How a Wellness Visit Ended With a Cardiac Procedure

Submitted by KCH on Wed, 05/25/2022 - 4:13pm
Marshall Winkle
Marshall Winkle, former long-standing member of the KCH Board of Trustees, is also a patient at KCH. “I had a routine visit with Dr. Tom McKinley, my primary care doc, as a 6-month check-up,” he said. A nurse checked Marshall’s blood pressure during the visit – just a matter of course. “Within minutes, they had me in a wheelchair on my way to the Emergency Department.” His pulse was around 30. 

The staff in Dr. McKinley’s office told Marshall what they were planning to do next and why it was necessary, and they did so calmly and factually. From the Emergency Department, Marshall was rushed to Cardiology, where later that same day, Marshall had a pacemaker installed by Dr. Gangarm Rasa. After an overnight stay at the hospital, Marshall said his left arm was in a sling for about four weeks which was the worst part for this active left-hander, but he persevered.

“All along the way, I never once felt that I was a bother to any of the clinical staff or anyone,” he stated. He also added he felt informed and cared for by positive people in a very timely way. ”I never felt upset or lacking knowledge…the staff worked together as a calm, experienced machine.”

- Marshal Winkle