OUR DOCTORS
Our vascular specialists are not your average doctors. They train and teach other doctors, medical students, physician assistants, and empower and educate patients everyday with knowledge and choices. They lead clinical research studies and contribute to scientific journal and textbook publications. Our own research made the cover of the “Journal for Vascular Ultrasound” in March, 2018 and we are currently working on a 3rd edition of the Vein Book, published by the Oxford University Press.
Amanda Steinberger, DO
Interventional Radiologist
Interventional RadiologistDr. Amanda Steinberger is an interventional radiologist, board-certified in Interventional Radiology / Diagnostic Radiology. She has specialized her practice to focus on superficial vein disease and has achieved certification by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine.
Dr. Steinberger completed her fellowship training in Vascular & Interventional Imaging at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Prior to her fellowship at BIDMC, she completed her residency training in diagnostic radiology at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Philadelphia. She earned her Medial Degree in 2012 and has been in practice specializing in venous disease for over 5 years
Sarah Lucas MD, FACS, RPVI
Vascular Surgeon
Vascular Surgeon
Nisha Bunke, MD FACPh, RPhS
Venous Disease Interventionalist, Vein Clinic Medical Director,
Dr. Nisha Bunke was the first physician in the United States to complete specialized fellowship training in venous and lymphatic medicine in 2008, supported by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS). She was also named a diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in 2009. Dr. Bunke is the Medical Director and Founder of La Jolla Vein & Vascular. La Jolla Vein & Vascular (LJVV) has been dedicated to bringing the leading vascular experts together to provide unparalleled vein and vascular care to the community since 2010. Under Dr. Bunke’s leadership, the clinic earned accreditation in vein center and vascular testing by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). LJVV was the first to earn this distinction in the San Diego region. For her accomplishments, Dr. Bunke was named as one of the top 25 Women of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal in 2018.
Moreover, Dr. Bunke is a member of the Scripps Ximed Medical Group, The Clinical and Translational Research Institute (CTRI) of the University of California San Diego (UCSD), the American Medical Association (AMA), San Diego County Medical Society, Society for Vascular Medicine, American Vein and Lymphatic Society, American Venous Forum (AVF) and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU). Dr. Bunke has numerous publications in both scientific journals and medical textbooks.
Dr. Bunke is co-editor of the most widely used textbook for vascular physicians, “The Vein Book”
Bergan, JJ, Bunke, N. “Outcome Measures in Venous Disease.” In: Fast Facts- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Highlights 2008-09. Davies, A., Mitchell, A. M. Health Press UK
Bergan, JJ. Bunke, N. “Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency.” In: Total Endovascular Series Venous Diseases Contemporary Management.’ Lumsden, A, Davies, M.
Bergan, JJ, Bunke, N. “Venous Disorders.” In: Educational Review Manual in General Surgery. 8th Edition. Castle Connolly Graduate Medical Publishing.
Bergan, JJ, Bunke, N. “Pathophysiology of Chronic Venous Disease.” In: The European Venous Course Book.
Bergan JJ, Bunke, N. “Endovenous Procedures in Venous Disease.” In: Peripheral Endovascular Interventions. White, R, Fogarty, T. 3rd Ed.
Bergan, JJ, Pascarella, L, Bunke, N. “Venous Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology.” In: Treatment of Leg Veins, 2nd ed. Alam, M., Silapunt, S. Martin Mellor Publishing Ltd. UK
Bergan, J. Lee, BB, Bunke N. “Lymphatic Disease.” In: Clinical Review of Vascular Surgery. Edited by Sapan Desai, MD, PhD and Cynthia Shortell, MD.
Bergan, J. and Bunke, N. General Considerations. In: Lymphedema: A Concise Compendium of Theory and Practice. Edited by Byung-Boong Lee, John Bergan, Stanley G. Rockson 2011.
