Dr. Marc Gillinov: Heart, Health, Chocolate & Wine
Our host, Adam Kaufman, meets with Dr. Gillinov on location, at one of the world’s most renowned hospitals - the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Gillinov serves as the Chairman of Heart Surgery, a heart center ranked #1 in the U.S. for more than 20 consecutive years. Considered by many to be the most-sought after heart surgeon in the world, Dr. Gillinov has written more than 400 medical publications, patented several surgical inventions, and co-authored Heart 411, known as, "The Definitive Guide for Heart Health in America."
As the episode begins, Dr. Gillinov describes how his interest in the field of medicine first began at a young age. He remembers the moment he decided heart surgery was a profession he could dedicate his life to. This decision drove a passion for education as Dr. Gillinov was ranked number one in his high school class, at Yale, and John Hopkins Medical School. However, the rankings were not what was important to Dr. Gillinov - it was becoming the best professional he could be. 10 years prior to becoming Chairman of Heart Surgery, Dr. Gillinov was offered an alternative leadership position at the Cleveland Clinic. At that time, he knew he could still be a better surgeon and chose to continue focusing on his passion for the job: the patients.
“I sought out leadership once I was confident in my surgical ability...10 years ago...I thought I can still be a better doctor. I can still work toward being a better surgeon. I felt 10 years ago I needed more time to focus on my primary calling, which is to operate on people and fix their hearts. I wasn't ready to transition to something else till I was truly satisfied that yes, operating, I've got that down.”
Willis discusses his journey with such optimism and shares how he never took for granted the opportunities he was presented with. He constantly reminds himself of what he went through and how a rocky path led him to great accomplishments.
“I'm always going to be a work in progress as we all are, but… I know I'm being watched and I know that I'm inspiring people and I accept that”
When Dr. Gillinov chose to focus on surgery, he did not know if he would have another opportunity to rise at the Cleveland Clinic. Many years later, another opportunity presented itself and he is glad it did. Dr. Gillinov believes the teamwork and collaboration at the Cleveland Clinic allows the facility to be unlike anywhere else in the world. Dr. Gillinov shares a story about the comradery the hospital has:
“We got out of trouble together and at the end he said, ‘I'm really glad you were there.’ And we are always there.”
Focusing on the highly-sensitive work he does, Adam questions how Dr. Gillinov manages the emotions that come along with significantly impacting peoples’ lives. Dr. Gillinov states that it’s simple - he puts himself in his patient’s shoes. He ensures his availability to his patients whenever they need him. He knows the importance of a patient reaching their surgeon when something goes unexpectedly.
“They're not 20 cases. They're 20 people. For each person having heart surgery on Monday, this will be one of the biggest days of that person's life. It's right up there with marriage, a child being born. It's a big, big deal. So we don't just do cases or operations.”
Each operation is as important to Dr. Gillinov as his last, and he recognizes the delicate role a surgeon plays for families on the day of a procedure. That dedication is what drives him; it isn’t an overly competitive nature or desire for recognition that enabled Dr. Gillinov to rise to the top. He merely tries to be the highest version of himself.
“I can only try to be the best I can be, and that's about it.”
Dr. Gillinov believes no matter how successful you become, there is always room for improvement; as he and the Cleveland Clinic strive to better themselves through continuous learning and innovation.
And on a lighter but interesting note, Dr. Gillinov explains that red wine is not better for you than white wine, and there is no causation between consuming dark chocolate or coffee and living a longer, healthier life. To hear more about Dr. Gillinov’s medical journey tune into the full episode here, or listen wherever you listen to podcasts.
Click here to read the full episode transcript.