When patients are diagnosed with heart disease, they are often afraid—of procedures, of outcomes, of no longer being able to do the things they used to do. “My goal is to help them overcome these fears, so they can return to the life they enjoy as soon as possible,” says Dr. Sam Afshar, named to Rising Stars for the third consecutive year. In practice at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, Dr. Afshar treats all forms of cardiovascular disease, from coronary artery disease to heart rhythm disorders, valvular heart disease, and heart failure. His expertise includes invasive and non-invasive cardiology, with a focus on cardiac imaging. He is currently co-director of the non-invasive lab and cardiac rehabilitation departments. Recently, he became a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC). Dr. Afshar obtained his medical degree with AOA honors from the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. He completed his internal medicine residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas before returning to UT San Antonio for cardiology fellowship. Dr. Afshar is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiology, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology, but medical knowledge is only part of treating patients, he says. Taking time to listen, building relationships, and valuing a patient’s trust and dignity also contribute much to their well-being and recovery. “I aim for a personal approach in order to develop a good relationship with patients and their families,” Dr. Afshar adds. “It is important to recognize that restoring quality of life is just as essential as making efforts to prolong it.”