Our Providers
Meet Our Providers
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Salman Mufti
VA & MD Offices
Dr. Salman Mufti is a graduate from Rutgers University Medical School in NJ graduating with the highest honors and a former Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar. He obtained his Vascular and Interventional Radiology fellowship training from Brown University in Rhode Island and has earned several publications, professional distinctions, and teaching accolades. He specializes in complex vascular and endovascular procedures, vein procedures, and minimally invasive procedures such as kyphoplasty and embolization.
His special interests include complex PAD and fibroid treatments. Dr Mufti is performing new cutting edge treatments that involve minimally invasive procedures for knee and shoulder osteoarthritis, fibroids, prostates, hemorrhoids, and compression fractures of the spine. Dr. Mufti has previously practiced in Northern Virginia for more than 10 years and served as Chief of Vascular and IR from 2017-2020 in the Inova Health System. He has been named “top doc” for Washington and Northern Virginia Magazine eleven times.
Dr. Mufti enjoys spending time with his family, is an avid golfer and tennis player and loves to hike.
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Paul R. Butros
VA Offices
Having received extensive training at some of the country’s most prestigious institutions for vascular care, Dr. Paul Butros completed his residency at Wayne State University before finishing his fellowships at Harvard Medical School and Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, respectively.
Today, with more than a decade’s worth of experience, he is dual board-certified in: Diagnostic Radiology and Vascular and Interventional Radiology. Dr. Butros is known for treating every patient with compassionate care and individualized attention. He offers his expertise for a wide variety of conditions that require both minimally invasive treatments and advanced endovascular methods.
When not working directly with patients, Dr. Butros has participated in the advancement of vascular care by both authoring and co-authoring medical articles, participating as the lead investigator of clinical trials, and speaking at both national and international vascular conferences.
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Niloy Dasgupta
VA & MD Offices
Dr. Niloy (“Neil”) Dasgupta is a Virginia native and graduated from the University of Virginia school of medicine in Charlottesville. He concluded his radiology training with a Vascular and Interventional Radiology fellowship at the Mallinkrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in St Louis, following a pediatric radiology fellowship at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.
He has been in practices in Central Delaware and Western Maryland. In his Delaware practice he was performing the most uterine artery embolizations while a full-time staff member, introduced prostate artery embolization to the area, and also performs cancer ablations of the liver and kidney. In Western Maryland he performs kyphoplasty and sacroplasty, and well as PE/DVT/PAD interventions learned from vascular experts Dr John Pappas and Dr Michael Arata. Dr Dasgupta has an appreciation for unique needs of patients in underserved areas.
In his time off Dr. Dasgupta strives to be active with his family of 3 young children.
Reviews for this provider are being collected and will appear soon.
Vascular Surgeon
Dr. Fredrick Southern
VA Offices
Fredrick N. Southern, M.D., a native of Kansas City, Kansas, attended Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. He went on to medical school, was selected for an Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship, and graduated as a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Kansas. A general surgery internship was completed at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in 1988, followed by a two-year duty assignment as Medical Department Head on the USS Seattle (AOE 3). During this time, he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.
Dr. Southern completed a five-year general surgery residency at Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine in Norfolk, VA, and became board certified in General Surgery. He then served a two-year duty assignment as Ship’s Surgeon aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73), with another deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf regions. He was selected for a vascular fellowship and completed a two-year training program at the University of Arkansas. He became board certified in Vascular Surgery and was later recertified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Vascular Surgery.
Following his vascular surgery fellowship, he served as a staff vascular surgeon at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. He completed additional mini-fellowship training in endovascular surgery at the Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. During his time at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, he served as Department Head and Vascular Laboratory Medical Director, except when he was Director of Surgical Services for 20 departments. In 2005, Dr. Southern also deployed as the Task Force Surgeon, responsible for all medical assets and activities in the Horn of Africa region based out of Djibouti, Africa. He retired from the Navy as a Captain with 23 years of service.
