships with my patients and colleagues. – Sincerely, Armeghan

    Locations

    Stockton

    Certifications

    Physician Assistant Board of CA (PAB)
    American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
    California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA)

    Experience

    PA-C (2021-24) at Elk Grove Cardiology / Methodist Hospital – Elk Grove, CA
    Cardiology PA-C (2020 – 2021) at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial Hospital
    Family practice PA-C (2019-20) at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial Hospital
    Medical Doctor (2006-09) at Alian Iran Urgent Care,

    Education

    Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (2017-19) at University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California
    Doctor of Medicine (MD) (1998-2006) at Ardabil Medical University, Iran