After completing his residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiology, Dr. "Mo" Payvandi served on the faculty in cardiology from 1975-77. At that time, his wife received her PhD from UI's Department of English.

While working with St. Luke Hispital's cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery programs Dr. Payvandi decided to make Cedar Rapids his home and establish a cardiology program in the community. "The transition into private practice was very gradual since I had been working with hispital staff and community physicians on plans for the first catheterization lab months prior to our move," Dr. Payvandi said. "Launching the first catheterization lab at St. Luke's hospital and working with surgeons, Drs William Meffett and Wilson Strong, was exciting."

What began twenty-five years ago as a solo practice has blossomed into a highly integrated and comprehensive cardiovascular center. "Today, we have seventeen cardiologists representing all subspecialties of service. In addition, we have the new Nassif Heart Center at St. Luke's Hospital and the Katz Cardiovascular Center about to open at Mercy Medical Center," Dr. Payvandi said. "During the past twenty-five years, I have had the opportunity to shape the quality of cardiovascular care in our community. I have not only witnessed this medical evolution, but have been privileged to be a part of it. It has been an amazing process." The Payvandis have four children: Laila (22), Darius (20), Cyrus (17), and Alexander (14). Laila will receive a degree in biochemistry from Northwestern University in June 2002, and will attend medical school at UI.

Darius is completing his sophomore year at Loras College in Dubuque, while Cyrus and Alexander attend Washington High School. Kathie continues to teach as an adjunct and is a strong supporter of the arts in Cedar Rapids, most recently the Cedar Rapids Opera Theater.

As a family, the Payvandis enjoy combining learning with travel — in Italy, England, Puerto Rico, and right at home in Garnaville, Iowa. The Payvandis have family and friends visit them from around the world — just as they did during their "Iowa City days." These experiences have enriched their lives and expanded their children's perspectives.

As Dr. Payvandi said: "The University of Iowa has been an abiding friend to us through the years. My wife, Kathie, and I reflect with pride upon our years at UI. And since our daughter, Laila, will attend the College of Medicine at UI, we are most eager to reconnect with its life and spirit."

Contact Dr. Payvandi at:

United Heart Associates
855 A Ave. NE
Medical Plaza, Suite 130
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

(319) 368-5757; 1-800=892-8064
Fax: (319) 368-5747