10/08/2026
Sometimes exceptional care starts with simply listening.
At the end of his annual follow-up visit, Katherine Perez, AGACNP-BC, asked, as she always does, “Do you have any other questions or concerns?”
Perhaps expecting reassurance that it was something relatively common, he mentioned that he had been experiencing a “heartbeat feeling” in his abdomen that had been causing pain for the past two years.
Katherine listened.
She took his concern seriously, performed a careful examination, and promptly arranged diagnostic testing conveniently with one of Oracle’s vascular ultrasound technologists. The results revealed an 8.4 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm—a life-threatening condition requiring urgent treatment.
What followed was a remarkable example of collaboration and patient-centered care.
Dr. Sadie Ahanchi, Oracle’s vascular surgeon, promptly ordered one final test that would show her what was happening anatomically so she could plan treatment. Results were immediate, and her expert recommendations were delivered promptly. Understanding the gravity of the diagnosis, she emphasized the urgency of treatment while also respecting and supporting the patient’s desire to seek a second opinion from another surgeon in Northern Virginia. That surgeon confirmed the urgency but could not offer surgery for another 3–6 weeks.
Thankfully, within days, Dr. Ahanchi and the team at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center were able to accommodate his endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), a minimally invasive procedure used to repair the aneurysm from inside the blood vessel.
He returned home the following day, and as he reflected on his experience, he was overwhelmed with emotion. With tears in his eyes, he considered how differently this story could have ended.
He expressed profound gratitude to Katherine—for listening when he mentioned something that could easily have been dismissed as a normal part of aging. He was equally grateful to Dr. Ahanchi for her expertise and humility toward his desire for a second opinion, and to the many people who worked together to make his care possible.
From the prompt diagnostic imaging at Oracle to the skilled staff and providers at Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg, the hospital team, the EVAR specialists, and everyone involved behind the scenes, this was truly a team effort—a group of people looking out for him and working together to get him the care he needed.
And it all began with a simple question:
“Do you have any other questions or concerns?”
This is what patient-centered care looks like: listening closely, taking concerns seriously, looking beyond what may seem routine, acting when something doesn’t seem right, and working together to give patients the care they need.
We are incredibly proud to have Katherine Perez and Dr. Ahanchi on the Oracle Heart & Vascular team, and deeply grateful to every member of the care team who played a role in this patient’s journey.
Sometimes, exceptional care begins with simply giving a patient the time and attention to be heard. ❤️
