Cardiothoracic surgeon Jerome McDonald, MD, FACS, has joined the RMH Heart and Vascular Center team as medical director of the cardiothoracic surgery program.
Dr. McDonald brings to RMH special knowledge and expertise in minimally invasive cardiac and thoracic (chest area, including lungs) surgery. He is one of a small number of cardiothoracic surgeons who perform minimally invasive aortic valve replacement.
“Many surgeries that Dr. McDonald performs can be done using minimally invasive technology, which is beneficial to our patients,” explained Dave Grembi, director, RMH Heart and Vascular Services. “Minimally invasive surgery techniques typically result in reduced hospital stays and faster healing times.”
Dr. McDonald had worked at RMH as a temporary assignment for several months before joining the RMH team. “I really enjoyed the tight-knit group I worked at RMH and thought this was a great community for my family” he said. “I am looking forward to expanding the minimally invasive valve repair and replacement, bypass and thoracic cancer surgery services that were not previously available to patients in our community.”
Dr. McDonald and the cardiothoracic surgery team at RMH provide a full range of cardiothoracic surgical services, including:
On- and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Valve repair and replacement
Aortic aneurysm surgery
Surgical treatments for atrial fibrillation
All aspects of thoracic surgery, including lung cancer procedures
“We are very fortunate to have this advanced level of cardiothoracic surgery expertise in the Shenandoah Valley,” said Grembi. “Since the successful implementation of our cardiothoracic surgery program in 2008, patients no longer have to travel out of the community to receive the life-saving heart care they need. Our 24/7 cardiothoracic surgery program offers quality care and healing close to home.”
Dr. McDonald graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia and completed his surgery internship and general surgery residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash. He completed his cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.
Dr. McDonald served in the U.S. Army from 1990-2007 and achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. Before coming to RMH he had been in practice with Stockton Cardiothoracic Surgical Medical Group, Stockton, Calif. since 2007. During that time he also served as medical director, Surgical ICU and Post-Cardiac Surgical Ward, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Stockton, Calif. From 2004-2007, he served as chief of cardiothoracic surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center. From 2003-2004 he served as chief of surgery for the 47th Combat Support Hospital.
Since 2004 Dr. McDonald also has served as assistant professor, department of surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Washington, D.C. He also is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
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