On April 25, 1983, Dr. Alanson Spalding and Dr. Edward Garrett performed the first coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital (JMCGH). Over the next few years, the team would continue to grow by adding Dr. John T. Matthews, who joined the team in October 1983, and Dr. Arthur Grimball, who arrived in 1990. Since that date, the hospital’s staff has performed an estimated 22,000 CABG’s and is ranked in the top 6% in the nation by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
The American College of Cardiology has also recognized Jackson-Madison County General Hospital for its demonstrated commitment to comprehensive, high-quality culture and cardiovascular care. Jackson-Madison County General Hospital was awarded the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in October based on meeting accreditation criteria, and through their ongoing performance registry reporting. This is the second year the hospital has received the honor, and it is the only hospital in Tennessee to be recognized with this distinction two years in a row.
Deann Thelen, CEO of JMCGH, stated, “We are so proud of this milestone we are celebrating today. It is due to the vision of the pioneers in 1983 who made this possible. We stand on the shoulders of those medical giants today as we continue to provide these nationally recognized services here in Jackson, Tennessee. We are the only hospital between Nashville and Memphis to provide this type of heart care, and we are honored to be the most highly distinguished program in the state. Congratulations to our medical staff and our clinical teams for this accomplishment.”
The local cardiothoracic surgery team currently includes the following West Tennessee Medical Group providers: Eric Sievers, MD; Hetal Patel, MD; Theodore Wright, MD; Bonna Gollihugh, NP; Crystal Legions-Holden, ANP; and Madison Reed, PA. To schedule an appointment, call the Cardiothoracic Surgery Center at 731.541.3310.
