In the March-April 2019 edition of Alberta Doctors’ Digest, the AMA proudly Shines A Light on Dr. Sayeh Zielke.
Have a heart
Lethbridge physician champions improved cardiac treatment for residents
As the sole cardiologist serving Lethbridge, Dr. Sayeh Zielke maintains a daunting clinical schedule. She is also a tireless advocate for bringing much-needed cardiac catheterization services to the community.
Currently, Lethbridge-area cardiac patients requiring this treatment must make the two-hour trek to Calgary, creating a strain on patients and their families. “Often these patients are older, and it’s hard for them to be away from home,” says Dr. Zielke. “Having a cath lab here would alleviate that stress, elevate the calibre of cardiac services we can offer and help us recruit other cardiologists.”
Hopeful but realistic: Call for cath labs
Over the past two years, Dr. Zielke has worked closely with Alberta Health Services and clinicians to explore the creation of additional cath labs. An AHS report released last October concluded both Red Deer and Lethbridge have enough demand, but it stopped short of making formal recommendations.
“We know we have robust cardio rehab services, a good imaging program and the physical space for a cath lab, but it’s a very expensive venture,” explains Dr. Zielke. “We’re hopeful, but realistic.”
Also included in the AHS report was an emphasis on cardiac prevention, an issue that is near and dear to Dr. Zielke.