Jeffrey Heckert, MD, FAAFP

This month my yearly evaluation indicated Optimal Relative Risk in all Cardiometabolic parameters. This was an improvement from the last two yearly evaluations where there were many Moderate Relative Risks. Dr. Heckert had been encouraging me to start a statin, my first medication. I wanted to continue to pursue diet and exercise. When once again it was not enough, I started a low-dose statin six months ago combined with an exercise trainer two months ago and more focused exercise. Being a nurse from a medical family and being well-over 65, I realized the importance of these results. I was estatic as was, Dr. Heckert. Through the years Dr. Heckert has always listened to and advised me regarding various concerns from tick bites to fractures and dvt's. I am confident in his wealth of knowledge and value his listening to my side of the story!

We moved from Bucks County, PA to Lewes Memorial Day, 2011. We had retired at 62 and consequently had trouble getting insurance in Delaware. After 6 months, we finally found individual policies for each of us. During our first visit with Dr. Heckert in mid-October, I mentioned to him that I got aches in the back of my neck and in my shoulders when I walked on the boardwalk. He gave me an EKG and found an unusual blip on my scan. I did not have a baseline EKG in my medical records to compare. He ordered a walking Nuclear Stress Test at Beebe for 3 days later. Surprisingly, I could not complete the walking part of the test. I had been a competitive figure skater as a child and had retired after teaching figure skating for 40 years. I had no other symptoms that I was aware of. We met with a cardiologist immediately after my failing the Stress Test and he arranged for a catherization the following morning. It was his feeling that they would find the need for a couple of stents and I would be on my way home the next day. Fortunately, the cardiologist found 4 major blockages that would definitely require 4 bypasses (100%, 98%, and 2 95%) . I spent the next 3 days in the hospital waiting for open heart bypass surgery on Monday morning. It was Halloween. the surgeon performed his magic and my surgery was a success!! I was sent home on the following Thursday morning. Now almost 13 years later, I am continuing to do Cardiac Exercise and volunteering in Cardiac Rehab to encourage new Cardiac patients to see how important exercise, healthy eating, and a positive attitude are to maintain a healthy life style. Without Dr. Heckert's quick thinking and action I would probably not be around now. I am very fortunate and thankful for Dr. Heckert to be our Primary Care Doctor. We feel very comfortable that he is always there for us when we need advice , consultation, or a friendly ear to listen to us. Dr. Heckert, thank you for all you do for us. We are very grateful, appreciative , and proud that you are our doctor and friend!! Happy National Doctors' Day