Patient cites a commitment to “compassion” and “communication”
Portland, Maine (July 3, 2012) – Mercy Cardiology opened its doors one year ago, and has quickly become a superior option for cardiac care in Southern Maine. Dr. Craig Brett, the lead provider and a highly regarded Portland physician, says that the practice has distinguished itself by “offering a level of personalized and preventative care that is unusual in today's environment.”
Brett personally selected three physicians to join him at Mercy Cardiology. Drs. Brett, Fred Poulin, Wayne Kruithoff, and Jon Eddinger have been together since July of 2011. Each is a board certified cardiologist with areas of expertise that run the gamut of cardiac care, including nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, coronary CT scanning, and advanced lipidology.
Patient Nelson Megna could not be more pleased with the team at Mercy Cardiology, even in spite of other care option available to him in Southern Maine. Megna says that he “realized immediately that [he] was part of a very special group,” noting an “unshakable confidence” in Mercy Cardiology and his doctor’s high level of training, “compassion, and ability to communicate.”
“Many of us come to Mercy from very large practices where it was difficult to get to know patients and explain to them their condition and treatment options. But, from day one, we made it a point to educate our patients about their health, and, throughout our first year, we have found great pride in doing so,” remarks Brett. “The personal approach is what distinguishes us from others.”
To illustrate his point, Brett cites the Clinic for Lipid Disorders, a program unique to Mercy Cardiology that serves the growing population of patients with cholesterol problems. Brett is one of Maine’s only board certified lipidologists and is proud of the clinic’s unique model, which allows patients to work directly with their cardiologist, as well as with a diabetes specialist and a dietician.
“We make use of the latest technology so can call forth all of the interventional procedures that may be needed,” says Brett, “but we are often able to avoid procedures by emphasizing good preventive care.”
Eileen Skinner, CEO of Mercy Hospital, echoes Brett’s sentiments, saying that the practice has been a great addition to Mercy and that it has received a “tremendous response” in its first year. “Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the country, but area residents can rest easy knowing that there is an elite team of experts at Mercy Cardiology.”
“We love our jobs, which makes it easy for us to give patients such a positive experience,” says Brett.
Mercy Cardiology is located at Mercy Hospital’s State Street campus on the fifth floor. The practice participates in most major insurance programs and accepts Medicare and Medicaid. In addition to providing personalized, world-class care to its patients, Mercy Cardiology also supports Mercy’s Emergency Department and Express Care practices.
About Mercy Health System of Maine
Mercy Health System of Maine is a growing community of healthcare providers who provide clinically-excellent, compassionate care. A recognized leader in quality, safety, innovation and patient experience, Mercy operates campuses throughout southern Maine, offering a broad range of medical and surgical services, as well as primary and specialty care. The story of Mercy includes Mercy Hospital, Gary’s House, McAuley Residence, Mercy Recovery Center, and VNA Home Health & Hospice. For more information, please call (207) 879-3486 or visit www.mercyhospital.org.
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