OUR SURGEONS & STAFF

Dr. Gately has been performing heart and lung surgery at St. Vincent Medical Center for over 20 years. He has vast experience in all aspects of heart and lung surgery. Dr. Gately was educated at the University of Wisconsin and trained in cardiac surgery under world renowned heart surgeons Dr. Albert Starr and Dr. Michael DeBakey, two of the founders of techniques in heart valve and aortic surgery. He has held academic appointments at the OHSU medical school, published numerous research articles, and is an active member of multiple medical and surgical societies.

Dr. Gately lives with his wife and son in Portland. He loves spending time with his family. He is a fine food and wine enthusiast and a huge music fan.

Dr. Swanson has been performing heart and lung surgery at St. Vincent Medical Center for over 20 years. He is one of the most experienced heart surgeons on the entire west coast. Educated at Princeton and trained under Dr. Albert Starr and Dr. Alain Carpentier, two of the greatest names in the history of heart valve surgery, he is a nationally recognized expert in nearly all areas of cardiac surgery. He has held academic appointments at the OHSU medical school, published numerous research articles, is an active member of multiple medical and surgical societies, and is current Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at St. Vincent Heart and Vascular Institute.

Dr. Swanson lives with his wife in Portland. He loves spending time with his wife and four children. He is an avid fan of musicals and theater, and enjoys exploring Portland for its fine and unique restaurants.

Dr. Askew is a Portland native but trained in cardiothoracic surgery at the Harvard Medical School, Brigham Hospital program in Boston, Massachusetts. He brings his extensive experience from this world renowned cardiothoracic surgery center to the Northwest. He is experienced in all areas of heart and lung surgery and has special interest in minimally invasive approaches including minimally invasive heart valve surgery, videoscopic lung surgery and videoscopic surgery for heart arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation). He is a member of multiple medical and surgical societies and the recipient of multiple awards.

Dr. Askew lives in Portland with his wife. He enjoys outdoor adventure including snowboarding, camping and hiking. He is also an accomplished carpenter, furniture builder and auto mechanic. Dr. Askew has been involved with multiple philanthropic medical organizations and has performed surgery in Africa, Cambodia and Brazil.

Alec is our chief physician assistant. He works closely with our surgeons both in and out of the operating room. Alec trained at St. Louis University and has worked with our group for 20 years. He is expert at videoscopic vein harvest, a minimally invasive technique for removing a leg vein that is used for coronary bypass surgery. He is a surgical assistant in the operating room and helps manage patient care both before and after surgery. Alec’s clinical specialty interest is in critical care medicine.

Alec lives in Portland with his wife and two lovely daughters. He enjoys camping, biking, and hiking. He also likes cooking and grilling outside on summer days.

Graham is one of our physician assistants. He works closely with our surgeons both in and out of the operating room. Graham trained at the University of Washington and has 20 years experience assisting cardiothoracic surgeons. He is expert at videoscopic vein harvest, a minimally invasive technique for removing a leg vein that is used for coronary bypass surgery. He is a surgical assistant in the operating room and helps manage patient care both before and after surgery.

Graham lives with his wife in West Linn with their son and has two sons living and working in the Seattle area. He enjoys biking, skiing, hiking, golf, and restoring and driving his MG convertible.

Lisa is the newest member of our team. She recently graduated from Pacific University's Physician Assistant program with a Master's in Physician Assistant Studies. Lisa works closely with our surgeons both in and out of the operating room. She is a surgical assistant in the operating room and helps manage patient care both before and after surgery. She has trained in both videoscopic vein harvest, and radial artery harvest for coronary bypass surgery.

Lisa lives in Portland and enjoys cooking, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping and Crossfit.

Carol is our administrative assistant and an integral part of our team. She has worked with us for the past 12 years. Carol manages our office and is the point of contact for our patients. She will assist in making appointments, answering questions and giving instructions to patients as they prepare for surgery. She will also help arrange follow up appointments and answer billing and insurance questions.

Carol lives in Forest Grove with her husband and son and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, card making and reading.