Stony Brook Heart Institute

The nursing staff could not be more pleasant, attentive, or informative. The doctors have taken time to explain results and check in with the family.

My husband just had open heart surgery at Stony Brook by Dr Henry Tannous and his team. From our first office visit last summer, until our post op visit today, everyone has been extremely reassuring, compassionate, and professional. Understandably, my husband had a lot of fear about the whole situation. As a nurse myself, I knew choosing the right team to perform the surgery would make all the difference in his outcome. He listened to the opinions of a lot of people, many of whom said things like "Stony Brook isn't known for heart stuff. Why would you go there?". We live on the east end of LI, but felt compelled to go to NYC for an opinion based on people's comments. After then visiting Dr Tannous, we instantly felt we were in excellent hands. Not only was Dr Tannous himself outstanding, but the people in his office also went above and beyond to make the entire process seamless. From the person who took his BP every visit (we will miss you Judy!), to the NP's who work side by side with him, we felt like everything was going to be ok. On the day of surgery, we were very impressed by the pre-op team. During surgery we were kept up to date and had all our questions answered by Laurie, the NP who is the cardiothoracic patient liaison. And after surgery, the care on 7W, both the critical care and step down sides, was a testament to the art of nursing. The level of care my husband received was truly exceptional. Everyone from the nursing assistants, to the nurses, NP/PA's, and even the environmental services staff, all were kind and encouraging. I could go on, but this is a Google review, so I will end by saying this.....our community is truly blessed to have a resource like The Heart Center at Stony Brook University Hospital to care for their needs.

Not only is Dr. Almasry top notch and amazing, the nursing staff there is the most professional, caring, compassionate staff my husband and I have ever dealt with our entire medical lives. My husband was having a heart procedure done and I, who suffers from severe anxiety, was besides myself. If it was not for Dr. Almasry and his nursing staff, I would have wound up in the bed next to my husband. They all got me through that day, especially Nurse Michelle. We wound up back there again for another procedure and again, Nurse Michelle was there, and she got me through it. You don't ever see that anywhere. They are 5 stars for their medical practice, that we trust immensely, but also love their compassion. Thank you so very much for getting Alex and I through those two days. Alex and Nicole Hesse

The overall experience was not great. But - All the nursing staff was really great - with the exception of one who seemed tired and cranky. As long as you didn't ask for anything she was fine. Second time at Stony Brook and will definitely be my last. First time I agreed to let students in. Big mistake. Doctor only talks to them and patient is ignored. So this time when I was asked about students I said no. Absolutely NO. And even though I was very clear - During my procedure there was someone there watching. Not sure who he was - either a student or a salesman? I was fully awake, very little sedation and in excruciating pain. The Dr. only spoke to this man standing next to him, showing him the procedure on a big screen tv as my procedure was going on. I couldn't see the screen and wasn't told what was happening. I started hyperventilating with tears streaming down my cheeks because of the pain and the dr. looked over at me and sternly said , "stop breathing that way". Then told the nurse to give me more pain meds. Which didn't do anything to relieve it, and I was never asked if I was still in pain. Not once. Thank God for that nurse. Otherwise I felt like I was in an episode of Dexter. Naked on a table with a couple of towels draped on me, freezing and about to be chopped up. After the procedure, Dr. said I was fine and ran out of the room. That was it. No explanation- didn't ask if I had questions. I think he was annoyed that I was able to speak and not just a corpse that he could practice on. Never again will I go to Stony Brook. Unless I'm unconscious taken by ambulance and have no say. Two different times - years apart - but this time I mean it. Never going back. Never.

The center itself is comforting, run in s professional and personable manner. Their thoracic Drs (dr chikwee (who no longer practices there but did do my double CABG) and the assistant professor Dt Tannous who I am still seening is a wonderful , straight from the hip, good bedside manner and the utmost profesional. If ever there is a need to see a Thoracic surgeon, the heart center is the place to go. YOU will be cared for with respect & compassion from reception to any of the cardiac drs.