Dr. Paul Stelzer
, Heart Surgeon

"Dr. Paul Stelzer is all of the wonderful things his patients say about him and more! I feel like many heart patients feel, there are no words to describe a person who literally gives you a new lease on life. I am so fortunate I could have my surgery performed by Dr. Stelzer and Dr. Ismail El-Hamamsy, basically the best duo of Ross procedures (think Ruth/Gehrig or for hockey fans Gretzky/Messier).

Three years prior to my actual surgery, I was told on a Friday afternoon that I would need surgery sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, I was two months away from graduating my training fellowship in Pulmonary Critical Care and planning an upcoming wedding! Dr Stelzer went out of his way, and called me on that Sunday night before I had even met him, and I knew within 1 minute of talking to him, all would be well with the world. I graduated my training program, got married, and we got three more years out of my valve prior to needing surgery!

I am now three months out from surgery and I am jogging and riding my bike and feel so much better! Dr. Stelzer made me feel at complete ease while we planned for my surgery, literally visited me everyday in the hospital once or twice a day, and made my entire family feel at ease with what was going on every step of the way. He is not just an incredible surgeon, but a compassionate and incredible person who excels at the human aspect of being a doctor.

I am so grateful I had the opportunity to choose the Ross procedure (he has performed over 700 of them, I believe, which is an enormous number for this surgery) rather than a mechanical valve and only would have done it in his hands. "

Posted by Jason Filopei, Aortic Valve, Ross Procedure, 08/19/2020

"Dr. Stelzer is the best heart surgeon. He does every thing in a professional way. His bedside manner is the best. I was very scared to travel to New York City - never mind stay and have the Ross Procedure. He deserves 100 stars. He saved my life. I was too young to leave my grandchildren. They were so happy the day I got home from Mount Sinai Hospital."

Posted by Kim Laurent, Aortic Valve, Ross Procedure, 06/07/2019

"The experience I had with Dr. Stelzer and Dr. Varghese at Mount Sinai for the Ross procedure was absolutely incredible. From the initial consultation to the morning of my surgery, through my post-operative follow up(s), the level of care these doctors provided was like nothing I could have imagined when I first knew my bicuspid valve's time was up. In addition to being the most responsive doctors I have ever dealt with during the lead up to the surgery, they were also sure to visit me in the holding area prior to the surgery, which I have been told is not a normal practice. They then visited me in the ICU and step down unit at least once (if not twice) per day during my 5 days in the hospital. I'd be remiss to highlight how phenomenal their team of nurses and PAs were as well-- I never needed to hit the call button because they were so on-top everything. Given the gravity of OHS and how everyone deals with it differently, I can't imagine having a better experience with any other doctors or staff."

Posted by Anthony Vernaci, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Ross Procedure, 04/01/2019

"Dr. Paul Stelzer has operated on me 3 times - first in 1997 for a Ross Procedure and mitral valve repair, then in 2007 for a porcine aortic valve replacement and lastly in 2015 for a mechanical aortic valve replacement. I can't say enough how grateful I am to this man for his medical/surgical expertise but more so for the amazing bedside manner he possesses. He cares about you as a person and that makes all the difference as you literally trust him with your life! "

Posted by Bill Skasilas, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/05/2015

"From the first day my husband and I met Dr. Stelzer we knew he was the man to trust with my Ross Procedure surgery. He spent over 2 hours explaining everything, comforting our fears, answering all our questions as well as being honest about complications, pros and cons and alternative approaches. He was always accessible by phone and or email to answer any questions. Following my surgery, he greeted me at least once if not twice a day with a smile, reassuring demeanor, and professional scrutiny. I am forever grateful for his dedication, expertise, and comfort. Despite some post surgical pain following a complex surgery, I am doing well at 6 weeks, healing, and carrying his positive spirit with me to return to a physically demanding job, singing and competitive tennis. There are no words to express my gratitude to him and he may never truly know how he has touched me. God bless!"

Posted by Deborah Berger, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Ross Procedure, 03/07/2018

"My mom, Koeli Choudhury had aortic valve replacement with Dr. Stelzer at Mount Sinai. He is the finest doctor we have ever met. Fantastic skills and bedside manner, visited her frequently during the 5 days she was in the post surgery hospital and answered all our questions patiently and accurately. I am so glad we found him through a book that I bough while doing my research for this surgery and in this book several patients highly recommended him. It's been 8 years since my Mom's surgery and by God's grace and thanks to Dr. Stelzer she is doing very well, very active and with lots of energy. Cannot thank him enough, hope you are in practice for many many more years!"

