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Finding EXTRAordinary in the Ordinary

Hospital Partner

Dr. Ed Malcom is an Emergency Medicine physician at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital.

Reason for Visit:
The patient has an LVAD (left ventricular assist device) which is a device in his heart that helps pump his blood. This device makes him a medically complex patient. His wife noted he was struggling to breath, so she brought him to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center.

Patient Outcome: 

Despite being medically complex, he was stabilized quickly. The patient’s cardiology team was contacted, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit with close consultation of his cardiologist and critical care team.

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EXTRAordinary Care

This complex patient presented in respiratory failure and seconds mattered. The entire North Fulton ED team responded quickly as the patient’s condition worsened, bringing him directly to the resuscitation bay. He was intubated and placed on a ventilator to support his breathing and IV medications to support his cardiac status, stabilizing a life-threatening situation. The patient’s wife was grateful for the swift action of the team and the continuous communication that kept her informed throughout the process.

“The patient’s wife was allowed in the resuscitation room where she could watch everything being done for her husband,” said Dr. Malcom. “I think this was helpful because she was allowed to participate and could better appreciate what we did for her husband.”

“Dr. Malcom consistently demonstrates extraordinary patient care, as he did in this case with a complex patient. But we don’t just care for one person. In this case, while stabilizing this patient, Dr. Malcom also kept his wife informed of what was occurring at each step. She later wrote that not only did she appreciate Dr. Malcom’s medical care, but also his bedside manner when he didn’t have a lot of time.

Mike Lipscomb, MD

ApolloMD Chief Quality Officer

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Hospital Partner

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital is a facility that has been recognized for its cancer and stroke programs. A Level II Trauma Center, North Fulton has 202 beds with 28 in the emergency department. Wellstar was recently highlighted in Becker’s 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare for 2024.