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Published on January 23, 2013

Experienced Cardiologist Joins Local Medical Center

Cathy McGowan, M.D.

Cardiologist Cathy M. McGowan, M.D., has joined MidMichigan Physicians Group in Alma as a member of the comprehensive heart and vascular team at MidMichigan Health. This team includes cardiologists, interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists, as well as vascular and open heart surgeons. This comprehensive team cares for patients with a variety of conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, congenital heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, peripheral vascular disease and other conditions affecting the heart and circulatory system.

Dr. McGowan received her medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. She completed her residency at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Dr. McGowan went on to complete a cardiology fellowship at Albert Einstein Medical Center, through Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa.

She was drawn to the specialty of cardiology after working with several mentors during her third and fourth years of medical school. Dr. McGowan learned a great deal about patient care while going on rounds on the critical care unit, including the importance of taking time to really listen to patients. “This was an exciting era in the field of cardiology, one in which thrombolytic medications were just starting to be used to treat myocardial infarctions,” she said. “It was exciting to see how you could actually limit the damage from a heart attack by providing prompt treatment.”

In addition to coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease, Dr. McGowan holds a special interest in nuclear cardiology, imaging of the heart, and clinical research. She also enjoys mentoring and teaching medical students.

“I believe in the importance of developing open communication with my patients so that we can build trusting relationships,” Dr. McGowan said. “I enjoy the personal interactions with my patients and believe that together we can help educate one another to achieve the best results. Conducting a thorough patient history, including medical aspects and lifestyle, helps me diagnose the patient’s condition. It also helps me identify the supporting tests I need to confirm my diagnosis.”

“From there, we can determine the best course of treatment and ongoing disease management,” she added. “Elements may include lifestyle modifications, stress management, increased exercise, medication or even invasive procedures up to and including heart surgery.”

Dr. McGowan is on the medical staff of MidMichigan Medical Center-Gratiot and will see cardiology patients at her office located at 160 E. Warwick Drive in Alma. Appointments may be made with or without a physician referral by calling her office at (989) 466-3621. To learn more about Dr. McGowan visit her web page or call MidMichigan Health Line toll-free at (800) 999-3199.