Dr. John Hammock, Physician, Office Cardiology received a Who’s Your Angel nomination from Andrew and Nicole Stevenson. The Foundation Office presented the Who’s Your Angel award on February 6.
Nicole stated, “My name is Nicole Stevenson, and my husband, Andrew, has been under the care of Dr. Hammock since early 2024. In a relatively short amount of time, Dr. Hammock has made both my husband and me feel truly heard—on multiple levels—during what has been a long and often frustrating medical journey. While I have also been a patient of Dr. Hammock, I am especially grateful for the care he has provided to my husband. After nearly nine years of unexplained arrhythmia issues, Dr. Hammock ultimately identified a rare heart condition that affects fewer than 0.3–0.5% of the general population. Because of his thoroughness and persistence, Andrew was promptly referred to an electrophysiologist in St. Louis, ensuring he received the specialized care he needed.
Dr. Hammock’s continued concern and attentiveness during follow-up appointments have been exceptional. The ablation he performed in October 2024 became a pivotal moment for us—it was during that procedure that this rare condition was discovered. I will never forget the look of genuine concern on Dr. Hammock’s face when he called us into the consult room afterward. That day, we learned a lot of big medical terms, and I still have the simple drawing he made while explaining what a PLSVC was and what it meant for Andrew. Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, Dr. Hammock also met us with warmth and humanity. He quickly became part of our running joke about Andrew being our “unicorn” because of how rare his condition is—an acknowledgment that helped us cope, smile, and feel seen as people, not just patients. That balance of expertise and compassion meant more than he likely realizes.
As we approach American Heart Month in February, this feels like an especially meaningful time to recognize the physicians who go beyond treating the heart as an organ and instead care for the whole person behind it. Dr. Hammock’s combination of clinical skill, clear communication, and genuine care is truly remarkable. He did not just diagnose a condition—he gave us answers, direction, and reassurance after years of uncertainty. For that, and for the care he continues to provide, he is unquestionably our angel.”
About the Who's Your Angel Program
The “Who’s Your Angel” program is an opportunity for patients and their families to express their appreciation to anyone in the Health System who had a positive influence in their healthcare experience. When the donor makes a financial gift of any size in the name of the employee and writes up a story sharing the experience, the Foundation deposits the gift to the patient care area or restricted fund that most closely matches the employee(s) being honored or the reason for the patient’s time with the Health System. This donation was deposited to the Heart & Vascular Center Fund. One hundred percent of Foundation gifts are designated to caring for patients in need.
Any staff member can be nominated for a Who’s Your Angel award, and nomination forms can be found in a surplus of Health System departments from Palmyra to Hannibal, Pittsfield, to Golden and more! For more information regarding the “Who’s Your Angel” program, or giving of any kind to Blessing Health System, contact the Blessing Foundation at 217-223-8400, Ext. 4800, or go online to blessinghealth.org/angel