Kishore Challa, M.D., FACC

Photo by John Sibold

By Kristen Uppercue

For Kishore Challa, M.D., FACC, chief of cardiology at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, his parents were the most influential and encouraging people in his life. His father, who was a teacher, gave him advice when Challa graduated from medical school that has stuck with him throughout his career.

“His advice was to treat every patient as if I were treating him,” Challa says. “That way I could never go wrong.”

Challa graduated with honors from Osmania University’s Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, India, in 1982 before completing fellowships in invasive and interventional cardiology at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY, from July 1988 to June 1989 and in cardiology at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, from July 1986 to June 1988. While at Coney Island Hospital, Challa received the Dr. Samuel Epstein award for being an outstanding fellow in cardiology, the Virginia National Memorial Scholarship award for being the Best Outgoing Resident, the Ghani Mohammad Memorial award for being the Best Outgoing Intern and was named Chief Resident in Internal Medicine.

Challa also completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Coney Island Hospital from July 1983 to June 1986. Following that, he began working in West Virginia, where he has resided for 35 years. In his current position as chief of cardiology at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals and as a partner at South Charleston Cardiology, Challa works closely with patients who have cardiovascular diseases. Challa is especially proud of the WVU Medicine Thomas Hospital team as they continue to transform and serve their community.

“Thomas has transformed from a small community hospital into the southern hub for WVU Medicine,” he says. “We have the best possible team.”

In his current position, Challa integrates new services, such as the expansion of the cardiovascular program to include open heart surgery and vascular services, as well as expanding the catheterization lab.

“I am honored to be working with such a great team under the leadership of Dr. Rosencrance as we add specialty services at Thomas, including open heart surgery, neurosurgical and vascular services. I truly believe that at Thomas Hospitals, we offer the best quality health care in Southern West Virginia.”

Along with the current expansion of the hospital, Challa is proud of many professional achievements throughout his career. He has been a member of the West Virginia Board of Medicine since 2013 and served as president from 2018 to 2022. During that time, he was one of the authors of the telemedicine bill that passed during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing Medicare reimbursement on audio-only telemedicine visits.

“We surveyed physicians throughout West Virginia and discovered that a majority did not have broadband access to support video telemedicine,” Challa says. “Prior to the bill, audio telemedicine visits were not permissible. I approached Senator Manchin and Senator Capito with a proposal that would allow Medicare payments to be made for audio-only telemedicine visits. The bill passed within 24 hours with bipartisan support, and every state in the country benefited.”

Former WVU football coach Don Nehlen referred to Challa as an angel from heaven after Challa saved his life 12 years ago when they were golfing. Nehlen began experiencing tightness in his chest on the golf course, and after examining him, Challa determined he needed heart surgery. Challa helped him get to Morgantown that day, and Nehlen received heart surgery at Ruby Memorial Hospital.

He received the distinguished West Virginian award, given by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, in 2013 and the Heart of Gold award from the American Heart Association in 2014. Challa was also recognized by Manchin on the U.S. Senate floor in 2014.

Challa mentors medical and physician assistant students from the University of Charleston and Marshall University.

“It is a worthwhile investment because I remember being in their shoes. It’s important for us to pass down what we’ve learned,” he says.

The success Challa has experienced throughout his career wouldn’t have been accomplished without the support of his wife, kids and partner at South Charleston Cardiology, Dr. Mohammad Yousaf.

“The people and family values in the state have been exceptional,” Challa says. “West Virginia has been my home for the last 35 years, and it will be my home for the rest of my life.”