Posted by Koeli Choudhury, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 05/29/2010

"Dr Stelzer is so positive and upbeat. My fiance had sugery in July of 2016 He is a complicated case being a dialysis patient as well. My fiance is in the ICU awaiting another surgery with Dr Stelzer. Dr Stelzer has the best bedside manner. He is our only hope. Thank you Dr Stelzer "

Posted by Monica Carradori, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 07/20/2017

"I was a high risk patient suffering from a yeast infection suspected to stem from the heart valve(s). I had had aortic valve surgery 7 years prior when a bovine valve replaced my aortic valve and there was severe damage to the aortic wall as well as the mitral valve due to a staph infection from dental work that was misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection. No surgeon wanted to operate on the yeast infection because I was a high risk patient. If I did not have this surgery I would spend the remainder of my life in and out of hospitals. Dr. Stelzer agreed to do the operation and saved my life. He replaced the bovine aortic valve which was then found to be the seat of the infection and replaced it with a human aortic valve. Not only is he a great surgeon, but a great human being as well and the most caring doctor I have met during my 82 years. You could not find a better doctor."

Posted by Morton Fleshler, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 12/23/2016

"There are no words to describe this man..... There was no time to get to know each other. I'm an 18-year old teenager who was brought in for emergency surgery on March 1, and in the OR by March 2nd.... Under the circumstances he put us right at ease, and made us feel safe and confident. He saved my life!!!!

Not only the best passionate surgeon, but what a compassionate, caring professional human being, and not to mention great sense of humor.. Thank you Dr. Stelzer for everything you have done for me and making my family feel I was in the best hands. You took the time everyday for me... No words can thank this man for everything he has done. "

Posted by sarit simon, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Ross Procedure, Bloodless Surgery, 03/02/2016

"Dr. Stelzer is one of the best surgeons that I have ever met. He spent two hours with my husband and I during the initial consultation and was always available pre and post surgery via email to answer questions. Not only is he one of the best surgeons, he is one of the most compassionate and caring doctors that I have ever met. I had the Ross Procedure on 2/27/15 at 31 years old. I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve but had previously had no restrictions or symptoms. I would highly recommend Dr. Stelzer. "

Posted by Jen Huff, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Ross Procedure, 02/27/2015

"Not only is he one of the finest surgeons in the work, Dr. Stelzer is probably the most compassionate and caring human being. He visited me every day twice including weekends. Read up on him. If you need aortic replacement travel from wherever to have his hands do the work."

Posted by Kenneth Tobin, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Maze Procedure, 11/13/2015

"Dr. Stelzer is an incredibly gifted surgeon, with the bedside manner of an angel. I'm eighty years old, I had surgery on a Monday, and I went home on Sunday. While most surgeons swing by, look at you and keep going, Dr. Stelzer personally stopped in twice per day to check in on me, sat with me at least ten minutes each time and wanted to know how I was doing. It's a tad early to give surgical results, but I can say this, I'm sooooo much better than I was before surgery! I'll return to update this post, as I'm confident that I'll have great news."

Posted by DILIA NUNEZ, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 08/31/2015

"Well, my fiancé had a tumor on the valve and it wasn't cancer ( that's what the doctors said at a hospital in Brooklyn). She was brought to Mount Sinai -- which was at 1:00am. My fiancé, who is 25 was sacred and wanted the best surgeon.

Dr. Stelzer was five minutes away from his house and already did 3 surgeries that day. But, when he herd Theresa crying he told the nurse to let us know he was on his way. The minute we met Dr. Stelzer we knew he was angle sent from god. Not only he is the best heart surgeon but also is number one with bed side manners. After the surgery, he came by all his patients at least 2 to 4 times a day. I will never forget him and he is a blessing -- not just him but the whole team. Thank you! Love you doc!"

Posted by Michael/ Theresa Sestito/ burnetto, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Transcatheter, 01/02/2012

"Simply the very best. Thank you."

Posted by robert haber, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/22/2014

"Dr. Stelzer gave me my life back. I'am so thankful for everything he did."

Posted by Clarisa Vazquez, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 01/07/2013

"I was back in the gym on spin bike in 11 days and back at work in 15 days. I feel amazing. Dr. Paul Stelzer, MD is not only the top expert in his field, he is a great man in every sense of greatness."

Posted by michael eisenberg, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Ross Procedure, 12/19/2012

"Dr. Stelzer did an amazing job, and also proved to be an exceptional person as well. My experience could not have been any better. I owe him my life."

Posted by Mark Schnittman, Aortic Valve, Root Replacement, Ross Procedure, 05/21/2012

"Dr. Stelzer lights up every room he walks into. The nurses love him and his heart patients adore him. His bedside manner is truly amazing because he deeply cares for you and shows it easily with his sweet nature. I went to NYC for an excellent Ross surgeon -- I had no idea my family would fall in love with this guy! Talk about bonus! I had some fairly serious complications and he saved me; I feel God sent me to Dr. Stelzer because Houston isn't short of world class heart surgeons. Next month will be 1 year and I couldn't feel better. Dr. Stelzer is simply THE best."

Posted by Chris Dixon, Aortic Valve, Ross Procedure, 02/27/2012

"Dr. Stelzer was perfect in all aspects. The surgery was completely successful and the way he explained everything and took care of me and my family was touching."

