Caring for ‘All Matters of the Heart’

For one cardiologist at CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Cardiology, caring for patients’ hearts is an extension of his faith.

Growing up in southwestern Jefferson County near Louisville, Shawn Flynn, MD, knew at a young age that he wanted to become a physician. During his college days, his goal turned into a calling as the pressure of studying and test-taking mounted.

“Going down the path to become a doctor wasn’t easy, and the struggles that came along with it made me question whether it was what God wanted for my life,” Dr. Flynn said. “He spoke to my spirit and told me this was the direction He wanted me to go, and that He would support and guide me.”

Leaning on his faith, Dr. Flynn earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville and completed a residency and three fellowships in Arkansas and Michigan. He returned to the Commonwealth in 2015 and recently joined CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Cardiology. He sees patients at offices in Danville, Nicholasville and Lebanon.

A general cardiologist, Dr. Flynn treats the full range of cardiac conditions, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and aortic stenosis. As a medical resident, he fell in love with cardiology’s ability to help patients get back to the activities they love. Helping patients find solutions continues to drive him, as does living his faith through the care he provides.

As a Christian cardiologist, Dr. Flynn looks to Christ’s example when interacting with patients.

“My faith guides me on how best to care for, listen to and respond to patients,” he said. “Jesus asked a lot of questions, and I tend to do that with my patients. I also listen, and I like to teach, just as Christ taught, using parables and analogies. I have a lot in common with pastors. The way our communities look to us for guidance is similar.”

For Dr. Flynn, taking care of the heart doesn’t just mean treating one of the body’s most important organs.

“I’m focused on trying to help patients however I can,” he said. “I have a saying: I can help take care of all matters of the heart, whether physical or spiritual.”

When he’s not seeing patients, Dr. Flynn devotes himself to the three F’s: faith, family and farming. Dr. Flynn, his wife and their four children are active in their church, where he teaches Sunday school and leads the youth group. He spends the rest of his free time tending his land.

“I grew up on a hay farm in Jefferson County, and I’ve gone back to my roots by baling hay,” Dr. Flynn said. “I offer horse-quality hay to the people around us. That’s allowed me to connect with my patients, many of whom are farmers. I’m no different from anyone else. We’re just neighbors caring for each other.”