Accepting new patients
Kara Ester San Joaquin, M.P.H., M.S.N., AGACNP (she/her)
Accepting new patients
- Instructor of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine
Specialty
- Cardiology
Locations and contact
I see patients at-
1 OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute Cardiology Clinic, South Waterfront
3303 S. Bond Avenue seventh floorseventh floorPortland, OR 97239 -
2 OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute Cardiology Clinic, Beaverton
15700 S.W. Greystone Ct. second floorsecond floorBeaverton, OR 97006
About me
Kara Ester San Joaquin is an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner who provides outpatient cardiovascular care to patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure and arrhythmia.
Kara strives to provide trauma-informed care, to help her patients feel respected and listened to, to answer their questions and to empower them to be active participants in their health care.
In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, going to concerts, traveling and drawing.
Education and training
-
Degrees
- B.A., 2007, Washington University
- M.P.H., 2009, University of Oklahoma College of Public Health
- M.S.N., 2016, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
-
Certifications
- American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2016
Memberships and associations:
- American College of Cardiology
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Insurance
Before scheduling an appointment
- Check your network. If you have health insurance, call your company to find out if the OHSU Health location or provider you plan to visit is part of your network.
- Ask what you will pay. Your insurance company can tell you what your costs are likely to be.
If you schedule an appointment and your health insurance does not include OHSU Health, you may have to pay more than if you go to a provider in your insurance network.
Visit our billing and insurance page for more information.
Ratings and reviews
4.8 out of 5
Overall: 4.8 out of 5 (172 Ratings, 64 Reviews)
The patient ratings score is an average of all responses to the question "How likely would you be to recommend this provider to your family and friends (on a scale of 0 to 10)" on our nationally-recognized NRC patient surveys.
Kara was wonderful. With little to go on with my referral, she decided to just try a test before even seeing me. That test confirmed something previously ruled out by OHSU a year prior. Something I've been certain is going on with my health and Kara connected the pieces immediately. She listened to all my questions and information while taking ample notes. I was especially appreciative that she seemed aware of some of my communication needs given my being autistic. At the end of her explaining everything and providing a plan, she even asked if there was something else she should have asked me or I wished to still speak to. It's a small thing to include in a patient visit, but for me that was huge. On top of an already wonderful visit, the fact that she included that last piece really impressed me and solidified my trust in her efforts to support my care.
Cara was very through and explained everything very well.
Good
This was the best healthcare experience I have ever had. It literally gives me hope for healthcare. The provider was kind, thorough, inquisitive, and didn't make me feel like I was crazy. She gave me a confirmation diagnosis of POTs and a well thought out care plan with written reminders and instructions. My husband and I literally cried in the office. It's been 3 years of "it's in your head" "it's anxiety". We were heard and seen. Thank you so much for your dedication to patient care.
The care I received was excellent.
Great communication and attention to detail.
Professional, thorough, attentive, warm, empathetic
This Dr like all Doctors time is constrained and tightly scheduled. She took time to focus on what I was there for, also patient and concise. I could clarify some symptoms better if I were able to, nut that is on me. I have another annual appointment coming soon and I can make that clarification then. I have "white coat syndrome" having had bad experiences an trauma related to past medical Interventions. The Dr did a good job of accommodating and reassuring me. She has a good bedside manner, relaxed and confidant without seeming arrogant. All the staff at OHSU have been very professional. I understand that medicine on some level Is a bit of a crapshoot, things can go well or very poorly. Medicine Is an evolving hypothesis, OHSU Is on the leading edge of medical science. It attracts and demands talented dedicated professional scientists and healers.
She's got that rare combination of really knowing her field, and still listening and respecting the patient's input.
Very knowledgeableVery good at explaining pertinent information
Very excellent
Kara San Joaquin is kind, communicative, intelligent, and treats me like a person. She is a rare gem. She is also incredibly knowledgeable, not just about cardiac process, but other things that may affect it. I have complete trust in her abilities and feel very lucky to have found her.
Kara was very professional and thorough. Took time needed to answer all my questions.
First time meeting with her-I was very pleased and would highly recommend her.
Very professional covered all the issues and gave us a recommendations.
She listens she investigates researches ask me questions. I love her to death!!!
She was very knowledgeable and compassionate.
Kara is wonderful, she takes time to address concerns about my health and explains diagnoses. She spends time talking with me and is not rushed.
My cardiology nurse practitioner Kara is absolutely caring and amazing
Outstanding follow up appointment. Although all the new was not good, the staff was outstanding in helping me understand the condition and how I can help myself!!!!
She listened to me and explained things carefully. I felt like I mattered to her.
A very good experience, good work by the whole team
Kind efficient and professional.
She is thorough
Good communicator. I felt respected. Seemed confident and relaxed.
Very happy with her.
The NP was excellent, listened to my concerns, and responded effectively
Outstanding professionalism and attention to my concerns.
Karla was very knowledgeable and was very responsive to our questions.
She is the best member of the cardiology staff!