A Message from J Fernando Triana, MD ▸

Physician Director Cardiac, Vascular, Pulmonary and Thoracic Service Lines

It is my privilege to introduce the Heart and Lung Institute at Methodist Hospital of San Antonio. This annual report outlines the structure of our multiple specialized programs and highlights the complexity of the cardiovascular and pulmonary care we provide to the community that we serve. The mission of Methodist Healthcare is Serving Humanity to Honor God; our highest priority centers around not only caring for our patients with the utmost excellence but also expanding the range of our services that will allow us to best fulfill this mission.

Beginning with a brief historical perspective of our institution, we outline the multiple access points from which our patients enter into our system. Each of our clinical programs shares a narrative about the respective clinical field and offers a concise performance summary, represented by volume of encounters and procedures followed by indicators of quality outcomes.

The comprehensive group of individuals who constitute the human capital of the Methodist Heart and Lung Institute is the greatest strength of our institution. Dan Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital, leads the planning and strategic approach to address our objectives. The continuous efforts from his team ultimately provide the platform for physicians, nurses, and technologists to deliver the most efficient clinical care.

Finally, the many facets of the COVID-19 pandemic were a constant presence in the background of every healthcare initiative in 2021. The high level of clinical care and program differentiation within the Methodist Heart and Lung Institute provided a unique position to help the most gravely affected patients: more than 5,000 patients affected by COVID 19 infection, several hundred ICU level care and requiring ventilatory support, nearly 100 patients undergoing ECMO support. Each one of our team members performed at heightened levels. We reached a stage of multidisciplinary work and mutual support that gave us strength during the arduous journey. The past two years have brought exceptional demands that we met with exceptional efforts. This unique and challenging time has enriched our souls and prepared us for the future.

On behalf of all the individuals of the Methodist Heart and Lung Institute, I present our annual report as I renew our pledge of continued devotion of our best efforts towards our mission.