The Integrated Vascular Center at Denver Health is made up of a highly experienced team that includes a vascular surgeon, interventional cardiologists, interventional radiologists, podiatrists, specialty nurse practitioners, physician assistants and registered vascular technologists. Working together, the team provides treatment and symptom relief for blood flow problems affecting the veins and arteries throughout the body.
Lisa Bennett, MD, MSCS, RPVI
Lisa F. Bennett, MD, MSCS, RPVI, is Chief of Vascular Surgery and Vascular Lab Director at Denver Health Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. A board-certified vascular and general surgeon, she completed her general surgery residency, Masters of Clinical Science, and surgical research training at the University of Colorado, followed by a vascular surgery fellowship at UT Southwestern.
Dr. Bennett specializes in the treatment of complex vascular disease, aortic pathology, peripheral arterial disease, and vascular trauma. She is actively involved in clinical research, national professional societies, and the education and training of surgical residents and medical students. Her work has been widely published, and she participates in multiple national clinical trials and guideline initiatives aimed at advancing vascular care.
Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with her family on the ski slopes, enjoying live music, and exploring the beautiful Colorado outdoors together.
Bala Ramanan, MBBS, MS, RPVI
Bala Ramanan, MBBS, MS, RPVI, is a Vascular surgery faculty at Denver Health and Visiting Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, specializing in complex endovascular aortic surgery and chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Dr. Ramanan earned her medical degree from Lokmanya Tilak Medical College and a Master of Surgery from Kilpauk Medical College in India. She completed her general surgery residency at Creighton University and a vascular surgery fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. Board-certified in both general and vascular surgery, Dr. Ramanan joined the Denver Health faculty in 2024. Her care philosophy is rooted in a steadfast commitment to patient-centered care, where each individual’s values and goals guide every clinical decision. By integrating evidence-based medicine with the latest techniques in minimally invasive surgery, she delivers effective, tailored care designed to restore function and enhance her patients' quality of life.
Prior to joining Denver Health, Dr. Ramanan served initially as Assistant and later as Associate Professor of Surgery at UT Southwestern and the Dallas VA Medical Center for eight years. She is a nationally recognized researcher and educator, focusing on clinical outcomes in high-risk populations. She has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications in premier journals such as the Journal of Vascular Surgery and Circulation. She is a member of the Society for Vascular Surgery, Southern Association for Vascular Surgery and the Society of University Surgeons. Through education and shared decision-making, Dr. Ramanan empowers her patients while simultaneously shaping the future of the vascular surgery workforce through dedicated mentorship.
Sarah Schoonover PA-C
Sarah Schoonover is Physician Assistant with experience in cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery subspecialties. She was born and raised in Colorado where she did her undergraduate at the University of Colorado. She continued her education at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, ultimately obtaining a master's degree in physician assistant studies. She was able to make her way back to Colorado after graduation and she worked with a private practice as a PA in Cardiothoracic and Vascular surgery for 6 years, which is where she previously worked with Dr. Bennett. She is fortunate enough to be able to work with Dr. Bennett again at Denver Health in vascular surgery after spending 2 years in Washington, where she was working in cardiac surgery. She is experienced in open cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery, robotic cardiothoracic surgery, and endovascular and hybrid surgery, as well as venous procedures.
Sarah enjoys time with her 3-year-old son exploring all of what Colorado has to offer. She is an avid nature lover and can’t wait to share that with her son as he grows older in this amazing state.
Annie Clark, NP
Annie Clark started her career at Denver Health 14 years ago. She has worked in several departments throughout the hospital. She settled into her role as the outpatient nurse practitioner in the vascular surgery department 7 years ago. She works closely with the vascular surgeons to provide pre and post procedure care, and support patients throughout their treatment journey. She specializes in the treatment of superficial venous disease and offers a range of minimally invasive outpatient procedures. As a Colorado native, she is deeply committed to the Denver Health community and patient population it serves.
