how to CHOOSE

IF YOU’RE SUFFERING FROM CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE, LUNG CANCER, OR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER, FINDING THE RIGHT CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON MAY FEEL LIKE AN OVERWHELMING TASK, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE NEWLY DIAGNOSED Yet choosing the best surgeon to meet your needs doesn’t have to be a daunting task. There are several key factors to look for when choosing a surgeon. In conjunction with your cardiologist, oncologist, or pulmonologist, your cardiothoracic surgeon will be a part of your medical team, assisting you through a difficult time in life. Choosing the best surgeon can make a critical difference to your overall health and recovery.

“A good surgeon should offer advanced treatment ot their patients and do so in a way that minimizes pain, rists, and recovery time. You should experience improved quality of life. With that in mind, find a surgeon who will work closely with you and your physician to tailor a treatments program designed specifically for you.”

Darien Bradford, MD CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON

A cardiothoracic surgeon operates on a wide range of conditions and diseases. These generally involve the heart, lungs, and other organs of the chest cavity. Following General Surgery residency, they complete an additional two- or threeyear residency program in cardiothoracic surgery. Some cardiothoracic surgeons are fellowship trained, giving them additional experience in their fi eld.

Education and experience are critical when choosing the right cardiothoracic surgeon. This surgeon is highly trained in surgeries necessary for coronary artery disease, aortic valve disease, mitral valve disease, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and atrial or ventricular septal defects. Because you will most likely be referred to your surgeon by your cardiologist, oncologist, or pulmonologist, the relationship between your physician and your cardiothoracic surgeon is critical.

Before meeting with your surgeon, it’s helpful if you ask your cardiologist, oncologist, or pulmonologist what questions you should ask the surgeon based on the specifics of your case. What can you do to best prepare for surgery? How long will you be in the hospital following your surgery? What should you expect as far as recovery time, and what limitations should you be prepared for in your recovery?

Once your meet with your surgeon, they should complete a thorough exam and help you to feel comfortable about the upcoming procedure. It’s also important that your surgeon answers your questions fully and understands your concerns leading up to your surgery. The right surgeon will not only provide clear solutions for your medical problem, but will explain those solutions with details you need and will make sure you are comfortable with your choices regarding surgery. Understanding your procedure and what you need to know before going under the knife can help properly set your expectations for recovery and can help you heal faster.

A surgeon who best explains your options, outcomes, and recovery period can be the best fi t for you. When your surgeon has the expertise, experience, and empathy to treat you as an individual and not just a patient, you know you’ve found the right surgeon for you and your future. If you are faced with the difficult prospect of a major surgery, it’s comforting to know that you are in the most experienced hands possible, and that the surgeon is a good fit. Knowing what to ask and developing a relationship with your surgeon can move you that much closer to a speedy recovery.

Dr. Bradford specializes in minimally invasive surgery, offering patients a successful alternative to traditional open heart and open chest surgery. Providing the advanced heart care our friends and neighbors depend on. That’s community and why so many people Trust Methodist.

NOBODY WANTS TO UNDERGO SURGERY. But suppose your doctor has exhausted all non-surgical options, and you still need relief from a condition such as a hernia, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, thyroid or parathyroid disease, breast cancer, gallbladder, Crohn’s disease, or other debilitating conditions. In that case, surgery may be your best option. Time to do some homework to find the most qualified and experienced surgeon for your needs. General surgeons are educated and trained in diagnosis and preoperative, operative, and postoperative patient care management. Some surgeons put in the extra time required to offer state-of-the-art robotic surgery to provide greater precision and more favorable outcomes.

MIMI GREENWOOD-KNIGHT

“Take your time. Do your research. Know why you’re going to see a surgeon and ask questions. If you don’t understand the answer, ask the question again. Have a good dialogue. Remember that you are the patient.”

Gary K. Alexander, MD, FACS SURGICAL ASSOCIATES OF MANSFIELD

Begin your search by asking your primary care doctor for references. You may also ask family, friends, and other healthcare providers for recommendations. Research the credentials and experience of the surgeons they recommend on sites such as Healthgrades.com. Look for boardcertifi ed surgeons. Board certifi cation is a voluntary process that demonstrates a surgeon’s commitment to professionalism, lifelong learning, and quality patient care. Board-certified surgeons have completed at least fi ve years of residency training following medical school, met all American Board of Surgery training requirements, and successfully completed a rigorous examination process.

As you narrow your list, call each surgeon’s office, and ask for a consult appointment to meet and interview the doctor. When you do, inquire about their experience with the condition you have or the procedure you need. How many patients they’ve treated with your condition? Ask about potential complications you may have and what your risk factors may be.

Ask which hospital or outpatient center they use, then research that facility. Your surgeon’s hospital is your hospital, and patients at top-rated hospitals have fewer complications and better survival rates. Consider whether the hospital’s location is important to you. Frequent trips to the general surgeon’s offi ce or hospital may mean you need a convenient location to make treatment manageable.

Evaluate each surgeon’s communication style. Are you comfortable talking to them about what can be very personal topics? Do they welcome your questions and answer them in ways you understand? Do they show an interest in getting to know you? Are they receptive to your treatment preferences? Do they include your input in decisions related to your care?

Peruse some patient satisfaction surveys. Patient satisfaction surveys typically ask people about their experience with scheduling appointments, wait times, office environment, and office staff friendliness. Reading what other people have to say about a doctor can provide insight into how they practice medicine, as well as how their medical practice is operated. You can learn about how well patients trust them, how much time they spend with their patients, and how well they answer questions.

Find out what your insurance covers. To receive the most insurance benefits and pay the least out-of-pocket, you may need to choose a general surgeon who participates in your plan. But you should still consider credentials, experience, outcomes, and hospital quality as you select a general surgeon from that plan.