Dr. Dermot P. Halpin, MD, FACS

Expert Publications

• Placement of a permanent epicardial pacemaker in children using a subcostal approach.
• Effect of a betadine connection shield on central venous catheter sepsis.
• Primary pneumococcal peritonitis--a brief report.
• Immunocytochemical analysis of hormone receptors with malignant cells separated from human mammary tumors.

Media Releases

Get to know Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Dermot P. Halpin, who serves patients in Pikeville, Kentucky. 

An experienced heart and lung surgeon, Dr. Halpin joined the Heart and Vascular Institute at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) after working in a busy practice at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky for 18 years. He performs difficult procedures at PMC that are not available at other healthcare facilities in Kentucky, including minimally invasive heart surgery.

He is one of only a few heart surgeons in Kentucky offering a minimally invasive approach to heart bypass and heart valve surgery. This surgical technique involves a smaller incision than conventional heart surgery and can result in a shorter recovery period, fewer complications, and less pain after surgery.

“When I first came to PMC, I immediately noticed how beautiful, clean and welcoming the facility is. I  also observed how hard-working, dedicated and happy the employees are. A happy, competent staff and a state-of-the-art facility are the building blocks for a great cardiothoracic surgery program” he said.

He also praised the operating room team, stating “the operating room staff is well-trained, devoted to their jobs and an integral part of the team. You can’t have a great cardiothoracic surgery program without having a great team around you.”

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, Dr. Halpin received his undergraduate and medical degrees from one of the oldest educational institutions in Europe — Trinity College in Dublin. He completed his internship at St. James’s Hospital in Dublin, his residency in general surgery at Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, and his fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston.

He worked at Saint Joseph Hospital with Surgical Associates of Lexington for 14 years and has spent four years with KentuckyOne Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates, also at Saint Joseph Hospital. 

A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a member of the American Medical Association, the doctor is board-certified in thoracic and cardiac surgery by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS). The ABTS is an American surgical organization devoted to surgery of the chest.

Although he has performed thousands of heart surgeries, medicine was not Dr. Halpin’s first career choice. He originally aspired to be a preacher. After giving careful consideration to his career path, he realized he had a greater interest in science than theology. He viewed ministry and medicine as public service careers and ultimately chose to become a physician. He said he specialized in cardiothoracic surgery because it is the most challenging of all surgical specialties. 

Cardiothoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in the surgical treatment of organs inside the thorax. Cardiothoracic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgical procedures inside the thorax, which may involve the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. Alongside performing surgery, they also diagnose and treat diseases of these organs. 

Among Dr. Halpin’s most notable achievements include Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2016, 2017) and Patients’ Choice Award (2017).

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