MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) – Just over three years after launching its open‑heart surgery program, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford has reached a milestone that speaks volumes about both community need and clinical growth: the completion of its 1,000th cardiac surgery. It’s a number that represents far more than procedures—it reflects lives changed, families supported, and advanced heart care delivered right here in Rutherford County.
Hospital leaders, clinicians, and support staff gathered this week to celebrate the achievement and recognize the team whose skill and collaboration have built one of Middle Tennessee’s fastest‑growing cardiovascular surgery programs.
Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford’s President and CEO Daphne David said, “The milestone is rooted in people, not numbers. Reaching 1,000 heart surgeries reflects the extraordinary dedication of our surgeons, our cardiac anesthesiologist, nurses and caregivers who built this program from the ground up. More importantly, it represents 1,000 patients and families who were able to receive highly specialized, life‑saving care close to home.”…