By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

DR. Noel Concepcion and his team of off-island heart specialists have begun their patient selection process for open-heart surgery.
The team has also been training Guam nurses to help them save more lives.
Yesterday, the team started performing diagnostic testing and angiogram procedures for cardiac patients at the Guam Memorial Hospital.
“The specialized, life-saving services these doctors bring to the people of Guam are extraordinary. Their work has already saved lives and restored hope for so many families,” said Lt. Gov. Mike Cruz, who is himself a physician.
Concepcion, Dr. John Merilat, Dr. Melissa Pearce and Dr. Andy Ward will be on island throughout the week to conduct consultations and perform angiograms for perspective surgical candidates.
The team is scheduled to return in April 2007 to perform open-heart surgeries, stint and angioplasty procedures.
Concepcion and the accompanying physicians also are conducting an advanced training course for nurses to help monitor patients who undergo an intra-aortic balloon pump procedure, which is critical to stabilize patients who must seek further treatment off island.
“Our nurses are taking a tremendous step forward in their profession, while carrying out our mission to strengthen our island’s health care system. This training gives them the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills and, more importantly, they are helping to save lives,” Cruz said.
Costs for patient care will be covered through their health insurance coverage. Local doctors were notified in advance of the team’s visit and were asked to begin patient referrals.