Marion Doctor Steps up for His Former Football Coach
Football is at the heart of this story. It’s a full-circle moment for a former coach and one of his athletes who grew up to become a doctor in their hometown of Marion, Ohio.
Athletes will always remember the coaches who had a positive impact on their lives. That’s certainly the case for Kyle Feldmann, MD, who grew up playing football in Marion.
Dr. Feldmann is now a doctor with OhioHealth in Marion, specializing in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular disease. He said there were many lessons that he learned on the field that apply to what he does today.
“Making sure that you’re completely committed, giving every day your all regardless of how you feel. It’s continued learning. It’s always a continued process, you’re never just done,” he said. “I think that’s the great thing that I’ve thought about medicine is that it’s always a continued process. We’re trying to come out with new technologies, new ideas on how we treat and for me, that’s about heart blockages.”
Over the summer, he had a patient who he credits with helping to shape his life, especially his values and work ethic. It was his football coach from when he played in middle school: Michael Zucker.
Many may recognize Zucker today from his former insurance company or the local deli he now owns and runs with his wife: Mike’s Deli. Years ago, he was the coach of the football teams for St. Mary’s and then Marion Catholic.
Starting this past spring, Zucker did not feel well. Something wasn’t right. He never suspected something could be wrong with his heart, until he sought help at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital this summer.
Zucker was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and needed to have a stent placed. Right away, he recognized the doctor who would see his procedure through.
“When I learned it was Dr. Feldmann, I recognized him right away and I thought – ‘I hope I didn’t run him too hard.’”
“No, he didn’t,” said Dr. Feldmann with a smile. “And I recognized him right away, too. He’s unforgettable, that’s for sure. He was a great coach; he’s a great guy. He motivated us to be the best of our potential.”
While Dr. Feldmann credits Zucker with being a positive influence on his life – it’s Zucker who now credits his former athlete with saving his life.
“Man, I had the A Team for medical treatment, and it was fabulous,” Zucker said. “When he came in, I knew I was in good hands because he’s a total professional.
When I knew he was involved that gave me great peace of mind. He’s been a difference-maker in my life.”
After a total of two stents, Zucker said he now feels much better. He goes to Marion General Hospital for his rehab.
“I enjoy the people there, I’d much rather go there,” he said.
Dr. Feldmann said Zucker’s story serves as an important reminder to be an advocate for your own health.
“The tough thing with heart disease is everyone thinks ‘I’m going to have chest pain.’ Well not everyone has chest pain. Sometimes it’s just exertional fatigue. Getting out of breath. Other people just have jaw pain. I’ve seen people just with elbow pain. Not everybody is the same. Your symptoms can be different. If you feel like something is wrong you should definitely seek medical advice.”
And for Dr. Feldmann, being able to step up in this way for his former coach, the feeling is hard to describe.
“It’s great knowing you can make an impact on people’s lives – and to be able to see that difference, what an awesome feeling,” Dr. Feldmann said. “It’s why we do what we do. I wouldn’t be able to do this without the great team that we have.”
