Dr. Stephen Olenchock
, Heart Surgeon
Bethlehem, PA
- Unregistered Surgeon
Patient Recommendations (30)
"Dr. Olenchock exudes confidence from the first meeting. I suffered from a leaking valve (mitral valve regurgitation) and atrial fibrillation. Dr. Olenchock recommended open heart surgery to deal with both problems and "anything else the team might find". He asked if I wanted to think it over but after listening to his explanation of my condition and how he was going to repair the valve and A-fib, I opted to have the surgery as soon as possible. Dr. Olenchock visited me the day after surgery to advise that everything had gone well and that if there were no post-operation issues, I would be able to go home in a few days.
He visited me two more times in the hospital to check my progress and encourage me for the recovery period to come. I found Dr. Olenchock and his staff to be professional, caring and competent. I would recommend Dr. Olenchock to anyone needing cardiac surgery."
Posted by Brian Phillips, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 10/23/2023
"After my surgery, I had the need to call and ask a question and someone picked up the call immediately and put me in touch with his nurse practitioner. I did not have to press prompts and then leave a message. Dr. Olenchock is a very competent and confident surgeon."
Posted by Valerie Viglione, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 09/11/2023
"Dr. Olenchock is a gifted and extremely competent surgeon. He thoroughly explains all of the surgical procedures. He is very professional and personable. You can put your mind at ease knowing that with Dr. Olenchock you are choosing the best surgeon and you need look no further. Let no one doubt that Dr. Olenchock saved my life. Allow him to save yours."
Posted by Richard Dorward, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 03/01/2022
"Dr. Olenchock was great. I went to him for a second opinion. After meeting with him, I felt he was the right surgeon for me even though he was 1 hour away from my house. He did not talk down to me and explained everything in an easy-to-understand manner. He had a great bedside manner. His whole staff was excellent through the entire process. I would highly recommend him."
Posted by Daniel Luciano, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/28/2022
"After my first appointment with Dr. Olenchock, I decided that he was the guy I wanted for my surgery. In spite of a previous decision, I was convinced that I needed no second opinion. After completing considerable research I became aware that his status and reputation were notable.
However, I was most impressed with his calm demeanor and extensive experience as the head of cardiac surgery at St. Lukes Hospital. My confidence in Dr. Olenchock and his team has paid off with a successful surgery and the promise of a, long healthy life."
Posted by David Miers, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 02/07/2022
"Dr.Olenchock was kind, reassuring and informative. He explained the procedure in detail and answered all questions. His staff was helpful and kind.
My wife did research and knew all details because of Dr.Olenchock. She said he was comforting the day of surgery. We were both impressed and thankful we had chosen him and St.Luke’s Bethlehem. Both of us would highly recommend him."
Posted by Jeffrey McMurtrie, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 02/26/2021
"Dr. Olenchock did a great job and was very professional!"
Posted by Gary Polinchak, Aortic Valve, Tricuspid Valve, Valve Replacement, 12/11/2020
"My experience with Dr. Olenchock before and after my Mitral valve repair were exceptional. He explained the procedure as well as my surgical options in detail and what to expect during my recovery. Everything he told me we spot on. I thanked him for all he has done for and that I will recommend to anyone who would be in need of his surgical talents and experience."
Posted by Bill Puhan, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 12/16/2019
"I had no questions going into my surgery because they explained everything so thoroughly. Dr. Olenchock made me feel at ease that I would make a full recovery. My incisions and scars healed very well and I can only say that is due to his meticulous stitching.
My post op visit with Dr. Olenchock went very well as he took time to talk me through the recovery process and go through every question I had. I would highly recommend Dr. Olenchock as a heart surgeon because he is involved with his patients and takes time. My surgery was a huge success and while I take credit for that, Dr. Olenchock was a huge part of that. "
Posted by Catherine Anderson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 07/22/2019
"Dr. Olenchock and his staff are most efficient and very courteous. The nurses set up all the pre-op tests for this surgery all went as planned and if I had any questions they were available. I was in the hospital on the 13th of June and home on the 17th. Visiting nurse was all set up and ready to go. The hospital staff at St. Luke's in Bethlehem were all amazing as well. Easier than a root canal. Would definitely recommend Dr. Olenchock and hospital to anyone who needs this procedure."
