Keeping the Faith—and a Healthy Heart

Photo courtesy of Pastor Dan Duncan

Ozarks Healthcare’s Cardiac Team Helps Pastor Dan Duncan Continue His Mission

By any measure, Pastor Dan Duncan is a busy man. A West Plains native, Duncan spent decades in the Pacific Northwest and Nashville before returning home in 2006. Today, at 80 years old, he manages local Christian television station K36NN-DTV, sharing the message of Jesus Christ throughout the region.

Even without his age as a factor, it’s a demanding role—one that requires time, energy, and the ability to manage stress. But Duncan has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

So when he began experiencing heart issues, he was determined to seek the best care available to continue his mission. That decision led him to Ozarks Healthcare and its renowned cardiac team.

A Lifesaving Partnership

“I’m going to guess it was 15 or 16 years ago that I had a pacemaker put in,” Duncan recalled. “At the time, I had what they call a bundle branch blockage, which was interrupting the signals from my brain to my heart. Dr. A.K. George took great care of me and implanted a pacemaker. That worked wonderfully for about eight years, and then we replaced the battery. I got along just fine after that.”

However, during a routine check-up just before Christmas last year, Duncan mentioned to Dr. George that he had been experiencing some cardiac episodes, including unusual fatigue. Further testing led to a heart catheterization—and the addition of an important piece of protective equipment.

That device, called a cardiac LifeVest, is a wearable defibrillator designed to detect and correct abnormal heart rhythms by delivering an electric shock when necessary.

“It’s given me peace of mind, for sure,” Duncan said of the vest. “I’ll wear it until my doctors determine the next steps. In the meantime, it’s incredibly reassuring and comforting to have that protection.”

Compassionate Care at Ozarks Healthcare

Medical technology plays a crucial role in Duncan’s treatment, but he is just as grateful for the dedicated team behind it.

“Everyone at Ozarks Healthcare has been incredibly gracious and caring,” he said. “The physicians are highly skilled, and the entire staff is so professional and compassionate. I truly appreciate the kindness and expertise of the Heart and Lung Center here.”

Thanks to Ozarks Healthcare, Pastor Dan Duncan is continuing to do what he loves—spreading his message of faith, hope, and perseverance. And with a strong heart, he has no plans of stopping anytime soon.