Leonard Girardi, MD

Dr. Girardi performed my aortic valve replacement. They say that the greatest compliment one can give is to refer someone. Since my surgery I have recommended Dr. Girardi to two individuals who have needed thoracic surgery. After their surgeries, they also marveled at his skill and knowledge. I can never thank Dr. Girardi enough for giving me my life back.

Dr. Girardi’s craftsmanship becomes increasingly evident with the passage of time. Ten years out you want his stitching inside. I was his second operation of the day; it took him 6 hours and he finished at 7pm. Then at 7am he was checking in on me. He squeezes all his other appointments between his AM and PM surgeries time permitting and depending on how long they run. If you want someone who can indulge your calls during the day he may not be for you. He is the surgeon who will spend six hours straight, if necessary, on two of the most fortunate individuals on the planet each day. With other surgeons that quality differences likely won’t be apparent for years. Leave Girardi’s limited surgery slots for those who really, really need and will appreciate his workmanship a decade out. Ask any cardiologist needing complex work who they would have work on them, and they will likely say Girardi.

He’s the best, if I look at the stats of his surgery. By far the very best.

Dr. Girardi performed my valve sparing ascending aortic aneurysm repair, cryo-maze ablation and atrial appendage dissection. I first learned of my 5.8 centimeter aneurysm a day before my transfer from a Long Island hospital to Weill Cornell and Dr. Girardi. I had been in another hospital for 5 days, and the moment I met Dr. Girardi I knew that I was going to be ok. I had this calming sense come over me, and although very hard to explain I just knew he was the one. I am post op and my life has changed for the better in so many ways, and I attribute it all to Dr. Girardi and the entire Weill Cornell team who saved my life. Much love.

Dr Girardi is the “Babe Ruth” of Heart Surgeons and his team is the 1927 Yankees. The absolute best. Several weeks ago I had an Aneurysm Repair, Aortic Valve Replacement, Mitral Valve repair and Maze procedure. I researched Surgeons from all over the world and Dr Girardi and his team are considered the “Best in the world”. I was in Cornell for 8 days and Dr Girardi and members of his team checked on me every day, most times several times a day. The nurses at Cornell and especially in the ICU were incredible. I must give a big shout out to the Nurse practitioners Judith and Laura who answered my questions on either the portal or phone almost instantaneously. Truly wonderful people. If you need heart surgery, go to the best and thank me later.

Dr Girardi and his team are the gold standard. He is smart, accessible, tenacious… you can fully trust him. Once you choose him, you know you are in the best hands. Weill Cornell is also excellent with access to waiting areas, restrooms, food and valet parking… making it easier for the patients’ families and friends as well.

Dr. Girardi in my opinion is one of the best cardiac surgeons in N.Y.C. His team is one of the best. Dr. Girardi and his team took very good care of me while I was at Weill Cornell Medical Center. They will not release you until you are ready to go home. My cardiologist recommended Dr. Girardi to perform the operation to put a heart valve in and take care of my Abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Best there is. I was diagnosed several years ago with Aneurysm and regurgitation. I researched doctors all over the country to select a surgeon. Everyone I spoke to said he was the best, he was better. For the first time in seven years I have peace of mind. Incredible skill and dedication. A superstar.