Heart & Vascular Care

Tanya Eckhardt says she’s known that she wanted to work in healthcare since she was little.
“My dad was a first responder, so I grew up in that environment. I loved seeing him helping people and I knew this is what I was meant to do.”
Tanya earned her undergraduate degree from Washburn University and graduated from Walden University with a Master of Science in Nursing. She worked as an ICU nurse for 10 years before transitioning to cardiac care.
“I took care of a lot of cardiology patients in the ICU and know that it can be really scary to get a new diagnosis, especially when it’s concerning your heart. I want patients to know that our whole team is here to support you.”

Aaron Doonan, MD, earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Washburn University and his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the Cleveland Clinic and cardiology training at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Doonan is a member of the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions.

“During high school when I was working on a project about my future career, my father recommended that I look into being a doctor. It was a good recommendation, given where I am today.”

Doonan decided to become a cardiologist because he wanted to be part of hands-on interventions. He has a special interest in complex coronary artery disease and cardiogenic shock.

“There is something special about being a part of a patient’s recovery. It’s an amazing feeling to get to watch them interact with their family and do what they love.”

Thomas Kurian, MD, FACC, earned his medical degree from Seth G.S. Medical College & King Edward Memorial Hospital in Bombay, India. He completed his residency in internal medicine and completed an adult cardiology fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. He also completed an interventional cardiology fellowship and a nuclear cardiology preceptorship.
Dr. Kurian wants his patients to know that he will work hard to find answers, research and treatments for his patients to have an accurate diagnosis and give proper care.
He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology. Dr. Kurian is an active fellow of the American College of Cardiology and in his free time, he enjoys being with family, flying kites and being active outdoors.

Ashley J. Lauer, APRN, graduated from the University of Texas with her undergraduate degree in nursing and master of science in nursing. She is a certified advanced practice nurse practitioner and a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.
Growing up, Lauer had family in the medical field. Following in their footsteps, she began her career as a certified nursing assistant in high school. After receiving her nursing degree, she wanted to be more involved in her patients' care. This led her to becoming an APRN, focusing on palliative and cardiovascular care.
“I love working in cardiovascular because your heart is the engine of your body,” said Lauer.
Lauer enjoys learning who her patients are on a personal level, which allows her to provide individualized care.
“I enjoy sitting down with the families and patients and having a conversation about what their true meaning of life is, what their goals are and then helping them have better days,” she said.

“I was drawn toward cardiac nursing and worked in the cardiac ICU for a long time. I found that heart health impacts everyone and you can see that people improve when you help them with their heart health.”
Charis Grosdidier earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Kansas School of Nursing. She’s been a member of the team at the LMH Health Heart Center since 2021.
“I want patients to know that it’s never too late to start taking care of your health. Make sure to talk with your healthcare providers so they can help you meet your goals and live with the best quality of life you can.”

Dr. Christina Salazar is a Lawrence native. After earning her medical degree from the University of Kansas, she completed her internship and residency training in internal medicine at Ohio State University followed by a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine. She is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology. 

"I want patients to know that when they walk into our office, we know they’re nervous and worried. My job is to give them the education they need and to help ease their concerns. It’s my job to do the worrying."
Dr. Darcy Conaway earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at KU Medical Center. She completed a research fellowship in cardiology outcomes, followed by additional fellowships in cardiology and nuclear cardiology. 
"If I could tell my patients anything, it would be to listen to their body. If they don’t feel right, they know that. And if they feel the need to be checked out, they should be. That’s what we’re here for."

"I enjoy taking care of patients and seeing them year after year with a new problem, helping them through it and seeing they got better. It's such a rewarding thing being able to take care of patients - it's an honor and privilege."
Dr. Guastello attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City and earned her medical degree in 2006. She completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Michigan and a cardiovascular fellowship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, training at St. Luke's Hospital. She is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology. 
"We're a small town community that looks after each other and I want patients to feel that when they walk into my office. "We trust each other. They know my front staff, my nurse and we know each other by name."

“I don’t think you can go anywhere and get better care from the cardiologists and the nurses and technicians than you can at the LMH Health Heart Center. Most of us have quite a few years of experience, but most of my partners don’t have as much grey hair as I do,” Dr. Michael Zabel says with a smile.
Dr. Zabel earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine, and completed his residency and fellowship training in cardiology at Duke University. 
“I enjoy treating heart failure patients, those with ischemic heart disease and valvular heart disease, which we’re seeing more of because it tends to be age-related,” he said. “I want my patients to know not to worry too much about this. We can treat almost everything.”
Dr. Zabel is a Fellow of the American Society of Echocardiography and is board certified in cardiovascular disease. 

Lauren Perez began her healthcare career as a Junior Volunteer at LMH Health. She went on to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in nursing from the University of Kansas. Her focus during graduate school was as a primary care nurse practitioner specializing in adult and gerontology care.
“I was hired as a nurse on the 2-East/ICU unit after graduation and worked full time for several years,” she said. “After I finished graduate school in 2014, I began working at the Internal Medicine Group (now LMH Health Primary Care-6th and Folks Road) as a nurse practitioner.”
Working in primary care gave Perez a great foundation, but she knew she’d eventually like to work in cardiology. When a position opened at the LMH Health Heart Center in 2018, she jumped at the chance.
“I enjoy working with heart failure patients,” she said. “They’re complex and I get to know them as I see them back so often. It’s my goal to get my patients feeling their very best.” 

Dr. Richard Arnspiger is a board-certified vascular surgeon with more than 40 years of experience treating patients with blood vessel conditions. Dr. Arnspiger completed a fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his residency at St. Luke's Hospital of Kansas City.

He is passionate about providing personalized care to each patient, taking the time to explain treatment options and answer questions. His approach combines the latest surgical techniques with compassionate patient care.