The Stamford Hospital Ornish Team

Steven Horowitz, MD

Since he first arrived at Stamford Hospital in 2003, Dr. Horowitz envisioned a program that would not only offer state-of-the art care, but also would encourage a healthy lifestyle. This vision is supported by published evidence indicating that the increasing rates of survival for heart patients over the last 20 years are as much a result of lifestyle change, such as smoking cessation and becoming fit, as they are from technological innovations in cardiology. Serving as the hospital's Chief of Cardiology and Chair of the Advisory Council, Dr. Horowitz is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease.

"A one-size-fits-all approach to medicine is not the solution for many patients. While we need to be evidence-based in using the scientific data available to us as medical professionals, we cannot ever stop listening to our patients. We need to consider both technology and complementary techniques that are available so that we can present patients with the best possible plan of care." - Dr. Steven Horowitz

Kathleen Sanders, APRN, Integrative Nurse Practitioner

Kathleen enjoys teaching patients about well-studied healthcare modalities available to them that will improve their health and help them to feel better. She believes it is essential to work together as a team, meeting the patient where they are at physically, emotionally and spiritually to develop an effective plan to become as healthy as possible. S he will be coordinating the Dr. Dean O rnish Program for Reversing H eart Disease™.

"A healthy community is an important part of becoming and staying well. It is central to integrative medicine. Having the time to connect with patients, hear their story and work together to become as healthy as possible is unique. It is very exciting to be a part of this commitment within the Stamford Hospital community." - Kathleen Sanders, APRN

Lynda Mezansky, MS, Clinical Nutritionist

Lynda is the nutritionist for the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease at Stamford Hospital. Lynda is an expert in developing nutrition plans for patients with heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other health problems. Lynda provides nutrition counseling services, education, cooking demonstrations and food shopping tours at the Tully Health Center. Lynda also conducts pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation group nutrition classes. Lynda has a MS in Clinical Nutrition from New York University.

Laurel Carey, MS

Laurel Carey is the Group Support Leader for the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease at Stamford Hospital. Laurel has extensive experience in the field of cardiac psychology counseling patients and their families in cardiac rehabilitation. She was on the faculty of the Stamford Hospital Family Practice Residency where she taught residents and medical students for sixteen years. She has authored articles on cardiovascular risk reduction, crisis management and the psychosocial aspects of cardiac care.

Sara Beckert, MS Exercise Physiologist

Sara Beckert is the Exercise Physiologist for the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease at Stamford Hospital. Sara works with people all levels of fitness from those who have never exercised to athletes. Ms. Beckert also works at the Tully Health Center providing prescribed exercise for patients with pulmonary and heart disease. Sara has a passion for helping patients integrate fitness into their daily life. Sara has a Masters Degree in Exercise Science and is a member of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

Rita Trieger 

Rita Trieger is the Stress Management facilitator for the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Fit Yoga magazine, as well as the author of Yoga Heals Your Back (Fairwinds, 2005), and Tranquil Mind, a meditation/yoga CD. A nationally known and sought after yoga teacher, Rita is also a certified Advanced Relax and Renew (restorative yoga) teacher as well as a Reiki practitioner. She has taught yoga for many years at both the Health and Fitness Institute at the Tully Health Center, and the Bennett Cancer Center, and offers workshops and lectures in aromatherapy, meditation, and yoga therapy at both local and national levels. "It is an honor to have this incredible opportunity to help people open their hearts and minds to the healthful, healing practice of yoga, and reconnect with their limitless potential."

For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).