Below is an article I wrote after one of my patients died in the operating room. Of all the essays that I have written, this one is still the most difficult for me to read without crying.
Survivors Must Keep Living
One of my close friends, Michael Fisher, made a poster of the above essay. Mike owns a printing company known as Print Concepts, in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Somehow, Mike made the essay the background of the poster and superimposed a beautiful picture of my two daughters. Over that, in large script he wrote the final line of the essay: “And when that day comes, all that will matter to me is that my daughters will be okay.”
It is the most special gift that I have ever received. I will always be grateful to Mike for his talent, thoughtfulness, and friendship.
Below are some of the nice responses I received in response to the above essay.
Responses
Recent Posts
Why Social Media?
Why would a heart surgeon spend time creating social media content? Dr. Raymond Singer shares why education has always been at the heart of his mission and how today’s digital platforms allow physicians to reach and empower thousands of patients with accurate, compassionate, evidence-based medical information.
The Legacy We Leave Behind
Success is often measured by accomplishments, titles, and recognition, but the greatest legacy we leave is found in the lives we touch. Dr. Singer reflects on the enduring impact of compassion, mentorship, and service, reminding us that our influence extends far beyond our careers.
250 Years of Medicine
Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of American democracy, but it is also the birthplace of American medicine. Dr. Raymond Singer reflects on the physicians, hospitals, and medical institutions that transformed healthcare and continue to shape medicine 250 years later.
The Most Dangerous Emotion
Anger is more than an emotion. It places real physical stress on the heart, raising blood pressure, increasing stress hormones, and contributing to cardiovascular disease. Dr. Raymond Singer discusses the medical effects of chronic anger and why choosing kindness, patience, and compassion benefits both our emotional well-being and our hearts.
Leadership is About Standards
Leadership is not about titles. It is about standards. The best leaders don’t ask others to do what they are unwilling to do themselves. They set the tone through integrity, consistency, humility, and kindness. Every interaction, every decision, and every challenge...
Stroke Survivor Shares Her Open Heart Surgery Recovery
After experiencing a stroke caused by tiny growths on her aortic valve, Tayshia underwent open heart surgery to prevent another stroke. Just eight hours later, she shares her experience, describing minimal pain, a successful valve repair, and renewed peace of mind.
Featured
Pages
- Learn about heart valves. Heart Valves
- Read testimonials. Testimonials
- Did you know I have a consulting firm? Singer Heart/Lung Consulting
- Check out my TedTalk! Defining Success
Links
- Links page with more information about your heart. Links
- Dr. Adam Pick's Site: heart-valve-surgery.com
