How to choose a surgeon at Cleveland Clinic

[Maylow]

After doing tons of research, I've decided to leave my area and go to the Cleveland Clinic (in OH) for my AVR. I'm NOT asking for a sugeon recommendation. There are 3 doctors that I've read extensively about that I like. My question is how should I go about interviewing doctors at the same hospital? Is this reasonable?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Ross]

May I ask which 3? I can tell you not only by experience, but by living within 60 miles of the place that it's nearly impossible to go wrong at CCF.

 

[Lionheart]

Mark,
I just called the them and spoke to a consulting nurse who recommended a surgeon based on my specific conditions. They made the right choice, set up an appointment and I had a great surgeon. That said, I was not impressed with my first cardio contact there when I went in for a second opinion prior to surgery, but the cardio assigned to me after my surgery was absolutely stellar.
As an alternative you could search their names here at VR.com and see what others have said about the three on your list.
Best,
John

 

[pat45750]

Hi Mark

I emailed an orthopedic doctor friend at the Cleveland Clinic when I found out I needed AVR His secretary had worked with the heart group and suggested I talk with one of the nurses who worked with Dr. Smedira. After reading about him, I felt he was a good choice since he has done 5648 cardiac surgeries and 2704 involved heart valve procedures. He does 186 valve related surgeries a year.

I have a large website about hip resurfacing and have learned over the past almost 6 years, that you should choose a surgeon that does many thousands of the surgeries. Someone that specializes in the surgery you are interested in, not a surgeon that does a little of this and a little of that. It is very clear in resurfacing that the doctors that have only done a couple hundred over many years are not having good outcomes. I have many medical studies posted on my website.

So I know this type of experince would also apply to heart surgeons and feel Dr. Smedira will be a good surgeon for me. I haven't met him yet, but have talked with his practicing nurse a number of times. She has answered all questions and been very nice. I have also found that the assistants to the hip resurfacing surgeons are very knowledgable and usually are an extension of the doctor and his personality.

I live 3 1/2 hours from the Cleveland Clinic, but would travel much farther to use that hospital. I know it is top rated for heart surgery. The folks here have also helped me feel much better about my choice. They have all said it is a top heart hospital. I will be able to make that claim myself, hopefully, next month.

I will let you know more after Aug 9. I won't meet Dr. Smedira until Aug 6 during my pre-op testing.

Pat

 

[Lynlw]

I think part of your question is about interviewing 3 doctors at the same center, to pick the one you feel would be best for you correct? Honestly I don't have experience with interviewing different surgeons at the SAME hospital, and depending on the hospital and how they set it up, I think you would have to call schedualling and see if that is possible there, I know IF you specifically ask for someone that isn't a problem, but otherwise, it seems they match you with a surgeon.