Heart Surgery: Standing on the shoulders of giants | David D'Alessandro | TEDxBeaconStreet

The human price of medical innovation. David A. D’Alessandro, MD is a Member of Faculty at Harvard Medical School. He is also the surgical director of Heart Transplantation and Ventricular Assist Devices in the Division of Cardiac Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Before joining, Dr. D’Alessandro was on the faculty of the Montefiore Medical Center in New York where he served as the surgical director of the Heart Transplantation Program. Under his leadership, the program experienced consistent growth and led the region in survival outcomes. In 2013 he was named the Erika and Jay Abramson Distinguished Surgeon in recognition of his scientific contributions to the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery.

Dr. D’Alessandro received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and completed his medical education at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his residency in general surgery, a fellowship in renal transplantation and clinical and research fellowships in cardiothoracic surgery at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York.

[johnchesna]

Dr. David A. D’Alessandro saved my life on August 7. 2018 at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He replaced my severely diseased aortic valve which I am forever grateful. He and the staff at the Mass General are extremely kind and caring. God bless Dr. D'Alessandro and all of the people involved in saving lives everyday. You are all heroes!

[davidverge]

Dr. D'Alessandro performed my heart transplant in 2014. Apart from being a great Doctor, he was also very personable. He always had a smile and a warm greetings whenever we met. This was at Montefiore Hospital and he actually approached me to inform me that he was leaving for Mass. General. A very good speech, but he is wrong, he is one of the giants.
I have to surprise that man with a visit.

[saaddesu]

Very inspiring yet humbling. Thank you doctor for this beautiful speach and great reminder.

[sandypaws]

Made me cry a lot, sometimes we need to be reminded to be brave even if we're scared, thank you!

[tjc_]

I really enjoyed Dr. David D’Alessandro’s talk. For those who are unfamiliar with the phrase ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’ it refers to an idea that physicians, in this case, build upon the work of physicians who came before the physicians today. It simply acknowledges that physicians are not working in isolation but are part of a larger more interconnected tradition we call medicine. With that said I think it is important to mention as physicians ‘stand on the shoulders of giants’ they do so ethically. Dr. David D’Alessandro briefly mentions that all physicians swear an oath to uphold a certain set of ethical principles specifically mentioning that they do no harm. Towards the end he also states that in medicine “the professional price for taking risks has gone up, yet healthcare professionals continue to look for better and safer ways to treat patients.” This is pretty amazing to still be able to make advances in healthcare despite the increase in difficulty to do so. One of the main reasons why this is becoming more difficult is because of the ethical principles that physicians swear an oath to oblige by. This is good. While healthcare continues to progress being mindful of the ethical responsibilities as physicians and as members of a larger society is absolutely crucial. Without the guidance of ethics there can be no trust between the physicians and patients. There would be no stories like Dr. David D’Alessadro mentions. What patient would put their trust in a physician if there are no guidelines or limitations. Ethics ensures that there is some kind of moral responsibility for physicians to advocate for their patients and to work towards a healthcare system that positively affects everyone.

[suzanneweisskopf-biggs]

Very encouraging, as I approach the time of needing a heart transplant.