Peggy James has been through a lot in her 67 years — heart issues, chronic pain, and mental health challenges. “But right now, I’m feeling good,” she says. Since having a heart attack in her 50s, Peggy has entrusted the care of her heart to the Cardiovascular Center at Boston Medical Center.
The Power of a Trusting Patient–Provider Relationship
Peggy says the open relationship she has with cardiologist Dr. Claudia Hochberg has made all the difference in her health. “She sees me as a person,” Peggy says. “She doesn’t make me feel bad about anything that I am, or that I do. That helps me get better care. She’s known me for so long, I know she trusts me. And I trust her.”
Beyond her role as cardiologist, Dr. Hochberg is also the director of Cardiac Intensive Care and co-director of Inpatient Cardiology at BMC, as well as a clinical associate professor at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. In May, the nursing staff at BMC named Dr. Hochberg Provider of the Year for Critical Care. This recognition is no surprise to Peggy. “It’s rare to find a doctor who really gets the patient and the medicine — and combines the two with professionalism,” says Peggy. “She has all that mastered.”
Today, Peggy is managing several health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart failure, blocked arteries, chronic pain from sciatica, lung disease, anxiety, and depression. She takes 14 pills a day, including supplements, and says her care can feel like a lot to keep track of. But Dr. Hochberg and Peggy’s primary care provider, Dr. Emily Hurstack, help her stay on top of everything — and always treat her with compassion.
"Dr. Hurstack is very good about keeping up with me," says Peggy. "If I leave her a message, I get a response back immediately. I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. And Dr. Hochberg is an excellent cardiologist who always looks out for me above and beyond cardiology. She tells me what to do, and I do it."
A Patient Who Shows Up — Even in a Blizzard
Since having a heart attack, Peggy has been engaged, organized, and deeply committed to her health. She takes her medications as prescribed, never misses an appointment, and follows her care team's guidance. She even once came to an appointment in the middle of a blizzard. "Dr. Hochberg admired me for coming through the blizzard for that early morning appointment, but I don't believe in wasting my doctor's time," says Peggy.
Although Peggy does an excellent job managing her health, there are still times when acute issues come up that require her to be admitted. "I was recently in a lot of pain, and I couldn't slow my heart down," she shares. After a stressful ambulance ride, Peggy made it to BMC, where Dr. Hochberg came to check in on her. "From the moment I hit the triage door, the care was excellent. Dr. Hochberg always shows up. When I see her, I know I'm going to be okay."
Peggy is proud and grateful that she has only been hospitalized three times in 13 years. Each time, she has clear memories of the bedside staff who cared for her. Nurse Kelly, who anticipated what she needed before she even asked. Nurse Sam, who helped her feel better with a gentle touch and calm presence. Certified Nursing Assistant Betty, who taught her little tricks to make the hospital "gadgets" more comfortable. "What I like is that they all work in unison. If something isn't covered, someone jumps in," says Peggy. "Their follow-through is excellent. Everything was about promoting good health, good medicine, and a good feeling."