The Cardiovascular Care Group

06/15/2026

Monday Meetup Spotlight: Bijal Parmar, PA-C

This week, we're excited to feature Bijal Parmar, PA-C, one of the newest members of The Cardiovascular Care Group team.

Bijal joined TCVCG in 2025 and brings extensive experience in vascular surgery and interventional radiology.

Throughout her career, she has assisted in complex open and minimally invasive vascular procedures, including aneurysm repair, bypass surgery, carotid interventions, and dialysis access procedures. Prior to joining our practice, she served patients at several leading healthcare institutions, including Loyola University Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and Endeavor Health Northwest Community Hospital.

Inspired by a desire to live a life of service and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, Bijal is passionate about providing compassionate care and supporting patients through some of their most challenging medical journeys.

Bijal supports the Vascular Clinic at RWJ University Hospital Somerset.

06/11/2026

🩺 What exactly happens during The Care Screen?
In just one 30-minute visit, you'll receive four important vascular screenings designed to help identify potential issues before symptoms appear.
✅ Carotid Artery Screening
A painless ultrasound that checks for plaque buildup in the arteries supplying blood to your brain, helping assess stroke risk.
✅ Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
An ultrasound that evaluates your aorta for dangerous enlargements that can develop silently over time.
✅ Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Screening
A simple Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test that measures blood flow to your legs and can detect circulation problems early.
✅ Blood Pressure Check
A vital assessment that can identify high or low blood pressure before complications arise.
The best part? All four tests are:
✔ Non-invasive
✔ Painless
✔ Performed in IAC-accredited vascular labs
✔ Interpreted by board-certified vascular surgeons
For just $149, The Care Screen offers valuable insight into your vascular health and peace of mind for the future.
Learn more or schedule your screening today at https://hubs.ly/Q04l5MSt0.

06/07/2026

What exactly is a vascular bypass procedure? 🤔

When an artery becomes severely narrowed or blocked, blood flow can no longer reach the leg the way it should. A vascular bypass creates a new pathway around the blockage, helping restore circulation to the affected area.

In this video, we break down how bypass surgery works, when it may be recommended, and how it can help relieve symptoms caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Healthy blood flow matters. Understanding your treatment options is the first step.

06/05/2026

🩺 THE DOCTOR IS IN: Quick Chats with our Physicians 🩺

Scott A. Sundick, MD, FACS joined the practice in 2012 and is board certified in vascular surgery. He is highly trained in endovascular repairs of aortic and thoracic aneurysms as well as peripheral artery disease. Dr. Sundick is among the first generation of vascular surgeons who consider themselves “interventionalists” in addition to surgeons. This approach to patient care gives him many tools to diagnose and treat vascular disease, offering patients the best of both worlds.

Here he chats about why his practice is unique. . .

05/30/2026

Employee Spotlight: Amanda Portocarrero, RVT

At The Cardiovascular Care Group, we’re proud to recognize team members who make a difference every day — and Amanda Portocarrero is one of them.

As a Registered Vascular Technologist and Vascular Lab Manager, Amanda brings leadership, dedication, compassion, and a passion for learning to every patient interaction. She shares that one of the things she values most about TCVCG is the opportunity to work alongside staff and physicians who teach and inspire one another daily.

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing patients progress throughout their health journey.”

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys reading, fantasy worlds, and spending time playing video games with her husband and brother.

Thank you, Amanda, for the care, professionalism, and positivity you bring to our patients and team every day.

05/29/2026

We're always delighted to hear and share the encouraging words of our patients.

"I went to see Dr. Holmes because I thought I was having a problem with my foot turning colors. I was so scared because my husband who was diabetic had problems. Dr. Holmes told me I have Raynaud. He explained everything to me. He makes you feel comfortable about your condition. The staff is kind and understanding." – Sue F.

05/25/2026

Monday Meetup 👋

Meet John Anagnostakos, MD, a board-certified vascular surgeon who joined The Cardiovascular Care Group in 2025.

Dr. Anagnostakos brings a unique background in bioengineering and a passion for applying complex scientific principles to patient care. His clinical interests span all aspects of vascular surgery, with a particular focus on carotid artery disease and the relationship between vascular disease and cognitive function.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Anagnostakos has contributed extensively to vascular research, with publications appearing in numerous peer-reviewed journals and medical book chapters.

He primarily supports our Clara Maass and Mountainside hospitals and sees patients in our Clifton office. Fluent in English and proficient in Spanish, he is committed to delivering compassionate, comprehensive vascular care to every patient he serves.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Anagnostakos enjoys deep sea fishing at the Jersey Shore and has played musical instruments since childhood, including piano, guitar, saxophone, and clarinet.

We’re proud to welcome him to The Cardiovascular Care Group team.

05/24/2026

Can Medicines Clear Blocked Arteries? What Patients Should Know

Discover how medications can manage blocked arteries, improve vascular health, and when procedures may be necessary for optimal treatment. Learn more now.

05/22/2026

🩺 THE DOCTOR IS IN: Quick Chats with our Physicians 🩺

Cindy Sturt, MD, FACS joined the Cardiovascular Care Group in January 2016. Dr. Sturt is a comprehensive vascular surgeon with both open and endovascular skills. She treats the full spectrum of vascular pathologies from venous disease, dialysis access, peripheral vascular disease and aortic disease, varicose veins, sclerotherapy for spider veins, utilizing the most recent and effective vascular technologies.

Here she chats about how she works with patients. . .

05/06/2026

Today, May 6th, we recognize National Nurses Day, marking the beginning of National Nurses Week—celebrated through May 12th in honor of Florence Nightingale.

At The Cardiovascular Care Group, our nurses are at the heart of everything we do. From the first patient interaction to post-procedure care, their skill, compassion, and dedication shape every experience.

This week, we proudly recognize the incredible nurses across our procedure suites:

Clifton: Brianna, Sabrina, Alexandra, Judy, Kaitlyn
Westfield: Michelle, Vianca, Caroline, Lina
Denville: Lina

We also extend our appreciation to our outstanding Nurse Practitioners who play a vital role in patient care and continuity:
Emily, Elizabeth, and Renae

Your commitment, clinical excellence, and compassion do not go unnoticed. Thank you for the care you provide every day, in every setting.