The first emergency acute bypass surgery was at Sacred Heart in 1971.

In March 1971, 50 years ago, doctors at Sacred Heart Medical Center performed the first emergency acute bypass surgery on a person having a heart attack.

Section:Gallery

Wed., April 21, 2021

In his study at home Dr. Ralph Berg holds a clay model of the human heart. He pioneered open heart and heart transplant medicine in Spokane 50 years ago. He was the first heart surgeon and developed many of the present day practices performed in local hospitals. He also has an avid interest in hunting as witnessed by some of the mounted trophy above him. Christopher Anderson/the Spokesman-Review

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In his study at home, Dr. Ralph Berg holds a clay model of the human heart. He pioneered open heart and heart transplant medicine in Spokane 50 years ago. He was the first heart surgeon and developed many of the present day practices performed in local hospitals.

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Spokane heart surgeon Dr. Ralph Berg Jr. (right) explains surgical procedures to Neighbors of Woodcraft state director Don E. Belangie after the organization today names the physician its “Neighbor of the Year.” The award recognizes service to the community, and today’s presentation acknowledged that Dr. Berg did Spokane’s first open-heart surgery in 1959, since has performed 1,335 open-heart operations in Spokane hospitals.

Cowles Publishing
Spokane heart surgeon Dr Ralph Berg Jr., left was presented with the Neighbor of the Year award from the Neighbors of Woodcraft by the fraternal benefit society’s state director, Don Belangie, at a luncheon Tuesday at Sacred Heart Medical Center. The plaque is given annually to citizens in recognition for outstanding services to their community. Dr Berg, a Spokane native, was honored for his accomplishments in cardiac surgery, Belangie said. Last year’s recipient was Spokane Police Chief Wayne Hendren.

Larry Reisnouer