DANVILLE, VA., August 13, 2007 - Danville Regional Medical Center announced today it has engaged the clinical staff of the Duke Heart Center to work with Danville Regional Medical Center and local cardiologists on the overall assessment of DRMC’s cardiovascular services, in order to determine how DRMC and Duke will work together to improve cardiovascular care at DRMC.
The announcement comes as cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Lee McCann has advised Duke and DRMC that he has accepted a position in Utah and will be leaving Danville in approximately six months. Dr. McCann is on the Duke staff but has worked principally at DRMC.
“It has been a great experience to work as a member of the Duke faculty and a privilege to work and closely associate with the people in Danville - cardiologists, nurses, patients and especially my office and OR staff,” Dr. McCann said. “They are all quality people and have always been extremely committed to our patients. I will always be grateful for this opportunity,” he added.
The announcement of the service line assessment was made by Danville Regional interim CEO Ruth McDaniel, along with Dr. Peter Smith, Professor and Chief of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery, Duke University.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for Dr. McCann and we certainly wish him the very best,” McDaniel said. “He still has patients here who will be receiving his care for several months. That will allow time for those who need to transition to another physician to do so.”
“Lee McCann has provided exemplary service to his patients and to this program,” Dr. Smith said. “He is a good friend and outstanding colleague and we congratulate him on his new position.”
Commenting on the continuing relationship between Duke and DRMC, McDaniel said “DRMC is prepared to make a significant investment in cardiovascular services, and Duke’s clinicians are going to lead the assessment of where we are now, and help us determine how to most appropriately deliver the services that will assure success with the program.”
“At Duke we continue to be dedicated to the citizens of Danville and the Dan River region,” said Dr. Christopher O’Connor, Medical Director of the Duke Heart Center. “We have provided care to patients and collaborated with physicians for decades and we plan to support the healthcare needs of the community for decades to come.”
Dr. Smith said the review would be undertaken with the input and cooperation of local cardiologists as well as DRMC administration. Duke, Danville cardiologists and DRMC could envision a further relationship after the assessment is completed that “will continue to meet area heart care needs,” officials said.
“Duke and Danville Regional are committed to this assessment to determine the best pathway to excellence for cardiovascular services,” Dr. Smith said. He said the Duke team will work closely with Danville area cardiologists as the assessment and recommendations for the future are made.
“We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Duke both from a physician training and patient care standpoint,” DRMC Cardiologist Dr. Gary P. Miller said. “We certainly welcome Duke’s assessment of the overall cardiovascular care provided at our hospital as we continue to strengthen our program,” he added.
“We all have the same goal, and with Duke’s asistance, we will continue to provide the best, most appropriate cardiovascular care for our community,” DRMC Cardiologist Dr. Ajit S. Chauhan said.
“With the assessment and Duke’s involvement there will no doubt be changes and additions to the cardiac program at DRMC. But one thing will remain the same and that is our committment to continuing to provide high quality care for the patients in the region,” DRMC Cardiologist Dr. Boshra G. Zakhary said.
Drs. Miller, Chauhan and Zakhary have consulting faculty appointments at the Duke University School of Medicine as well as being practicing cardiologists at DRMC.
The complete project is expected to take approximately five months.
