A Conversation in Health
with Robert Grodman DO

Cardiology
Providence and Providence Park Hospitals

SOOHN
PROVIDENCE

PHYSICIAN NETWORK

A PASSION FOR HEALING

What role does a cardiologist play in the health
of patients?

A cardiologist assesses patients' risk for developing coronary
artery disease and evaluates patients for all aspects of
cardiovascular diseases including performing multiple tests
to assess the cardiovascular system. These tests include
echocardiography (an ultrasound of the heart), nuclear stress
testing, and cardiac catheterization for direct assessment of
the coronary arteries for blockages. We also perform tests to
monitor the heart rhythm for arrhythmias or problems with
the electrical system of the heart.

What do you value most in your relationship with
your patients?

What I value most and one important reason I became a
physician was to help people become healthier. Listening to
your patients and understanding their lifestyles and needs is
important to help them make lifestyle changes and improve
their overall health.

In your opinion, what should patients look for
when seeking a cardiologist?

Patients should look for a cardiologist who is experienced,
is board certified and has great communication skills. It is
important to be able to explain to patients their problem
in a way that they will understand. It is also important to
make patients feel comfortable when they come to their
appointments. Seeing a heart specialist can be intimidating.
Your doctor and office staff should make you feel as

comfortable as possible in a compassionate environment.

What are some common conditions that you treat?

As a general invasive cardiologist, I treat multiple
cardiovascular conditions including hypertension,
hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease, irregular
heart rhythm like atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease,
congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. Most of these
conditions can be treated with medications, diet, and lifestyle
modification such as tobacco cessation.

How do you work with patients to manage
those issues?

Educating patients on the importance of lifestyle changes
including diet and exercise and smoking cessation is the
beginning. My staff and I are willing to help each patient
to achieve their goals for long-term good health. If patients
require medication, we also encourage and educate the
patients on the importance of compliance with their individual
treatment plan.

If each of your patients would commit to doing one
thing to improve their health, what would you ask
them to do?

Stop smoking. For everyone, including nonsmokers, I would
encourage them to ask questions, take their medications as
prescribed, and watch their diet along with getting regular
exercise to obtain an overall healthy lifestyle.

Robert Grodman, DO
Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists, PC
37799 Professional Center Dr., Suite 105 • Livonia, Ml 48154
(734) 464-3251

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT A ST, JOHN PROVIDENCE HEALTH SYSTEM PHYSICIAN OR ANY OF OUR SERVICES,
PLEASE CALL US AT 866-501-DOCS (3627).

St. John Providence Physician Network is comprised of expert physicians and specialists dedicated
to caring for the patients and families of St. John Providence Health System.

May 3 2012

45