Breno Pessanha

The physicians of Beacon Medical Group Advanced Cardiology Specialists South Bend are board-certified in internal medicine, adult cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, clinical cardiac electrophysiology and interventional cardiology. For your convenience we offer a number of diagnostic tests on-site. In addition to our primary office locations, Advanced Cardiology Specialists serve patients in convenient locations throughout northern Indiana (see below). For more information about this service, please call our practice. Our practice offers these services to patients: ICD/pacemaker clinic Exercise stress testing Stress echo Echocardiography Dobutamine stress echo Holter and event monitoring Carotid ultrasound Arterial imaging studies Laboratory services PADnet(tm) testing (for peripheral arterial disease)

What inspired Daniel Weber – the first in his family to become a doctor – to pursue a career in medicine? “During college I volunteered at a children’s hospital and shadowed several physicians,” he explains. “I was amazed at the relationships they were able to develop with the patients and their families as they helped them through some of the most difficult times in their lives.” It’s also one of the main reasons he chose to practice at Beacon. “After meeting the leadership and various physicians,” he says, “it was clear that Beacon is dedicated to providing high quality and innovative care to the community in a patient-centered and compassionate manner.” Dr. Weber was drawn to cardiothoracic surgery because of his fascination with the complexity of the human heart and lungs. He loves to help patients in challenging situations, while understanding how difficult it can be for someone to hear that they need surgery. “I believe open communication with my patients is crucial to providing the best possible care.” This often means customizing operative plans tailored to each patient’s needs and expectations. When it comes to his patients, Dr. Weber’s philosophy is simple, yet powerful: “I’ve been privileged to treat patients who come from so many different backgrounds and life experiences. By listening to them and their families, I have learned so much about their expectations and ultimately how best to treat and communicate with them.” He wants his patients to understand that he’s dedicated to their health and well-being. “I care about their medical condition but – possibly more importantly – I care about them as people.”

About Dr. Durr As the first physician in his family, Dr. Brendan Durr understands the importance of medicine as a team approach. “The patient and I make our treatment decisions together in line with what is most important to them.” In his specialty, that collaborative approach is essential. “I am a non-invasive cardiologist. This means that I take care of patients with heart problems. It is my job to educate patients about their particular issue/s and provide the best medical advice that I can in terms of medications and other treatment options that may be available.” Dr. Durr received his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Notre Dame and his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania. He completed both his internal medicine residency and cardiovascular disease fellowship at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. While his education has been instrumental to his medical success, so have the insights he has gained from patients. “I have learned so much from my patients over the years,” says Dr. Durr. “What people appreciate most is when their physician takes the time to get to know them and what their preferences are in their or their loved one’s care. Those conversations and good communication both ways are so important to help me do my job well!” These lessons from his patients have shaped Dr. Durr’s approach to their care and encompass Beacon’s values of trust, respect, integrity and compassion. “I view my job as being part of a decision-making process with each patient and their families. I hope that each patient feels that they come away from a visit with me with as much information about their condition or concern as they want or need.” In his own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My grandfather who served for 20 years in the Navy from WWII through the Korean and Vietnam wars. He taught me the importance of service to others. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? There are so many fascinating people across history to have an opportunity to talk with, but I would have to say my grandfather – he died when I was 13, so I would like to be able to get his perspective on my current life situation. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I am a big baseball fan! Being a San Diego native I have always been a Padres fan! I enjoy spending time with my wife and 3 kids – we try to get outside and go on activities together. I am excited to explore the Michiana area with them! What is something most people don’t know about you? I enjoy home-brewing my own beer!