Healthcare Team

Dr. Zelalem Yilma, MD

I was born in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia in East Africa. It lies in the highlands of central Ethiopia and enjoys a nice temperate climate throughout most of the year.

I had my early education in Ethiopia and after graduating from high school, I went to Rome, Italy to pursue further education in medicine. From when I was little, it seems like I had always wanted to become a doctor to help and cure sick patients.

In 1990, in beautiful Rome, I graduated from medical school Cum Laude. I then came to the United States of America to pursue further training in Internal Medicine and specialize in Cardiovascular Diseases in New York.

After completing my training in New York, I moved to the Phoenix area in 1997 to start my career in cardiovascular medicine. I have enjoyed practicing and serving the East Valley communities since moving here. I have been fortunate to remain in the community where I can treat and follow my patients for a long period of time.

I started San Tan Cardiovascular Center in 2008 as the Medical Director where we have grown to better serve the three East Valley communities of Mesa, Gold Canyon and Chandler.

Hometown: Chandler, AZ

Medical School: University of Rome “La Sapienza” – Rome, Italy

Internship & Residency: Columbia University affiliated program, Harlem Hospital NY, New York

Board Certification: Cardiovascular Diseases; Interventional Cardiology

Could best be described as: Empathetic, caring, good listener, sensitive

Personal Interests: Gardening, reading, travel and history

Philosophy: I believe in offering my patients a compassionate and realistic approach to their healthcare needs, leading to a healthy lifestyle.

Professional Goals: To provide comprehensive, state of the art Cardiovascular and Internal Medicine services under one roof. This offers optimal and convenient care for all of our patient’s needs.

I wanted to practice medicine because…… My mother was a nurse for 50 years. I witnessed the dedication, strength, compassion and joy she experienced while taking care of patients. Her hard work was the inspiration to me and my family to help others.

Chung The Luc, FNP-C

I was born and raised in Vietnam. My family moved to Seattle, Washington, in 2002. We lived there for ten years, then settled in Gilbert, Arizona, from 2012 until now.

I completed my BSN and MSN at Chamberlain University. Before my current FNP position at San Tan Cardiovascular Center, I worked as an RN in the ED at Banner Baywood, Banner Gateway, and Dignity General Hospital.

Hometown: Gilbert, AZ

Medical School & Residency: Chamberlain University.

Board Certification: Registered Nursing (RN); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C)

Could best be described as: Happy, caring, thoughtful, an excellent listener, and professional.

Personal Interests: Gardening, exercising, outdoor activities, and exploring different cuisines.

Philosophy: Be kind and respectful to everyone without judging them. This creates a friendly and inclusive atmosphere for better results.

Professional Interests: Cardiovascular and family medicine.

I wanted to practice medicine because…… I always find it very interesting how the human body and medicines work. And I enjoy helping people in general.

Elena Carretta, FNP-C

I was born and raised in Russia. After I graduated from Chuvash State University with a Medical Doctorate Degree, I worked as a cardiologist at the local government clinic for 3 years.

In 2001, I immigrated to the United States and began my nursing education.

After graduating with my nursing degree, I worked for 10 years in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Banner Heart Hospital.

Wanting to expand my healthcare career, I decided to continue my nursing education. In 2015, I completed the Nurse Practitioner Master’s Program at Grand Canyon University.

Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

Education & Training: Chuvash State University; Grand Canyon University

Board Certifications: Registered Nursing (RN);Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C)

Could best be described as: Caring and thoughtful, compassionate, professional

Personal Interests: Spending quality time with family, traveling and reading

Philosophy: To treat every patient with compassion and respect, as I would a member of my own family

Professional Interests: Cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and preventative care

I wanted to practice medicine because…… I enjoy the science of medicine and caring for patients with multiple health factors

Christine Claybrook, FNP-C

I grew up in the cold state of Minnesota. After graduating from high school, I came to sunny Arizona to pursue a degree in nursing. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in 2017, I worked as a Registered Nurse for 10 years.

I joined San Tan Cardiovascular Center in 2017. I specialize in cardiology and work closely with Dr. Yilma. I have hospital privileges at Banner Baywood Hospital, Banner Heart Hospital, and Mountain Vista Medical Center.

I am married and have 3 children, Hunter, Colton, and Charlotte. They keep me busy with their sports schedules.

Hometown: Gilbert, AZ

Education & Training: Arizona State University;Grand Canyon University

Board Certification and Memberships: Registered Nursing (RN);Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C); American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

Could best be described as: Patient, attentive, caring, empathetic

Personal Interests: spending time watching my kids play sports, hiking, swimming, and traveling with my family.

Philosophy: Personal health is a team approach. I enjoy collaborating with patients to meet their healthcare needs.

Professional Goals: My passion is secondary disease prevention and patient education.

I wanted to practice medicine because……. I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. Through this profession I am able to care for patients across the lifespan, which gives me great pleasure.

Brittany Kormos, FNP-C

I have practiced cardiology at San Tan Cardiovascular Center since becoming an advanced nurse practitioner in 2012.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arizona State University in 2008. In 2012, I went on to earn my Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and Certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

I graduated with honors and am a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. I originally obtained my associates degree in nursing in 2001 and cared for cardiac and medical/surgical patients at local valley hospitals before advancing my degree.

I closely collaborate the management of patients with the particular interest of health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education. My goal is to partner with you and create a plan to optimize your health.

Hometown: Duluth, Minnesota

Education & Training: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arizona State University 2008; Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Phoenix 2012; Medtronic Endovenous Treatment of Incompetent Veins Disease

Certifications: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners – Family Nurse Practitioner

Hospital Privileges: Banner Heart Hospital, Banner Baywood Hospital and Mountain Vista Medical Center.

Professional Affiliations: American association of Nurse Practitioners, Cardiology Advanced Practice Providers

Could best be described as: Amiable, diligent, reliable, easygoing, fun and practical.

Personal Interests: Spending time with family and friends. Entertaining her children and chauffeuring them to their extracurricular activities. Tackling home improvement and DIY projects.

Philosophy: Treat your patients as you would want your family or yourself to be treated.

I wanted to practice medicine….To make a positive impact on patients and their families to live longer, happier and healthier lives.