Thomas M. Shimshak, MD, FACC

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Get to know Cardiologist Dr. Thomas M. Shimshak, who serves patients throughout the State of Florida.

Dr. Shimshak has always been fascinated by the heart’s complex physiology. He loves putting his expertise to work for his patients, helping improve and save lives. For him, his goal is to provide heart care that lets each patient continue putting their whole heart into everything they do.

A board-certified, leading-edge cardiologist, Dr. Shimshak’s subspecialty is interventional cardiology and coronary and peripheral vascular disease. In practice with AdventHealth, he sees patients at: AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology & Vascular Medicine at Wauchula; AdventHealth Medical Group Vascular Medicine at Lake Placid; and AdventHealth Medical Group Interventional Cardiology at Sun ‘n Lake.

Earning a patient’s trust is Dr. Shimshak’s highest priority. He knows that he will be working with the patient during what may be the most critical time in their life and he strives to build the highest confidence and trust with every interaction.

A thought leader in his field, he is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a Fellow of the Council of Clinical Cardiology of the American Heart Association, a Fellow of the American College of Angiology, a Fellow of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. 

In addition, he is a member of the American Society of Cardiovascular Interventionists, the International Society of Endovascular Specialists, the American Medical Association, the Society for Vascular Ultrasound, the Kansas City division of the American Heart Association (serving as Board President from 1994 until 1996), and the New Horizons Physicians International Group.

Pertaining to his educational background, Dr. Shimshak attended medical school, completed a residency in internal medicine, and a fellowship in cardiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He also completed a fellowship in advanced angioplasty at the Mid-America Heart Institute in Kansas City. 

With unsurpassed professional skills and a good-natured, caring and gentle approach, the doctor is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is 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.

Among his numerous accolades, Dr. Shimshak is the recipient of: Highlands News-Sun Surgeon of the Year Finalist (2019), Highlands News-Sun Highlander Surgeon of the Year Award (2018), Complex Cardiovascular Catheter Therapeutics Advanced Endovascular and Coronary Intervention Global Summit Lifetime Achievement Award (2014), Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group Growth and Innovation Award (2008), Milwaukee Business Journal Milwaukee Healthcare Hero Award (2008), GE Program Milwaukee A Silver Telly Award (2008), GE Program Milwaukee Communicator Award of Distinction (2008), M Magazine Best Doctor Rating (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014) and Best Doctors in America (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014).

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).

An industry consultant, researcher and educator, Dr. Shimshak has been instrumental in creating best-in-class tools and treatment protocols that are now used by cardiologists around the world to increase favorable outcomes. He enjoys the challenges and diversity his practice affords him — no two days are ever the same. 

Likewise, he enjoys challenges away from work. Once can often find him outdoors hiking, biking, fishing and skiing, in addition to spending quality time with his family.

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