Dr. Donald Glower
, Heart Surgeon

"Dr. Glower is a talented, knowledgeable surgeon. Rather than split my sternum in order to remove my damaged valve with a mechanical one, he made a four inch incision above my right breast and entered through my rib cage. He said this lessened my recovery time by about two weeks. Since the surgery nearly two years ago, I am in excellent health and have had no issues related to the mechanical valve.

Dr. Glower's bedside manner is not overly friendly, but kind and straightforward. I am so thankful I found him. He was just the surgeon I needed!"

Posted by Jim Musser, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 05/19/2017

"My mitral valve was a mess with more than one broken chordae. He knitted everything together and repaired the valve. A less experienced surgeon would have likely done a replacement. And Duke Hospital is awesome. Great support staff! "

Posted by William Gillam, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Maze Procedure, 08/21/2018

"Dr. Glower is one of the best in the country for the minimal invasive mitral valve repair surgery. He is very sincere and devoted surgeon (He comes to check on his patients even on Sundays!). I am so lucky to find him and Duke Heart Center! They saved my life."

Posted by Li Huang, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 04/15/2014

"Incredible doctor. The minute you see him, you know your are in good hands. 4+ weeks out and I am doing fine and will be starting rehab in a week. Very pleased with Dr. Glower and Duke Medical Center. A wonderful combination. I live 2 1/2 hours from Duke and and so happy I made the trip. Thank you Dr. Glower. You are wonderful."

Posted by Edward Weingart, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 03/05/2013

"I highly recommend Dr. Donald Glower and the entire staff at Duke. Dr. Glower did a minimally invasive surgery without a sternotomy. I had a quicker recovery this way and never hurt at all. "

Posted by John Dickens, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 12/04/2012

"Dr. Glower performed a minimally invasive surgery that did not break my sternum. Excellent in-hospital follow-up. Very serious, no nonsense doctor that I appreciated. Dr. Glower teaches at Duke. "

Posted by Brian Houger, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/08/2011

"Dr. Glower was an amazing surgeon. He repaired a horrible looking, malfunctioning valve when most other surgeons would have opted to replace it. I could not believe the before and after pictures of my valve. He is truly a very gifted doctor! I would recommend him to anyone. He was also very caring and positive throughout my surgical experience. It was a very scary time of life for me but he gave me the peace of mind that I needed in order to go through with the procedure. "

Posted by Mary Turner, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 01/14/2011

"This was "keyhole surgery" (no sternum break). I had very little pain after surgery and fast recovery. Excellent surgeon. Friendly, helpful, and explained the procedure beforehand. Great bedside manner. Very happy with the results. Duke University, one of only 5 places in U.S for this minimal-invasive type of surgery. "

Posted by Jean Loughry, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 03/25/2011

"Dr. Glower specializes in minimal invasive surgery. He is very dedicated to his work and patients. I am very pleased with the outcome, and I am glad I had such a great surgeon so close to home. "

Posted by Helen Simmons, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 11/20/2009

"Dr Glower likely saved my life due to complications and infection. I ended up with over 10 hours of surgery. I would highly recommend him."

Posted by Barry Zimmerman, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, 05/03/2011

"He explained the procedure in advance to me. Good bedside manner. Very happy with the result."

Posted by Nannette Goldwasser, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 05/31/2011

"Dr Glower is truly an excellent and caring surgeon. I now understand (1) why he is in high demand, (2) why people travel from all corners of the earth for him to perform surgery and (3) why the staff at Duke says he is the best. He is the best!"

Posted by Tim Mangum, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access, 05/21/2010

"I could not have asked for a better surgeon. He came out after the surgery and explained everything that had happened thoroughly to my Fiancee and mother. He came by everyday in the hospital and was the one that pulled my last tube out on release day so I could get on home! Follow-up was great as well."

Posted by Geoff Beale, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Robotic Surgery, 05/06/2008