Dr. Vaughn Starnes… Our First “Heart Surgeon Of The Month”
In connection with the launch of our Heart Valve Surgeon Database, I am pleased to announce that each month this website will feature a “Heart Valve Surgeon of the Month” to be nominated by an actual patient.
That said, I have the distinct pleasure of selecting Doctor Vaughn Starnes, M.D. as our initial honoree.
“Why Doctor Starnes?” you might be wondering.
There are several reasons for this… But, before I explain those reasons, please take a moment and review this video to learn more about this extraordinary surgeon who practices at USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
If that wasn’t enough, consider his current responsibilities at USC:
- Chair, Department of Surgery
- Surgeon-in-chief, USC Norris Cancer Hospital and USC University Hospital
- H. Russell Smith Foundation Chair for Cardiovascular Thoracic Research
- Executive Director, USC Cardiovascular Thoracic Institute
- Director, Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Finally, you should know that Dr. Vaughn Starnes was my surgeon. During a four-hour Ross procedure, Dr. Starnes took my heart, stopped it, fixed it by replacing two valves, restarted it, and, in the process, created an exciting and healthy path for me to re-experience the joy of life like never before.
Dr. Vaughn Starnes
So there you have it… Our first “Heart Valve Surgeon of the Month” is Dr. Vaughn Starnes.
To nominate your heart surgeon, simply write to surgeonofthemonth@heart-valve-surgery.com and share one-or-two paragraphs about what makes your surgeon extraordinary.
Keep on tickin!
P.S. To leave a comment, please click here.
About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients to help patients and caregivers better understand the opportunities and challenges of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
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May 19th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Congratulations to Dr. Starnes! He was my surgeon last September 2 for an aortic valve replacement. He had me up and out of ICU in 18 hours and home in just over three days. Both Dr. Starnes and his staff were all incredible. They were there to answer every question either my wife, my eight year old daughter or I had at any time. I’m sure there are other doctors out there that do a fantastic job, but I wouldn’t trust myself or any friend or loved one to anyone but Dr. Starnes… he didn’t even hold being a UCLA fan against me (although I now have a USC jersey as well!)