Riverside Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery

A Division of Riverside Regional Medical Center
Experts in Cardiothoracic Surgery

At Riverside Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, we provide advanced, patient-centered care in adult cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Our skilled team of cardiothoracic surgeons and healthcare professionals combines clinical expertise with the latest technology and techniques to deliver exceptional outcomes and compassionate care.

Through our affiliation with UVA Health’s nationally recognized Cardiac Surgery Program, patients benefit from innovative research, advanced surgical options, and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to heart and vascular care. As part of Riverside Medical Group, one of Virginia’s largest and most comprehensive physician networks, we offer seamless access to specialized expertise and coordinated support. We provide world-class cardiothoracic care close to home.


Meet the Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Meet the physicians and advanced practices providers who care for patients needing surgical treatment for conditions of the heart, lung and chest wall.

Riverside Nurse

Unsure what to do about a symptom in the middle of the night? Call our free, 24-hour nurse line for assistance.

Riverside MyChart

Communicate with your provider, manage appointments, see test results and request prescription refills from your MyChart account.

Billing Resources

Online bill pay access for hospital or Riverside Medical Group bills.

Welcome
New Patients

For your first appointment, we ask that you arrive 30 minutes early so we can get all the health information and insurance questions completed before your visit.

If your insurance plan requires a referral for you to see us, you are responsible for obtaining a referral authorization from your primary care provider. If we have not received the authorization prior to your arrival at the office, your non-emergent appointment may need to be re-scheduled.

Please bring the following with you for your first visit:

  • Your insurance card and ID
  • Referral forms and co-payments, if required
  • All current medications in their original containers.
  • Copies of pertinent diagnostic tests and medical records from anywhere outside of Riverside Health.
  • If you have had any tests at a Riverside facility or seen a Riverside Medical Group provider, we already have access to this information via the electronic health record, so no copies of those items are needed.

If you find that you need to change your appointment, we appreciate notification at least 24 hours before your scheduled visit. A $50 “no show” fee may be charged if you fail to show for an appointment or do not give adequate notice when canceling or rescheduling.


Paul McLean with book

Patient Story: Paul McLean, PhD

It was a memorable day. We had just bought a new car, my daughter and grandchildren, along with my sister and her family, had been visiting, and the house was festive with Christmas decorations. Then it all changed in a moment. After everyone left and my wife and I were getting ready for bed, I had a severe heart attack caused by a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. She called 911, and when the EMTs arrived, they had to resuscitate me. I was originally taken to another hospital in the area, but when my family and I found out I'd need open-heart surgery, we chose to have the procedure done at Riverside and I was transported there. It definitely proved to be the right decision.

The cardiothoracic surgeon performed a triple bypass, which was the first step in what is now shaping up to be a full recovery. We were very pleased with every aspect of the care, and it was especially comforting to get such clear and helpful information, first about my progress in the hospital, and then about the follow-up care I'm now receiving. As I look forward to getting back to activities with my family and a return to teaching, I feel strongly that Riverside more than lived up to its reputation as the Peninsula's top heart hospital.

Patient’s first-hand account has been minimally edited for clarity and to explain medical terminology.


Luthor Simmons and his dog

Patient Story: Luther “Sam” Simmons

Decades of work in the shipyards of Newport News and Portsmouth, some of it operating machinery and some of it in management, had mentally and physically prepared me for just about anything. But what I wasn't ready for as I did lawn work at my Smithfield home was the incredible pain I suddenly felt in my chest and abdomen.

The EMTs recognized the seriousness of the situation and decided to take me to Riverside. What I had was an aortic dissection, a fairly uncommon and life-threatening condition involving a tear in the major artery carrying blood out of my heart. And I had the worst type. As soon as the dissection was positively diagnosed, a Riverside cardiovascular thoracic surgeon performed a complex procedure that repaired the damage. Along with his surgical skills, he and the entire care team were very responsive and thorough when it came to explaining everything that was going on to my family. All of the people I encountered at Riverside were especially encouraging and supportive, which I really needed to get through.

As it turns out, I also had a brain tumor that was diagnosed when I got to the hospital. So I had neurosurgery at Riverside not long after the heart surgery and I'm continuing radiation right now. In a sense, the problem with my heart is the reason why the brain tumor is being effectively treated, so I can find a silver lining even in that difficult situation. All in all, the road to recovery hasn't been smooth and straight, but I'm making progress now every day and it's a reminder that there's still more on this earth for me to do.

Patient’s first-hand account has been minimally edited for clarity and to explain medical terminology.