About Dr. Dominick Megna,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"I have nothing but the highest praise for Dr. Dominick Megna and Dr. Alfredo Trento. I was originally referred to Dr. Trento, but he asked me to work with Dr. Megna because he was booked. But both were in the OR for my case and my care was superb.

I was the radio/TV/film producer for the American Heart Association here in Los Angeles for nearly ten years and wrote and produced all our commercials and educational films, as well as voicing most of them, as well. I also portrayed Dr. Harry Severance on a TV favorite, “Untold Stories of the ER.” So, I’ve learned a lot about what it means to have a great surgeon and I can truly say that Dr. Megna gave me the care I was hoping for.

My surgery had to be performed to prevent things from getting to a dangerous level, and my surgery with Drs. Megna and Trento was the New Year’s gift I needed for 2019. The Cedars heart program is ranked number 3 in the nation, so I saw no need to travel across country to the Mayo or Cleveland Clinics. Of course, heart surgery is serious, but I sincerely had no misgivings going into my procedure because I had done my homework. I “just knew" I was in the best of hands. My set of procedures lasted seven-and-a-half-hours and woke up in the ICU to the best and nicest nurses and attendants anyone could imagine. Hey, I’d seen my kind of surgery many times while at the Heart Association and I was confident in my two docs. But I never thought I would need it, myself. Trust me: I did.

Dr. Megna's bedside manner, as Dr. Trento’s, was delightful. Dr. Trento walked in on my second day in the ICU, gently squeezed my hand, looked me over, and said, “So?” Not much coming from such a famous surgeon, but it was everything. Hmm? What to say? I just said, “thanks!” He responded, “you’re welcome.” No, it doesn’t seem like a lot, but it was more than everything. Then, later, Dr. Megna visited. He mentioned that Dr. Trento and I had met, officially, and that we had a "nice conversation.” The best! Dr. Megna spent time with me that I needed to help me return to the sense of my good self, and his quality of care through his concern and kindness are part of my everyday life now. There are things that words don’t describe - stuff that you just feel and you know are right. I thank Dr. Megna for helping me have many more years.

During rehab following my surgery, I met several other patients who feel as strongly as I do about Drs. Megna and Trento. Looking back, I am delighted I chose Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Megna is my “surgeon for life.” If anyone reading this is looking for the way ahead, just email or even call me! I want you to feel as comfortable and confident as I did and still do. "

-- Ron Stark, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/09/2019