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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.

Nisha Bunke M.D.

FAVLS, RPhS, Vein Specialist

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.

Dr. Bunke is a physician and scientist, actively leading clinical research studies to advance the field of vein care for the past 15 years. She is the co-editor of The Vein Book, published by the Oxford University Press in 2014, which is the authoritative medical textbook for physicians and medical professionals.
Dr. Bunke has held appointments as a Volunteer Clinical Instructor of Surgery at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, and Veteran’s (VA) Medical Center.  In addition to these duties, for five years, Dr. Bunke managed the vein clinics at the VA Medical Center La Jolla, providing vein care for our veterans.  She also worked at UCSD Healthcare System’s Department of Vascular Surgery, were she evaluated and treated patients with venous disease.
Dr. Bunke has numerous publications in vascular surgery journals, including a research study that made the cover of the Journal of Vascular Ultrasound in 2018.  In 2009, Dr. Bunke was awarded the Internationale Union of Phlebologie Research Fellowship and the Best Young Presenter Award in Monaco.  Collectively, Dr. Bunke and Dr. Bergan were awarded the 2008 JOBST Research Award for the Advancement of Phlebology for their research on Inflammatory Bio-Markers of Venous Insufficiency. Dr. Bunke also developed Recova, a post-surgery recovery cream.
Dr. Bunke is co-editor of the most widely used textbook for vascular physicians, “The Vein Book”
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.
Books/ Book Chapters: Dr. Nisha Bunke
  • 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
  • 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

Amanda Steinberger D.O.

Vascular Interventional Radiologist

Dr. 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
Dr. Amanda Steinberger, La Jolla Vein & Vascular, on FOX5 San Diego, The Localist, featuring our new Vista Location
Vista Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 – 2024
Top Doctor

Heidi Byers Busch M.D.

Board Certified Dermatologist

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.

She graduated with honors from UC San Diego in 1990, with a double major in Physiology and Psychology. She then earned her medical degree in 1994 from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, while on a military scholarship. Dr. Busch completed her internship year in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Naval Medical Center San Diego. She was then selected to be a Naval Flight Surgeon (a squadron physician), and was assigned to the famous VMA-214 Black Sheep Squadron at the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ. Next, she completed her Dermatology Residency at the nationally acclaimed dermatology program at the Naval Medical Center San Diego. While she was an active-duty dermatologist, Dr. Busch was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan as the department head of dermatology. She finished her ten-year military career at Camp Pendleton as a Lieutenant Commander.
Dr. Busch is married and has three children, now in high school and college. She has volunteered extensively at her children’s school and at her church. She especially enjoys assisting with youth sports and youth theater.
Explore our website to learn more about the services offered by Dr. Heidi Busch, such as: skin cancer screenings, managing skin conditions, cosmetic enhancements, and removal of benign growths. Schedule a consultation to experience personalized and expert dermatologic care, tailored to your unique needs. Dr. Busch sees patients at our Vista location.

Sarah Lucas M.D.

FACS, RPVI, Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Sarah Lucas, MD, FACS, RPVI is a board-certified vascular surgeon who has chosen to focus her practice on the care of patients with venous and lymphatic disease. She is also a diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. She is a graduate of the Duke School of Medicine and the integrated vascular surgery residency of Georgetown University Hospital and Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. She returned to Duke as a faculty member following graduation
She and her husband then relocated to Memphis, Tennessee for his pediatric surgery fellowship. During that time, she was on staff at the Memphis VA Medical Center, where she served as faculty for the vascular surgery fellowship of the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Lucas and her husband are delighted to have found their permanent home in San Diego, where he is a pediatric surgeon at the Naval Medical Center.
Dr. Lucas has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and a book chapter in the field of vascular surgery. She is active in the Society for Vascular Surgery and a member of the Young Surgeons’ Committee. Dr. Lucas joined La Jolla Vein Care in 2018. In addition to her role at La Jolla Vein & Vascular, she also manages patients with vascular wounds at the Scripps XIMED wound care clinic.
Dr. Lucas is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Surgeons who become Fellows of the College have passed a comprehensive evaluation of their surgical training and skills; they also have demonstrated their commitment to high standards of ethical conduct.
Dr. Sarah Lucas, La Jolla Vein & Vascular, Veinous insufficiency during pregnancy on KUSI
Peer-Reviewed Journals: Dr. Sarah Lucas

Megan Bates, MSN, FNP-C

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.

10TH YEAR AND COUNTING – LA JOLLA VEIN & VASCULAR IN SD MAGAZINE’S TOP DOCS ISSUE

Read What Our Patients Have to Say

What a wonderful experience, I love the site and the staff are super knowledgeable and helpful. To actually have someone assess and conduct an ultrasound on my legs and veins is an absolute dream come true. Thank you for your help!

Chelsey G.

Wow, where do I begin… how about with 10 stars (5 isn’t enough!). I am very impressed with La Jolla Vein & Vascular. I visited the Vista office and was greeted by the most friendly team ever. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, they really make you feel valued… that’s important especially when you deal with bad anxiety. But they will put you at ease and they know exactly what they are doing. Everything is thoughtfully explained and you feel confident in their diagnosis and treatment plan. The office is so clean and professional. I wish all medical offices, doctors and staff were like this!

Rebeca T.

This practice is exceptional. All staff members are extremely nice and efficient. There is no wait time to be seen by appointment.Dr Steinberger is friendly, engaging, and highly competent.
I am very satisfied with the treatment and the experience in general.

Samantha R.

OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE OUR EXPERTISE AND SPECIALISED TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR VASCULAR HEALTH, IN A ONE-STOP CONVENIENT SETTING.  OUR COMPREHENSIVE VEIN CARE AND VASCULAR CLINIC HELPS PATIENTS TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR VASCULAR HEALTH.

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