Stephen Tahta, MD, MBA

“As a Senior Clinical Research Nurse at the International Heart Institute of Montana Foundation and a staff nurse at St. Patrick Hospital, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Dr. Stephen Tahta in several capacities, from September 2001 to June 2011. In addition to his role as a cardiovascular surgeon, he served as a clinical research trial principal investigator, sub-investigator, and co-director of clinical research, giving me the unique opportunity to work with Dr. Tahta in a business capacity negotiating contracts and budgets, process development, and strategic planning, as well as patient care. I worked with him in the intensive care and post anesthesia care units, recovering his patients post operatively, in clinical trials, and on several educational projects and committees in the clinical trials department. Dr. Tahta's bedside manner is unmatched. He always takes time to explain treatment options and diagnoses to patients and their families in colloquial language. He is readily available to nurses and other members of the health-care team and responsive to concerns at all times. He is an incredible collaborator in patient care, business, and research. Of special note is Dr. Tahta’s approach to collaborative care in the atrial fibrillation clinic, where he worked closely with cardiologists of several sub-specialties, pharmacists, research staff, and nursing staff to offer patients the best individual treatment strategies. As a surgeon, this role was extremely invaluable and unique. In the capacity of clinical research principal investigator, Dr. Tahta was reliable, involved, and educated in all aspects of trial work, from trial start-up to close out. His experience as chairman of the Joint Investigational Review Board and in basic research made him a true asset to the trials department. Dr. Tahta was a key player in bringing several important trials to IHI and maintained solid working relationships with the sponsors. He takes his work seriously, yet is a pleasure to work with. I recommend Dr. Tahta without reservation as a member of both the healthcare and research teams. Sincerely, Brooke Krininger, RN, BSN, CPAN, CCRC, MPH Candidate”

“Stephen is a brilliant and hard working surgeon who demonstrates compassion for his patients and is able to work well with colleagues. We have collaborated on several projects and I found his judgment and advice to be insightful and always spot on. I would recommend him as a surgeon and researcher without reservation.”