Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Waco
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Waco
Definition and scope of cardiothoracic medicine
Cardiothoracic medicine is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and chest.
This medical specialty encompasses a wide range of procedures, from coronary artery bypass grafting to lung cancer surgeries.
In Waco, Texas, patients have access to highly qualified cardiothoracic specialists who offer advanced treatments for complex cardiovascular and thoracic conditions.
Significance of choosing the right cardiothoracic specialist
Selecting the appropriate cardiothoracic specialist is an important decision that can significantly influence a patient's health outcomes.
The complexity of cardiothoracic procedures requires physicians with extensive training and experience.
In Waco, patients have the opportunity to choose from board-certified specialists with impressive educational backgrounds and patient satisfaction ratings.
For instance, Dr. Richard Helmer IV and Dr. Donald Young, both featured in our data, have received perfect 5-star ratings from their patients, indicating high levels of satisfaction with their care.
What's the fastest way to connect to cardiothoracic surgeons?
Our clinically-backed AI will ask you questions and provide an answer specific to your unique health situation.
List of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Waco
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
TEXAS HEART INSTITUTE (Fellowship Hospital)
St. Joseph's Hospital/Medical Center (Residency Hospital)
St Lukes Episcopal Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1996)
St Lukes Episcopal Hospital|St. Joseph's Hospital/Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1996)
Baylor (Internship Hospital, 1989)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine (Medical School, 1988)
English
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine (Residency Hospital)
University of Texas Medical Branch (Medical School, 2000)
English
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Cleveland Clinic Hospital (Fellowship Hospital)
University of Texas / Austin Campus (Undergraduate School)
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Medical School, 1980)
Thoracic & Cardiovasc Surg Assoc ()
English
Spanish
Vascular Surgery
Cardiovascular Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Choosing a Cardiothoracic Specialist in Waco
Key Considerations
Board Certifications
- American Board of Thoracic Surgery certification
- Importance of specialty-specific credentials
Experience and Education
- Fellowship training at renowned institutions
- Years of practice in cardiothoracic medicine
- Continued medical education
Patient Feedback
- Star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
- Number of patient reviews
- Consistency in positive feedback
Waco-Specific Factors
Local Medical Community
- Presence of cardiothoracic specialists in Waco
- Affiliations with local hospitals and medical centers
Accessibility
- Location within Waco
- Availability of appointments
- Telemedicine options if applicable
Using Available Resources
Online Platforms
- Utilizing Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor information
- Comparing multiple specialists' profiles
Professional Referrals
- Seeking recommendations from primary care physicians
- Consulting with local hospitals for specialist referrals
Top-Ranked Cardiothoracic Specialists in Waco
Dr. Richard Helmer IV
Education and Certifications
- Fellowship at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
- Medical School at University of Texas Medical Branch (2000)
- Board Certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0 star rating
- 11 patient reviews
Contact Information
- Phone: (254) 741-6333
Dr. Donald Young
Education and Certifications
- Fellowship at TEXAS HEART INSTITUTE
- Residencies at St. Joseph's Hospital/Medical Center and St Lukes Episcopal Hospital
- Medical School at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine (1988)
- Board Certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0 star rating
- 9 patient reviews
Contact Information
- Phone: (254) 741-6333
Dr. William Peper
Education and Certifications
- Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Hospital
- Medical School at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (1980)
- Board Certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 4.7 star rating
- 20 patient reviews
Contact Information
- Phone: (254) 751-1700
Additional Information
- Specializes in Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, and Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Speaks English and Spanish
Additional Healthcare Providers
Joshua Scott, PA-C
- Physician Assistant specializing in Cardiothoracic Surgery
- 5.0 star rating with 2 patient reviews
- Contact: (254) 741-6333
Heather McCall, PA
- Physician Assistant specializing in Cardiothoracic Surgery
- 5.0 star rating with 2 patient reviews
- Contact: (254) 741-6333
Additional Resources for Finding the Right Cardiothoracic Specialist in Waco
Importance of In-Person Consultations
Preparing for Your Appointment
- Create a list of questions about your condition and potential treatments
- Gather your medical history and current medications
- Prepare to discuss your lifestyle and health goals
Assessing Communication and Comfort Level
- Evaluate the doctor's ability to explain complex medical concepts
- Consider how well the doctor listens to your concerns
- Assess the overall atmosphere of the office and staff interactions
Utilizing Local Healthcare Networks
Waco Cardiothoracic Resources
- Contact local hospitals for cardiothoracic programs
- Inquire about support groups for heart and lung patients
- Research Waco-specific health initiatives related to heart and lung health
Leveraging Online Platforms
- Use Healthgrades to compare doctors beyond star ratings
- Look for patient testimonials and detailed reviews
- Check for any disciplinary actions or malpractice claims