To offer the highest quality instruction in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) to the community. It is our goal to provide a stress-free and efficient approach to learning. Students will be involved in an interactive and innovative program, culminating in AHA level of competence to intercede in a life saving resuscitation.
History:
American Cardiac Education Specialists (ACES) was formed in 2007 when a team of health care professionals (physicians, nurses, and technicians) recognized the need for a contemporary and flexible educational program (American Heart Association approved) to obtain certification (& recertification) in BLS and ACLS. This company (ACES) offers prospective students a flexible choice of learning involving 2 pathways: (1) E-Learning using an interactive AHA computer based platform (with on-site skills testing at an AHA certified training site/center) or (2) a live private tutor in the context of a small classroom environment. Collectively, our instructors have over 200 years of health care experience.
Teaching Staff:
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. James Rhee
Earned his M.D. at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Following graduation he completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Chicago Hospitals & Pritzker School of Medicine. He then completed a Medical Toxicology fellowship at the Toxikon Consortioum (The Illinois Poison Center, John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, University of Illinois - Chicago Medical Center, and Rush University Medical Center). Currently he is an Assistant Professor of Medicine within the Section of Emergency Medicine at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Dr. Rhee is Board certified in Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology. Dr. Rhee has published many peer reviewed journal articles & book chapters. He is currently researching predisposing factors that may contribute to cardiac arrests. He regularly teaches medical students and residents, and was awarded the Outstanding Clinical Teacher Award by the University of Chicago Emergency Residency Class of 2007. Dr Rhee has been an established certified ACLS instructor for a number of years.
President
Dr. Thomas W. Eastman
Earned his D.O. at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. Following graduation he completed his internship and residency training in internal medicine at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. He then completed his gastroenterology fellowship training also at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. Dr. Eastman is board certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology. He has been practicing as a gastroenterologist in the Fallbrook and Temecula Valley for over 20 years. His background also includes serving as the ICU Director at the Naval Medical Center. Dr. Eastman is an AHA ACLS and BLS instructor.
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. John J. Hong
Earned his M.D. at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Florida. Following graduation he completed his internship and residency training in internal medicine at the University of California Irvine Medical Center. He then completed his gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Chicago Hospitals & Pritzker School of Medicine. He also obtained certification in the Graduate Program in Health Administration and Policy while earning a M.B.A. at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Dr. Hong is board certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology. He serves on the board of directors at the LA Mission Community Clinic (a free homeless clinic located in downtown skid row), the Physicians Hospital of Murrieta, and the KA Missions Health Council. Dr. Hong is an AHA ACLS and BLS instructor.
Becky Blanche
Received her B.A. in Sociology from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. She earned a nursing degree from Otterbein University/Grant Hospital in Columbus, Ohio in 1978. With 28 years of nursing experience, her primary focus has been in a clinical setting of critical care (New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, Laguna Hills, Oceanside and Fallbrook hospitals). She is presently the Center director for the Temecula Valley Endoscopy Center.
Barbara Carlson
Graduated from Lankenau Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (3 year diploma program) in 1973. She earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing from Seattle University, Seattle Washington in 1986. Additionally she received a certificate in Neonatal Intensive care Nursing from California State University in Long Beach in 1974. She has worked in a clinical setting for 34 years, serving as a nurse for 22 years in the Navy and as the OR director at Fallbrook Hospital most recently.
Coleen Metallo
Earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Chaffey College, Alta Loma, CA in 1993. In 2003, she received a Bachelors Degree in Health Services Management from the University of LaVerne, La Verne, CA. She has worked in a clinical setting for 14 years (Pomona Valley Hospital, Riverside Community Hospital, and San Antonio Community Hospital).
Michelle Harris, RN,
Has been in nursing for 14 years. Her background has been in Pre- OP care, Recovery, Plastics, and GI nursing. She has lived in the Temecula/Murrieta Valley for 28 years. She will be teaching ACLS and BLS.
Claude Williams
Graduated from high school in Visalia California. He then served for 4 years in the United States Marine Corps, distinguishing him self with service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has worked in Gastroenterology since 2006 as a technician, office secretary and supply manager. Additionally he is a Basic Life Support Instructor.
Brenda Pesek
Graduated from Austin Peay State University of Clarksville Tennessee with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing in 1984. She has worked in Surgical Intensive Care Units, Thoracic Intensive Care, General Intensive Care, Post Anesthesia Care Units and Gastroenterology Units. She has worked for 24 years in a clinical setting. Since moving to California in 2001 Brenda has worked as a GI nurse in the outpatient setting.
Vicki Wallin
Graduated 1971 with Associate of Science Degree in nursing. Worked Medical, Surgical, Neonatal, OB, High Risk OB, and Supervision of OB. Worked at Long Beach Memorial, South Lake Tahoe, Rancho Springs Hospital, Fallbrook Hospital, and Temecula Valley Endoscopy Center. Currently working in GI at Fallbrook Hospital and Temecula Valley Endoscopy Center.

American Cardiac Education Specialists

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Tel: 951-553-1509 * 25150 Hancock Ave, Suite 208, Murrieta, CA 92562

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