Posted by Felipe Garran, Aortic Valve, Ross Procedure, 03/28/2012

"Dr. Stelzer is clearly a technical leader in his field. I would note that his bedside manner is also wonderful. Dr. Stelzer performed a Ross Procedure on me with excellent results 4.5 weeks post op. He also cleaned-up/repaired my Mitral Valve during the same procedure. This is a clear testament to his skill and comfort level with this procedure. I traveled from Dallas, TX for the procedure and would travel around the world to do the same again if I had to. Thank you Dr. Stelzer. "

Posted by Bruce C, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, Ross Procedure, 05/23/2012

"Dr. Paul Stelzer is an amazing person and even better Surgeon. I can't even find words to describe him! It has been 7 months and I feel great, everything is well so far. Thank you Dr. Paul Stelzer."

Posted by Steven Ramirez, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, David Procedure, 02/16/2011

"Dr. Paul Stelzer is extremely professional, caring and dedicated heart surgeon. He performed my open heart surgery with the replacement of 2 mechanical heart valves. I will have Dr. Stelzer in my heart forever. Time flies but I will never forget Dr. Paul Stelzer. I'm Ok after so many years!!!"

Posted by elena zuralau, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Replacement, 06/05/1991

"My experience with Dr. Paul Stelzer was excellent. He correctly identified a mismatch issue with my earlier stented porcine replacement valve(done by another surgeon)that had until then eluded effective diagnosis. He replaced the previous vale and my aortic root with a complete homograft valve and root. All prior mismatch issues were eliminated. His skill, bedside manner, general availability and communication were excellent. "

Posted by David Thomson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 09/20/2009

"Dr. Stelzer is the most caring medical professional I've ever met. The cardiac/thoracic aspect was painless even though it involved seven CABGs. Thanks to Dr. Paul Stelzer, the surgery eliminated all breathing difficulties. I now have the vital signs of an 18 year old. There has been an eight-month complication in my foot (which was not my surgeon's fault). It could have required toe amputations but did not because of excellent angioplasty in the leg and superb nursing care -- especially from my wife who is not a nurse."

Posted by James Conneen, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 11/01/2010

"I couldn't have been happier with Dr. Paul Stelzer as my surgeon. From the first phone call with him, I knew he was the surgeon for me. His surgical skills were matched by his bedside manner. I am very pleased with the results and how fast I recovered and was back running....literally, just over a month. "

Posted by Vince Kelley, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Valve Replacement, Ross Procedure, 12/04/2009

"Dr. Stelzer was a terrific surgeon and provided great bedside manner and communication to myself as well as my family."

Posted by Steven Meier, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 07/21/2010

"Dr. Paul Stelzer is the most caring, compassionate and skillful heart surgeon in the world! I was most fortunate to have him as my surgeon and I can not thank him enough. God has truly blessed Dr. Stelzer and I deeply appreciate his dedication to all his patients."

Posted by Mary Ann Terpenny, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Mitral Valve, Ross Procedure, 07/12/2010

"Dr. Stelzer was excellent."

Posted by Manuel Manotas, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Ross Procedure, 09/22/2010

"I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Paul Stelzer. He is highly regarded professionally and goes out of his way to be empathetic and supportive with patients. (If anything, he tries a bit too hard.) My operation was a complete success."

Posted by Richard Hibbard, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 07/15/2010

"I can't imagine a better surgeon or a better person than Dr. Paul Stelzer."

Posted by Madeleine Farkas, Aortic Valve, Ross Procedure, 09/01/2010

"I traveled to New York for aortic root repair and valve replacement with Dr. Stelzer on the recommendation of my cardiologist. He explained the procedure prior to the surgery, tried to repair my valve and then replaced it when the repair would not hold, and managed my care after surgery when I had complications that forced me to stay for nearly 3 weeks following it. He was always patient and took the time to explain the effects of the treatments and made sure I was responding as expected. He also helped us deal with the insurance company and a rehabilitation hospital so I could be transferred to an appropriate facility close to my home "

Posted by Robert Penn, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 10/16/2008

"Wonderful bedside manner, very caring, was always there for you, before surgery and after. I am very thrilled with the outcome. It was my 3rd open heart valve surgery and Dr. Paul Stelzer did two of them."

Posted by Debbie Raphael, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Repair, Ross Procedure, 03/30/2011

"Dr. Paul Stelzer can't be beat. He is the most kind human being and so talented. His bedside manner is unbelievable. He goes over and above to make sure you are calm and reassured. He was there before I was put to sleep, when I woke up, and came to see me many, many times while in the hospital. "

Posted by Elizabeth Devaney, Aortic Valve, Median Sternotomy, Ross Procedure, 02/27/2008

"Dr. Paul Stelzer is very informative and patient. As good an experience as one can imagine given the circumstances."

Posted by Jason Madlin, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Ross Procedure, 06/06/2006

"Excellent experience, very dedicated and passionate about the Ross Procedure in older patients. Dr. Paul Stelzer has great bedside manner and very happy with results."

Posted by JOHN CASSIDY, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Ross Procedure, 10/10/2007

"MY EXPERIENCE WITH DR. PAUL STELZER WAS EXCELLENT. VERY NICE PERSON. VERY HAPPY WITH RESULTS."

Posted by ELIAS ZAIDMAN, Aortic Valve, Pulmonary Valve, Ross Procedure, 05/07/2008