Vascular Surgeon
Dr. Goran Tesic
Dr. Goran Tesic is a native of Bosnia and Norway who earned his medical degree with honors from Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary. He is a board-certified general and vascular surgeon with extensive experience in both endovascular and open vascular procedures, particularly in trauma and critical care settings. He also holds the credential of Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI), reflecting advanced expertise in diagnostic vascular ultrasound.
Dr. Tesic completed his general surgery residency at the Teaching Hospital of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York City. He went on to complete his vascular surgery fellowship at Northwell Health Staten Island University Hospital. His interest in surgery was inspired early on by observing his mother practice surgery during wartime in Bosnia.
His clinical focus includes advanced and minimally invasive vascular interventions, including percutaneous revascularization, endarterectomy, arterial bypass, endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), and management of vascular trauma.
Prior to relocating to Virginia, Dr. Tesic practiced for eight years in Texas, where he performed a wide range of endovascular and open vascular procedures across diverse clinical settings.
Dr. Tesic is a member of the Society for Vascular Surgery. He is fluent in Bosnian, Norwegian, Spanish and Hungarian, and has intermediate proficiency in Italian and German.
Reviews for this provider are being collected and will appear soon.
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Jay Varma
VA Offices
Dr. Jay Varma joins National Vascular from Fairfax Radiology, where he worked from 2006-2024 after working as an Interventional Radiologist at the Washington Hospital Center for four years.
In addition to his expertise in minimally invasive vein treatments, he brings his special experience in uterine fibroid embolization and peripheral vascular disease to National Vascular. He was a co-founder of the Uterine Fibroid Center of Excellence in Washington, DC, and regularly lectures and appears as a media expert on the subject of minimally invasive therapies.
Dr. Varma says that his “primary goal is to make sure my patients are comfortable. I understand that my patients are often anxious about the procedure and the result. Therefore, I make sure to greet all of my patients with a smile. If I can ensure the comfort of my patient, and have them leave with a smile, then I have done my job.” Raised in Potomac, Maryland, with parents from the Indian Subcontinent, Dr. Varma is a local to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from George Washington University in Washington, DC. He completed his medical degree at the University of Maryland School Of Medicine, and an internal medicine internship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Diagnostic Radiology residency was completed at Boston University Medical Center, where Dr. Varma served as chief resident.
Fellowship training was then completed in Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Dr. Varma is the former president of the Chesapeake Interventional Radiology Society, is certified by the American Board of Radiology and received sub-specialty certification in Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
When he is not working, Dr. Varma’s interests include world travel, music (he’s an ardent percussionist), working out, biking, and hiking. He admits that he is a major foodie, with an encyclopedic knowledge of restaurants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Physician Assistant
Jason Albanese
Baltimore Offices
Jason Albanese, PA-C, is a nationally board-certified physician assistant. He earned his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Rutgers University School of Health Professions in 2025, after completing his undergraduate studies in General Biology at the University of Maryland.
Jason brings a down-to-earth approach to medicine, striving to build strong relationships with each of his patients. He is committed to providing patient-centered care that is both thoughtful and effective. He finds it deeply rewarding to help individuals reach their treatment goals and aims to ensure every patient feels heard, respected, and empowered in their care.
When he’s not in the clinic, Jason enjoys spending time on the golf course, fishing, and watching football and basketball—especially cheering on his alma mater, the Maryland Terrapins.
Physician Assistant
Carol F. Benson
Northern Virginia Offices
Carol brings over three decades of clinical experience and a deep dedication to patient care in the fields of cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, and interventional radiology. She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Science in Biology, from Greensboro College, and later graduated from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences with a Bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
For the past 20+ years, she has focused exclusively on interventional radiology, providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care across a wide range of specialties, including vascular, oncology, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and gynecologic conditions.
Carol is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
Outside the clinic, Carol enjoys classical music, gardening, and canning homegrown produce. She lives in Virginia with her husband and their Border Collie, Charlie. Their two young adult children are forging their own paths in the world.
