Texas Coach Eric Sloan Shares Life-Changing Surgery Story

After enduring nearly a year of health struggles, Eric Sloan, an assistant principal and head football coach at Houston High School, is finally on the road to recovery. His journey, marked by multiple hospitalizations and persistent complications from diverticulitis, culminated in a successful surgery at Texas County Memorial Hospital (TCMH). Sloan credits his recovery to the dedicated care he received from the hospital’s staff, particularly newly appointed surgeon, Sherry Phippen, MD.

Sloan’s health issues began in February 2023, when he started experiencing complications that led to frequent hospital visits. Despite undergoing various treatments and being referred to larger medical facilities, his condition remained unchanged. “I just kept getting sick and ending up back in the hospital,” Sloan explained. “The abscess never went away, no matter how many rounds of antibiotics I went through.”

A turning point in Sloan’s medical journey occurred when Dr. Phippen became involved in his care. Having joined TCMH in August, her commitment to understanding Sloan’s condition was immediate. “She has been a blessing to this community,” he stated. “From the moment she stepped in, she was determined to figure out what was wrong.”

Dr. Phippen’s approach was characterized by her hands-on, patient-centered care. She routinely checked on Sloan, meticulously reviewed imaging results, and maintained open lines of communication with his wife. “She came in four or five times a day some days with CT scans and updates,” Sloan noted. “She explained everything, answered our questions, and never made us feel rushed. She genuinely cared.”

Following months of unsuccessful conservative treatments, Dr. Phippen and her colleague, Bryan Eck, MD, performed a laparoscopic colon resection on Sloan, removing approximately 12 inches of his colon. The surgery confirmed the severity of his condition, validating the need for this crucial intervention. “For Eric, surgery became the safest and most appropriate option after every conservative treatment had been exhausted,” Dr. Phippen commented. “My goal was to make sure he fully understood the plan, felt confident in his care, and knew he wasn’t facing this alone.”

Sloan’s decision to have surgery at TCMH rather than traveling to a larger medical center surprised many of his friends and family. “People were shocked I was having this kind of surgery here in Houston,” he said. “But I trusted her completely. I would trust this lady with my life.” That trust proved well-placed as Sloan has since begun a promising recovery.

Reflecting on his experience, Sloan expressed deep gratitude. “She gave me my life back,” he said. “I would do anything for that woman.”

Dr. Phippen emphasized the importance of providing high-quality surgical care within rural communities. “Being able to care for patients like Eric right here in Houston allows them to heal with the support of family, familiarity, and a team that knows them,” she stated.

Sloan’s story underscores TCMH’s commitment to delivering exceptional care and highlights the significance of having skilled healthcare providers in rural areas. Bill Bridges, CEO of TCMH, reiterated this sentiment, stating, “Stories like Eric’s show the impact of care that combines expertise, persistence, and heart.”

For further information, individuals can contact the TCMH outpatient surgery department at 417-967-1252.