On Oct. 22, UPMC Western Maryland cardiothoracic surgeon Mark Nelson, M.D., and his team performed the program’s 5,000th open heart surgery. This milestone is the latest accolade for the open-heart surgery program at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Western Maryland. On Monday, Nov. 18, UPMC Western Maryland leaders gathered with local dignitaries, patients, HVI staff, and the many teams that support them to celebrate this amazing milestone. “The impact that I have had on these patients is very gratifying,” said Dr. Nelson. “It’s very important to provide continuity of service to this community so patients don’t have to travel out of town. It’s heartwarming and gratifying to provide this care, and I think the patients feel it too.” Congratulations to the many clinical leaders, staff members, and medical professionals who have played a role in this milestone over the last 24 years.
