The heart failure team at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center delivers high-impact, patient-centered care to the South County region of San Diego, serving one of the County’s most culturally diverse and underserved populations. This multidisciplinary team bridges clinical expertise with cultural humility, driving improved outcomes through collaboration, compassion, and a deep understanding of the community they serve.
Guided by a dedicated Heart Failure Program medical director, and supported by hospital leadership including the cardiovascular services director and chief medical officer, the team has established a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to heart failure care that emphasizes equity, education, and whole-person healing.
Clinical operations are led by a nurse practitioner and a heart failure specialist who oversee daily patient management and education. A heart failure department manager and nurse educator support team development and frontline nursing competency. A clinical pharmacist drives medication access and adherence through optimization strategies and Meds-to-Beds program — ensuring more than half of patients overcome affordability and compliance barriers.
The broader care team includes:
- Social work and case management: Addressing transitions of care, resource navigation and housing insecurity
- Substance use navigator: Supporting integration of behavioral health and addiction recovery
- Palliative care providers: Leading goals-of-care conversations and advance care planning
- Dietitian and diabetes education team: Delivering culturally tailored nutrition and metabolic support
Through structured daily rounds, interdisciplinary collaboration and patient education initiatives, the team has achieved remarkable improvements.
Sharp Chula Vista’s heart failure team exemplifies what is possible when evidence-based care meets unwavering commitment. With multiple Sharp Center of Recognized Excellence (C.O.R.E) Awards and a reputation for innovation and inclusiveness, this team continues to transform the heart failure experience for patients, families and the broader community.
