Cardiothoracic Surgery near Salem, VA
We found 34 results within 10 miles for "Cardiothoracic Surgery near Salem, VA"
Biography: Erica Duerbeck, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant providing cardiothoracic and vascular care to patients in Salem, VA. Ms. Duerbeck earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University followed by a Master of Physician Assistant Medicine from the University of Lynchburg. Ms. Duerbeck is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants. Ms. Duerbeck has extensive clinical experience and is proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of acute and chronic cardiac, thoracic, and vascular conditions. Outside of the practice, she enjoys volunteering at blood drives with the American Red Cross and assisting with building houses for Habitat for Humanity. In her free time, she enjoys baking, exploring the Salem/Roanoke area including new hiking trails and playing with her dog.

- Explains conditions well (10)
- Found trustworthy (10)
- Appt. wasn't rushed (9)
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- Offers Telehealth
Biography: This physician is accepting telehealth visits. James J. Taylor, DO, FACOS joins the surgical staff of LewisGale Medical Center and the physician staff of LewisGale Physicians Cardiothoracic Surgery.Dr. Taylor graduated from Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa. He continued his education with an internship at Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Saddlebrook, New Jersey, where he served as Chief Intern, and his residency in general surgery at Peninsula Hospital in Queens, New York where he served as Chief Resident in his field. He completed his cardiothoracic and vascular surgery fellowship at Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, New Jersey. During his fellowship, he served as Chief Fellow in his field. Dr. Taylor is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery in both cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. Dr. Taylor has been honored with numerous accolades for his patient care and service to the community including Texas Monthly Cardiac Super Doc, TOMA Community Service Award, America's Top Physicians for Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery, and 417 Top Doctors for Cardiac and Vascular Surgery. In his spare time, Dr. Taylor has previously owned a fully-operational cattle ranch and collected John Deere tractors.

- Listened/answered questions (3)
- Explains conditions well (3)
- Appt. wasn't rushed (2)
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- Offers Telehealth
Biography: Cemil Purut, MD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon with LewisGale Physicians in Salem, Virginia. Dr. Purut is a graduate of Duke University School of Medicine, where he also served as Chief Resident in Surgery and completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery. Prior to medical school, he earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, graduating with highest honors from North Carolina State University. Dr. Purut is a veteran of the United States Army and has over 30 years of leadership experience in cardiothoracic medicine, including four years as the Medical Director of Cardiovascular Surgery at LewisGale Medical Center. Dr. Purut is board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and is an active member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. He is expertly skilled in performing open heart cardiac surgery, including heart bypass, aortic valve replacement, and mitral valve repair. Dr. Purut also treats patients needing carotid and coronary artery surgery, as well as pulmonary and peripheral vascular procedures. His care philosophy centers on putting his patients at ease and being actively involved in each phase of their treatment. When not seeing patients, Dr. Purut enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

- Found trustworthy (4)
- Appt. wasn't rushed (3)
- Listened/answered questions (3)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (4)
- Listened/answered questions (4)
- Explains conditions well (4)
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Dr. Cynthia W Choate, MD
- Appt. wasn't rushed (1)
- Listened/answered questions (1)
- Explains conditions well (1)
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- Explains conditions well (10)
- Found trustworthy (10)
- Appt. wasn't rushed (9)
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- Offers Telehealth
Biography: This physician is accepting telehealth visits. James J. Taylor, DO, FACOS joins the surgical staff of LewisGale Medical Center and the physician staff of LewisGale Physicians Cardiothoracic Surgery.Dr. Taylor graduated from Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa. He continued his education with an internship at Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Saddlebrook, New Jersey, where he served as Chief Intern, and his residency in general surgery at Peninsula Hospital in Queens, New York where he served as Chief Resident in his field. He completed his cardiothoracic and vascular surgery fellowship at Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, New Jersey. During his fellowship, he served as Chief Fellow in his field. Dr. Taylor is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery in both cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. Dr. Taylor has been honored with numerous accolades for his patient care and service to the community including Texas Monthly Cardiac Super Doc, TOMA Community Service Award, America's Top Physicians for Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery, and 417 Top Doctors for Cardiac and Vascular Surgery. In his spare time, Dr. Taylor has previously owned a fully-operational cattle ranch and collected John Deere tractors.

