Patient Stories
At California Pacific, we are committed to providing you with individualized care that involves your family and local physician. Our medical staff walks you through all stages of heart surgery, both before and after your procedure.
Our focus is on providing experienced, personalized patient care and managing the entire heart surgery process to an excellent outcome. Read on to see patients' stories of how we work.
How do you emotionally prepare a five-year-old girl to undergo critical heart surgery? If you’re Michael Black, M.D., of California Pacific Medical Center, you explain the procedure in simple terms, make sure she feels comfortable—and keep plenty of dolls in your office waiting room.
- Read Emma Haines' story
When 8-year-old Gillian sits in a quiet room, a soft ticking can be heard. It’s the sound of her artificial heart valve hard at work, keeping her heart beating strong and steady. For Gillian’s mom, Shannon, it’s also the sound of hope—and a reminder of the expert medical care her daughter received from an entire medical team at California Pacific Medical Center.
- Read Gillian Tinsley's story
"I left the hospital three days after surgery and was out shopping the next morning. I no longer felt short of breath going up the hill to my home. I can’t believe I lived like that for so many years. Thank you for renewing my life. My family now has a healthier, happier and more energetic Anna.”
- Anna Friedler
Robotic Surgery Patient
Read Anna’s story
"Everyone on the Pediatric Heart Team was very positive about the diffeent alternatives for Charlie's treatment. We've had a wonderful experience with California Pacific Medical Center and I couldn't be happier with the care we received."
- Sarah and John Pinto, discussing heart surgery on their 2-day old son Charlie (shown in photo with Dr. Nikola Tede(L) and Sarah (R)
Read Charlie's story (pdf file)
"My chest and breathing feel more free now, so I can tell there’s a difference. I can’t wait until I’m 100% healed and get to experience the full benefits of Dr. Black’s surgery and my newly fixed heart!"
- April Yee
Robotic Surgery Patient
Read April's story
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