By day, patients know them as medical experts in the field of cardiovascular medicine. But what happens when they hang up their lab coats and step out of the office? Suddenly, their lives look very similar to their patients - whether they're chauffeuring kids to activities, volunteering in their community or deciding what to have for dinner.

Just ask Sunil Penesetti, MD, who balances the roles of physician, husband and father to a 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. While he specializes in preventive cardiology, he can personally relate to the challenges of sticking to a heart-healthy diet.

"I love ice cream, so it's not always easy! Those concrete mixers at Culver's are devilishly good!" he admits. "I have committed to a better lifestyle not only for my own well-being, but to avoid being a hypocrite when giving patients advice."

Penesetti has known what he wanted to do with his life since the age of eight. The son of a cardiologist, he's always looked up to his father, who at age 71 is still caring for patients in New Jersey. While he considered joining his father's established practice, he decided to trade the hustle and bustle of the East Coast for the rural Midwest.

"I saw coming to Monroe Clinic as an amazing opportunity to better get to know my patients on a personal level. I always felt it was kind of cool to be a community doctor who grew old with his patients," said Dr. Penesetti.

Like Penesetti, Ali Albaghdadi, MD, is also a husband, father of two and a cardiologist at Monroe Clinic. Another similarity? He too is following in his father's footsteps with his career choice.

As an interventional cardiologist, Albaghdadi locates and clears blockages in the arteries that could otherwise compromise the heart's blood supply or cause a heart attack. The nature of his specialty requires a high level of personal commitment and flexibility, but he feels it's justified as it keeps vital services closer to home for thousands of community members.

Of the 300 cardiac catheterizations performed at Monroe Clinic last year, 50 required stent placements-a procedure patients would have to otherwise travel an hour or more out of town to access.

"Cardiology is a difficult specialty due to the time constraints, but it's very rewarding and worth the pursuit, because we are helping people in such a critical way," Albaghdadi said.

While he feels a healthy lifestyle is more achievable than people often realize, he added that even he appreciates a little help sticking to an exercise routine.

"Exercising is a challenge, but my wife tries to keep me on track. It is helpful to have a partner!" he said.

Arif Ahmad, MD, rounds out Monroe Clinic's team of cardiovascular experts. He has offered patients in Monroe and Freeport specialized electrophysiology care as well as comprehensive heart care since 2005.

While his professional task list may include stress tests, echocardiograms and pacemakers, his personal priorities include spending time with his wife, son and daughter and staying accountable for his own health choices.

"I stay busy. I work out every morning before work," said Ahmad. "I try and practice what I preach, so I eat healthy for most part."

Like his fellow cardiologists, Ahmad envisioned his future as a physician since childhood.

"I wanted to be a doctor for as long as I remember. Cardiology happened though a combination of great mentors, hard work and some element of luck," he said.

For him, the true heart of cardiology is the people. His peers and the unique skills they bring to the table. A fully engaged team of nurses, technologists and support staff. And most importantly, the people they are helping.

"When we come together with collegiality to pull one direction, centered on the patient-that is what makes for a very rewarding day."

To schedule an appointment with a Monroe Clinic Cardiologist, please call (608) 324-2227.

About Monroe Clinic

Monroe Clinic, a member of SSM Health, is a Catholic not-for-profit health care network with one hospital and a multi-specialty physician practice with 122 employed providers offering a broad range of health care services to meet the needs of the communities it serves in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Monroe Clinic also includes 12 clinic locations, a 24-hour emergency department, a home care and hospice agency, retail and urgent care clinics, rural residency and fellowship programs, and primary care sites offering preventive, acute and rehabilitative care. For more information, visit http://www.monroeclinic.org.