Dr. Mark Joseph, MD
- Appt. wasn't rushed (3)
- Listened/answered questions (3)
- Explains conditions well (3)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (5)
- Listened/answered questions (5)
- Explains conditions well (5)
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- Offers Telehealth

- Listened/answered questions (3)
- Explains conditions well (3)
- Appt. wasn't rushed (2)
- View 1 more provider attributes
- Offers Telehealth
Biography: Cemil Purut, MD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon with LewisGale Physicians in Salem, Virginia. Dr. Purut is a graduate of Duke University School of Medicine, where he also served as Chief Resident in Surgery and completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery. Prior to medical school, he earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, graduating with highest honors from North Carolina State University. Dr. Purut is a veteran of the United States Army and has over 30 years of leadership experience in cardiothoracic medicine, including four years as the Medical Director of Cardiovascular Surgery at LewisGale Medical Center. Dr. Purut is board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and is an active member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. He is expertly skilled in performing open heart cardiac surgery, including heart bypass, aortic valve replacement, and mitral valve repair. Dr. Purut also treats patients needing carotid and coronary artery surgery, as well as pulmonary and peripheral vascular procedures. His care philosophy centers on putting his patients at ease and being actively involved in each phase of their treatment. When not seeing patients, Dr. Purut enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

- Appt. wasn't rushed (4)
- Listened/answered questions (4)
- Explains conditions well (4)
- View 1 more provider attributes

- Appt. wasn't rushed (1)
- Listened/answered questions (1)
- Explains conditions well (1)
- View 1 more provider attributes
Care Philosophy: I strive to always provide highest quality of care in a setting where patients can feel comfortable to share with me their concerns, needs, values and preferences. My role is to ensure patients are well informed of their medical situation so we may build their individualized care plan together.

- Appt. wasn't rushed (3)
- Listened/answered questions (3)
- Explains conditions well (3)
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Biography: Erica Duerbeck, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant providing cardiothoracic and vascular care to patients in Salem, VA. Ms. Duerbeck earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University followed by a Master of Physician Assistant Medicine from the University of Lynchburg. Ms. Duerbeck is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants. Ms. Duerbeck has extensive clinical experience and is proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of acute and chronic cardiac, thoracic, and vascular conditions. Outside of the practice, she enjoys volunteering at blood drives with the American Red Cross and assisting with building houses for Habitat for Humanity. In her free time, she enjoys baking, exploring the Salem/Roanoke area including new hiking trails and playing with her dog.

Biography: Captain J. Pearce Beissinger, MS, PA-C, DiMM, is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery with LewisGale Physicians in Salem, Virginia. Among many others, his expertise includes endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting, radial artery harvesting, and multiple critical care interventions. Beginning his healthcare career in the fields of emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery, Mr. Beissinger started practicing as a cardiothoracic surgical physician assistant while working at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, where he also served as a clinical instructor teaching physician assistant students. He most recently served as a cardiothoracic surgery and critical care physician assistant at Carilion Clinic. brMr. Beissinger earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Psychology from Florida State University. He completed post baccalaureate studies in pre-medical science at Yale University and earned a Master in Physician Assistant Studies from Arcadia University. He later earned a Diploma in Mountain Medicine from the University of New Mexico. Mr. Beissinger holds current certifications in Advanced Wilderness Life Support, Avalanche Level 1, and basic life support. brOutside of work, Mr. Beissinger is involved with church ministry and enjoys rowing, cycling, ice climbing, and mountaineering. While also serving as a captain in the Air Force-Virginia Air National Guard, he has dedicated decades of service to technical mountain rescue teams. His greatest adventure and most rewarding pursuit have been enjoying the blessings of his wife and two children.




