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Cardiac rehabilitation program at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital making life-saving impact for heart patients; achieves prestigious national

By: Jayne Landua
| Published 09/22/2021

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THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The cardiac rehabilitation program at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital recently earned certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Comprehensive cardiovascular care is making a life-saving difference in the lives of those in our community, including Jack Redfearn, a hospice chaplain from Magnolia, TX.

While being hospitalized with COVID-19 and beginning rehabilitation from the infection, Redfearn’s care team noticed concerns about a potential heart issue. After thorough testing from the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular cardiology team, it was determined Redfearn needed surgery for a clogged artery.

“I was initially scared, as any person would be to find out I needed open heart surgery, but I truly believe in the entire cardiology team, including Dr. Parikh and Dr. Duvall,” said Redfearn. “I don’t know how a person can recover as quickly as I have after major heart surgery without this cardiac rehab program. Having the entire team accessible for care in one place, from testing to surgery and then rehab, is really important. It has made such a difference in my life.”

AACVPR-certified programs are considered leaders in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care.

After undergoing cardiovascular procedures with surgeons from the renowned Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Associates in The Woodlands, patients participate in an inpatient or outpatient cardiac rehab program that is designed to help them recover faster and improve their quality of life. They work with a team of physicians, clinical nurse specialists, exercise physiologists, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, pharmacists and respiratory therapists to help achieve individual health goals and manage their heart condition proactively.

“Everyone involved in our cardiovascular program is dedicated to providing excellent patient care with a multidisciplinary approach— from surgery to rehabilitation with board-certified physical therapists, our entire staff works side-by-side to ensure an unparalleled experience for our neighbors experiencing cardiovascular conditions,” said Dr. Lucas Duvall, board-certified and fellowship-trained cardio-thoracic surgeon and Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Medical Director. “Cardiac rehab is the last stop in a patient’s journey through our comprehensive heart program, and just as important as the first.”

As the only peer-review accreditation process, AACVPR Program Certification reviews programs for adherence to the highest standards, and guidelines developed and published by a group of professional societies in the field.

“This certification affirms our team’s commitment to improving quality of life for our patients,” said Trent Fulin, vice president and chief operating officer. “We are proud of them for their perseverance through this process, especially during a global pandemic. They consistently push themselves to raise the bar for the benefit of our patients and this is evidence of their success in leading medicine in greater north Houston.”

To earn the certification, the team participated in an application process that required extensive documentation of their practices.

“In the middle of the night I remember hearing my nurses, the cleaning staff and my care team praying over me at my bedside,” recalls Redfearn. “As a chaplain, I personally resonate with receiving such compassionate care. It’s so clear everyone here really cares about their patients and I have no doubt they saved my life.”

The cardiologists and surgeons of Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Associates in The Woodlands are nationally recognized for their expertise in every aspect of care for patients with heart and vascular disease — from electrophysiology therapies to heart surgery. To learn more or to make an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/thewoodlands or call 936.283.6369.

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