Healthcare innovation means little if it cannot reach the people who need it most. That truth drives Dr. Sherisa Warren, a double board-certified Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon who is redefining how specialized care reaches rural America. She has spent her career bringing top-quality vascular medicine to communities that have been overlooked, from Kentucky to Oklahoma.
Dr. Warren combines skill with service. As a nationally recognized expert in vascular compression syndromes, she demonstrates how advanced care can be made meaningful and accessible. Her story proves that innovation is strongest when it focuses on patients and their communities.
At CardioVascular Health Clinic, where she now practices, Dr. Warren integrates the latest vascular techniques with a focus on real-world patient needs. “Going private was the best decision I ever made,” she says. “You work harder as a private physician, but you have more control over your facility, your schedule, and the care you provide.” Under her contributed leadership, the clinic has grown to 14 satellite locations across Oklahoma, ensuring patients in remote regions can receive the same high-quality care as those in major cities.
Let’s explore how Dr. Warren combines expertise, innovation, and outreach to make world-class vascular care accessible nationwide!
Rising from Appalachia
Dr. Warren’s story begins in Southeast Kentucky, a region she proudly calls home. “I’m from a small area in Southeast Kentucky, which I’m very proud of. Anyone who knows me will hear me talk about that frequently, rural Kentucky, rural America, Appalachia,” she says. Growing up in a close-knit community instilled resilience, a strong work ethic, and an early awareness of the healthcare challenges facing small towns.
She attended Union College, earning both a music and an academic scholarship. This balance of creativity and discipline would serve her well in medicine. After medical school, at the University of Pikeville Kentucky, she completed a general surgery residency in Detroit and a vascular fellowship at Arizona Heart in Phoenix.
Her career advanced significantly when the Arizona Heart Institute offered her a position, an opportunity rarely extended since her mentor joined two decades earlier. “At Arizona Heart, I performed very technically demanding procedures, especially complex aortic surgeries and customized grafts for patients who did not meet the criteria for standard grafts,” she recalls. “We routinely accepted second and third opinions to save lives.”
The experience gained her technical expertise while also deepening her commitment to patients with limited access to care. “Many of my patients from the Navajo and Indian populations drove five or six hours one way to see me. That touched my heart because I come from a similar area, and my region in Kentucky still does not have a vascular surgeon,” she explains.
A Calling Beyond the Operating Room
Dr. Warren’s career has always been guided by a mission to reach those most in need. “That desire was always part of my mission,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to help underserved populations and to educate others.”
When she joined CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma, she found a platform that allowed her to translate that mission into action. “Their vision was aligned with mine,” she explains. “We now have 13 satellite clinics throughout rural Oklahoma so we can place ourselves where we are most needed.”
The move to private practice also brought a sense of autonomy and purpose. “Arizona Heart gave me the foundation to become my best technical self, but private practice allows me to reach more people,” she notes. “With 14 clinics across Oklahoma, we can meet patients where they are rather than asking them to travel.”
Her motivation is rooted not only in professional goals but also in faith. “I’ve always felt guided by faith. I told God that if He helped me get into medical school and into vascular surgery, I would go wherever He wanted me to go. I’ve kept that promise.” For Dr. Warren, medicine is not only a science but also a calling that extends beyond the walls of any single institution.
A Woman Forging Her Path
Vascular surgery is demanding both technically and physically, and it has historically been a challenging field for women. Dr. Warren faced these realities early on but refused to be deterred. “Vascular surgery isn’t traditionally female friendly because of the demanding lifestyle,” she says. Her father once encouraged her to consider teaching, believing it would offer a better life balance for a future mother.
Instead, Dr. Warren focused fully on her professional path. “I focused on my career early. I didn’t marry until my mid-30s. I’m now almost 44. For years, it was just me and my goals.”
Her journey was built on persistence and determination. “My perseverance and grit got me here. I refused to be outworked by anyone. I took extra shifts, studied constantly, and wanted to be the best I could be. That drive helped me earn respect in a male-dominated specialty.”
Throughout her training and practice, she stayed true to her roots. “I never changed my accent, even though many people from Appalachia feel pressured to. I wanted to show that you can succeed without changing who you are.”
Dr. Warren’s emphasis on integrity continues to guide her leadership and mentorship. “There’s a shortage of genuineness in the world today, and people appreciate authenticity. So my advice to anyone, regardless of gender, race, or culture, is to stay positive, work hard, and be yourself. Diligence and work ethic conquer all.”
Technology Meets Compassion
At CardioVascular Health Clinic, Dr. Warren and her team have redefined how advanced vascular care can reach rural populations. Their approach emphasizes precision, efficiency, and compassion.