- Offers Telehealth

















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Learn more about Cardiothoracic Surgery and how to choose the right one for you
A thoracic surgeon specializes in the surgical care of people of all ages with conditions and diseases of the chest. The chest includes the heart, lungs, trachea (windpipe), esophagus, diaphragm, and chest wall. Thoracic surgeons treat a variety of diseases and conditions that require chest surgery, including heart disease, lung and esophagus cancer, chest trauma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Thoracic surgeons are also called cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiac surgeons to emphasize heart surgery.
A thoracic surgeon typically:
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Evaluates a patient’s medical history and educates the patient about his or her condition including the surgical treatment and aftercare
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Performs a physical exam including evaluation of blood pressure and vital signs; weight; and the health of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels
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Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests and prescribes medications
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Orders and evaluates diagnostic procedures, such as EKG, echocardiogram, and cardiac catheterization
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Diagnoses and treats acute and chronic diseases and conditions that affect the major structures and organs in the chest
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Works closely with your primary care doctor, cardiologist, pulmonologist, and other specialists to provide optimal care
A thoracic surgeon may also be known by the following names: chest surgeon, lung surgeon, heart and lung surgeon, general thoracic surgeon, trauma surgeon, and cardiothoracic surgeon.
There are 34 specialists practicing Cardiothoracic Surgery in Salem, VA with an overall average rating of 4.8 stars. There are 6 hospitals near Salem, VA with affiliated Cardiothoracic Surgery specialists, including Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Lewisgale Medical Center and Chippenham Hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a top-rated Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist in Salem, VA?
How can I find a top-rated Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist in Salem, VA?
Healthgrades gives you the tools and information you need to find high-quality care, including top-rated Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA. You can filter your search results to a specific Rating threshold, or go to “Top Rated” to quickly view Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists with our highest patient ratings.
Every Healthgrades profile includes information about the factors that matter most when choosing care, including a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist's education, board certification, and experience. You can even see which specific conditions a doctor treats most often.
Healthgrades also spotlights high-quality healthcare professionals by identifying them as “Healthgrades Choice.” This badge indicates that a physician has above average experience, good patient ratings, no healthcare sanctions, and affiliations with quality hospitals.
Finally, you can read reviews and ratings from verified patients about their experiences with a doctor.
Together, all of these factors provide a comprehensive picture of Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA so you can make an informed, confident decision about the care you receive.
How can I share my experience after visiting a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist through Healthgrades?
How can I share my experience after visiting a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist through Healthgrades?
Patient ratings and reviews are an important tool in helping other people like yourself make informed healthcare choices. If you read patient reviews as part of your decision-making process, you can pay it forward by sharing your own experience with a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist.
After your visit, you can visit your Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist's profile and go to “Leave a Review.” From here you will be required to provide a star rating from 1 to 5 to reflect how likely you are to recommend that doctor. You can also leave an optional text review about your experience.
You will be required to submit your email address so Healthgrades can confirm your review, and you must verify that you received treatment from the physician and agree to Healthgrades terms and conditions.
How can I find a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist in Salem, VA who speaks a specific language other than English?
How can I find a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist in Salem, VA who speaks a specific language other than English?
Finding a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist in Salem, VA with whom you can communicate effectively is an essential part of finding quality care. You can go to “All Filters” on your Healthgrades search results and scroll to “Language.” From there, you narrow your search to physicians who speak your selected language(s).
Healthgrades lets you filter by more than 100 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Hindu, Urdu, Tagalog, and American Sign Language.
How can I find Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists within a specific distance from my location?
How can I find Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists within a specific distance from my location?
Go to “Distance” on your Healthgrades search results page and select the distance range you would be willing to travel for your visit, such as 1 miles, 5 miles, 10 miles, 25 miles, 50 miles, 100 miles, or nationwide.
You can also go to “Top Rated” to quickly view a list of 4-star and above-rated Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists within 10 miles of your selected location.
Keep in mind: The right specialist for you may not be among the ones closest to you, and it may be worth expanding your search to find the highest-quality care.
How can I search for Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA specializing in a specific sub-specialty or niche area?
How can I search for Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA specializing in a specific sub-specialty or niche area?
