As a heart surgeon, I put patients and their families first. I let them know I am dedicated to them and understand what having serious heart disease and facing heart surgery mean. That the disease journey they have been on has shown them the value of life and what is important each day. I see my role as the captain of a boat that will bring patients safely from the storm to a safe harbor, where they can return to normal life and what they were before, with the same life expectancy. I want patients and their families to know I will be with them on this step of their journey and help them safely get back to their lives.