PRESS RELEASE

Aug. 28, 2009

Consumers’ Research names BRMC’s Steven Herrmann, M.D., to ‘Top Cardiologists’ publication

Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) Steven Herrmann, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.S.E., medical director of the hospital’s Cardiovascular Services and the region’s only board-certified physician in cardiovascular imaging, has been named to the 2009 edition of the “Guide to America’s Top Cardiologists” by Consumers’ Research Council of America. 

This will be the fourth time - and the second this year - that Dr. Herrmann has been selected to a publication spotlighting the best cardiologists in the country. Dr. Herrmann, who leads BRMC’s Heart Center, works to provide the highest levels of cardiac care possible.

The cardiologist is being recognized in the Guide to America’s Top Cardiologists, which will be available via e-book to consumers and corporate resource departments. “As a nationally recognized physician with over a decade of experience in advanced heart disease and cardiac testing, this new award clearly highlights the level of professional achievement that Dr. Herrmann has been known for among both his peers and patients," said BRMC President/CEO George E. Leonhardt. 

“We’re extremely pleased to have a specialist of Dr. Herrmann’s caliber in our region,” Mr. Leonhardt added. “Someone of his credentials is normally in a larger metropolitan setting.” The selection process by Consumers’ Research for the publication is based on a point-value system that awards points for education, years in practice and affiliations with professional associations, said Consumers’ Research officials. 

On learning of his inclusion to the publication, Dr. Herrmann said, “Obviously, I’m very pleased to hear about the recognition.” However, “This selection also gives credit to my talented and dedicated staff at BRMC which strives to deliver the best possible cardiac care in a two-state region.” 

BRMC’s Heart Center, designated a Center of Excellence, is located on the second floor of the hospital’s Outpatient Services Center which opened in January 2007. It provides comprehensive cardiovascular care and services, plus a wide range of diagnostic services in the Imaging Services Department which houses a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization suite. Since being named medical director of Cardiovascular Services, Dr. Herrmann has focused on developing a complete line of cardiac imaging services at BRMC as well as developing evidence-based medical protocols for the management of ischemic heart disease and congestive heart failure for patients. 

Dr. Herrmann has brought a high level of expertise in invasive catheterization and advanced hemodynamics for patients requiring cardiac catheterization, say hospital officials. Ultimately, it is planned Dr. Herrmann will be able to perform cardiac angioplasty and stenting interventional procedures at BRMC. 

Significant upgrades in diagnostic imaging procedures have now earned two nationally recognized accreditations that show proven technical performance and accuracy. The Heart Center and nearby Imaging Services Department house an on-site, state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization suite for the diagnosis and treatment of certain cardiac conditions. 

No physician referral is needed for an appointment with Dr. Herrmann at BRMC’s Heart Center. Appointments are made directly by calling the office at 814-362-8720. Further information on the program is available online at www.brmc.com. 

Dr. Herrmann joined BRMC’s medical staff in January 2006 from Saint Louis University Hospital. He was recruited by BRMC to head the hospital’s expanding Cardiology Services, a program which has had a longstanding affiliation with Hamot Heart Institute, Erie, Pa. 

Earlier this year, Dr. Herrmann was named to the national “Best Physicians 2009” of U.S. cardiologists by the Victoria Foundation. This list selects the top 500 cardiologists in the U.S. He was previously named to the prestigious Best Doctors in America list in 2005-06 by Best Doctors Inc. and again for that award in 2007-08. Best Doctors Inc. is a recognition of excellence announced internationally and given to only 4 percent of physicians in the U.S. These awards are given based on the survey results of more than 50,000 physicians across the U.S. and 30 countries who provide their recommendations of the best among their peer group. In spring 2008, he earned a 10-year board certification in Nuclear Cardiology from the Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology.
Dr. Herrmann also is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Adult Echocardiography by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Society of Echocardiography. He also is board-eligible in Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Herrmann also is an award-winning teacher, researcher and author. He was recognized as the Cardiology Teacher of the Year, Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year, and Distinguished Teacher in the School of Medicine for each of his four years as Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine/Cardiovascular Diseases at Saint Louis University. 

He holds an adjunctive Assistant Professor position in Physiology and Pharmacology at Saint Louis University, where he continues to teach Cardiovascular Physiology in the School of Medicine. Dr. Herrmann also is recognized in “Who’s Who” for medical school educators. He received his medical degree from Saint Louis University in 1995 and completed his Internal Medicine Residency, Cardiology Fellowship and Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Saint Louis University Hospital. He received his doctorate in Cardiovascular Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Washington, where he studied the metabolic control of coronary blood and cardiac exercise physiology.