Physician Biographies

Thomas E. Becker, M.D.

Dr. Thomas Becker has been in practice with Pediatric Cardiology, PC since July of 1993 (starting just 3 days after the Great Flood of '93).  He did his undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, with a BS in Biology.  He attended medical school at the University of Iowa, graduating in 1987.  Dr. Becker did his Pediatric residency at the James Whitcomb Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, which is part of Indiana University.  He continued his training at Riley Children's Hospital, completing his training in Pediatric Cardiology in 1993.

Dr. Becker is involved in the care of patients with congenital heart disease in all age groups, from infants to teenagers, as well as prenatal or fetal heart problems to adults with congenital heart disease.  He has special interest and training in echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and fetal cardiology/echocardiography.  Dr. Becker is Board Certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Cardiology.  He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP) and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC).  Dr. Becker is on the Board of Directors for the Polk County American Heart Association and the Polk County Medical Society.  He is involved with Variety International and other local charitable organizations.

Dr. Becker is married to Dr. Caroline Boehnke-Becker and has three daughters.   He enjoys golfing, skiing, and reading.

Stephen J. Mooradian, M.D.

Dr. Mooradian was born and raised in Massachusetts.  He graduated in 1989 from Harvard University with a very useful degree in medical anthropology.  He then went on to Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York City, graduating in 1994.  He migrated westward for general pediatric and pediatric cardiology training, both at the University of Michigan.  Moving further west, he joined Pediatric Cardiology, P.C. in 2000.  Dr. Mooradian practices general pediatric cardiology and has special training in fetal echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography.  Dr. Mooradian is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in general pediatrics and pediatric cardiology.

In his spare time, he chases after his two children.  He enjoys reading mysteries, dreaming about cars, and buying electronic gadgets.

Jill Shivapour, M.D.

Yucatan Project

This charity was started in 1979 with two children from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico who underwent successful corrections of their heart defects. This program has since helped over 750 children, the majority from the Yucatan Peninsula (states of Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo) but also including other countries such as Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Africa, Korea, China, and Pakistan.

Yearly visits to the Yucatan are made by our team of dedicated professionals, which includes pediatric cardiologists, a cardiac surgeon, pediatric nurses, residents in pediatrics and/or family practice, and translators. This team donates their time and fund their way for this trip. During this visit, the team evaluates over 250 patients in four days, of which thirty children are selected to come to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines for their cardiac surgery. Mercy Medical Center's administration has made an ongoing commitment to this project. In the mid 1980's, Variety Club of Iowa and Variety International recognized this charity program and have helped it stay alive by donating equipment and airline ticket to patients and their parent.

One of the many rewards of this program is returning to the Yucatan and seeing the children who have had surgery running and playing with a big smile on their face.

2003 Medical Team	Waiting Room of Candidates
Echo Exam	NICU
Translator at work	Mother and Son