UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital has expanded its cardio-pulmonary program by adding two new cardiologists to its staff. The hospital aims to improve access to specialized heart care for patients in Chenango County and the surrounding region.
Dr. Joseph Petro and Dr. Ifrah Abdirahman have joined UHS Cardiology Norwich, bringing advanced training in treating heart disease, which is a common chronic condition in the area.
“Heart disease is very prevalent in our area,” said Dr. Thomas Genese, Chief Medical Officer at UHS Chenago Memorial. “The key to being able to successfully manage it is through access to care.”
Genese noted that the hospital already benefits from two established cardiology nurse practitioners, Sue Button and Fawn Mumbulo. With the addition of Dr. Petro and Dr. Abdirahman, he said the hospital will be able to expand both basic and advanced cardiology services for inpatient and outpatient care.
Dr. Petro, a Broome County native, received his medical degree from St. Georges University School of Medicine in Grenada, completed his residency at Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey, and finished his cardiology fellowship at UHS Willson Medical Center in Johnson City.
“Dr. Petro’s return home to the Southern Tier illustrates his commitment to rural medicine, and we’re very excited to welcome him to the Chenango County community we serve,” Genese said.
Dr. Abdirahman was raised in Canada and earned her medical degree at the DeGroote School of Medicine in Ottawa. She trained in internal medicine at The Ottawa Hospital and completed a cardiology fellowship at Queen’s University’s Kingston General Hospital. She also pursued post-doctoral training at Baylor University Medical Center and St. Luke’s Medical Center.
In addition to her medical qualifications, Dr. Abdirahman holds a master’s degree in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Ottawa as well as a dual Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration from John Hopkins University.
Her areas of expertise include advanced heart failure, transplant cardiology, and pulmonary hypertension.
“Heart failure is one of the most common and serious chronic conditions we treat,” Genese said. “Having a physician with specialized training in advanced heart failure will have a meaningful impact on the care we provide to patients in more advanced stages of the disease.”
Dr. Abdirahman also has personal ties to UHS Chenango Memorial; her aunt, Dr. Nadifa Ali, served as a family medicine provider there until retiring in 2023.
According to Cecil Miller, President and CEO of UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, these additions strengthen Norwich hospital’s ability to provide expert care locally.
“This is yet another example of UHS Chenango Memorial’s commitment to enhancing its mission of providing comprehensive, compassionate care to the people of Chenango County and beyond,” Miller said.
Patients can schedule appointments with UHS Cardiology Norwich by calling (607) 337-4215.
UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital operates as part of United Health Services—a not-for-profit healthcare system with 916 beds across more than 40 locations throughout New York’s Southern Tier.
