St. Mary's Medical Center celebrates 20,000 open-heart procedures

Patients, physicians, family members and staff gathered Monday at the St. Mary’s Center for Education to mark a major milestone for Marshall Health Network - St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC)—the 20,000th open-heart surgery performed at the hospital earlier this year.

Former patient Lori Day

The event celebrated the lives impacted through decades of advanced cardiac care at St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute while honoring the dedication of the physicians and care team members who have helped build one of the region’s most comprehensive heart programs.

Open-heart surgery at St. Mary’s began on Sept. 24, 1979, when J.D. Harrah, M.D., performed the hospital’s first procedure and later served as the inaugural chair of cardiovascular services at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Since then, the program has grown, combining patient care, physician training and clinical innovation to serve patients from across West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky with complex, lifesaving procedures.

“This milestone is not about a number—it’s about the lives touched and the moments made possible, as patients return to their families and the people who matter most,” said Angie Swearingen, president of SMMC. “Each surgery represents a second chance and the opportunity to get back to everyday life. That’s the impact this program has had on our patients and our region.”

The celebration brought together former and current care team members alongside patients whose lives have been changed by the program. Speakers included cardiothoracic surgeons Nepal Chowdhury, M.D., and Richard Heuer, M.D., who reflected on the program’s evolution and continued commitment to advancing heart care.

Today, Marshall Health Network and St. Mary’s Medical Center remain focused on delivering high-quality, advanced cardiovascular care through experienced teams, advanced technology and a continued commitment to strong patient outcomes across the region, with the Regional Heart Institute serving as a recognized Center of Excellence.

To learn more, please visit st-marys.org/centers-services/regional-heart-institute.