Baptist Adds Cardiac Rehab Medical Director, Revises Program
After a successful and active career in cardiovascular surgery over the past 38 years, Dr. Kilgore has retired from the practice of surgery. But his devotion to the practice of medicine is not over. He will now lead Baptist Outpatient Cardiac Services, a program that was started 10 years ago, as its medical director.
Jackson, MS (PRWEB) April 8, 2006
In 1971, one of the most extraordinary feats at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Miss. was when Thomas L. Kilgore, Jr., M. D., with Cardiovascular Surgical Clinic, performed the state’s first open heart surgery in a private hospital.
After a successful and active career in cardiovascular surgery over the past 38 years, Dr. Kilgore has retired from the practice of surgery. But his devotion to the practice of medicine is not over. He will now lead Baptist Outpatient Cardiac Services, a program that was started 10 years ago, as its medical director.
Dr. Kilgore stated, “I am excited about being involved with a program that has the potential to significantly add to the quality and length of life of patients with cardiovascular disease."
“We have restructured our program starting this year,” added Kim Daniels-Speights, RN, Baptist Cardiovascular Rehabilitation nurse. “Dr. Kilgore will be actively involved on a daily basis overseeing patient assessment, providing oversight of exercise and educational sessions, reviewing patient progress, and regularly communicating with referring physicians.”
The program lasts 12 weeks, in most cases, and requires a physician referral. Changes to the program will consist of a complete medical and physical assessment by Dr. Kilgore, new monitoring and computer equipment and classroom workshops.
Dr. Kilgore noted evidence in the medical literature shows that patients going through a cardiac rehab program have a substantial reduction in mortality compared to those heart patients who do not participate in Outpatient Cardiac Rehab. Baptist Outpatient Cardiac Rehab Services will continue to build its program from a comprehensive approach based on medical literature. The five goals for the rehab program include: slowing the artery clogging process, stabilization of plaque to decrease risk of having a heart attack or stroke, decreases the risk of having to undergo further treatments such as stents or surgery, reduces need for hospitalization related to cardiovascular disease and improves quality of life.
“The program will be intense. We will take the patients through an assessment of existing medical conditions and exercise testing to evaluate their functional capabilities. After assessments, we’ll know how to prescribe exercise programs as well as present educational information on how a patient can reduce their risks and improve their quality of life. We will also keep the patient’s primary physician and their cardiologist informed of, and involved with, the patient’s progress, ” Kilgore said.
For more information call the Baptist Health Line at 601-948-6262 or 1-800-948-6262.
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