Dr. Ziad Issa Interviewed on NPR Program
May 15, 2025
Click here to listen to the full on-air interview
In an interview with NPR Illinois on the popular “Community Voices” program, Dr. Ziad Issa, Executive Director of Prairie Cardiovascular, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of excellence and perfectionism in patient care. He noted the health care field is constantly evolving, and maintaining high standards is crucial for patient safety and quality care. He also discussed the implementation of advanced technologies and continuous education to support this culture within the organization.
Dr. Issa aims to elevate Prairie Cardiovascular from a Midwestern leader to a national destination for premier cardiac care, since the medical group serving central and southern Illinois includes a diversity of expert cardiologists striving for perfect patient care.
He also shared his personal journey to Springfield, Illinois, from his native country of Jordan through the recommendation and encouragement to join Prairie Cardiovascular by his mentor at Indiana University, where he was studying cardiac electrophysiology. He noted he and his family immediately felt at home among Springfield’s “kind to the core” residents upon their arrival in 2005.
That was the beginning of a 20-year tenure at Prairie, resulting in his appointment as Executive Medical Director in September 2024.
Dr. Issa also shared his philosophy on delivering care to his patients. “Good is never good enough at Prairie,” he said. “And the clues that hold the keys to the right treatment comes from listening to the patient,” he added.
In an interview with NPR Illinois on the popular “Community Voices” program, Dr. Ziad Issa, Executive Director of Prairie Cardiovascular, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of excellence and perfectionism in patient care. He noted the health care field is constantly evolving, and maintaining high standards is crucial for patient safety and quality care. He also discussed the implementation of advanced technologies and continuous education to support this culture within the organization.
Dr. Issa aims to elevate Prairie Cardiovascular from a Midwestern leader to a national destination for premier cardiac care, since the medical group serving central and southern Illinois includes a diversity of expert cardiologists striving for perfect patient care.
He also shared his personal journey to Springfield, Illinois, from his native country of Jordan through the recommendation and encouragement to join Prairie Cardiovascular by his mentor at Indiana University, where he was studying cardiac electrophysiology. He noted he and his family immediately felt at home among Springfield’s “kind to the core” residents upon their arrival in 2005.
That was the beginning of a 20-year tenure at Prairie, resulting in his appointment as Executive Medical Director in September 2024.
Dr. Issa also shared his philosophy on delivering care to his patients. “Good is never good enough at Prairie,” he said. “And the clues that hold the keys to the right treatment comes from listening to the patient,” he added.
