Surgeon Spotlight: Dr. Marc Gillinov Receives Praise Overload From Patients, Caregivers & Peers
By Adam Pick on January 4, 2012
During my research for my book and this website, I have been fortunate to meet several incredible surgeons. Dr. Marc Gillinov is one such surgeon.
I first heard the name “Dr. Marc Gillinov” from his former patients. One after the other, my inbox filled up with glowing testimonials for Dr. Gillinov. His patients used words like friendly, excellent, caring and outstanding to describe the Judith Dion Pyle Chair in Heart Valve Research at The Cleveland Clinic.
Above, you can see a picture of Dr. Gillinov and several patients from our community — Anita, Patrick, Bill, Jeffrey, Don, Sandy, Fran, and Sam — who chose Dr. Gillinov as their surgeon. Over the years, I have been fortunate to learn much more about this extraordinary man who practices at The Cleveland Clinic. So you know, Dr. Gillinov has performed over 4,300 cardiac procedures. Of those, more than 2,600 have included valvular repair or replacement. In addition, Dr. Gillinov is widely respected for his research, his 200+ publications, his inventions and his humble ways.
To understand just how special Dr. Gillinov is… Consider that when Robin Williams, the actor and comedian, needed aortic and mitral valve surgery, he personally selected Dr. Gillinov as his surgeon.
Dr. Marc Gillinov with Robin Williams, His Former Patient
Specific to our community at HeartValveSurgery.com, Dr. Marc Gillinov continues to impress and inspire me. Even with his hectic surgery and lecturing schedule, Dr. Gillinov always makes time for our patients and caregivers.
- You may have seen his editorial contributions to this blog.
- You may have seen the educational videos we have filmed together.
- You may have seen all the success stories posted by his patients.
- You may have attended his online chats.
However, what you have not seen is the proactive nature by which Dr. Gillinov and his team — Betsy, Laura, Megan and others — mobilize their resources to support our patients. It is truly amazing to see Dr. Gillinov personally respond to our patient questions, sometimes within a matter of hours.
Needless to say, it is an honor work with Dr. Gillinov. It’s also an honor to celebrate Dr. Gillinov as the current “Featured Heart Valve Surgeon” at the surgeon locator section of this website.
As one of his peers recently shared with me, “There are many surgeons. But, there is only one Marc Gillinov.”
Keep on tickin’ Dr. Gillinov!!!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Ruth says on January 4th, 2012 at 5:16 pm |
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Dr. Gillinov was my surgeon who did an extremely difficult repair on my mitral valve. While I don’t live in Cleveland, I selected Dr. Gillinov because of his credentials, expertise and rave reviews from other patients. I couldn’t have been more correct. Not only is he one of the (if not THE) top cardio-thoracic surgeons anywhere, he is kind, considerate, caring and willing to take the extra time and effort to explain things in detail. Dr. Gillinov is HUMAN and I don’t think this can be said for many surgeons. Love, love, love Dr. Gillinov. Ruth |
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Linda Dixon says on January 4th, 2012 at 5:26 pm |
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Wow, am I the lucky one or what? Dr. Gillinov will be doing my aortic valve replacement in March! I have known since I was diagnosed several years ago that when the time came for surgery I wanted to go to Cleveland Clinic. Then, a few years ago, when I came across Adam’s site saw Dr. Gillinov’s webcasts and interviews, I knew he was the surgeon for me! When my cardiologist said “it’s time” I mentioned my preference to Adam and in less than 48 hours I received instructions from Dr. Gillinov’s staff on the records to send, etc. It took longer to assemble all the records than it did to hear back from Dr. G’s nurse Kathy with a surgery date and Dr. G’s recommendations! I am not a celebrity, I am not wealthy and I am just a regular person who has a heart that needs fixing. Am I lucky or what? |
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Fran Zilko says on January 4th, 2012 at 9:28 pm |
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Like Ruth, I traveled from SW FL to the Cleveland Clinic to have Dr. Gillinov perform my surgery in March of 2009. He did a tricuspid repair and gave me a bovine mitral valve. Met him the day before my surgery after 3 days of testing at an amazing hospital. Ruth said it all. I would add that he is a humble man, something not found often in surgeons. Linda, yes, you are one lucky lady. |
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Ruth says on January 4th, 2012 at 10:33 pm |
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Linda, |
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Deb Ziegler says on January 6th, 2012 at 8:41 pm |
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I, too, traveled to Cleveland to have my valves repaired by Dr. Gillinov. While I was anxious about being so far from home and family, I decided I wanted the best possible doctor I could find to cut my heart open. Not only did I find the best doctor, I also found an amazing human being. Dr. Gillinov could not be kinder, more humble or more compassionate…….he truly is everything I could imagine the perfect surgeon being! |
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Jim Hilbe says on January 10th, 2012 at 9:22 am |
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My wife and I live in California, yet we are both patients at Cleveland Clinic. We go there at least annually, sometimes 2 or even 3 times. She had aortic valve replacement there in 2009, and expects re-operation no later than 2029. We have met numerous physicians there, every single one of them is outstanding. We have not met Dr. Gillinov yet, but he is already at the top of our list for our next heart operation. Jim Hilbe |
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