In connection with the launch of our HeartValveSurgeon.com ^[1], 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 ^[2] was my surgeon. During a four-hour Ross procedure ^[3], 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.

So there you have it… Our first “Heart Valve Surgeon of the Month” is Dr. Vaughn Starnes.

Keep on tickin!