Dr. James Kase is a cardiothoracic surgeon who leads the expanded heart program at Blessing Heart and Vascular Center. He was interested in veterinary medicine as a student but chose to attend medical school instead. Dr. Kase treats each patient with medical expertise, compassion, and a desire to see them return to better health. Under his leadership, the heart program has allowed cardiac patients in the region to receive lifesaving care close to home rather than traveling far from the area.

1. James Kase, M.D.
As a high school student, Jim Kase knew he wanted
to be a doctor – a doctor of veterinary medicine. But,
he was more interested in people than in animals
and turned his attention to medical school. He says
he was drawn to cardiothoracic surgery because of
the variety of diseases and conditions of the heart
and lungs, the specialized surgical techniques and
the challenges of caring for patients in a critical care
setting.
Dr. Kase led the development of the expanded heart
program of the Blessing Heart and Vascular Center
in 2004. Prior to his arrival, cardiac patients had to
leave the tri-state area, many by helicopter, in order to
receive lifesaving heart care. Today, the helicopter is
bringing patients to Blessing.
Dr. Kase treats every patient as if they were members
of his own family – extending not just his medical
expertise and skills, but also compassion and a
personal desire to see them return to better health.
He knows each patient by name and says the greatest
reward of his work is seeing his patients enjoying
healthier lives.
A member of The Blessing Health System
FOCUS: Non-Invasive Cardiology
SPECIAL INTEREST: Heart and lung surgery;
Pacemakers and Internal
Defibrillators; Valve
replacement and repair;
bypass grafting; carotid artery
procedures, placement of
central lines, dialysis access
and feeding tubes.
MEDICAL EDUCATION: Medical College of
Pennsylvania
RESIDENCY: General surgery: Medical
College of Pennsylvania
Cardiothoracic surgery:
Allegheny General Hospital
in Pittsburgh, PA
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic
Surgery
“The greatest reward of
my work is seeing patients
enjoying healthier lives.”
927 Broadway • Suite 205 • 217.277.8960
blessinghealthsystem.org
Cardiothoracic
Surgery