Bergan, JJ, Bunke-Paquette, N, editors. The Vein Book, 2nd edition. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
Bunke-Paquette, N. “Complications of Liquid Sclerotherapy.” In: The Vein Book, 2nd ed. Bergan, JJ, Bunke-Paquette, N. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
Loerzel, N, Ratcliff V, Bunke-Paquette, N, et al. “Ultrasound Examination of the Patient with Primary Venous Insufficiency.” In: The Vein Book, 2nd ed. Bergan, JJ, Bunke-Paquette, N. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
Bunke-Paquette, N, Loerzel, N, Bergan, JJ. “Ultrasound-Guided Catheter and Foam Therapy for Venous Insufficiency.’ In: The Vein Book, 2nd ed. Bergan, JJ, Bunke- Paquette, N. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
Bergan, JJ, Pascarella, L, Bunke-Paquette, N. “Perforating Veins.” In: The Vein Book, 2nd ed. Bergan, JJ, Bunke-Paquette, N. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
Bunke-Paquette, N. Russell, T, Broder, K, Li, A. “Medical Management of the Venous Leg Ulcer.” In: The Vein Book, 2nd ed. Bergan, JJ, Bunke-Paquette, N. Oxford University Press, New York, NY USA. 2014
Peer-Reviewed Journals
Bunke N, Brown K, Bergan J. Foam sclerotherapy: techniques and uses. Perspect Vasc Surg Endovasc Ther. 2009 Jun;21(2):91-3
Bunke N, Brown K, Bergan J. Phlebolymphemeda: usually unrecognized, often poorly treated. Perspect Vasc Surg Endovasc Ther. 2009 Jun;21(2):65
B.B. Lee, M. Andrade, P.L. Antignani,F. Boccardo, N. Bunke, et. al. Guidelines: Diagnosis and treatment of primary lymphedema consensus document of the international union of phlebology (IUP)-2013. International Angiology. 2013 Dec: (32): 541-574
Heidi Busch, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Busch sees patients at our Vista location.
Dr. Heidi Busch has been board certified by the American Board of Dermatology since 2001. She has extensive experience in several areas of dermatology, including: general, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Dr. Busch enjoys treating pre-teens through senior citizens.
Dr. Busch is held in high regard by her colleagues for her meticulous nature, diagnostic skill, and the genuine caring she has for her patients. Her patients appreciate her approachability, and the extensive patient education she provides. Dr. Busch believes in fostering long-term relationships with her patients. She strives to create a welcoming and comfortable environment where patients can feel confident that they are receiving exceptional dermatologic care.
Megan Bates, MSN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner
Megan is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a specialized interest in vascular disease and prevention. She has worked in healthcare for over 16 years. Megan earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Houston, in Texas in 2017 and later her Master of Science in Nursing from Cal State University, San Marcos. Before joining La Jolla Vein & Vascular, she worked as a registered nurse in surgery at Sharp Coronado as well as another facility where she supervised over 40 nurses providing direct patient care.
She enjoys building positive relationships with patient’s and families to ensure optimal care is achieved. She is committed to providing a V.I.P. experience during every patient encounter.
Expert Healthcare
Our clinical staff consists of Registered Vascular Technologists (RVTs), Nurse Practitioners and Medical Assistants and ancillary staff who have several years of experience in vein and vascular care. Most of our staff have helped patients at La Jolla Vein & Vascular for 5+ years. We also have administrative staff with expertise in insurance preauthorizations, and in combination with our doctors, will fight for patients to get the treatment they need.
Because of our staff’s extensive experience in vein care, they are knowledgeable about vein conditions and treatment and are happy to answer questions any time.
La Jolla Vein & Vascular Health Values
OUR PATIENTS SAY
When I arrived for the first time, I could barely walk. My legs were red and swollen. After my treatments, I can now walk again. I’m so thankful to the doctor and his staff. They are caring, supporting and knowledgeable about my issues. Five Stars all the way!!!!
La Jolla Vein care has the best staff ever. They are so nice, accommodating and professional!! Dr. Bunke is the best doctor that I ever seen. She is so friendly upfront and has the best bed side manner. I thank this office for letting me be their patient. 💜. Plus they are so careful with COVID which I really appreciate!!!
