Culpeper cardiologists pumped about new clinic – The Daily Progress

The two cardiologists who will operate Novant Health UVa Health System Culpeper Medical Centers new cardiology clinic delivered heartfelt messages to a large crowd during Wednesdays open house.

About 55 people filled the hospitals main lobby for the two-hour event.

Dr. Kwame Akosah said he felt very blessed to be in Culpeper.

Those of us who have chosen health care [as a profession] know that the landscape of American health care is changing rapidly, said Akosah, who comes to Culpeper from the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. But its really unique to be at a place where despite all the changes in the landscape, the focus on good health care remains the same. And its nice to have that here and I thank you all.

Dr. J. Cullen Hardy, who recently worked in Winchester, said hes truly excited to be in Culpeper as well.

The staff will probably say that Im overexcited. They are trying to calm me down and get me into a mode that works well, shared Hardy. There are some amazing people here and it really is a wonderful place to work and real quality folks. And hopefully you dont have to see them, but if you do youll be in good hands.

Charlie Crist, chair of the hospitals board of trustees, boasted about the hospitals newly renovated emergency room and new orthopedic clinic.

If fact, they are so good that Dr. [Khalid] Athar just had his rotator cuff replaced there. If you want a recommendation just ask Dr. Athar how his arm is, joked Crist, teasing Athar, who was sporting a sling.

Culpeper Medical Center CEO Greg Napps said the hospital was first dedicated in March 1960, reading a portion of the 57-year-old plaque, it was dedicated to the glory of God, the service of mankind, the preservation of life and the alleviation of suffering.

I really think thats why were here today, said Napps. Another way to say that is in the Novant Health UVa promise to you. Were making your health care experience remarkable, bringing in world class clinicians, care and technology. We are reinventing the health care experience making it simpler and more convenient and affordable so that you can focus on getting better.

Dr. Jameison Bourque, director of the cardiology clinic in Culpeper and associate professor of medicine and radiology at UVa, said the UVa Culpeper partnership has been wonderful from the beginning.

We had fantastic collaboration with all of our partners here in Culpeper. And fundamentally our goal is to elevate the cardiovascular care of our patients in Culpeper and put our patients first and I think thats what were doing with this fantastic new facility, said Bourque.

Sandy Boone, Culpeper Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, congratulated the hospital on its recent transformation of the front lobby.

Thanks for coming out to support this local business that is our health care system. It is extremely important to have a hospital in our community and one that is progressive and advancing in care, said Boone.

The 6,000-square-foot newly-renovated clinic space includes seven exam rooms and four diagnostic rooms for echocardiography, exercise stress tests, nuclear stress tests and vascular ultrasound.

Following Wednesdays open house, the cardiology staff provided free health screenings and tours for visitors.

After receiving his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in 1985, Akosah completed his internship in 1986 and his residency in 1989 from St. Vincents Hospital Medical Center of New York. He completed his fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine in 1992.

Hardy received his primary degree from Tulane University, completed his residency at the University of Virginia and completed his fellowship at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

To make an appointment with Culpeper Medical Center cardiology services, call 540/829-4400.

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Culpeper cardiologists pumped about new clinic - The Daily Progress