One of the most common questions people ask me is, “What is it like to hold a human heart in your hand?”
Well, I’ll tell you, even after nearly 9,000 heart operations, it’s a feeling that never gets old.
Every time I hold a heart in my hand, I am reminded that I am holding something extraordinary.
It’s a relatively small organ. It’s no bigger than a fist, but it’s been beating every second of a person’s life.
It has carried them through childhood, through love, through loss, through every joy and every challenge they have ever faced. It’s truly awe-inspiring. In many ways, it’s almost spiritual.
In fact, people are sometimes surprised when I tell them that I feel closest to God when I’m in the operating room.
They’ll say, “But wait, you studied science. You’re a scientist. How can you believe in God?”
And my answer is always the same: It’s because I’m a scientist.
It’s because I study science that I believe in God.
Every blood vessel has a purpose. Every valve opens and closes with remarkable timing. Every heartbeat sustains a life, a family, and a story.
Standing there in that operating room, surrounded by an incredible team and trusted with another human being’s life, I am constantly reminded of how precious and miraculous life truly is.
Medicine teaches us the science of the heart, but sometimes holding a heart in your hand teaches you something even greater.
It teaches you humility, wonder, gratitude, and a profound appreciation for the gift of life.
I’m Dr. Raymond Singer.
God bless, and I’ll see you next time.
Interested in my book? You can buy it on Amazon!
(𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.)
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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After 35 years in cardiac surgery and more than 8,500 operations, Dr. Raymond Singer shares a candid reflection on the challenges, sacrifices, and rewards of a career dedicated to saving lives. From long nights in the operating room to the extraordinary teams that make successful outcomes possible, this personal message offers a powerful look at the human side of medicine.
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Leapfrog “A” Hospital Safety Grade
Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital has once again earned a Leapfrog “A” Hospital Safety Grade, continuing its tradition of excellence in patient safety and quality care. This recognition reflects the dedication of physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, technicians, therapists, and support staff who work together every day to provide the highest standard of care for our patients.
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