Physician Assistant
Gia Candelieri
Hampton Roads Offices
Gia Candelieri, PA-C, DC, is a board-certified Physician Assistant and licensed chiropractor with a strong foundation in both rehabilitative and medical care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Virginia Commonwealth University, her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from South College, and her Doctorate in Chiropractic from Life University. Gia is dedicated to creating an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is passionate about preventive care, patient education, and building lasting relationships with her patients, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to take an active role in their health.
Gia blends evidence-based medicine with a personalized approach, working closely with interdisciplinary teams to achieve the best outcomes for her patients. She values continuous learning to remain at the forefront of her field.
Outside of work, Gia enjoys fostering animals, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Physician Assistant
Hunter Gagnon
Richmond Offices
Hunter is a Physician Assistant from Dallas, Texas. He graduated from South University Richmond with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (Class of 2025). He also holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Northwestern State University of Louisiana, where he first developed a deep interest in human health and science.
Hunter is passionate about patient-centered care and is committed to supporting individuals and families as they navigate complex vascular health needs. He brings a fresh perspective, strong clinical training, and a dedication to lifelong learning.
Outside the clinic, Hunter enjoys competitive strategy games, from Magic: The Gathering to MMOs and indie platformers, finding parallels between thoughtful gameplay and the critical problem-solving skills he brings to patient care.
Physician Assistant
Khushboo Khan
Northern Virginia Offices
Khushboo Khan, is a board certified Physician Associate (PA-C), through the American Association of Physician Associates. She began her medical journey as an EMT and earning her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the State University of New York at Albany. Khushboo continued her education at Frostburg State University, where she graduated in 2021 with a Physician Assistant degree. After graduation, she worked in New York as an Urgent Care PA, treating a broad range of medical concerns, which honed her diagnostic skills and patient care expertise. In 2022, Khushboo transitioned into the surgical field, starting with neurosurgery and refining her skills alongside one of the top neurosurgical teams in the region. It was here that she discovered her passion for procedural and surgical work, which she continues to pursue in vascular surgery. Now based in Warrenton, Virginia, Khushboo is dedicated to delivering attentive and compassionate care, with a focus on patient-centered communication. Khushboo is known for her keen listening skills, ensuring that her patients feel heard and valued throughout their healthcare journey. When not at work, Khushboo loves to spend her free time with her family and traveling. She loves reading books and trying new food.
Nurse Practitioner
Alysha Knapp
Richmond Offices
Alysha Knapp is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Longwood University and her Master’s degree from Old Dominion University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice and is expected to graduate in May 2027.
Alysha’s experience includes providing comprehensive care in acute and critical care settings, working with diverse populations, and collaborating across various specialties. She is dedicated to delivering compassionate care, building trusting relationships with her patients, and supporting them in addressing their health concerns and achieving their healthcare goals.
In her free time, Alysha enjoys traveling, visiting different coffee shops, watching football, and spending time with family and friends.
Physician Assistant
Simran Mehta
Northern Virginia Offices
Simran “Sim” Mehta, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant who completed her training from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology minor from the University of Virginia. Born in India and raised in Northern Virginia, Sim continues traveling the world to this day. She loves spending time outdoors, discovering new music, and going to concerts. Sim focuses on providing compassionate, culturally competent care to each individual patient she interacts with. Pro tip: if you want to become her favorite patient, share your favorite musical artist and/or song with her!
Nurse Practitioner
Tierra Wiggins
Hampton Roads Offices
Tierra Wiggins joined National Vascular Associates in the summer of 2025 as a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2020, following a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) from Norfolk State University in 2013. Before joining NVA, Tierra worked as a Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner after dedicating 10 years to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital as a registered nurse. There, she gained experience across multiple specialties, including trauma, vascular neurology, urology, and cardiology. In recognition of her exemplary and compassionate care, she received a Daisy Award in 2018. Tierra is also an active member of the American Nurses Association and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society in 2018, where she remains involved.
A lifelong resident of Hampton Roads, Tierra values being rooted in the history and culture of her community and is committed to providing high-quality healthcare to those she serves. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her son, serving as team mom for various sports organizations, attending professional sporting events, reading, and traveling.