Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/554171
I wanted to be in medicine," Dr. Lefebvre says. "It is what I love. I enjoy working with people and the complexities of heart care." She came to the area and to the practice because it offered the flexibility she wanted as well as the challenge. "When I first came, I was seeking flexibility and a community- oriented atmosphere," Dr. Lefebvre says. "I was a bit concerned that I would not see the challenging cases I knew existed in a more densely populated area, and I was afraid I would miss that aspect. This was not the case, though. The cases I see are just as complex. Many people come a long way to receive care — some drive five hours to see us. That adds an additional layer of responsibility. It is humbling to know these folks work so hard to see us. We return that with our best efforts on every level." True Advocacy Patients have the advantage of no restrictions or limitations on the types of insurance they carry when they come to KKHC. "Many times we take patients as charity cases because we understand that many people are dealing with very unfortunate circumstances," Dr. Mo notes. When patients need higher care, providers send them to the hospital that provides the best results for the particular circumstances of the problem. "We have a relationship with Children's Mercy, which is a wonderful hospital and one of the highest ranking in cardio care," Dr. Mo states. "However, if the facility cannot perform the surgery, we send patients to the hospital that can and that produces the best results. Many times we have to fight aggressively with insurance, but our patients deserve that effort." Where the Heart Is Many aspects of heart care are difficult, especially for the parents of young children. "We have many parents and grandparents crying in our office because any medical condition is indeed very worri- some," Dr. Lefebvre says. "We understand that and try to be compassionate partners in the difficult times. But it is much more than that. We care very deeply about patients and their families, and they become like family whom we owe our greatest efforts. We can't rest until they have our all. The best part is that in the vast majority of cases, the kids get better. And that is all we want." There is a certain something about the heartland that pulls you in and holds you there. The warmth and genuineness of the people instills a deep desire to add to the legacy of the area. Drs. Mo and Lefebvre hope their efforts help build a strong and healthy tomorrow for their patients and that their appreciation for the community is their lasting legacy. For more information on Kansas Kids Heart Center, please visit kansaskidsheartcenter.com or call 316-440-8800. ■ Melissa Lefebvre, DO, pediatric cardiologist and new Partner of KKHC COV ER FE AT UR E "We have many parents and grandparents crying in our office because any medical condition is indeed very worrisome. We understand that and try to be compassionate partners in the difficult times. But it is much more than that. We care very deeply about patients and their families, and they become like family whom we owe our greatest efforts. We can't rest until they have our all." — Melissa Lefebvre, DO, pediatric cardiologist at Kansas Kids Heart Center 8 | Greater Kansas MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M