Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Michael Cowherd Joins Sanford Practice
| Date Posted: 9/19/2022
SANFORD, N.C. -- Southern Pines native Michael Cowherd, M.D., joined the Sanford location of FirstHealth of the Carolinas and Pinehurst Medical Clinic as an interventional cardiologist on Sept. 1.
He joins his father, David Cowherd, M.D., also an interventional cardiologist with FirstHealth Cardiology and Pinehurst Medical Clinic, who performed the first diagnostic cardiac catheterization at Moore Regional Hospital in 1987 and the hospital’s first balloon angioplasty in 1991. Dr. David Cowherd now performs diagnostic procedures and serves patients at the Pinehurst Medical Clinic – East location in Pinehurst.
“Interventional cardiology offers many different avenues to change people’s lives for the better,” Dr. Michael Cowherd said.
Interventional cardiology is a non-surgical sub-specialty of cardiology using catheters to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. Interventional cardiologists are most often involved in addressing heart attacks but also diagnose and treat coronary artery disease, vascular disease, structural defects and valve defects. Dr. Michael Cowherd specializes in coronary and peripheral vascular interventions.
Dr. Michael Cowherd said his father was part of his inspiration to become an interventional cardiologist. “Dad was Superman for me growing up, and he still is,” he said. “I’m honored to join the talented providers in his group.”
Dr. Michael Cowherd graduated from the O’Neal School and is a “born-and-raised” Tar Heel, graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with undergraduate and medical degrees. He completed his residency at the University of Colorado at Denver and then returned to Chapel Hill to complete a fellowship in interventional cardiology.
“The Sandhills is home,” said Dr. Michael Cowherd. “We have lots of great people and lots of people who need help with their health. I can’t think of a better population to serve.”
Dr. Michael Cowherd and his wife, a pulmonologist, have a 2-year-old daughter and infant son. The avid UNC basketball fan reports that he has already taken his daughter to the Dean Smith Center and plans on continuing those excursions until she also decides to be a Tar Heel.
While Dr. Michael Cowherd will accept new patients at FirstHealth Cardiology-Pinehurst Medical Clinic-Sanford location at 1818 Doctors Drive, he will also conduct advanced procedures at FirstHealth Cardiology – Reid Heart Center in Pinehurst and see patients at Moore Regional Hospital as needed.
FirstHealth, in partnership with the cardiology providers of Pinehurst Medical Clinic, are regional leaders in cardiovascular care. Reid Heart Center, home of FirstHealth Heart and Vascular Institute, is the first community-based, non-academic heart hospital in the region. Under one roof are highly acclaimed cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, interventional and structural cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiologists and support personnel collaborating to provide world-class care usually available only at large academic hospitals.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Cowherd, call (919) 777-9005.
