Cardiac Patient Holds Special Place in His Heart for SMMC

Annually, more than five million people visit hospitals with chest pain. Last year, Johnson County resident Dale Warman was one of them.

Three days after undergoing shoulder surgery, Warman was taken to Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC) with complaints of chest pain. After examination by Cardiologist Jhulan Mukharji, MD, Warman was told he needed bypass surgery to remove a blood clot that had formed in his coronary artery. The surgery was performed by Clarke Henry, MD, and Warman spent five days at SMMC following the procedure.

Since the surgery, Warman has taken large strides in his health. According to Mukharji, he has passed a stress test, demonstrated normal heart function and is able to walk for nine minutes on a treadmill with no problems. On top of that, Warman has improved his blood pressure and lowered his cholesterol.

“I have now completed Shawnee Mission Medical Center's Cardiac Rehab program and continue to exercise on a regular basis, eat food that is better for me and take all around better care of myself,” said Warman.

The success of his surgery not only attests to Warman’s effort, but also the exceptional cardiac care SMMC provides. The hospital was the first in the area to have an accredited Chest Pain Center and continues to invest in equipment and technology to ensure patients receive the highest level of care.

A faithful patron of the hospital, Warman said he has enjoyed watching the campus grow over the years. All three of his children were born at SMMC, as were five of his six grandchildren.

Throughout his most recent hospitalization at SMMC, Warman was deeply impressed with the staff. He describes the atmosphere as professional, personal and accommodating.

“When you’re going through something like bypass surgery you feel helpless and depend on others to give you a sense of security,” elaborated Warman. “I received that motivation time and time again at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, especially in the ICU.”

“I think I’m a better person and am more attentive to the needs of others thanks to my experiences there and the individuals who treated me,” said Warman.

The entire Warman family extends their thanks to the SMMC community.

“Shawnee Mission Medical Center has made a difference in my life,” said Warman. “I’m still alive thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff who treated me.”

Click here for more information about the Shawnee Mission Heart & Vascular Center.