A Heart for Veterans

"I love caring for Veterans,” he said.  “Seeing them through their health challenges is truly an honor and a privilege for me. I am constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of their lives.”

As a board-certified specialist in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular nuclear medicine, and echocardiography, Dr. Antoine was a member of the team of doctors that performed Houston VA’s first heart transplant earlier this year.  He brings a comprehensive skill set to his patients and also enjoys sharing his love of music and a passionate commitment to a healthy lifestyle with his Veteran patients.

“When I meet Veterans, I like to get to know them personally and hear the stories about their military service and the amazing things they have accomplished,” he said.  “In order to treat the whole Veteran, I make a special effort to listen closely to their concerns and challenges. I often offer to play the music of their choice during procedures in order to help them relax and feel more comfortable.”

Going the extra mile for Veterans comes naturally to Dr. Antoine. Growing up in Haiti, he says he always had a special respect for the military and recalls waving to them as a middle school student.  When he came to the U.S. as a high school senior, his affinity for math and physics led him to a career in medicine. 

He is fluent in three languages (French, Spanish and English), enabling him to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population.  He particularly enjoys witnessing the special brotherhood that exists between those who have served.      

“Veterans are special to each other and to those of us who work at the VA,” he said. “I feel so fortunate to be able to work at the Houston VA and bring the latest technology and medical advances to the Veterans we serve."

Dr. Antoine is also an assistant professor of medicine-cardiology at Baylor College of Medicine.  We thank him for his service to our Veterans and our VA.