After your initial specialty search, Healthgrades allows you to narrow your search to specific conditions or practicing areas within that specialty.
On your Healthgrades search results page, go to “Practice Area.” From here you can select specific conditions or subspecialties that more directly reflect the type of care you need.
How can I find Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA with availability that aligns with my schedule?
How can I find Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA with availability that aligns with my schedule?
You can filter your Healthgrades search results based on appointment availability, including options such as same-day, tomorrow, or within 2 weeks. Under “All Filters,” scroll to “Availability” and select the appointment timeframe you need.
You can also contact a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist's office directly to ask about appointment availability, including same-day availability or unexpected cancellations that may have opened up new appointments in your desired timeframe.
How can I locate Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA affiliated with a specific facility or hospital?
How can I locate Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA affiliated with a specific facility or hospital?
Finding a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist in Salem, VA with affiliations at high-quality hospitals is key to a successful treatment outcome. Healthgrades lets you filter your search to doctors who have admitting privileges at the hospital(s) you prefer.
Go to “All Filters” on your Healthgrades search results, then scroll to “Affiliated Facility.” From here you can select one or more preferred hospitals to narrow your search to specialists with affiliations at those facilities.
How can I find Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA who offer LGBTQ+ affirming care on Healthgrades?
How can I find Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA who offer LGBTQ+ affirming care on Healthgrades?
Finding a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist in Salem, VA who affirms your identity is an essential part of a successful healthcare partnership. For people who identify as LGBTQ+, you can filter your Healthgrades search results to physicians who designate themselves as LGBTQ+ affirming.
Go to “All Filters” in your search results, then scroll down and select “LGBTQ+ affirming.”
Is it possible to filter Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA based on their age on Healthgrades?
Is it possible to filter Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA based on their age on Healthgrades?
Some people feel more comfortable seeing a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist in a specific age range. You can filter your Healthgrades search results by going to “All Filters,” and then scrolling down to “Healthcare Professional’s Age.” From here, you can select age ranges from under 40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, or over 70 years old.
How do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA stay connected with their patients between appointments?
How do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA stay connected with their patients between appointments?
A Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist's office in Salem, VA may offer a variety of resources for patients who need care or medical advice between appointments. These may include an answering service, nurse or physician assistant helpline, or text support through a patient portal.
When scheduling your appointment, or during your visit, ask your Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist's office about available care options between scheduled appointments.
How do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA approach patient education and empowerment during appointments?
How do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA approach patient education and empowerment during appointments?
Each Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist has their approach to educating and empowering patients. As a patient, you should feel comfortable asking questions and have confidence in your understanding of the answers. A strong partnership with your Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist helps you work together to find a treatment plan that's right for you, which improves the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Patient ratings and reviews can be particularly helpful in learning about a doctor's communication style. By reading about other people's experiences with a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist, you can get a sense of how that specialist approaches patient education and empowerment to decide if they're a fit for you.
Can I request electronic prescriptions or medication refills from Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA for convenience?
Can I request electronic prescriptions or medication refills from Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA for convenience?
Many medical practices provide electronic prescriptions or medication refills as a quick, convenient way for you to receive your medications. Ask your doctor's office about whether they provide electronic prescriptions or refills, and check with your health insurance provider about prescription services they may offer.
How do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA facilitate seamless transitions of care for patients transitioning between healthcare settings?
How do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA facilitate seamless transitions of care for patients transitioning between healthcare settings?
If you need to change healthcare settings, such as being discharged from the hospital to a rehabilitation center or transitioning to home care, your team of healthcare professionals will work together to ensure continuity of care. They will communicate your medical records, history, and any other important information to the next care team so everyone can be equipped to provide high-quality care.
It is also important that you understand and feel confident about each step of your care. Don't hesitate to ask questions, and offer honest communication with your healthcare professionals so they can tailor your treatment to your needs.
Can I access remote monitoring or telehealth services provided by Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA for ongoing care management?
Can I access remote monitoring or telehealth services provided by Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA for ongoing care management?
