Health First’s Irfan Imami, MD, Named to Newsweek’s Top Vascular Surgeons List

HEALTH & MEDICINE SPOTLIGHT

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Health First vascular surgeon Dr. Irfan Imami has been named to Newsweek’s prestigious list of America’s top vascular surgeons for 2024.

For many Americans, surgery to restore blood flow, improve carotid arteries or address peripheral artery disease is life-changing, but finding the right specialist can be daunting.

Now, Newsweek and global data intelligence platform Statista have partnered to create the first ranking of America’s Best Vascular Surgeons. Brevard County patients will be quick to spot one name on the list.

“It was a surprise to me,” Dr. Imami said this week. “I feel privileged and honored to be able to provide this care to our local community and be able to tell patients, you don’t need to travel far. We provide your specialized care right here at Health First health system.”

Dr. Imami made news three years ago when he performed an emergency endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for patient James McDermott, who collapsed where he was standing and had to be transported by Health First’s First Flight air ambulance to Holmes Regional Medical Center. His aortic aneurysm brought him very close to dying – Dr. Imami brought him back.

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Newsweek’s Best Vascular Surgeons list was compiled based on these factors:

■ Patient performance data submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

■ An online survey of medical experts

■ A quality-of-care score from peer surgeons, and

■ A weighted consideration of surgeons’ American Board of Surgery certificates.

Participants of the online survey of medical experts, which included physicians with knowledge in their respective medical field, managers/administrators and other medical professionals in the respective medical field, were asked to recommend physicians in their own state and in any of the other U.S. states included in the survey.

The reason for recommendation (e.g., a well-known specialist), the working experience of the participant, and the order of recommendation were taken into account. Participants were also able to specify a “standout” treatment.

The 200 leading vascular surgeons were ultimately recognized, representing 20 states with the highest numbers of practicing physicians.

Dr. Imami said a big factor in his patients’ terrific outcomes is trust.

“Trust and good communication between the patient and the physician are so important. From quitting smoking to the decision to have surgery, patients have to be invested, and for that, they must feel that their physician is to be trusted.

“I treat people the way I would wish to be treated. No one is less-than.”

“It’s a thrill that a news organization like Newsweek has recognized Dr. Imami for his surgical excellence and the incredible outcomes his patients enjoy,” said Dr. Michael McLaughlin, Chief Medical Officer, Health First Hospital Division. “This news is coming on the heels of another national ranking that picked Holmes Regional Medical Center one of the state of Florida’s finest.

“We’re proud of the excellence of our specialists, like Dr. Imami, who continually give Health First patients first-rate outcomes and the best chance to return to wellness. That’s why the Space Coast is one of the nation’s most sought after places to live.”

For more information on the rankings and to review the full list, visit Newsweek.com.

Earlier this month, U.S. News & World Report named Holmes Regional No. 1 in the area and No. 17 in the state. In all, Health First’s four hospitals notched 14 designations for “High Performing Specialty” as part of the news organization’s 2024 Best Hospitals report.

In February, Health First’s Cape Canaveral Hospital was named for the fourth straight year to Newsweek’s list of World’s Best Hospitals 2024. The World’s Best Hospitals 2024 ranking lists the best hospitals in 30 countries, including the USA, Germany, Japan, France, Italy, United Kingdom, South Korea, Brazil, India, Spain, Canada, Australia, and Mexico.

With over 300 hospitals in Florida, Cape Canaveral joined just 17 other Florida hospitals – including just three in Central Florida.

To learn more about vascular procedures, including videos on carotid artery disease and varicose vein therapies, visit HF.org/vascular. Keep up with the latest news at Health First at HF.org/news.

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