Arlie's Posts

I live in Tucson AZ. I have mitral valve prolapse with significant regurgitation. Luckily I have no symptoms. My cardiologist for the past 8 years has been Timothy Marshall MD, FACC. 520-298-7900. Marshall Cardiology http://www.marshallcardiology.com/ We checked with our PCP before I went to Dr. Marshall and were told that in his opinion he was the best in Tucson with one caveat. Part of his office staff includes two Golden Retrievers, Nitro and Cypher, father and son. Nitro crossed the Rainbow Bridge 2 years ago. Now Cypher handles patient TLC with a new buddy, Dexter, the Pomeranian. I see Dr. Marshall every 6 mos for an Echo and ECG. If you're put off by dogs, this is not the practice for you. Me? I adore them. Everything is spotless.

My surgeon's staff gave me a typed page entitled "resources" and one resource was Adam's book and another was his web site, heart-valve-surgery.com. So happy I came aboard -- the members of this group are comforting, inspiring, educational, and even entertaining. (Thank you Duane Beeman for your funny ad libs -- a laughing heart is a very good thing!)

Wow - going from cold to hot, huh? It's not easy finding the best docs, but I'd start first with those associated with the biggest hospitals, probably also the largest practices. Then, I look at where they were educated. You can also check for any malpractice issues by web search through the state DORA (dept of regulatory ...) where all professionals obtain and maintain licenses. Sometimes also helpful to ask others, but knowing someone is likable isn't as valuable as if they're competent. You'll need a PCP too, of course, and this can be challenging if you're Medicare age. Good luck.