McDonough Joins Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute

Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute (AHVI) announced the addition of Ryan McDonough, DO, FACC to its Mat-Su location. McDonough completed his undergraduate schooling at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, where he graduated with a bachelor of science in 2001. Intrigued with military intelligence, he pursued that career before transitioning to medicine. In 2007, McDonough graduated with a degree in medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania. He specializes in cardiology and interventional cardiology. 

McDonough completed his Internal Medicine Residency in 2010 at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, followed by a Cardiology Fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. In 2014 he completed his Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Duke University. McDonough has served in both faculty and clinical positions within the Army since 2009. Before joining AHVI, McDonough worked as chief of Cardiology Services at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, and Weatherby Locums Inc. in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. 

No stranger to Alaska, McDonough was stationed here from 2001 to 2003, which is also when he met his wife. “I always wanted to be a physician,” McDonough said. “Once I got married and knew we’d be having a family, the field of medicine turned out to be a better fit for me than military intelligence. Being a doctor is rewarding because of the effect we can have on people’s lives. As an interventional cardiologist, the impact can be immediate and profound. It is incredibly rewarding profession.”

For McDonough, an important focus of his practice is educating his patients on their illness. “I spend a lot of time working with my patients. I find that outcomes are better when the doctor and patient are a team. Educating patients helps empower them to take a more active role in their care.”

McDonough keeps busy with his wife and three children who are 12, 10, and 8 years old. “My kids are involved in many activities, including music, ballet, and sports. We love spending time outdoors, skiing, hiking, and fishing. I’m excited to join Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute,” expressed McDonough. “I look forward to bringing my experience and training to a place I love and expand Alaskan’s access to world-class cardiovascular medicine.”