After five decades of dedicated service to Alaska’s heart health, John C. Finley, MD, FACC, FASE, shares his reflections as he begins a well-earned retirement.

I came to the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage in 1975 as an internal medicine specialist. Recognizing the critical need for a cardiologist at the facility, I left for my cardiology fellowship in 1981 and returned to ANMC. Caring for patients across four time zones, spanning 2,000 miles in any direction, and across multiple cultures and languages was both fascinating and challenging.

Upon retiring from the U.S. Public Health Service in 1995, I joined the newly formed Alaska Cardiovascular Consultants. At that time, there were simply too few cardiologists in the state to adequately care for the population. After merging with another cardiology group, the Alaska Heart Institute was born, successfully recruiting more cardiologists and establishing vital programs throughout the state.

About 20 years ago, the name changed to Alaska Heart and Vascular Institute to reflect our expanded focus on blood vessels beyond just the heart. To support this mission, we purchased a CT scanner, and I traveled Outside to become certified in cardiac CT and served as the Medical Director of the program, helping to bring this crucial technology to our state.

Witnessing a Revolution in Cardiac Care

Throughout my time in cardiology, there have been dramatic advances in the management of coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure. During my internship, care for a myocardial infarction patient consisted primarily of treating the pain and dealing with complications after the fact. Now, emergent coronary atorvastatin and stenting prevent the damage from occurring in the first place.

I remember treating atrial fibrillation with digoxin alone, and sometimes foxglove, during my internship. Today, far more and better medication options are available, along with invasive treatment options. M-mode echocardiography was in its infancy during my residency years, and CT scans didn’t yet exist. The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.

Looking Forward

I have found that with age comes fatigue. Maintaining multiple certifications and continuing medical education while caring for patients regularly takes tremendous energy. It’s time to travel, to admire my beautiful wife, and to enjoy interactions with my children. I hope to resurrect some former skills at the keyboard and appreciate music while my hearing lasts. Some elderly automobiles need attention. I’m volunteering on various boards, and possibly the medical school program can use me in some capacity.

It has been a great privilege to care for Alaskans for over 50 years. The people have been wonderful, and the practice of medicine has been fascinating. I’m deeply appreciative of having been surrounded by congenial cardiologists of multiple specialties and interests with whom to consult and work at AHVI. The staff and coworkers at AHVI have been exceptional.

Thank you. My very best wishes to all.

John C. Finley, MD, FACC, FASE