--- title: "How a New Approach Allows Beat to Go on Without Heart Surgery | Sutter Health" description: "Bill Oaks, a Bay Area musician, strikes a chord of triumph in his battle with heart failure." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/how-a-new-approach-allows-beat-to-go-on-without-heart-surgery-2023563905" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Patient Stories](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories) / 3. How a New Approach Allows Beat to Go on Without Heart Surgery # How a New Approach Allows Beat to Go on Without Heart Surgery * * * 2024 Contributor: [Michael Pham](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-michael-x-pham-1046240293) Bill Oaks, a Bay Area musician, strikes a chord of triumph in his battle with heart failure thanks to the innovative approaches of Sutter’s Heart Failure Care Pathway. Oaks’ journey began with a routine check-up, where he received the alarming news about his heart condition. “A heartbeat is like a drumbeat,” said Oaks, a Sutter Health patient, drawing parallels between his music and his health. “If it’s irregular, the song is going to fall apart.” ![Patient getting an EKG](http://a.mktgcdn.com/p/bZjbpnoJliEF__uGA2F8YJV68RS5Py3fU1W5L1fXRM4/623x576.png) Bill Oaks receives an EKG to ensure his heart is beating correctly. Oaks is in good hands with [Michael X. Pham, M.D.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-michael-pham-1046240293) , medical director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program and chief of cardiology at Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center and his team. They carefully navigated Oaks’ initial prognosis, which included the possibility of advanced heart failure therapies like a heart transplant or implantation of an LVAD – a left ventricular assist device. Dr. Pham, known for his meticulous approach, saw Oaks monthly, adjusting his medication to optimal levels. This relentless focus on personalized care paid off. Within six years, Oaks achieved a stable condition, free from hospitalizations and the need for advanced therapies. [The care team’s approach](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ft.e2ma.net%2Fclick%2Fle7dgi%2Fppytw0b%2Fhnnd4x&data=05%7C02%7CMarycon.Young%40sutterhealth.org%7C3cf506bd9c6042bfe14408dc1d33b274%7Caef453eadaa243e0be62818066e9ff63%7C0%7C0%7C638417355093492864%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SpdVFBCT1KJOa2pCcN4x1EhAHGgIA%2FS9fOH%2F8vtkN3A%3D&reserved=0) reflects the principles of Sutter’s Heart Failure Care Pathway. “The essence of the Heart Failure Care Pathway is really having primary care physicians, advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, cardiologists and heart failure specialists working together,” said Dr. Pham. “This collaborative approach is vital to improving patient lives.” ## ****Why the Heart Failure Care Pathway**** The Heart Failure Care Pathway, Sutter Health’s first care pathway, emphasizes whole-person health, focusing on prevention, diet, diagnosis, treatment, appropriate referrals and patient education. It serves as a blueprint for managing chronic conditions for large patient populations. “A care pathway really ensures that we are all aligned in terms of knowing what to do and when to do it,” said Dr. Pham. ![Doctor in SF](http://a.mktgcdn.com/p/Ks_M2IX7WyBtDPgg6d7dWk9dAOE8H1ZyfhwzJl4MCmY/1024x576.jpg) Dr. Michael X. Pham says the Sutter Heart Failure Care Pathway “is really having primary care physicians, advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, cardiologists and heart failure specialists working together. This collaborative approach is vital to improving patient lives.” Since its inception in fall 2023, the Heart Failure Care Pathway has seen positive feedback from physicians and advanced practice clinicians within Sutter. With heart failure affecting an estimated 8 million Americans by 2030, and one in 10 Sutter Health patients over 65 living with the condition, this initiative is critical. “It’s a comprehensive approach, including physician support tools, Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy optimization and patient education to ensure equitable, accessible care,” said Dr. Pham. ****What’s Ahead in 2024?**** Looking ahead to 2024, Sutter Health focuses on acute care and transitioning patients from hospital to home. Additionally, the system dashboard is being enhanced to better identify heart failure patients and track outcomes. “By standardizing best practices, our aim is to reduce rehospitalizations and enhance quality of life,” said Dr. Pham. ## Discover similar stories Choose a service topic below to read more stories like this one. [Heart and vascular](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories?verticalKey=patient_story&facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_services.