Honoring the Professionals Behind Coach Malone’s Heart Journey

On Wednesday, November 3, 2010, Coach Malone received his heart transplant at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. What followed was not just a medical procedure, but a miracle sustained by an interdisciplinary team of more than 25 professionals who cared for him around the clock in the CVICU. 

Before the transplant, Malone became part of a groundbreaking study. Because both ventricles no longer functioned to capacity, he required a biventricular assist device (BiVAD), shown at his bedside. This device acted as an electronic heartbeat, sustaining his life by taking over the pumping function of both ventricles. It was a measure never before attempted at Emory Saint Joseph’s.

Caller giving high school football scores. Three weeks later he received the donor heart.

This first‑time surgical implant was led by:

• Dr. Jeffrey S. Miller, Cardiac Surgeon and Surgical Director of the Cardiac Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support Program, Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital

• Dr. John B. O’Connell, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Center for Heart Failure, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Together, they guided the team forward when the LVAD alone was not enough.

The Interdisciplinary Team (CVICU, Emory Saint Joseph’s) 

Don’t be too impressed with the terminology or my ability to pronounce his medications. This comes from an experience I was not trained for. I did not study late into the night, nor pass a single test. That is why I am grateful these individuals were with us. It makes the statement “We could not have done it without you” feel almost redundant but it is genuine.

His team was comprised of these amazingly present, trained professionals.

Medical Leadership	Nursing & Support Staff
Cardiac Surgeons	CVICU Nurses
Cardiologists	Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants	Respiratory Therapists
Anesthesiologists	Physical Therapists
Perfusionists	Nutritionists
Research Coordinators	Social Workers
...support from additional disciplines	Chaplains & Family Support

Five Months Later — A Surprise Visit (picture attached)

In April 2011, just five months of post‐transplant, Chip returned for a routine medical checkup that turned into a surprise reunion with the (cardiovascular and intensive care) CVICU team.  To see him walking into the unit and getting closer, recalling how they had only seen him extremely ill, the nurses laughed, cried, and looked at each other in amazement. There were times that his condition was described as touch and go.

“I never knew you were this tall.”  Standing tall, he responded with humor saying "Cuz, I was on my back for 50 days." That moment captured the joy, humanity, and resilience of a journey made possible by their skill and compassion. 

To Your Health, Cynthia