Phone number for Reliant Medical Group: (800) 283-2556

Dr. Joseph Kirkpatrick has been a practicing cardiologist for more than three decades. “I finished my fellowship in cardiology at Rhode Island Hospital in 1980,” he recalls. “Of course, when you study medicine, learning is a never-ending process. It’s been interesting to see the changes in cardiology over the years. There’s truly a world of difference in how we treat patients now compared to when I first started practicing. Everything from the technologies used for diagnosis to the medicines we prescribe is very different.”

Dr. Kirkpatrick specializes in patients who have chronic heart problems, coronary artery disease, and angina. “With new technologies and treatments, we can do a lot more for these patients than ever before. Of course, it’s always better to prevent heart disease before it starts. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure…”

Dr. Kirkpatrick first became interested in medicine during his undergraduate years at college. “I worked as an orderly at a couple of local hospitals when I was going to UMass – I thought it was a good idea to get exposed to the field I wanted to enter. I was always interested in science and math, and wanted to explore being a physician before I went to medical school. It turned out to be a great choice.”

Dr. Kirkpatrick spent a number of years practicing cardiology at the Palm Beach Medical Group in Florida. “It was great experience, but I missed New England. I’m really glad to be practicing up here now.”

When he’s not busy seeing his patients, Dr. Kirkpatrick enjoys practicing the piano or spending an afternoon on the water in his sailboat. He also enjoys visiting Martha’s Vineyard where his family once had a home. Dr. Kirkpatrick has three adult children, twin boys and a daughter.