Hi Linda, yeah you’d think with all the retirees down here there’d be loads of top notch pulmonologists and cardiologists, right? There very well may be, but finding them probably IS like searching for a needle in a haystack! I do believe Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has some of the best cardiologists in the nation (ranked ~#45 in the nation), just not sure about pulmonologists yet. I do know they rank in the top 50 in the nation in 8 categories (cardio being one of the 8) but don’t know what all of the other 7 are. While it seems like you may be on the other side of the state near Weston (from your last message) I’ll still let you/others know how things go once we actually meet with this pulmonologist on May 20th. They do many heart and lung transplants here at TGH and my dad was fortunate enough to get Dr. Matar to perform his TAVR procedure. When my dad asked if Dr. Matar would be stopping in to check on him the day after his procedure the staff said he was kinda busy that day performing a tricuspid valve trans catheter replacement (1st in Florida) and one of very few performed in the states thus far, so that gives you an idea of how good the cardiologists are here in the Bay Area! Hopefully the pulmonologists are equally advanced. The pulmonologist my dad is scheduled to see on May 20th is Dr. Restrepo and he works in the advanced pulmonary clinic so I believe he’s likely one of the best in the area as well! Not sure if he actually performs lung transplants, but I believe he works on the same team of pulmonologists that do perform lung transplants on a regular basis. Be assured that I’ll report back here to let you/others know what he discovers and what the plan is moving forward regarding my dad’s situation. If you’d like, I can ask Dr. Restrepo if he specializes in MAC/bronchiectasis or, better still, if he can suggest a particularly good pulmonologist in your area. I noticed on your profile that you have/are currently dealing with bronchiectasis but not sure if you still struggle with MAC or not so please advise what specifically you’d like me to ask about if I’m off base and I’d be happy to ask him. I’m really impressed with all staff here at TGH and especially appreciate how responsive most are when asking questions using the MyChart app! What a game changer this app has made for patients since it posts test results quickly regardless if it’s bloodwork at the hospital or Quest, echocardiograms, CT scans, catheter procedures, X-rays, etc. Plus all doctor visit results are posted including comments by docs, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, nurses, techs, etc. This in itself is very helpful especially for elderly folks who either can’t remember as well what is said during the doctor visits, don’t understand some of terminology, review the course of action/plan moving forward, etc., cuz these things allow the patient to review comments later and/or look up unfamiliar terms and not worry so much if a friend/family member/etc. isn’t able to accompany them on their appt. to either take notes, help them understand terminology, etc. Plus, it lends to the entire transparency when the medical professionals put down in writing their diagnosis, treatment plans, referrals, on & on! I’d suggest to all who are reading this blog to inquire with your doctor or hospital about MyChart (or other) electronic medical charting that allows you to follow your own medical records at a near real-time basis cuz it’s truly a game changer (for the better) in so many ways! And, it’s easily shared with others. For example, while I was in the Dayton Ohio area this past fall, and my dad was in the hospital in the Detroit area, I could easily log into my dad’s MyChart account there and read his blood results, echocardiograms, doctors comments, etc., because my dad gave me his log in info willingly so HIPA is not an issue cuz he chose to share his log in info with me, then after you, or the new user, submits the username & password once, thereafter all they/I have to do is type in a 4-digit code which allows me into his MyChart account within seconds. Now, down here in the Tampa area, the same applies. MyChart also allows users to request appointments, check upcoming appointments, check current medications, view billing details, ask questions to various medical professionals (including doctors) and much more, besides just reviewing remarks from previous appointments. Wow! It’s sooo helpful that I just love it! Anyhow, while I realize Tampa is about 4 hours away from you Linda, I truly can’t say enough about TGH so far, but rest assured I’ll ask Dr. Restrepo if he recommends anyone in particular in the greater Weston area, or other area if you want. Just let me know what part of Florida you’re nearest and I’d be happy to assist you, or others, in any way I can. Wishing you have a glorious day and thanks again for responding! Cheers, Scott