Meet the Team

Our team provides the highest level of quality care and patient outcomes for advanced cardiovascular surgery. It's no surprise to see some of the country's other most notable cardiac surgery programs in their backgrounds. Scroll down to learn more about our surgeons' education and training.

EDWARD 'MAC' LEPPARD, MD 

THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON

Dr. Edward 'Mac' Leppard received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine in Charleston, after which he went on to complete an internship, residency and fellowship in general surgery at Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans, and an internship, residency and fellowship in thoracic surgery at Emory University Medical Center in Georgia. Dr. Leppard has been with Providence through all twenty of its top ratings of 3-stars from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. When not in the operating room, he enjoys spending time with his children, grandchildren, and wife Connie who volunteers at the hospital with their therapy dog Sadie. Dr. Leppard's son, W. McIver Leppard, MD, is a plastic and reconstructive Surgeon with Providence Surgical Associates.

See Dr. Leppard perform beating open heart surgery here. 

JOHN P. SUTTON, III, MD

THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON

Dr. John 'JP' Sutton is a thoracic and cardiac surgeon in Columbia, South Carolina, where he has been in practice for more than 20 years. He received his medical degree from Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, after which he completed a residency in general surgery at the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile, followed by a fellowship in thoracic surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Dr. Sutton is Chief of Staff for the Providence Health System, as well as the clinical lead for the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) program. He is also known for continuing his father's charitable work of providing heart surgery for underprivileged patients who do not have access to resources in their home land. 

ROBERT ZURCHER, MD 

THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON

Dr. Robert Zurcher received his medical degree from University of Chicago Medical Center in Illinois. He then went on to complete an internship, residency and fellowship in general surgery at the esteemed Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he also completed a thoracic surgery fellowship. He also completed a fellowship in cardiovascular surgery at Boston's Children's Hospital in Massachusetts.

See Dr. Zurcher talk about advancement in coronary artery bypass here. 

SUSAN K. CAUDLE, PA (picture coming soon)

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Susan Caudle earned her Bachelor of Science degree to become a Physician Assistant from Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA. She also has a degree in Radiologic Technology. She has been working in healthcare for for more than 40 years and has extensive experience in cardiovascular care. She was certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a previous board member herself of the SC Academy of Physician Assistants. 

LEONOR LOURIDO, ARNP, FNP-C 

FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER 

Leonor Lourido earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from University of South Carolina and her Master of Science degree in Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina. She is a member of the US Army National Guard and is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Ms. Lourido has extensive experience in cardiovascular care. 

Schedule an appointment with this top-tier team of heart surgeons. 
Call (803) 254-5140.