Dr. Dimitre Mirtchev: Leading the Way in Stroke Care at Saint Francis Hospital

Dr. Dimitre Mirtchev:

 Leading the Way in Stroke Care at Saint Francis Hospital

By KIMBERLY lucey Millen  /  Photography by STAN GODLEWSKI

When Dimitre Mirtchev, M.D., first rotated through Saint Francis Hospital as a neurology resident at the University of Connecticut, he immediately sensed something different. “It felt like a friendly, collaborative place where people were truly passionate about their work,” he recalls. “That kind of environment is rare, and it’s what drew me back here after my training.” Today, Dr. Mirtchev is a vascular neurologist at Saint Francis Hospital, where he has been part of the team for the past seven years. In that time, Saint Francis has grown into one of the region’s leading stroke centers. It was recently recertified by The Joint Commission and is working toward its highest designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

A Journey Back to New England

Dr. Mirtchev grew up in New York’s Westchester County and trained in neurology at UConn, before completing a fellowship in stroke and vascular neurology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. But New England always called him back. “I love the Northeast: the seasons, especially fall and winter,” he says. “It’s one of the safest places to live, without natural disasters, and you’re never far from lakes, mountains, beaches or big cities. Plus, my family and friends are here. Everything I value is close by.”

Why Stroke Care?

During his early training, Dr. Mirtchev found himself drawn to the field of stroke. “It’s a very hands-on specialty,” he explains. “I respond well to the urgency of it. When someone is having a stroke, every minute counts. Time is brain. You have to think quickly and act quickly; you can make a life-changing difference right there in the emergency room.” 

Stroke remains a leading cause of disability, but advances in care have steadily improved outcomes. “When I first started, stroke was the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Now it’s the fifth,” he notes. “We’ve made strides thanks to new medications, devices, procedural techniques and nationwide initiatives that standardize stroke care. But there’s still a lot of room for improvement, and that’s what keeps me motivated.”

Prevention and Education

For Dr. Mirtchev, prevention is just as important as treatment. He is a strong advocate for community education, teaching people to recognize the warning signs of stroke using the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time. “Stroke symptoms come on suddenly, so recognizing them right away and calling 911 can save a life,” he emphasizes. “Unlike a heart attack, where chest pain is obvious, stroke signs and symptoms are frequently overlooked. That’s why education is so critical.” He says working with first responders in emergency medical services can make a big difference since they’re the first line in recognition, assessing the severity of the stroke and getting patients to the right facility. He also emphasizes the importance of brain health: managing blood pressure; cholesterol; diabetes; and lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, exercise and stress. 

“The best way to treat stroke is to prevent it,” Dr. Mirtchev explains. “Sleeping well, daily exercise and healthy eating as well as steering clear of illicit drugs, smoking and alcohol go a long way. Add in simple stress relievers like meditation or yoga, and you’ve got a recipe that can really make a difference.”

Excellence at Saint Francis and Trinity Health Of New England

At Saint Francis, patients benefit from a high-level neuro ICU, access to advanced neuro-interventional procedures and comprehensive post-stroke care. The hospital also offers tele-stroke services, allowing specialists like Dr. Mirtchev to consult with providers across Connecticut in real time, bringing expert care to patients in rural areas within minutes. 

“Saint Francis has become a true hub for advanced neurological care,” he continues. “We can handle everything from ischemic strokes and brain hemorrhages to aneurysms and other vascular conditions. There’s no neurological emergency we can’t treat here.” Looking ahead, the hospital’s pursuit of Comprehensive Stroke Center designation will further solidify its role as a leader in stroke care. “It’s about making sure every patient, no matter where they live, has access to the highest quality care possible,” Dr. Mirtchev says.

Hope for the Future

While prevention and early treatment are his primary focus, Dr. Mirtchev is also inspired by emerging innovations in post-stroke care. He points to promising work in artificial intelligence and neurotechnology, such as brain-computer interfaces, which may one day help paralyzed patients regain function. 

“It’s exciting to think that in the future we may be able to restore abilities we once thought were permanently lost,” he concludes. “But until then, my passion is prevention and making sure people never need me in the first place.” 

For Dr. Mirtchev, the mission is clear: continue pushing stroke care forward; support patients and families through recovery; and ensure Saint Francis and Trinity Health Of New England remain at the forefront of compassionate, cutting-edge care. 

Kimberly Lucey Millen is a freelance journalist with more than two decades of experience in both print and broadcast media. She lives in New England with her husband and son, exploring all that each of the four seasons has to offer.

Stan Godlewski is an editorial, corporate and healthcare photographer based in Connecticut and working primarily between Boston and New York City.