Howard's Profile

Dr. Joanna Chikwe performed my heart surgery to repair "significant mitral regurgitation" fifteen days ago at Cedars-Sinai. Today, I am well on my way to recovery, and I am more than amazed by the quick progress I have made. From day one, Dr. Chikwe has exuded confidence and professionalism which definitely comforted me in facing my surgery. Dr. Chikwe is clearly above "top drawer" and I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am to this talented surgeon. I would also like to give a shout out to Nurse Practitioner, Vivian Burkhart, whose upbeat and informative nature added to my belief that my procedure would be the success that it is. I appreciate Nurse Burkhart so much. I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the nurses, physical therapists and the entire staff at Cedars-Sinai. Their post surgery efforts and dedication were non-stop and simply could not be more accommodating, comforting and professional. Because of the efforts of Dr. Chikwe, the nurses, physical therapists and staff at Cedars-Sinai, I have never been more convinced that there are, indeed, angels among us.