Scott Woodward
Scott credits physicians with saving his life.
When you meet Scott Woodward, a network engineer for the City of Tallahassee, you are immediately struck by his caring nature and gratitude. So, when a case of intense heartburn, turned out to be a life-changing event for Scott – he was truly appreciative for every person he met along the way that helped him through it.
It began, when Scott woke up in the middle of the night with what he thought was heartburn, his wife Vickie, took note of some other symptoms that seemed to be more serious. They decided that a trip to the HCA Florida Capital Hospital Southwood ER was necessary.
While in the waiting room, his symptoms worsened, and he was taken directly back to triage by the charge nurse, Angela English, RN. Although Scott initially felt better in the ER and initial lab tests did not show any evidence of cardiac damage, Joseph Zarraga, DO, emergency physician, still had concerns about Scott’s heart based on what the nurse had seen, and recommended that he be admitted to HCA Florida Capital Hospital for further observation and testing.
After undergoing further testing, it was determined that Scott had endured a mild heart attack and needed a heart catheterization. Niraj Pandit, MD, interventional cardiologist, performed the procedure. It was discovered that one of his arteries was 98% blocked. Scott would need bypass heart surgery immediately. Jeffery Snyder, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon, told Scott he had been moved to the number one slot for surgeries that day.
The surgery went well, and Scott was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) for recovery. What amazed Scott, as he was sharing his story, was the attention and kindness he received from every person he encountered during his stay. Starting with Dr. Zarraga calling Scott’s wife to check-in and to find out what happened to Scott after he was transferred from the ER. Also, the anesthesiologist, nurses from the operating room and other staff came to the ICU to see how he was doing and say hello. Scott says, “The communication and care from nurses and physicians, and all of the staff members was excellent. They kept me and my wife informed of every step that was taken, and what to expect next. They cared like family.”
Besides the care being exceptional, Scott was also incredibly thankful for the environmental services staff that keeps the hospital so clean and the food and nutrition staff that provided excellent food. Scott said, “The hospital actually feels like a hotel!”
Scott’s recovery has gone very well. He has taken steps to take control of his health, by improving his diet with more fruits and vegetables and exercising daily.
Scott is forever grateful to the three physicians - that he credits with saving his life. Scott was all smiles when he reunited with them to say ‘thank you’.
The seamless coordination-of-care from the Southwood ER, to the catheterization lab, to the operating room for heart surgery, to post-op care in the ICU, all lead to a very positive outcome.
At HCA Florida Capital Hospital, above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.