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Medical Director Brings Skills and ‘Heart’ to Palmetto

Expertise, Research, Empathy in Top Heart Surgeon

BY BARBARA R. FALLON dense population “If I can provide the beat, we will all recognition by distinguished peer profes-
base. While Dr. dance in rhythm.” sional associations, Dr. Laudito has kept
Antonio Laudito, M.D., Laudito’s credentials And while his strategy exudes infec- abreast of innovative trends toward min-
recently appointed Medical and accomplishments tious enthusiasm and open round-the- imally invasive surgery often recom-
Director of the Heart are certainly boast- clock communication, he admits it mended for higher risk patients whose
Institute at Palmetto worthy he is a hum- involves significant time and effort. For a heart disease has progressed or is compli-
General Hospital (PGH) ble man who sub- diverse team to improve patient out- cated by other health ailments. He is
stands out from the stereo- scribes to servant comes, there must be a foundation of skilled in minimally invasive surgical
typical caricature of skilled leadership. “I am demonstrated clinical preparation, expe- techniques for valve reconstructive sur-
surgeons whose talents are excited to join a tal- rience and knowledge on display. gery, bilateral mammary artery revascu-
on display in the OR but ented team of cardio- A firm believer that actions speak larization, atrial fibrillation ablation and
their passion for patient care thoracic clinicians louder than words, Dr. Laudito endeav- transcatheter valve therapy.
remains hidden behind the and work together to ors to lead by example and also encour- However, he warns that heart surgeons
surgical mask. take steps that will ages new ideas to challenge the status need not be slaves to technological
“If you talk with patients Dr. Antonio Laudito accelerate this recog- quo. trends. A heart specialist needs to con-
through your eyes, they will nized program to the “When someone calls me I will sider all options and then conduct safe,
see you have your heart in your hands next tier of lifesaving heart care,” he respond … when someone has an alter- effective surgical or non-surgical inter-
and they will have no hesitation putting commented. nate option I will listen, and conversely if ventions that are best for the individual
their heart in yours, Dr. Laudito “In my mind, there is no doubt that I have a question or concern, I will ask patient, not just the current trend.
explained, “It is vital to be in touch with communication and shared mutual directly and try to avidly absorb expert Improved outcomes with fewer risks is
patients and their families to channel respect for collegial knowledge can make advice from colleagues for the benefit of the ultimate goal in a quality care plan.
quality care,” he continued. the sum of the parts greater than arith- our patients,” he pledged. Finally, while his career promises to be
Having built his career from the East metical calculations. I envision my role According to Dr. Laudito, probing dis- busy in the foreseeable future, his per-
Coast to the West and in Italy, he has as a servant leader who is the glue among cussions will strengthen clinical relation- sonal life will also be eventful. The 50-
returned to Southern Florida because he cardio-thoracic surgeons, cardiologists, ships and provide opportunities for all to something year old bachelor is enhanc-
was “deeply intrigued” with the vision of echocardiography, pulmonary and tho- excel. Quality patient outcomes may ing his home life with wedding plans in
Ana Mederos, CEO PGH, to shape a racic experts, ER specialists and all ancil- include minimally invasive surgery, tra- the near future.
multi-disciplinary expertise in heart care lary staff to build a team where the ditional surgery, or non-surgical options
for a range of heart disease. patient never feels like a ping pong ball and the ultimate decision will bubble up For more information, visit https://com-
For more than a decade Palmetto among clinicians. As a team we can from individuals who feel recognized for munitynewspapers.com/doral-tribune/the-
General Hospital has pioneered investigate, debate and champion a care their contributions and act together as a heart-institute-at-palmetto-general-hospi-
advanced cardiac procedures in Southern plan that provides the best potential for team. tal-appoints-new-medical-director-of
Florida, where there is a high incidence improved patient outcomes more effec- Along with years of experience in the -cardiothoracic-surgery/ or
of heart disease, particularly in a senior- tively than as individuals,” he explained. full range of cardiothoracic surgery and call (786) 475-1985.

When It Comes to Patient Care,

Be Careful with Technology

It is hard to make this Many love the ability to
stuff up. I was reading book appointments
through a trade publica- online, receive text/
tion and the headline to email reminders, and
an article actually read: don’t mind viewing
Family upset, when their lab results on a
‘robot’ doctor tells grand- smartphone, however
father he does not have some still like to be
long to live. able to pick up the
To protect the names phone and talk to
of the not-so-innocent, I someone. It is similar
will not mention the with patient interac-
prominent Health tion. Things like this
System that thought it BY JAY JUFFRE robot doctor, virtual
would increase patient nurse, and fingerprint
care and satisfaction by ID registration are
having a robot with a computer moni- exciting, but never let it interfere with
Isn’t it time for an independent expert opinion tor go room to room with a video link the personal connection we ALWAYS
need to have. Unless you are dealing
to the doctor. Someone somewhere
on your malpractice insurance coverage? thought it would increase communica- with a greedy narcist, when asked
tion levels between doctors and what things are most important to
Not all policies are created equally. There are many factors to consider when patients, and to that extent, they were them, almost everyone will respond
shopping for your malpractice insurance – proper liability limits, tails, triggers, correct. The big miss was that when a with health, family and happiness near
retroactive coverage, regulatory and cyber protection, purchasing programs... the doctor has really, really bad news, the top of the list. Never forget that as
options are daunting, and the wrong fit can be disastrous to your practice.
nothing beats an actual face to face we continue to embark into a new era
conversation. What is next? Texting of technology and innovation. We risk
As independent agents specializing in malpractice insurance placement, we are strong terminal test results?!? What seemed a ton of bad press and more important-
enough within the malpractice insurance marketplace to fully and competently ne- like a cool, almost futuristic idea blew ly letting a patient and their family
gotiate the best coverage and pricing for you with the top insurers in the state.
up in the organization’s face because down if we don’t.
Call Danna-Gracey at 800.966.2120 for a no-obligation nobody bothered to develop protocols
assessment of your current malpractice insurance around the new technology. Listen, we Jay Juffre is Executive Vice President,
policy. Your practice is worth it. all get it, technology is everywhere and ImageFIRST. For more information on
can provide a huge benefit to patient ImageFIRST, call 1-800-932-7472 or visit
Delray: 54 SE Sixth Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483 • 800.966.2120 • Fax 888.235.5008 experience and cost reductions, but we www.imagefirst.com.
Orlando: 541 Lake Como Circle, Orlando , FL 32803 • 888.496.0059 • Fax 407.896.0079 must balance it with common sense.
Delray Beach • Jacksonville • Miami • Orlando • Panama City
info@dannagracey.com • www.dannagracey.com
800.966.2120 • info@dannagracey.com • www.dannagracey.com

4 June 2019 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News