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Heart+and+vascular%22%5D%7D%5D) ## Your Partners in Heart Health Your cardiovascular health can’t wait. Come to us for advanced heart care, from blood pressure management to transplants. [Request a Referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals) ## Meet our care team ![Michael X. Pham, M.D., FACC, MPH](http://a.mktgcdn.com/p/r4ZWdIEPujmVWmPE2QT9aPEObZMlHI4NDgS7at43p-c/1.0000/191x191.jpg) [Michael X. Pham, M.D., FACC, MPH](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-michael-x-pham-1046240293) Cardiovascular Disease Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology ## Related articles [View all articles](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories) - Patient story ### [Small device, big impact: Research brings new hope for failing hearts](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/small-device-big-impact-research-brings-new-hope-for-failing-hearts-2032168138) Thanks to a clinical trial, Karine Gasparyan says mitral valve replacement allowed her to enjoy life and look positively toward her future. - Patient story ### [Joe Cotchett: Tough Lawyer, Kind and Generous Man](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/joe-cotchett-tough-lawyer-kind-generous-man-1042868309) Renowned lawyer rallies for Mills-Peninsula - Patient story ### [Transplant patient gets new heart and outlook on life](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/transplant-patient-gets-new-heartand-new-family-1042868054) After suffering a massive heart attack, Earl Lovell received a life-saving heart transplant at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento. [View all articles](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories) ## Disclaimer _Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary based upon circumstances and the healthcare provider’s medical judgment. Testimonials or statements made by any person(s) within this site are not intended to guarantee outcomes or substitute for medical advice._ ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/how-a-new-approach-allows-beat-to-go-on-without-heart-surgery-2023563905#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Patient Stories","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How a New Approach Allows Beat to Go on Without Heart Surgery"}]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/how-a-new-approach-allows-beat-to-go-on-without-heart-surgery-2023563905#videoobject","name":"Heart Failure Found After a Routine EKG: Bill's Care Story","inLanguage":"en-US","thumbnailUrl":"https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/817826402001/5b6b50ac-1c15-4373-9b10-8ee2e8da5521/920d918b-332f-485b-9f43-e69708353470/1280x720/match/image.jpg","uploadDate":"2023-11-29T17:49:32.225Z","embedUrl":"https://players.brightcove.net/817826402001/79bcaa57-54d7-453c-9f1f-8ab3ef7b15de/index.html?videoId=6341928157112","description":"Bay Area musician Bill Oaks reflects on the rhythm of his music and that of his heart, and that—along with the compassion and coordination of his Sutter Health care team—has given him peace in his journey with congestive heart failure.","duration":"PT3M11S","transcript":"[BIRDS CHIRPING]\n[DRUM BEATS]\nBILL: Music is everything to me.\nWhen I play music, I tend to forget\nanything else, particularly anything that bothers me.\n\nIt was a routine checkup.\nLAURA WEDDERBURN, M.D.: Bill.\nHow are you?\nBILL: My primary care physician ordered an EKG, the results\nof which concerned her greatly.\nMy heart was in bad shape.\n[DRUM BEATS]\nBILL: A heartbeat's kind of like a drumbeat.\nIf it's irregular, the song is going to fall apart.\n[DRUMMING]\n\nDr. Michael Pham, right from the outset, seemed to have--\nI'd have to call it a charming bedside manner.\nMICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: I'm proud of you.\nYou need a little shave, but other than that--\nPATIENT: I know.\nWell, nobody here knows how to do that.\nBILL: He came across with just the right sense of the gravity\nof the situation.\nMICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: Hi, Bill.\nHow are you feeling?\nBILL: I'm doing fine, doctor.\nHow are you?\nBut also, the prospects for a reasonable outcome.\nMICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: Bill's a great guy.\nHe was referred to me to optimize and adjust\nhis medications.\nCYNTHIA WONG, Pharm.D. The great thing about medications\nspecifically for heart failure is\nthat they are disease-modifying medications, literally\nlife and death.\nPatients do need an advocate because the insurance companies\nare so complex.\nBILL: My pharmacy technician always answers my calls.\nLAURA WEDDERBURN, M.D.: The heart failure care pathway\nis one of four care pathways that\nwas created through collaborating\nwith multiple specialists for several years.\nMICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: It really ensures\nthat we are all aligned in terms of knowing what to do\nand when to do it.\nPHYSICIAN: It's a more streamlined experience\nfor the patient and certainly much more\ngratifying for the physician.\nMICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: The heart failure of care\npathway is a great example of the Power\nof Practice in action.