In 2018, Rocky Burson of New Mexico began experiencing issues with the lymph nodes in his neck. Local physicians treated him with steroids and antibiotics for almost two years before the issue began to affect his speech.
Rocky was referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat physician (ENT), but struggled to get an appointment. The closest ENT was almost 80 miles from his home and had no availability for months.
Finally, Rocky’s brother reached out to the Executive Health & Wellness program in Temple on his behalf.
“My brother and father had been patients through Executive Health for years, but I had always gotten my care through the military,” Rocky said. “It was incredible. My brother called Executive Health on a Friday morning, and two hours later they were calling me asking if I could be there on Monday.”
Just two days later, Rocky was in the clinic in Temple and was diagnosed with cancer soon after. For the next four months, Rocky stayed in Temple for radiation and chemotherapy.
“They don’t mess around at Baylor Scott & White. When they find something, they go after it fast—and that saved my life,” he said.
When he was already two weeks into his treatment in Temple, Rocky received a call from the hospital back home about scheduling an initial consultation four months out.
“I just laughed,” he said. “I told them, ‘No, I’m happy where I am.’ I’ll always be part of Executive Health, and I tell everyone to come here.
