Doctor Type: Doctor

J.D. Fuller, MD

Dr. Fuller is a native Arkansan. He graduated from Baylor University and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he obtained his M.D. degree. His surgical training took place at Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas. His specialties include general surgery with a sub-specialty in bariatric surgery. Dr. Fuller is licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board and board certified by the American Board of Surgery. Prior to joining Arkansas Heart Hospital, he worked with Arkansas Bariatric Surgery. He is a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons and American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. When he is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, traveling, flying, being outdoors, reading and starting new adventures.

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. Fuller:

“He is a fantastic, top-tier doctor with fabulous bedside manners.”

“He literally saved my life and gave me my life back – a life I never realized I was even missing out on.”

“Dr. Fuller was very professional with a great bedside manner. He explained everything in layman’s terms so that I could understand.”

“The best of the best! This man saved my life, literally! He is very personable, patient and was up front with us about my condition, keeping my husband informed as well. We highly recommend Dr. Fuller.”

“Dr. Fuller is the best doctor and surgeon. He’s companionate and caring.”

“Dr. Fuller is the best. I owe him my life! He’s a godsend! Thank you, Dr. Fuller, for everything!”

Dr. Fuller in the news:

Simple meals for post bariatric surgery

What is bariatric surgery, and how does it help meet health goals?

Greg Loyd, MD

Dr. Greg Loyd grew up in the Arkansas delta town of Lake Village. He graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi in 1979 and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine in 1983. He has maintained board certification in Family Medicine after completing his Family Medicine residency at the University of Oklahoma Tulsa Medical College. His professional practice experience includes Primary Care Medicine in Malvern and Greenwood Arkansas. He enjoyed his time as the volunteer team physician for the Greenwood High School football team for 15 years. More recently, his practice has been focused on Occupational Medicine and treating workplace injuries in Ft Smith and Russellville locations. Dr. Loyd currently serves as the Medical Director of the Strong Hearts Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation program in Russellville. He is excited about the challenges of making a healthy difference in the lifestyle of patients.

Peyton Card, MD

Dr. Peyton Card is an Arkansas native originally from Magnolia. He attended Louisiana Tech University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and then went on to attend medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where he also completed his residency in internal medicine. He is currently one of the medical providers at the Arkansas Heart Hospital Strong Hearts Rehabilitation Center.

Patients entrust their help to Dr. Card because of his down-to-earth personality and his attention to every aspect of their care, including forming an open and honest communication with them and their families.

When he is not at work he enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as pursuing hobbies such as golf, playing guitar, traveling, hunting and classic cars.

Make an appointment
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

What patients are saying about Dr. Card:

“Dr. Card is a very caring doctor. We are very lucky to have him.”

“Dr. Card is outstanding. He is amazing with his patients and overall a wonderful person.”

“Dr. Card is the best! AHH is lucky to have him.”

Dr. Card in the news:

Docs React: Dr. Card reacts to trending heart health online videos.

Dr. Card discusses how Arkansas Heart Hospital is helping patients overcome COVID complications 

Dr. Card discusses importance of getting a heart checkup before hunting season

Dr. Card talks the the importance of sunscreen on KATV

Should you get a flu shot? Q&A with Dr. Card

Dr. Card explains the importance of knowing your family medical history

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.

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 219-7281

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