From my greeting at the front desk to the ultrasound and visit with the doctor, I received excellent care. It’s clear they care about their patients and all the staff couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. I also appreciate how much time the doctor spent with me to explain the results and the next steps. I would definitely recommend this office to friends with vein issues.
I have been having leg treatments for several months now La Jolla Vein Care. Every time I go to an appointment; the staff is so friendly and takes such good care of me; always informative; not in a rush and always friendly (especially Alejandra & Anna to name a few). Of course Dr. Lucas is amazing. The treatments have changed my life. Overall this has been an incredible experience.
Dr De Young is personable and thorough in his explanations. Exceptional.
We were early and didn’t have to wait at all. The tech that did my husband’s ultrasound, Monica, was very accommodating with my husband’s Parkinson’s. Doctor Lucas whom we hadn’t seen before, came to us instead of making my husband walk down to another office. She spent a lot of time getting caught up on Steve’s background issues/conditions. I was impressed by this medical group before, so I was surprised that the staff was even better this time around; I honestly didn’t think there was room for improvement!
I had the best experience at La Jolla Vein Care. Dr.Bunke is an amazing doctor with the best bedside manners, she truly cares about her patients, she explained everything to me. My procedures where so easy I was impressed how painless and fast my appointments. Anna M was very helpful scheduling my treatments and checking on me to make sure all of my questions were answered. I am very pleased thank you !!! I truly recommend La Jolla Vein Care!
The office is exceptional, from front desk, to exam staff to the physicians. They have created a welcoming, relaxing environment, and take their time in examining and consulting with you to provide the best outcome. I highly recommend La Jolla Vein & Vascular for the assessment and treatment of your vein and vascular function.
I am pleased to recommend La Jolla Vein & Vascular. I am in the process of receiving treatment there. The entire medical staff are super friendly, welcoming and very helpful. Everyone is courteous, including the physicians. I’ve had one doctor follow my case. He’s the one who always treats me at appointments and closely follows my health. I am very comfortable going there. Would go again if needed and encourage anyone who’s thinking of making an appointment to do so asap. You’ll see what a wonderful experience it is. It’s the people who make it so special!
The staff kept you informed as to when you would be seen and the wait was not too long. Emily took care of my ultrasound and was very accommodating giving me an extra pillow and playing a video to watch. The office is very courteous and professional- Nadia answered our questions and offered us a bottle of water. I have been seeing Dr. Bunke, but now Dr. Lucas and will continue coming to La Jolla Vein Care!
Highly recommend! Entire staff are warm& friendly, professional and accommodating. The doctor took the time to thoroughly explain everything and encouraged me to ask questions. I never felt rushed. Significantly better experience than the other 2 vein clinics I’ve been to on the east coast. I wish I could’ve just come here from the beginning.
Everyone here is so nice! Usually front desk medical personnel are so rude. The front desk ladies Alejandra, Anna, and I think her name is Liz, went above and beyond to take care of me and my insurance issues. The techs are great too! Rachel and a male technician assisted me…both of them implemented different techniques to make me feel more at ease during an uncomfortable and painful process. These procedures were rough…and I am grateful everyone was so sweet to me. Thanks again.
The staff members that I interacted with were all professional, conscientious and empathetic to my complaints and discomfort. I was taken into the ultrasound room a few minutes before my appointment time. I did not have a long wait before the ultrasonographer came and ran the machine. It was also a short wait before Dr. Steinburg came into the room with a warm, welcoming smile. We discussed my ultrasound and the things I was experiencing . I scheduled another appointment for next year and was offered a bottle of water upon leaving the office. All in all, I thought it was a very satisfactory appointment.
The staff at La Jolla Vein Care Center are outstanding. They are friendly and helpful. Dr. Lucas and my ultrasound tech were both very thorough, kind and answered all of my questions. The new office was beautiful. I feel very confident that I am in good hands and that any up coming treatments will be successful. Thank for for making me feel so comfortable.
Beautiful facility! I walked in without an appointment and they took me right away! It was even the end of the day…I was so grateful…Every single person was soooo pleasant! Super impressed ❤️
