Soon, patients at CaroMont Regional Medical Center will have access to
new life-saving cardiac technology in a state-of-the-art setting, made
possible by a generous grant from the David Belk Cannon Foundation. The
grant supports the creation of a more advanced interventional cardiology
program through the construction of a hybrid operating room that combines
cutting-edge surgical equipment with advanced medical imaging devices.
The new operating room will allow cardiac surgeons to perform highly-complex,
minimally-invasive procedures, such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
(TAVR), a procedure the health system expects to offer later this spring.
“This grant is a first for CaroMont Health and our Foundation,”
said Chris Peek, President and CEO of the Gastonia-based health system.
“The community-minded focus of the David Belk Cannon Foundation
mirrors the mission and vision of CaroMont Health. Their generosity will
help bring cutting-edge treatments to our patients.”
In recognition of the generous contribution, the Surgery Waiting Lounge
at CaroMont Regional Medical Center will be named in honor of three physicians
whom the David Belk Cannon Foundation chose for their contributions and
commitment to the community. Dr. P. William Aycock, retired internist
and gastroenterologist with Gaston Medical Group; Dr. Ronald W. Digby,
cardiologist and internist with CaroMont Internal Medicine; and Dr. Dustin
P. Letts, cardiologist with CaroMont Heart & Vascular will lend their
names to the new Aycock-Digby-Letts Surgery Waiting Lounge.
“These talented physicians have made such an impact on our community,”
said Gene Matthews, President of the David Belk Cannon Foundation. “They
have provided life-saving medicine and life-changing support to so many
of our friends, families and neighbors. We are honored to be able to recognize
their work and help support the continued advancement of medicine in the
region.”
The hybrid operating room and the Aycock-Digby-Letts Surgery Waiting Lounge
are expected to open later this spring.
About the Physicians
William Aycock, MD
Retired after 42 years with Gaston Medical Group, Dr. William Aycock held
board certifications in both internal medicine and gastroenterology. Born
in McConnells, SC, Dr. Aycock earned his undergraduate degree from Davidson
College and his Medical Degree from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dr. Aycock served as President of the Gaston County Medical Society in
1989 and as the 148th President of the North Carolina Medical Society
in 2002. His commitment to the betterment of patient care led him to serve
as a leader in these organized medical societies, a high honor and a testament
to his dedication and service as a physician. In addition to his leadership
positions in the medical societies, he has also held memberships in many
professional societies and local organizations, often serving on various
committees to help guide the future of the medical profession.
Dr. Aycock resides in Gastonia with his wife, Mary Ann. In retirement,
Dr. Aycock enjoys spending time on his family farm down in McConnells,
reading and bible study.
Ronald Digby, MD
Since his arrival in Gastonia in 1977, Dr. Digby has practiced internal
medicine and cardiology at the practice he shared with Dr. Aycock, Gaston
Medical Group. Before joining the medical staff at then Gaston Memorial
Hospital, he sent a letter to the administrator encouraging the hospital
to purchase the first equipment for use in cardiology. They agreed and
Dr. Digby joined the medical staff as one of the first cardiologists.
Through Dr. Digby’s nearly 42 years of practice he has been an advocate
for both his patients and the advancement of cardiology practice. He helped
guide the future of care in Gaston County and at CaroMont Health through
his service as Chair of the Department of Medicine and as Chief of Staff
in 1986. Dr. Digby earned CaroMont Health’s Physician Recognition
by Nurses (PRN) Award in 2017 for his respect of patients, families and staff.
Dr. Digby lives in Gastonia, where he and his wife raised their three children.
He recently lost his wife of 52 years, Sandra, and he credits his friends,
patients, family and faith for helping him through this difficult time.
When not practicing, Dr. Digby is active in his church, Rotary club, the
Heart Society of Gaston County; he also enjoys reading and watching Panthers
and UGA football.
Dustin Letts, MD, FACC
Since joining CaroMont Heart & Vascular, Dr. Letts has been a champion
for cardiology at CaroMont Health. With a keen eye for what is best for
his patients, he strives to provide the best medicine and care for every
person he encounters. A passion for learning and sharing that knowledge
for the betterment of others is what inspired Dr. Letts to go into the
medical field and specialize in Cardiology. He earned his Medical Degree
from Mercer University School of Medicine in Georgia. His residency and
internship brought Dr. Letts to Charlotte, and after finishing his fellowships
in Pittsburgh, he returned to Gaston County to begin his practice.
Holding board certifications in both cardiovascular disease and interventional
cardiology, Dr. Letts strives to provide the best medicine and care for
every patient he sees. He has also been recognized as Best Cardiologist
in the Gaston Gazette’s Best of Gaston community choice awards in
2015 and 2016.
Dr. Letts lives in Gastonia with his wife Caroline and their three daughters.
He has developed a vibrant network of friends and fellow physicians make
him proud to call Gaston County home. He is an engaged member of his church
and Rotary club, and in his free time, he enjoys running and spending
time with his daughters.
About the David Belk Cannon Foundation
The David Belk Cannon Foundation is a private family foundation established
by the late David Belk Cannon in 1998.