Healthy You: United Regional Physician Group adds two new surgeons to its arsenal of medical care
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Long-time volunteer firefighter Robert Allen experienced a life-changing heart attack this past summer, receiving top-notch care from United Regional’s new medical team.
Allen initially dismissed symptoms of shortness of breath and forearm pain, attributing them to past COVID-19 infection and smoke inhalation from firefighting. However, when the pain radiated to his back, shoulder, neck, and arm, and his hand turned white, he realized something was seriously wrong.
“I knew at that point something was bad was going on,” Allen said.
“We take care of a little bit of everything we do,” said Dr. Shahab Akvan, who specializes in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at United Regional.
“Involves the heart, obviously,” said Dr. Patrick Roughneen, who has a background in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.
Allen met Dr. Shahab Akvan, a recent addition to United Regional’s medical team, who brings extensive experience from Baylor College of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Akvan specializes in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, treating a variety of conditions involving the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
Dr. Patrick Roughneen, also part of the team, has a background from the Texas Heart Institute and Great Ormond Street Hospital. His expertise in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery involves operating on major vessels that supply blood to the body, as well as the lungs and the central chest.
Allen praised the care he received at United Regional, highlighting the nursing staff’s responsiveness and excellence.
“If I needed something, push the button. They were there, no questions asked,” he said.
Allen advises anyone experiencing similar symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
“Even if it’s minor, if you’re having trouble breathing or back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, get checked out,” he urged.
United Regional’s skilled medical team provided Allen with the reassurance and care he needed during a critical time, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical help for concerning symptoms.