100 Patients Reviews: Why Patients Trust Dr. Joanna Chikwe

There are certain milestones at HeartValveSurgery.com that mean much more than a number. Today, I am thrilled to celebrate one of them. Dr. Joanna Chikwe, the Chair of Cardiac Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, just received her 100th patient review! In doing so, Dr. Chikwe becomes only the ninth heart surgeon in the history of our community to reach this extraordinary milestone.

For me, what makes this achievement so special is what those 100 reviews actually represent. These are patients and families who took the time after heart surgery to share their experiences, express their gratitude, and help future patients make one of the most important healthcare decisions of their lives.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Joanna Chikwe

Dr. Chikwe is a highly experienced cardiac surgeon who has performed approximately 2,000 cardiac surgeries, with most involving heart valve procedures. Her expertise includes heart valve repair, reconstructive valve surgery, and minimally invasive approaches, with a particular focus on preserving a patient’s natural valve tissue whenever appropriate.

Her training includes Oxford University, cardiothoracic surgery training at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals in London, and advanced fellowship training in heart valve repair at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Yet, when you read her patient reviews, it is clear that her credentials are only part of the story—patients consistently describe a surgeon who listens, explains, reassures, and makes them feel genuinely cared for.

Dr. Chikwe Prepares for Heart Surgery

Courtney Travels From Michigan for Mitral Valve Repair

Courtney Pinter, a nurse from Michigan, had lived with mitral valve prolapse for approximately 20 years before learning that she needed surgery. After researching her options and seeking a second opinion, Courtney traveled to Cedars-Sinai for robotic mitral valve repair with Dr. Chikwe.

Courtney was impressed not only by the outcome of her surgery, but by the personal attention she received throughout the experience. She recalled that Dr. Chikwe visited her every day after surgery, “always making me feel like her only patient.”

Leila’s Remarkable Recovery

Leila Saeid lived with mitral valve regurgitation for nearly 20 years before her condition progressed to severe. Dr. Chikwe performed a robotic mitral valve repair at Cedars-Sinai, and Leila experienced an exceptionally fast recovery, returning to her dental practice just two weeks after surgery.

Looking back on the experience, Leila said, “It only took me two weeks to be back to my normal life.” She also praised Dr. Chikwe and the Cedars-Sinai team for the expertise and compassionate care that helped make her recovery so successful. Here is a video interview with Leila and Dr. Chikwe about Leila's remarkable recovery.

Video available online at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ3cTenT9sY

Kamyar Leaves Houston to Find the Right Surgeon

Kamyar Sanandaji lives in the Houston area, where world-class cardiac care was available close to home. But after learning that he needed mitral valve surgery, Kamyar specifically wanted to explore robotic repair and ultimately chose to travel to Los Angeles for surgery with Dr. Chikwe.

Kamyar said the personal attention from Dr. Chikwe and her team played a major role in his decision. On the morning of surgery, he was extremely nervous, but Dr. Chikwe's calm and reassuring manner helped give him confidence as he prepared for his procedure.

Edwin Finds Dr. Chikwe Through This Website

Edwin Tan found Dr. Chikwe while researching surgeons at HeartValveSurgery.com. After learning about her expertise in mitral valve repair, Edwin traveled from Maryland to Los Angeles and underwent a successful mitral valve repair at Cedars-Sinai.

Following surgery, Edwin shared an extraordinary endorsement of Dr. Chikwe: “She is the best doctor I have ever encountered in my lifetime.” For me, Edwin's story is a wonderful example of how patient education can help connect people with the right surgeon—even thousands of miles from home.

100 Reviews. 100 Patient Journeys.

Courtney, Leila, Kamyar, and Edwin are just four of the 100 patients who have shared their experiences with Dr. Chikwe. Their stories reflect the wide range of patients who seek her care—from those looking for mitral valve repair and robotic surgery to those traveling hundreds or thousands of miles for treatment.

Across these reviews, several themes appear again and again: surgical expertise, confidence, humility, clear communication, and compassion. Most importantly, patients remember how Dr. Chikwe made them feel during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives—and that is something no surgical statistic can fully capture.

A Wonderful Supporter of Our Educational Mission

This milestone is also personally meaningful to me because Dr. Chikwe has been a wonderful supporter of HeartValveSurgery.com and our mission to educate and empower patients. Over the past 15 years, she has generously shared her expertise to help our community better understand heart valve disease, valve repair, minimally invasive surgery, and advances in cardiac care.

For example, this educational video about life expectancy after heart valve surgery has received over 433,000 views since being posting at YouTube. Yes, you read that right--over 433,000 views by patients all over the world.

Video available online at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxizmaibYsM

Congratulations, Dr. Chikwe and the Cedars-Sinai Team!

Reaching 100 patient reviews is a remarkable achievement, and becoming only the ninth surgeon in HeartValveSurgery.com history to reach this milestone makes it even more special. But what matters most is what those reviews represent: 100 patients and families who were inspired to share their experiences so that future patients can feel more informed, confident, and hopeful.

Dr. Joanna Chikwe with Me (Adam Pick) at STS Conference

On behalf of our entire HeartValveSurgery.com community, congratulations to Dr. Joanna Chikwe and her entire team at Cedars-Sinai on this extraordinary milestone. Thank you for your continued commitment to heart valve patients, for the difference you have made in so many lives, and for your wonderful support of our community and mission.

Related Link:

• See 100 Patient Reviews for Dr. Joanna Chikwe.

• Request Appointment or Second Opinion with Dr. Chikwe.

• Download Dr. Chikwe's Free Heart Surgery Guide

Keep on tickin' Dr. Chikwe!
Adam