Jackson Hospital Adds Two Heart Specialists

Jackson Hospital has added two interventional cardiologists as part of its bid to rebuild and expand heart care in Montgomery and across central Alabama.

Dr. Atul Trivedi and Dr. Ashok Runkana have joined the hospital’s cardiovascular team. Both doctors treat a wide range of heart and blood vessel conditions.

The new hires are expected to add more appointment slots, cut wait times and give patients steady follow-up care from the same team. Jackson called the move part of its ongoing investment in doctors and key services for the River Region.

“We're proud to welcome Dr. Trivedi and Dr. Runkana to Jackson,” Jackson Hospital President and CEO John Quinlivan said in the hospital’s announcement. “They’re skilled, experienced physicians, and having them here means more families in Central Alabama can get expert heart care without traveling far. Growing our heart team is a priority, and this is a strong step forward for our patients and our community.”

The hospital publicly welcomed both doctors to its staff earlier this summer. Both are now listed among the providers at The Jackson Clinic’s cardiology practice.

Dr. Atul Trivedi

Trivedi has more than two decades of experience. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, vascular and endovascular medicine, and interventional cardiology.

His work has included heart catheterizations, coronary angiograms and stent procedures. He also has experience with echocardiograms, nuclear heart scans, coronary CT imaging and tests for artery and vein disease.

Trivedi has helped build programs that provide a fast response to ST-elevation myocardial infarctions, or STEMIs. These are severe heart attacks caused by a full blockage of blood flow to part of the heart.

At Piedmont Rockdale Medical Center in Georgia, he started and led a STEMI response program that grew to about 100 cases per year. The program earned a Silver award through the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program.

Before coming to Jackson, Trivedi directed the cardiac catheterization lab at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, North Carolina.

He completed his interventional cardiology training at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston. He earned his medical degree from the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, India.

“Jackson Hospital has a long history of caring for the hearts of people throughout Central Alabama, and I’m excited to be part of the team as we build on that foundation,” Trivedi said. “My goal is to bring my experience in both general and interventional cardiology to each patient while working closely with the entire Jackson team to provide thoughtful, coordinated care from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.”

Dr. Ashok Runkana

Runkana is an interventional cardiologist whose work centers on complex coronary, structural heart and vascular procedures.

He treats blocked heart arteries and performs valve procedures and heart closures that can lower the risk of stroke for some patients. His vascular work includes artery procedures and the removal of dangerous blood clots from the lungs and legs.

Runkana is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He is board certified in cardiovascular medicine and has added training in heart imaging, nuclear cardiology and cardiovascular CT.

He completed interventional and structural heart training at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, followed by more vascular training at Yale School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from Andhra Medical College in India.

Runkana has practiced in Montgomery in recent years and teaches in the internal medicine residency program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Jackson Hospital has also listed him as a member of its cardiology team.

“Montgomery has been my home, and I'm proud to bring my work to Jackson,” Runkana said. “The hospital’s commitment to rebuilding and expanding cardiovascular care is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference for patients throughout this region.”

Expanding Jackson’s heart program

The Jackson Hospital Heart Center has three cardiac catheterization labs for diagnostic, interventional and peripheral procedures. The center also includes open-heart operating rooms, a chest pain center and heart and intensive care units.

Jackson provides round-the-clock care for heart attack patients.

“The addition of two exceptional doctors is another tangible step in rebuilding Jackson Hospital’s cardiovascular capabilities and investing in the health of the people we serve,” Quinlivan said. “Dr. Trivedi and Dr. Runkana bring tremendous experience and expertise to Jackson, ensuring that patients across Central Alabama can continue to turn to Jackson for the cardiovascular care they need.”

Patients may schedule an appointment with either doctor by calling 334-264-9191. More information is available through Jackson Hospital and The Jackson Clinic.