\nCELESTE CHAVEZ, MSN, FNP-C: For me, the Power of Practice\nsymbolizes us working together as one entity.\nMICHAEL PHAM, M.D.: This is the beginning of the next chapter\nfor us at Sutter Health.\nAnd it's really exciting.\nBILL: The care I received from Sutter Health was exceptional.\nThey saved my life.\n[GENTLE MUSIC]"} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/how-a-new-approach-allows-beat-to-go-on-without-heart-surgery-2023563905#article","name":"How a New Approach Allows Beat to Go on Without Heart Surgery","headline":"How a New Approach Allows Beat to Go on Without Heart Surgery","abstract":"Bill Oaks, a Bay Area musician, strikes a chord of triumph in his battle with heart failure.","description":"Bill Oaks, a Bay Area musician, strikes a chord of triumph in his battle with heart failure.","keywords":["Heart health","Heart and vascular"],"datePublished":"2024-01-31","dateModified":"2026-01-22","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/how-a-new-approach-allows-beat-to-go-on-without-heart-surgery-2023563905","inLanguage":"en-US","isAccessibleForFree":true,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/how-a-new-approach-allows-beat-to-go-on-without-heart-surgery-2023563905","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/how-a-new-approach-allows-beat-to-go-on-without-heart-surgery-2023563905#breadcrumblist"}},"author":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/aEVzK1dMlT3T578Ol0IFPt7PtmMQ8Jy16_YTt2tbXns/fit=crop,gravity=auto,width=1200,height=630"},"video":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/how-a-new-approach-allows-beat-to-go-on-without-heart-surgery-2023563905#videoobject"},"articleBody":"Bill Oaks, a Bay Area musician, strikes a chord of triumph in his battle with heart failure thanks to the innovative approaches of Sutter’s Heart Failure Care Pathway. Oaks’ journey began with a routine check-up, where he received the alarming news about his heart condition. “A heartbeat is like a drumbeat,” said Oaks, a Sutter Health patient, drawing parallels between his music and his health. “If it’s irregular, the song is going to fall apart.” Bill Oaks receives an EKG to ensure his heart is beating correctly. Oaks is in good hands with Michael X. Pham, M.D., medical director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program and chief of cardiology at Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center and his team. They carefully navigated Oaks’ initial prognosis, which included the possibility of advanced heart failure therapies like a heart transplant or implantation of an LVAD – a left ventricular assist device. Dr. Pham, known for his meticulous approach, saw Oaks monthly, adjusting his medication to optimal levels. This relentless focus on personalized care paid off. Within six years, Oaks achieved a stable condition, free from hospitalizations and the need for advanced therapies. The care team’s approach reflects the principles of Sutter’s Heart Failure Care Pathway. “The essence of the Heart Failure Care Pathway is really having primary care physicians, advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, cardiologists and heart failure specialists working together,” said Dr. Pham. “This collaborative approach is vital to improving patient lives.” Why the Heart Failure Care Pathway The Heart Failure Care Pathway, Sutter Health’s first care pathway, emphasizes whole-person health, focusing on prevention, diet, diagnosis, treatment, appropriate referrals and patient education. It serves as a blueprint for managing chronic conditions for large patient populations. “A care pathway really ensures that we are all aligned in terms of knowing what to do and when to do it,” said Dr. Pham. Dr. Michael X. Pham says the Sutter Heart Failure Care Pathway “is really having primary care physicians, advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, cardiologists and heart failure specialists working together. This collaborative approach is vital to improving patient lives.” Since its inception in fall 2023, the Heart Failure Care Pathway has seen positive feedback from physicians and advanced practice clinicians within Sutter. With heart failure affecting an estimated 8 million Americans by 2030, and one in 10 Sutter Health patients over 65 living with the condition, this initiative is critical. “It’s a comprehensive approach, including physician support tools, Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy optimization and patient education to ensure equitable, accessible care,” said Dr. Pham. What’s Ahead in 2024? Looking ahead to 2024, Sutter Health focuses on acute care and transitioning patients from hospital to home. Additionally, the system dashboard is being enhanced to better identify heart failure patients and track outcomes. “By standardizing best practices, our aim is to reduce rehospitalizations and enhance quality of life,” said Dr. Pham.","mentions":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-michael-x-pham-1046240293#Person","name":"Michael X. Pham, M.D., FACC, MPH"}]} ```