Robert Klingman Jr., MD
Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery (Heart Surgery)
As a cardiothoracic surgeon, I specialize in diagnosing and surgically treating conditions of the heart, lungs and chest. That involves more, however, than just looking at the heart or lungs. I believe the best medical treatment requires looking at the patient as a whole and determining with them what the best options for treatment will be.
I like to spend time with my patients and explain their conditions and options. I don't beat around the bush. Many of my patients are older (though I see and treat adults of all ages) and I've found that they just want to hear right up front what the risks and benefits are of an operation.
Sometimes that means really analyzing the issues of longevity and quality of life. Quality of life is always important but for patients in their 80s or 90s, it really can be more important than issues of longevity. I treat each person individually and give them the straight facts so that they can make an informed decision on what is best for them.
It is common for me to show them, using models of the heart, where their problem is located and then show them their "film" so that they can see and conceptualize and understand what is going on. A lot of times, they leave my office with some things to think about. It's important that they have the right operation and are well informed.
I love doing quality of life work. For example, I see a lot of older patients with aortic stenosis. This occurs when the heart's aortic valve narrows, preventing it from opening fully, which obstructs blood flow from the heart into the aorta and onward to the rest of the body. Eventually, this extra work limits the amount of blood it can pump and may weaken the heart muscle. Left untreated, it can cause serious heart problems. It usually requires surgery to replace the valve. What I will often see in older patients is that they say they are "doing fine" but just feel they are a little slower going upstairs or getting around. Patients accommodate to their disease. When I do a valve replacement, I will often hear from those patient the very next day about how they feel great or feel years younger. That feels great. I love to hear that kind of response.
When I am not working, I can usually be found enjoying the sort of crazy animal sanctuary that is the country home my wife and I share. We love birds and we have giant tortoises. We also do koi rescue and I keep a reef tank, which is a fish tank filled with saltwater coral.
Locations:
1860 Pennsylvania Ave.Suite 120
Fairfield, CA 94534
Education:
Medical degree, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha B.A. degree, biology, Cal State Fullerton General surgery resident, Creighton University, Omaha General Surgery Registrar, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Lancaster, England Chief Resident in Surgery, Creighton University, Omaha Surgical Critical Care and Thoracic Residency, Albany Medical Center, Albany NYCertifications:
Professional Memberships:
Languages Spoken:
Below is a list of plans accepted by all NorthBay Health providers unless designated as an independent community doctor.
While we strive to keep this list up to date, it's always a good idea to check with your health plan to determine the specific details of your coverage, and to contact the provider's office to verify acceptance of your particular plan.
As a cardiothoracic surgeon, I specialize in diagnosing and surgically treating conditions of the heart, lungs and chest. That involves more, however, than just looking at the heart or lungs. I believe the best medical treatment requires looking at the patient as a whole and determining with them what the best options for treatment will be.
I like to spend time with my patients and explain their conditions and options. I don't beat around the bush. Many of my patients are older (though I see and treat adults of all ages) and I've found that they just want to hear right up front what the risks and benefits are of an operation.
Sometimes that means really analyzing the issues of longevity and quality of life. Quality of life is always important but for patients in their 80s or 90s, it really can be more important than issues of longevity. I treat each person individually and give them the straight facts so that they can make an informed decision on what is best for them.
It is common for me to show them, using models of the heart, where their problem is located and then show them their "film" so that they can see and conceptualize and understand what is going on. A lot of times, they leave my office with some things to think about. It's important that they have the right operation and are well informed.
I love doing quality of life work. For example, I see a lot of older patients with aortic stenosis. This occurs when the heart's aortic valve narrows, preventing it from opening fully, which obstructs blood flow from the heart into the aorta and onward to the rest of the body. Eventually, this extra work limits the amount of blood it can pump and may weaken the heart muscle. Left untreated, it can cause serious heart problems. It usually requires surgery to replace the valve. What I will often see in older patients is that they say they are "doing fine" but just feel they are a little slower going upstairs or getting around. Patients accommodate to their disease. When I do a valve replacement, I will often hear from those patient the very next day about how they feel great or feel years younger. That feels great. I love to hear that kind of response.
When I am not working, I can usually be found enjoying the sort of crazy animal sanctuary that is the country home my wife and I share. We love birds and we have giant tortoises. We also do koi rescue and I keep a reef tank, which is a fish tank filled with saltwater coral.
Suite 120
Fairfield, CA 94534
Education:
Medical degree, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha B.A. degree, biology, Cal State Fullerton General surgery resident, Creighton University, Omaha General Surgery Registrar, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Lancaster, England Chief Resident in Surgery, Creighton University, Omaha Surgical Critical Care and Thoracic Residency, Albany Medical Center, Albany NYCertifications:
Professional Memberships:
Languages Spoken:
Below is a list of plans accepted by all NorthBay Health providers unless designated as an independent community doctor.
While we strive to keep this list up to date, it's always a good idea to check with your health plan to determine the specific details of your coverage, and to contact the provider's office to verify acceptance of your particular plan.