Your Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist may recommend that you use new technologies called Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) to monitor your condition or symptoms between appointments. This may include tracking factors such as your weight, heart rate, blood oxygen level, blood pressure, temperature, or glucose levels. RPM devices can provide real-time updates to your physician or care team so they can keep track of trends or determine if you need more immediate care.
During your appointment, ask your Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist about the potential use of RPM and the possible benefits for your individual treatment plan.
How do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA address patient feedback and quality improvement initiatives to enhance their practice?
How do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA address patient feedback and quality improvement initiatives to enhance their practice?
Patient feedback is an important and helpful factor for Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists as they work to improve and maintain the quality of their practice. Ratings and comments from patients can provide guidance for office staff, process efficiencies, and physician communication. Healthgrades also publishes hospital quality data and awards the top facilities in the nation as America's Best Hospitals. These data-driven reports help specialists choose affiliations with high-quality hospitals that offer a higher rate of successful outcomes.
What role do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA play in addressing public health challenges and epidemics affecting the local community?
What role do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA play in addressing public health challenges and epidemics affecting the local community?
As physicians offering first-hand care to patients, Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists have a unique perspective and influence on public health. Routine screenings for diseases or conditions can help prevent more complicated care down the line, reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infection for patients. By counseling patients on preventive lifestyle habits, such as routine exercise and nutrition, doctors can lower the risk of chronic conditions in the population and ease the demand for critical care. Local physicians may also participate in community health programs or offer volunteer care, which helps increase access to healthcare for those who may not otherwise receive it. Through these types of initiatives and others like them, specialists can contribute to their community's overall public health.
What support resources are available for caregivers of patients receiving care from Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA?
What support resources are available for caregivers of patients receiving care from Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA?
Acting as a caregiver for a loved one can be a stressful and often emotional role. Caregiver burnout is common, and the challenges of caring for someone with a serious condition may be overwhelming. Fortunately, help is available.
Your Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist's office in Salem, VA may be able to provide information about local support groups for caregivers, or there are several online communities you can access. Local respite services can provide quality, short-term care for your loved one and allow you to take needed time for yourself.
Caregivers of veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs health system can receive support through the VA, including legal and financial planning services. If your loved one has a disability and already receives Medicaid, your City may allow you to become a paid caregiver. Contact your state's Medicaid office for more information.
What measures do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA take to address patients' financial concerns or facilitate access to affordable healthcare services?
What measures do Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA take to address patients' financial concerns or facilitate access to affordable healthcare services?
Your Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist's office can provide information about financial assistance, which may be referred to as charity care. Some doctor's offices also offer payment plans that allow you to pay your bill over a certain period of time.
If you need to receive care at a hospital, you may qualify for financial assistance through that hospital. If you receive care at a non-profit hospital, you must be offered financial assistance if you cannot afford to pay. If you participate in a government program, such as Medicaid or Medicare, those programs' websites can offer guidance about coverage for the care you need.
Your hospital may also have a patient advocate on staff who can help guide you through your coverage or your financial assistance options. You can also find your own guide through the Patient Advocate Foundation.
How can patients effectively advocate for themselves during appointments with Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA?
How can patients effectively advocate for themselves during appointments with Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists in Salem, VA?
It is important to remember that you are a partner with your Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist as you find the right treatment plan for you. You have a voice in your healthcare decisions, and it is important to communicate your goals and preferences clearly to get the highest quality of care.
Ways to advocate for yourself during appointments include: preparing questions in advance to ask your doctor, bringing someone with you to listen and take notes, asking your Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist to clarify when you do not understand something, and being honest when you have concerns.
If you are unsure about a recommended treatment, tell your doctor you want to seek a second opinion. A quality Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist will not take offense at this; rather, a good doctor wants to get as much information as possible to make the right treatment choice. If your Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist does question your interest in a second opinion, it may be a sign that another Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist may be a better fit for you.