Lawrence Santora, MD

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Get to know Cardiologist Dr. Lawrence J. Santora, who serves patients in Orange, California.

Dr. Santora is a respected cardiologist who practices consultative cardiology with special emphasis on preventative and interventional cardiology. He is actively involved with non-invasive imaging techniques using CT scans for coronary calcifications and the CT angiography. 

“The practice of medicine is a privilege. I believe with this privilege comes the responsibility to treat patients with dignity and respect. Part of the respect comes in educating and informing patients, enabling them to actively participate in their medical care” expressed the doctor. 

Named one of the “Top Doctors in Cardiology” by Consumers Guide to Top Doctors, Dr. Santora is a founding member & managing partner of Orange County Heart Institute & Research Center in California. 

Founded in 1994, The Orange County Heart institute is made up of physicians who have participated in numerous major research studies which have led to new methods of detecting and treating heart disease. With diagnostic services that include all of the latest state-of-the-art imaging equipment, the physicians have been pioneers in early detection of heart disease using EBCT heart scans and 64 slice CT angiography, stress testing, and nuclear cardiology. Their mission is to provide the highest quality, most technologically-advanced cardiac care in a personal and cost-effective manner.

As for his directorships, Dr. Santora serves as the Medical Director of The Center for Heart and Vascular Wellness & Prevention at St. Joseph’s Hospital; The Dick Butkus Cardiac Screening Program; and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

His acclaimed career in medicine began after he obtained his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1976. He then went on to complete his internship and residency at King/LA County Medical Center, followed by his fellowship at the University of California, Irvine.

Subsequent to his training, Dr. Santora attained board certification in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world. In addition, he obtained board certification in cardiovascular computed tomography through the Certification Board of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography.

Among his professional affiliations, he is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians (FCCP), Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), as well as a member of American Heart Association and the Society of Computed Cardiac Tomography.

Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the disorders of the heart, as well as the circulatory system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology. Cardiologists are doctors who diagnose, assess, and treat patients with diseases and defects of the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system).

In light of his most notable achievements, Dr. Santora is the TV Host for “Health Matters with Dr. Larry Santora”, PBS/SoCal/KOCE. He is also the co-author of The OC Cure for Heart Disease & Women and Heart Disease: An Epidemic.

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