Clinical Spotlight: Said Hajouli, MD
What is your clinical specialty? Interventional Cardiology, with a focus on coronary artery disease, coronary interventions, and prevention of cardiovascular disease and future cardiac events.
Where did you go to school? I earned my medical degree from Aleppo University College of Medicine in Syria. I completed my Internal Medicine residency at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., followed by four years as a hospitalist at Logan Regional Medical Center in Logan, West Virginia.
I then completed my General Cardiology fellowship at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC), where I had the honor of serving as Chief Cardiology Fellow. I subsequently moved to Cincinnati to complete my Interventional Cardiology fellowship at the University of Cincinnati.
I am board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, with additional certification in echocardiography, cardiac CT, and nuclear cardiology.
What brought you to Premier Health? I was drawn to Premier Health because of the strength of its cardiovascular program, its collaborative clinical environment, and its commitment to providing high-quality care to the Dayton community. I was pleased to join Miami Valley Hospital as an interventional cardiologist and look forward to caring for patients across the spectrum of coronary disease, from prevention and risk-factor management to patients who require coronary intervention.
I believe excellent cardiovascular care depends on communication and collaboration among referring physicians, care team members, patients and their families. Everyone should understand the patient's condition, treatment options and plan of care.
Why did you choose medicine as a career? I chose medicine because it combines science, critical thinking, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. I was particularly drawn to cardiology because of the complexity of cardiovascular disease and the opportunity to help patients both prevent heart disease and treat it when it occurs.
Interventional cardiology is especially rewarding because timely treatment can make a significant difference. But behind every coronary intervention is a person and a family. I believe caring for patients means not only providing sound medical and technical care, but also listening, communicating clearly, and supporting patients and their families during difficult moments.
Who are the people who influenced and/or mentored you? I have been fortunate to learn from many physicians and mentors throughout my training and career. My mentors at CAMC had a particularly important influence on me. The cardiology training there was exceptional, and serving as Chief Cardiology Fellow helped me develop clinically while also learning the importance of leadership, teamwork, and communication.
My interventional cardiology training at the University of Cincinnati also had a significant influence on my practice, particularly in the management of complex coronary disease and coronary interventions.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you? Although medicine is an important part of my life, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and experiencing different places and cultures.
Where is your hometown? Aleppo, Syria.
What, if any, sports team(s) do you cheer for? I enjoy watching sports, but I’m especially a fan of playing racquetball. I enjoy the competition and staying active.
What is the last book you read? The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. I enjoy its humor and its completely different perspective on life. Sometimes a good laugh is exactly what you need.
What is your favorite song in your playlist? “Fix You” by Coldplay. I like its message of being there for someone during a difficult time, which resonates with what I value about caring for patients.
What is your favorite food? Syrian food, especially shawarma. It always reminds me of home and good memories.
What is your favorite hobby? Playing racquetball. It gives me a chance to stay active, have fun, and step away from the intensity of medicine.
What is your favorite animal, and why? Cats. I like their personality, independence, and the way they can quietly keep you company.
Where is your favorite vacation spot, and why? Somewhere quiet and away from technology—ideally a small place with little or no internet. I enjoy disconnecting, clearing my mind, and spending time with the people around me. Coming back refreshed helps me be more focused and present for my patients.
Describe something (a thing, person, place, experience, etc.) for which you are especially thankful: I am especially thankful for my family, my mentors, and the patients who have trusted me throughout my career.
I am particularly grateful for the trust that patients and their families place in me during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. In interventional cardiology, we sometimes meet patients when they are having a heart attack or facing another serious cardiac condition. Being trusted to care for someone in that moment is a privilege and a responsibility I never take lightly.
I am also thankful for the relationships we build with referring physicians and colleagues. Good communication and teamwork allow us to provide continuity of care before and after a procedure. Ultimately, the goal is not simply to treat an artery, but to help a person live a healthier life and return to the people and activities that matter most to them.
Pick a side
iPhone or Android? iPhone
Early bird or night owl? Early bird
Beach bum or mountain hiker? Mountain Hiker
Dress shoes or tennis shoes? Tennis Shoes
Paperback or e-reader? E-reader
Coffee or tea? Tea
Cooking or baking? Cooking
Sweet or salty? Neither!
Back to the September 2026 issue of Premier Pulse
