The Southeast's first all-digital cardiovascular specialty facility, the Pepin Heart Hospital & Dr. Kiran C. Patel Research Institute in Tampa, Florida officially opened its doors on April 3, 2006. This brand new, free-standing heart hospital in Tampa is filled with the advancements in technology, techniques, and revolutionary patient-centered care and is raising expectations when it came to the diagnosis, treatment, and study of cardiovascular disease. Most importantly, our Tampa heart center is also filled with a team of physicians, nurses, technicians, and staff who have worked together for more than 17 years to create one of the most successful heart programs in the Tampa Bay area. Our physicians and clinical specialists have built a comprehensive cardiovascular program with the experience of providing over 76,000 angioplasty procedures and over 11,000 open heart surgeries. We opened the areas first accredited chest pain emergency room which means that we provide a gold standard of care in acute cardiovascular medicine by meeting and exceeding standards set by the Society of Chest Pain Centers. The Legacy Twenty years ago, University Community Hospital took an important step in addressing the disease that shatters so many families. We challenged the region's existing heart treatment and educational programs. With the drive and enthusiasm of well-known Tampa resident and philanthropist, Art Pepin, a special Institute was formed to study and treat heart disease. Art and his wife, Polly enjoyed much success as the founders of Pepin Distributing, but the couple understood that the greatest things in life can't be purchased. Good health, the love and support of family and friends, supporting the community, and having life-saving medical treatment provided inspiration for Art and Polly to graciously and passionately provide much needed resources in our community. Art Pepin passed away in 2000 and his family continues to support and honor the legacy left behind at the Pepin Heart Hospital. As the world's oldest heart transplant recipient, he truly understood the gift inherent in each and every beat. Since Art Pepin first shared his vision with UCH, the efforts and accomplishments of the Institute have been truly remarkable. Giving heart patients and their families another chance at life is a daily endeavor for our team of physicians, nurses and technologists. We have been committed to that goal for our patients since our inception. The new Pepin Heart Hospital & Dr. Kiran C. Patel Research Institute will carry that forward.
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