Biography
James Armstrong, P.A.-C., is a certified physician assistant who specializes in cardiology. He works collaboratively with general cardiologist Sylvie Giroux, M.D., and is a member of MyMichigan’s comprehensive heart and vascular team. This team includes cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, structural heart and heart failure specialists, as well as vascular and cardiovascular surgeons.
When Armstrong decided to enter the medical field, he initially thought about orthopedic surgery as a specialty due to his background in athletics. “Early in my training I realized an intellectual connection to the nuanced physiology of the cardiovascular system,” he said. “This was later solidified during clinical rotations and throughout my career in the halls of a university hospital in Boston, before returning to my roots in this area.”
Philosophy of Care
“I want my patients to trust me and to view my approach to their cardiovascular care as a stewardship founded on medical knowledge and experience,” he said. “This is complimented by my respect for their personal challenges and means. I enjoy many aspects of care, especially gaining an understanding of a patient’s day-to-day activities which allows me to contextualize symptoms and/or the level of impairment. From my very first interview, I get insight into where I can position my skillset on the arc of the patient’s disease or condition.”
Armstrong would like patients to choose him for his listening skills and his preparedness and clinical acumen. “I find that patients have more confidence in a provider who walks into the room knowing their situation and asking only clarifying questions,” he added. “This efficiency comes with my aptitude for anticipating the service needs of patients and how to quickly navigate the institutional system. This sets me apart from providers who might be less experienced.”
Special Interests and Procedures
Armstrong’s special procedures include cardioversions and internal cardiac monitor implants/explants. He also holds a special interest in syncope, supraventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and heart failure. “I remain excited about the pipeline for new heart failure remedies, particularly the introduction of Entresto®, which has been a game changer,” he said. “I also believe the introduction of left atrial appendage occlusion devices to circumvent the hazards of anticoagulation for patients with atrial fibrillation have also been very meaningful. There is still much discovery happening in cardiology and in turn more drug and device therapies to be excited about.”
Entresto is a registered trademark of Novartis AG.
