Nicholas James Varunok, MD

Dr. Varunok is an interventional cardiologist specializing in minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. He grew up in Poughkeepsie and graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School. He earned undergraduate and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He completed internship and residency training in internal medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. He completed Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship and Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Why should someone choose you to care for their health?
I am passionate about patient education and partnership with my patients in their care while using my training, expertise and the best available evidence to advise them on improving their health. My goal for patients is living in a way they find fulfilling and understanding how to maximize that.

What is the most important thing your patients should expect from their professional relationship with you? What do you expect from them?
My patients can expect honest communication and thorough explanation of reasons for medications, tests and procedures as well as what other options they have. I expect honest communication about their goals for treatment and any concerns they have with their health and care.

How do you spend your valuable personal time when you are not caring for patients?
I cherish time with my wife and daughter, family and friends, I like to play and watch golf and tennis and cheer on my NY sports teams (Mets, Knicks, Giants and Rangers) and my UNC Tar Heels.

Why did you choose your specialty and what is its greatest reward?
People often need procedures when they are sick, or we have failed to answer questions with non-invasive tests. I chose interventional cardiology for the great reward and responsibility of helping patients through that process so that they can feel better and live healthier meaningful lives.