Jackson Health System's 2026 Report to the Community.
Dentist's quick detour to Jackson Heart Institute saves his life
Dr. Sam Huckabee and his team spent four busy days seeing patients on a mission trip to Jamaica. On the final day, he felt a sharp pain between his shoulder blades and feared a heart attack.
Things worsened on the flight home, and his son directed their Uber to Jackson Heart Institute during their Miami layover. A CT scan revealed a life-threatening aortic tear, and Huckabee was rushed into surgery.
"The mortality of this disease rises dramatically by the hour in the first 24 hours, so timely care is critical," said Farhang Yazdchi, MD, medical director of aortic surgery at Jackson Heart Institute.
Learn how Jackson
Heart Institute made all the difference for Sam.