Meet Dr. Dave Montgomery | Cardiologist, Founder & Managing Partner @ PREventClinic Inc, & Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Dave Montgomery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Dave, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The decision to start my own business was deeply rooted in a realization that the traditional approach to cardiology wasn’t solving the problem it set out to address. Heart disease remains the number one cause of death, claiming more lives than the top cancers combined. What’s even more striking is that we know 80% of heart disease is preventable. Yet, as a practicing cardiologist, I saw the same patterns in diagnosing and treating, with very little emphasis on prevention.

I knew the solution wasn’t doing more of the same. To truly make an impact, I needed the freedom to practice in a way that disrupts the status quo—with an unwavering focus on prevention. However, it wasn’t an easy decision. When I sought advice on starting a small private practice, the response was discouraging. I was told, “The overhead will crush you,” and, “Why would you go against the tide when everyone is joining large practices?” But I couldn’t ignore the opportunity to save lives by doing things differently. If it was to be, it was up to me. That’s when I took the leap.

The early days were tough—some would even call them brutal. Within the first month, two key team members were dismissed, and our patient schedule was pretty bare. I began to question if I had made a mistake, but what pulled us through was the team’s belief in our mission. We committed to excellence, not just as a philosophy but as a practice, to truly stamp out preventable heart disease.

Today, my vision is clear. I want every adult in Atlanta screened for heart disease. It’s ambitious—yes—but it’s possible. We can save thousands of lives by catching and preventing disease before it takes hold. And for every patient we impact, I’m reminded why taking that leap was worth it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The PREventClinic is built on the belief that prevention should be the focus of all of our efforts. With heart disease being 80% preventable, we focus on proactive care to identify risks early and empower patients to take control of their heart health. Unlike traditional practices that prioritize treatment after diagnosis, our approach emphasizes advanced screenings, personalized plans, and education to stop heart disease before it takes over your life. Our mission is ambitious but clear: to make Atlanta the healthiest city by ensuring every adult is screened for heart disease.

Starting the clinic was far from easy. Early challenges tested my resolve, from staffing hurdles to slow patient growth. But through resilience and a steadfast commitment to excellence, we’ve built a practice that not only saves lives but also redefines what’s possible in healthcare. Today, I’m proud of the lives we’ve impacted and the trust we’ve earned. At PREventClinic, we’re not just treating disease; we’re creating a movement to transform lives and rewrite the narrative on health and wellness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friends were visiting Atlanta for a week-long trip, I’d show them the city’s best spots with a well-rounded itinerary:

Dining:
-Mujo for a trendy dining experience with a unique fusion of flavors.
-Le Colonial for an upscale, French-Vietnamese fusion meal.
-The Chastain for a charming, upscale dining experience with live music.
-Del Bar Midtown for a classy yet fun atmosphere with delicious drinks and food.
-Palo Santo for amazing cocktails and vibrant vibes.

Bars:
-Rock Steady for a stylish, modern cocktail bar with incredible drinks.
-Silla de Toro for a lively vibe and great Latin-inspired cocktails.
-El Malo for an exciting nightlife experience with great music and drinks.
-Epicurean for a more laid-back but trendy bar experience.

Fun:
-Painted Duck for a high-energy, social duckpin bowling experience.
-Your 3rd Spot for a perfect mix of games, food, and a relaxing environment.
-The Works for a blend of industrial chic with fun spots to hang out.
-Ponce City Market for a vibrant market full of food, shopping, and activities.

Shopping:
-Phipps Plaza for luxury shopping and high-end brands.
-Shops at Buckhead for upscale shopping in an elegant setting.

Sports:
-Hawks Game – Club pass for courtside seats and an unforgettable basketball experience.
-Atlanta United or Falcons at Mercedes Benz – Club for a premium sports experience in a state-of-the-art stadium.
-Atlanta Dream for a fun and fast-paced basketball game.

This itinerary would make for an unforgettable trip, balancing dining, nightlife, sports, and shopping!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many people that have played important roles in making me who I am today. My mother, Joan Gloria Montgomery, set me on a course of excellence, tenacity and resilience from a very early age. She allowed me to explore my creativity and supported whichever direction the wind in my sail took me. My father, Earthell Montgomery, taught me entrepreneurship when I was 12. I give a tremendous credit to my teachers: 5th grade, Mr. Frank DeLisa. 7th grade Science teacher, Ms. Willis. My freshman biology teacher, Ms. Mikal McCord, had one of the biggest influences on me. Ms. Handot, my sophomore trigonometry teacher, taught me how to study and prepared me for college. My mentor and physiology instructor at Morehouse College, Dr. David B. Cooke, deserves the credit for much of what I am today as a scientist and cardiologist.

Website: https://www.preventatl.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegooddrdave/

Twitter: https://x.com/thegooddrdave

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheHealthMasteryCafe

Other: https://davemontgomerymd.com