RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Robert Mullican, 63-year-old retired truck driver and father of two, who resides in the rural community of Morrsion, Tennessee, recently found himself facing an unexpected health challenge.

It was an ordinary day when Robert's world stopped. “I felt an odd sensation,” Robert recalls. “It felt like a weighted horse sitting on my chest. I had a sudden loss of breath and no energy.” He quickly went to Ascension Saint Thomas River Park and was evaluated by Dr. Stephen Fahrig, cardiac electrophysiologist at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart McMinnville.

Upon further examination, the doctors discovered that Robert had severe vessel blockages in his heart. With the new expansion of the cardiovascular surgery center at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Robert was transferred to receive additional care. After evaluation with Dr. Wilson Clements, cardiothoracic surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Robert was scheduled for a coronary artery bypass heart surgery. This ultimately allowed the heart to restore blood flow around his blocked artery. After five days in the ICU, Robert's journey to recovery began. Three weeks after the operation, Robert could walk and resume his other hobbies. 

“From the moment I arrived, I was met with a level of kindness and understanding that truly set this medical facility apart,” said Robert. I didn’t feel like another patient taking up a bed. The nurses knew me by name and my situation. Dr. Clements was an expert and I felt confident in my surgery because of his knowledge. I also applaud the work they are doing to expand access to health care for rural Tennessee communities. It would have taken me over an hour to drive to Nashville to receive this type of care.”

Over this past year, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford has helped his daughter with a multiple myeloma diagnosis, his son with an IBS diagnosis, his wife with a broken hip, and now him. “My family is still whole because of this hospital. We are all going to be able to celebrate Christmas together this year because of the team at Ascension.”