Popular Former Community Cardiologist Says Shannon Fired Him

The cardiology department at SACMC broke more new ground over the past 15 years under Dr. Blanc’s direction. Dr. Blanc was the first cardiologist in San Angelo to do cardiac catheterization procedures via the radial artery approach that reduces complications and enhances patient comfort. An electrophysiology program was also developed at SACMC and it was the first program in the Concho Valley to perform curative ablation therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation.

Blanc’s efforts were recognized. SACMC became the first hospital in west Texas to be accredited as a chest pain center and congestive heart failure center of excellence by the American College of Cardiology.

Shannon Health would not comment on the reason for Blanc’s departure.

“While we cannot comment on personnel matters, our two cardiology departments are working closely together to serve patients. This has no impact to the variety of services available to the community we serve or the scope of those services,” said Shannon spokeswoman Lyndy Stone in a statement late Tuesday afternoon.

“With the acquisition of Community Medical Center complete, Shannon is now home to more than 300 providers, including 5 leading cardiologists and two cardiothoracic surgeons. These trusted providers are passionate about serving the residents of our community and are available to care for patients at Shannon Medical Center and now, Shannon South. As we bring our strength and expertise together, we remain focused on providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare services to our patients and the region we serve,” she said.

Before the acquisition, when Shannon was awaiting approval of its COPA to complete the buyout of community, we asked about a “mass exodus of docs” that medical doctors and health providers had warned us should Shannon take control of all hospitals. The concern was that Shannon could deny hospital privileges to former SACMC or independent doctors requiring them to move away from San Angelo to continue to practice medicine.

Shannon told us then that that was not their intention.

“Through the proposed acquisition of San Angelo Community Medical Center, we have the opportunity to protect healthcare and local healthcare decision-making in our community. It is our desire to expand—not reduce—service offerings to ensure West Texans have access to highest quality healthcare for generations to come.

“The physicians on the medical staff of SACMC will become members of the medical staff of Shannon immediately upon completion of the acquisition. We will continue to provide services at both campuses as San Angelo Community Medical Center and Community Medical Associates will be a part of the new Shannon South Campus. There are nearly 300,000 people across 25 counties in our region who count on all of us for their healthcare. We look forward to welcoming San Angelo Community Medical Center, its employees, physicians and patients into the Shannon family as we work together to meet the needs of this region,” Shannon told us in August prior to when the acquisition was green-lighted by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

With no immediate access to use of any hospital facility in San Angelo, Dr. Blanc did not indicate he will be sticking around here. He has a home in the Dallas area.

Dr. Blanc said he was asked to vacate his office in 24 hours and to have no further clinical contact with his patients or staff. He said he was as astonished and shocked as much as his patients were by this action.

Shannon said patients who have questions regarding any transition of care are invited to call the Shannon Welcome Line at (325) 481-2100 for assistance. The service is available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.