Excellence drives everything Sarah Ahmad, MD, does as a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Francis Health in Monroe.
For Dr. Ahmad, providing world-class care isn’t just about mastering surgical techniques — it’s about creating an environment where patients feel supported, understood and confident in their care.
“Excellence in patient care isn’t just about what we do in the operating room,” she says.
This philosophy has transformed St. Francis into a regional leader in advanced heart and lung care, making high-quality treatments accessible to the Northeast Louisiana community.
From a Childhood Dream to a Lifelong Calling
Dr. Ahmad’s journey to becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon began early. Growing up in Pakistan, she was fascinated by the complexities of the human heart and inspired by its pivotal role in sustaining life.
“As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a heart surgeon,” she says. This early fascination laid the foundation for her innovative approaches to cardiothoracic surgery.
After graduating from Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan, Dr. Ahmad pursued her passion with determination. She completed her general surgery residency at Texas Tech University, followed by a cardiothoracic fellowship in Iowa. These experiences not only honed her skills but also reinforced her commitment to serving patients with compassion and precision.
When the opportunity arose to join St. Francis Health, Dr. Ahmad found herself drawn to the community and its shared mission of care.
“It’s the people who make this place special,” she says. “There’s a real sense of teamwork and commitment to providing the best care possible.”
Transforming Heart and Lung Care in Monroe
Dr. Ahmad performs a wide range of procedures, from coronary artery bypass grafting and valvular repairs to robotic-assisted thoracic surgeries. Her approach has allowed St. Francis to expand its offerings and address more complex cases.
“In the last two years, we’ve introduced left ventricular assist devices for heart failure patients,” she notes. “These devices have been life-changing for patients who might not have had such options before.”
Dr. Ahmad also specializes in minimally invasive procedures, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and mitral clip therapy for high-risk patients. These techniques are designed to improve outcomes and reduce recovery times.
“These procedures offer symptom relief and faster recovery times, which is crucial for improving quality of life,” she explains.
On the thoracic side, Dr. Ahmad has led the charge in robotic lung surgeries. Today, most lung procedures at St. Francis are minimally invasive.
“Robotics has completely transformed how we approach surgery,” she says. “The precision and dexterity it offers are unparalleled, especially when working around delicate structures. For patients, this means less pain, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays.”
Collaboration as the Key to Success
For Dr. Ahmad, exceptional care is a team effort. “What makes our work so exciting is the level of collaboration across disciplines,” she says.
The St. Francis team includes a wide range of specialists, from cardiologists and pulmonologists to oncology experts. Together, they work to streamline care and create personalized treatment plans for every patient.
“Our cardiac surgery nurses, surgical techs and rehabilitation specialists are hand-picked, highly trained and among the best in the field,” Dr. Ahmad says. “Their expertise ensures that every patient receives seamless care from start to finish.”
Bringing Innovation to a Smaller Community
One of Dr. Ahmad’s proudest achievements is bringing state-of-the-art surgical techniques and technology to Monroe.
“Staying at the forefront of surgical innovation is critical,” she explains. “I regularly attend workshops and training programs to learn new techniques and bring them back to St. Francis. Our hospital has been incredibly supportive in helping us adopt the latest technologies.”
Her efforts have ensured that patients in Northeast Louisiana don’t have to travel far for advanced heart care.
Partnering with Patients for Better Outcomes
Dr. Ahmad believes that successful outcomes rely on a partnership between doctors and patients.
“Our procedures aren’t standalone solutions,” she says. “Patients need to take an active role by following up with their cardiologist, being compliant with medications and making lifestyle changes.”
Her advice for maintaining heart and lung health is straightforward yet impactful: “Stay active, eat a healthy diet, control your blood pressure and cholesterol, and don’t smoke. These small changes can make a big difference.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Dr. Ahmad is excited about the future of cardiac care at St. Francis, particularly in expanding robotic-assisted surgeries.
“We’ve started minimally invasive cardiac procedures and hope to expand into robotic cardiac surgery,” she shares. “This will allow us to treat more patients who are high-risk or too frail for traditional surgeries.”
Her vision aligns with St. Francis’ commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. “Our goal is to keep pushing boundaries and finding new ways to improve patient care,” she says.
For Dr. Ahmad, every day is an opportunity to make a difference.
“We believe in serving the community by bringing state-of-the-art technology and specialized care to Northeast Louisiana,” she says. “Our patients deserve nothing less.”
