Locations
Memorial Division of Cardiac Services
603 North Flamingo Road
Suite 255
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
954-276-0273
About Me
I am a general cardiologist at Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute. I care for patients with a wide variety of heart conditions, which can present and manifest differently for male and female patients. I am also interested in atherosclerotic heart disease (hardening of the arteries) prevention and preventing further events in patients who already suffer from this prevalent condition or are cancer survivors with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
I am certified in cardiology, echocardiography, nuclear imaging and clinical lipidology, which allows me to evaluate patients with genetic disorders that predispose them to cardiovascular disease at a young age.
I am not sure what first inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, but I feel as if it has always been my calling. Being a cardiologist is simply part of who I am as a person; I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I enjoy having the opportunity to help people make good choices regarding their health.
When meeting a new patient for the first time, I try to get to know them as a person, not just focus on their symptoms or health history. I want to have an idea of their personality and who they are, especially if the patient comes to establish care for a chronic condition and I will be taking care of them for a long period of time. I must understand how their health, condition and symptoms are impacting their life so that I can help them feel their best.
In addition to providing patient care, I also love staying current on the latest research, especially regarding lipid molecules and their relation to premature coronary artery disease. As new information and treatments become available, I want to be able to offer them to my patients.
I am certified in cardiology, echocardiography, nuclear imaging and clinical lipidology, which allows me to evaluate patients with genetic disorders that predispose them to cardiovascular disease at a young age.
I am not sure what first inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, but I feel as if it has always been my calling. Being a cardiologist is simply part of who I am as a person; I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I enjoy having the opportunity to help people make good choices regarding their health.
When meeting a new patient for the first time, I try to get to know them as a person, not just focus on their symptoms or health history. I want to have an idea of their personality and who they are, especially if the patient comes to establish care for a chronic condition and I will be taking care of them for a long period of time. I must understand how their health, condition and symptoms are impacting their life so that I can help them feel their best.
In addition to providing patient care, I also love staying current on the latest research, especially regarding lipid molecules and their relation to premature coronary artery disease. As new information and treatments become available, I want to be able to offer them to my patients.
Education
Education
Universidad Libre de Cali, 2005
Internships
University of Miami - Jackson Memorial Hospital, 2010, Internal Medicine
Residency
University of Miami - Jackson Memorial Hospital, 2012, Internal Medicine
Fellowships
University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital, 2015, Cardiovascular Disease
Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine-Cardiovascular Disease
Awards, Achievements, and More
Professional Organizations
- American College of Cardiology, Florida Chapter
- American College of Cardiology
- American Society of Preventive Cardiology
- National Lipid Association
- American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
- Women in Cardiology
- American College of Cardiology
Presentations
- Otalvaro L, Damluji A, Hawk C, Novoa I, Marzouka G, Al-Damluji M, Martinez CA. Baseline Physical Activity and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: Analysis from BARI2D Trial. 15-QCOR-A-376-AHA. Quality Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke; 2015, Orlando, FL.
- Otalvaro L, Villarraga H, Pellikka P, Kane G, Miller F, McCully R. Diastolic function in patients with a positive exercise stress echocardiogram. Circulation. 2011; 124: A14094, American Heart Association; 2011, Orlando, FL.
Awards
- ACC Early Career Legislative Conference Travel Award 2017 Legislative Conference, Washington D.C., 2017
- Finalist for the Women in Cardiology Trainee Award for Excellence Council on Clinical Cardiology, American Heart Association, 2015