When a routine physical exam for Los Angeles firefighter Kenneth Kemp uncovered a heart murmur, his cardiologist recommended Kemp seek out Hoag’s experts. That led him to Asad Shah, MD, co-director of cardiovascular surgery at Hoag, who performed his robotic mitral valve repair surgery. Philanthropic support has enabled the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute to consistently evolve and implement the latest treatments to advance patient care.

Kemp’s first interaction at Hoag was with Barbara Eklund-Horn, MSN, RN, a cardiac nurse navigator. “Barbara is just amazing. And then there is Dr. Shah, who is a mild-mannered, soft-spoken, confident person,” he said. “I walked out after scheduling my heart surgery feeling good.”

The eight-hour surgery involved five incisions and required that his right lung be deflated. But he was only in the hospital for five nights following the surgery, and all things considered, he rather enjoyed his stay. “Everyone is so nice, and you have this beautiful view of Newport Harbor,” he said. Kemp was given rehabilitation guidance while in the hospital and began his own regimen right away. He returned to work after just eight weeks. Kemp’s follow-up echocardiograms look good, and he lauds Hoag’s team and his experience as a whole. “They treated me like I was their son or brother rather than just another body to them. They’re amazing. It’s just a different level.” 

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