"There are seasons in life when we are reminded that our lives are not entirely in our own hands. As a practicing gastroenterologist, I have spent my career caring for patients. Then, quite unexpectedly, I became one. During a routine evaluation, I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve and an ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. I understood the seriousness of the diagnosis and the risks of surgery. Like every patient, physician or not, I had to place my trust in someone else.
A highly respected cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Robbin Cohen of Pasadena, recommended that I see Dr. Pedro Catarino at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He told me that if he himself ever needed this operation, Dr. Catarino would be the surgeon he would choose. Coming from someone I deeply respect, that recommendation carried tremendous weight. After meeting Dr. Catarino, I understood exactly why. From our very first conversation, Dr. Catarino displayed a quiet confidence that never sought attention. He listened carefully, explained my condition with clarity, answered every question patiently, and never made me feel hurried. His confidence was reassuring because it was joined with humility. I left that first visit with an unusual sense of peace, convinced that I had found the right surgeon.
On May 20, 2026, Dr. Catarino performed my Bentall procedure. The operation was a complete success.
What remains with me, however, is not simply that the surgery went well. It is the manner in which I was cared for. Throughout my six days at Cedars-Sinai, I encountered physicians, nurses, and staff whose work reflected genuine compassion as well as remarkable competence. They cared not only for my heart but also for my peace of mind. After I returned home, that same care continued. Whenever I had a question or concern, someone responded promptly and thoughtfully. I am especially grateful to Ms. Marion McRae, Dr. Catarino’s experienced nurse practitioner, whose kindness, wisdom, and timely responses to my phone calls and portal messages made my recovery far less anxious.
As physicians, we often admire technical excellence, and rightly so. But the very best physicians possess something more. They combine exceptional skill with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people entrusted to their care. Dr. Catarino embodies those qualities. My recovery has been remarkably smooth, and I am preparing to return to my patients soon. Dr. Catarino told me that I can resume bicycling and hiking, two activities that I cherish, 12 weeks after surgery. These ordinary privileges no longer seem ordinary to me. They feel like gifts. As a Christian, I believe that God often cares for us through the faithful work of others. We rightly thank God for healing, but we also thank Him for the men and women through whom that healing comes. I experienced that grace through Dr. Pedro Catarino and his remarkable team.
My wife, my family, and I will always be grateful. They did more than perform a successful operation. They restored years of life that I hope to spend serving my patients, loving my family, and enjoying God's good gifts. As a physician, I know that technical excellence is indispensable. As a patient, I learned that kindness, humility, and genuine compassion are just as healing. Dr. Pedro Catarino and his team exemplify all of these qualities. My family and I will always be grateful for the gift they have given me—the opportunity to return to my patients, to my family, and to the life I love."
