Pulmonologist - Morganton, NC

"On this Veteran's Day 2016 I'm especially grateful for one veteran whom I met only briefly earlier this year. It is because of Dr. Mark R. Brady and his staff on duty at Hefner VAMC the night of May 4, 2016, that I believe my husband is alive and well today. Many people complain about VA Hospitals, but based on our experience, I have only gratitude. My husband and I were driving South on I-85 through Salisbury, NC, about 4 hours from our home in South Carolina. My husband had been experiencing chest pain for a couple of hours. I drove and prayed, and my husband finally conceded that he would see a doctor if we could get to the new VA hospital in Charlotte. But while going through Salisbury we passed a sign on the interstate that said “VA Hospital next exit.” We took the exit. My husband was able to walk into the Hefner ER under his own power, and we both hoped that this hospital detour was just a precaution. But in short order, Dr. Brady confirmed that my husband had a recent coronary. Dr. Brady and his staff arranged for immediate medical transport to Rowan County Regional Hospital for a heart catheterization and stayed with us until the EMT's arrived. In the meantime, he and my husband shared short stories about their naval careers. That's how I learned Dr. Brady had served in the Middle East, occasionally performing surgery on nothing more than a dirt floor. My husband ended up having quadruple by-pass surgery while we were still in North Carolina. The extent of his arterial blockages was so great that I consider it divine intervention that my husband is still with us today. He's with us because we were led to Dr. Brady first. I'm not a veteran myself, but I understand that nothing teaches you to react swiftly for the well-being of others like the military does. I wish to let Dr. Brady know that his service with the U.S. Navy, and now with Hefner VAMC, are respected, appreciated, and at the forefront of my mind today. Thank you for being the first crucial step toward keeping my husband in my life! LRH 11 Nov 2016"