Jun 14, 2022, 11:42
by
GoodHealth Magazine
Interventional Cardiologist Michael Shenoda, MD, FACC, FSCAI, and his wife,
Rania Shenoda, PharmD, our Prescription Navigator, share a passion for
patient care and helping those in need.
They met as UCLA
undergrads, and
remained friends
for quite some time
before getting married. “I
tease Rania that it took me
eight years to build up the confidence to ask her out
on a date,” Dr. Shenoda says
jokingly. Their common bond
has taken the couple through
nearly 18 years of marriage
while on a professional
journey through medical and
pharmacy schools, internships
and residencies, until they
relocated to Santa Barbara
in 2011 to work for Sansum
Clinic. The complicated
medical procedures and
medications that consume
their daily work life are woven
into regular conversations
at the home they share with
their three children, Mya (14),
Leah (12) and Noah (9,) plus
their energetic pup, Oreo.
Dr. Shenoda is part of the Clinic’s powerhouse Cardiology
Department. He and Dr. Joseph Aragon are the only physicians
between Los Angeles and San Francisco trusted with some of
the world’s most advanced heart devices due to their extensive
clinical trial work, and years of experience successfully
performing complex procedures. Rania leads The Elly Nadel
Prescription Navigator Program (underwritten by Julie
Nadel), a unique and innovative service which assists patients
in managing their medications. A licensed pharmacist, Rania
guides her patients in one-on-one consultations to ensure they
use their prescriptions in a safe and effective way.
“Mike brings such compassion and dedication to the healing of
his patients, as if they were family members,” effuses Rania. Dr.
Shenoda loves Rania’s congenial personality, and refers to her
as the resident therapist, noting how even strangers open up to
her because she makes everyone feel comfortable. Their ability
to balance their jobs and family life is greatly enhanced by the
proximity of grandparents, whose generosity of time lets them
do their best as both medical professionals and as parents. Both
Michael and Rania greatly enjoy their work, and are grateful
for the “village” that has helped them to raise their children
while they pursue their passions.