James K Porterfield, MD

I had an extremely uncomfortable and disturbing experience with Dr. James Porterfield during a TEE procedure on May 26, 2016. During the procedure, he unnecessarily and permanently ripped open the front of my paper gown to use his stethoscope. There was no apparent reason to expose my chest this way when the stethoscope could have simply been placed underneath or between the gown and my skin. What made this particularly upsetting was that I was in an extremely vulnerable position and could not speak or object because the TEE equipment was in my throat. Also, he abruptly and roughly pushed his fingers down my throat to test my gag reflex without giving me any warning or explaining what he was about to do. I still remember this experience ten years later because of how invasive, humiliating, and unsettling his behavior made me feel. I understand that a TEE is inherently an invasive medical procedure and that certain examinations may be medically necessary. My concern is with… the way these things were done: unnecessarily exposing me, providing no warning before touching me invasively, and doing so at a time when I was physically unable to speak for myself. Patients deserve to have their dignity and bodily autonomy respected, especially when they are undergoing a procedure that leaves them particularly vulnerable. I would not feel comfortable being treated by this doctor again.

Hello, Dr. Porterfield is an excellent doctor. He is caring, understanding and very pleasant. He is the BEST.

Takes the time to listen. Very encouraging to patients.

Dr. Porterfield told me what to do to lower my cholesteral. I take a statin he recommended,now it's perfect!!!!

I found Dr Porterfield to be a caring Doctor, good listener, make you feel relaxed and confident of his knowledge.

I have been a cardiology patient of Dr. Porterfield's since about 2000. He is the best physician I have ever had in any specialty. He spends time with you, is extremely caring and interested in your comments, and is absolutely competent in his field. I wish he could be my internist as well as cardiologist. Would trade him for no other.

Dr. Porterfield diagnosed my condition in one hour. Three days later I had surgery. He saved me from having a heart attack. He is in the top 1% of his field. He recommended and coordinated a brilliant surgeon who performed the heart surgery. A true professional. His staff is the best I have ever experienced.