One of their most innovative techniques is pedal access, which allows vascular procedures through a small puncture in the foot rather than the groin. “Depending on the plaque type, hard or soft, we use specific devices,” she explains. “We also use intravascular ultrasound imaging to see inside the vessels.” This method reduces recovery time and often eliminates the need for open bypass surgery. “Many patients who would otherwise need open bypass surgery can now be treated through a needle hole, which is life changing.”
The clinic also provides nerve-stimulator therapy for neuropathy, particularly diabetic neuropathy. “These tiny electrical probes are inserted through the ankle and send mild electrical signals to calm overactive nerves. Many patients experience almost 100 percent pain relief within 24 hours.”
Another innovation is Barostim therapy for congestive heart failure, an implantable device that improves symptoms through neuromodulation.
Their expertise extends to carotid artery procedures such as TCAR (TransCarotid Artery Revascularization). “We perform carotid artery procedures in our facility, including the advanced, minimally invasive TCAR. My partner, Dr. Jim Melton, performed the first outpatient TCAR in the United States in our facility.”
The team also addresses venous disease, offering minimally invasive treatments for chronic conditions. “We also treat varicose veins and venous disease with minimally invasive techniques. Many patients with chronic leg ulcers that haven’t healed for years finally see healing within two weeks.”
Dr. Warren summarizes the clinic’s mission simply: “We want to ensure patients in rural Oklahoma have access to the same advanced treatments as those in major cities.”
Building Trust Through Education
Dr. Warren emphasizes that medical care goes far beyond performing procedures. She believes patient education is essential for long-term wellness. “I believe education is key. I make sure to speak with patients in plain language, not overly medical terms. Educated patients make better decisions and feel more comfortable.”
Her consultations are deliberate and patient-focused. “Sometimes they don’t even know what’s wrong. When I sit down with them for 20 to 30 minutes, draw pictures, and explain, you can see when it clicks. They finally understand their disease process.”
These moments often spark learning that extends throughout the community. “They often go back and educate others in their community, which multiplies the impact.”
CardioVascular Health Clinic has reimagined rural outreach by bringing care to patients rather than expecting them to travel long distances. “We don’t just send doctors. We bring our entire team and diagnostic testing, including ultrasounds and heart tests. Travel for testing is a major barrier in rural America. By bringing the testing to them, we remove that burden.”
The clinic also hires local professionals who understand the community. “We often hire local staff, such as sonographers, from within those communities. Patients already know and trust them, which increases comfort and trust. That local connection makes a huge difference.”
The Strength Behind the Scalpel
Behind Dr. Warren’s professional success lies a foundation built by family values, mentorship, and determination. “I was fortunate to have strong women in my life. My grandmother was a nurse for 40 years and a true pioneer. My mother, a talented musician and artist who plays 11 instruments, always told me I could do anything I wanted.”
Their influence shaped her belief in possibility and perseverance. “So my advice to women is simple. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Whatever you believe about yourself is true. The reality you create in your mind becomes your reality.”
Her parents also played important roles in defining her outlook. “My father wanted me to have an easier life, but now he’s very proud. He says I am a doctor and a teacher. My mother always said, ‘You can do whatever you want. Just understand that different paths come with different prices.’ She was right.”
Her advice to aspiring women in medicine reflects the same balance of realism and encouragement. “Even if people close to you say you can’t, that doesn’t define you. Persevere. Work hard. Be diligent. You’ll get there eventually.”
A Heart for Service and Innovation
After years of training at one of the nation’s top cardiovascular institutes, Dr. Warren could have stayed within large hospital systems. Instead, she chose to focus on communities often overlooked. Joining CardioVascular Health Clinic marked a turning point where innovation met accessibility.
The network of clinics she helped expand now serves thousands of patients who might otherwise lack specialized care. Each satellite facility brings diagnostic equipment, skilled teams, and advanced treatments directly into rural regions.
Her guiding philosophy is simple: care should come to the patient, not the other way around. This approach does more than improve health outcomes; it restores trust and confidence in communities that have long felt excluded from the healthcare system.
From complex arterial repairs to patient education, Dr. Warren’s work reflects a consistent belief that expertise should be accessible to everyone, regardless of location or income. Her journey from the Appalachian foothills to leadership in Oklahoma medicine embodies that commitment.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Warren maintains a strong focus on continuous learning and growth. “You always have to be willing to keep learning. It’s an exciting time to be in vascular surgery. The advances are incredible. Every year, we make more progress in vascular surgery and cardiology.”
Her dedication to staying informed about emerging technologies ensures her patients receive the most effective treatments available. “You can’t become stagnant. You have to keep reading, keep learning, and stay aware of the latest and greatest innovations for your patients. Never lose that fire in your belly. Keep it burning in your mind and your heart.”
For Dr. Warren, professional excellence and personal growth are inseparable. “If you keep that passion alive and bring new knowledge to your patients, that’s how you make the biggest impact.”