Posted by Gregory Showak, Aortic Valve, Transcatheter, 06/13/2019
"Dr. Olenchock and his staff are amazing. I did not realize how sick I felt until I had the surgery and now I feel amazing thanks to Dr. Olenchock!!!!"
Posted by Judy Kery, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Transcatheter, 06/11/2019
"Dr. Olenchock took the time to explain the surgery and answered all the questions we had in regards to the surgery and what I should expect after the surgery. The outcome of the surgery was excellent. Dr. Olenchock was there everyday while I was in the hospital and was truly concerned about my recovery. Even after I had arrived home we had contacted him with some questions and he was happy to respond. It has been seven weeks and I have to say that the entire experience was definitely a success and less stressful mainly due the skill and caring nature of Dr. Olenchock. I highly recommend Dr. Olenchock and his surgical team, as well as his staff. "
Posted by Harold Pudliner, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 01/25/2019
"After meeting Dr. Olenchock both my wife and I had no reservation or concern about having him do the surgery. total confidence. I was walking the halls the next day and out of the hospital and feeling good in just 3 days after surgery. He spoke to my wife after the surgery confirming that all went well and she felt comfortable leaving the hospital that day without worry. 1 month post surgery and I'm ready to live life. I'm walking 3 plus miles a day going to rehab. waiting for approval to go back to my construction job. "
Posted by Michael Barbella, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/10/2019
"A most positive experience. Everything well explained. The doctor and team provided confidence in all my dealings with them. Recovery has been speedy and without event. I highly recommend this doctor."
Posted by Bernard Schonbach, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 04/16/2018
"Excellent surgeon. Very good communicator."
Posted by Edward Goldsmid, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 01/25/2018
"I am very pleased with Dr. Olenchock. His manner and procedure was way above anything I had expected. When II first met Dr. Olenchock, I felt complete confidence in his abilities."
Posted by William Gillespie, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 09/14/2017
"Words cannot describe the wonderful treatment and care given by Dr and Olenchock and his staff. Highly recommended!"
Posted by Arthur DeCheser, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, Transcatheter, 06/06/2017
"Extremely satisfied with all phases; pre- and post treatments. I cannot thank Dr Olenchock and his staff enough for the first class treatment received. Although it was an open heart surgery, I did not require pain relieving medication once after the procedure and was walking the hospital hallways one day after. Dr Olenchock and his staff assured me excellent care during my hospital stay by regularly checking and visiting me. He took time answering all my questions during his visits and was always relaxed and a pleasure talking with. Thanks to the successful, superbly conducted operation and treatment, my quality of life has improved immensely."
Posted by Jens Laur, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, 04/24/2017
"He was very friendly. Took time to answer all questions. Surgery very successful. If you look up his credentials he is very experienced. When visiting the office before and after surgery the staff was very friendly, patient and answered questions as well. All around it was a very good experience. I would recommend him highly."
Posted by Stephen Ehasz, Aortic Valve, Transcatheter, 03/09/2017
"Over the top experience! Dr. Olenchock is an excellent surgeon and man. He is very knowledgeable, skillful, thorough and caring with a delightful bedside manner. As a bonus, his staff is also knowledgeable, thorough, caring, helpful and patient. We were extremely blessed to be referred to this awesome medical group and are very grateful to all of them. "
Posted by Gordon Allem, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, 02/27/2017
"Dr. Olenchock took the time to explain my surgery options to me and let me choose the option that best suited my lifestyle. He put me at ease on my decision and made himself available if I had questions or concerns. His genuine concern for his patients together with his skill and experience made me confident in my decision."
Posted by TOny Azar, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Median Sternotomy, Root Replacement, 03/10/2016
"Surgery is never pleasant... But the Doctors and Nurses at St. Lukes were fantastic. Dr. Olenchock took the time to explain what was happening and answer all of our questions. I would strongly recommend him."
Posted by Edward Lawler, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 06/19/2015
"Dr. Olenchock, his cardiac surgery team, St. Luke's Hospital's Cardiac Intensive Care and Telemetry Units - all were fantastic. Arrangements for testing, surgery, pre- and post- operative instructions, exceptional care by all - cannot praise the doctors, staff, hospital enough.
I would recommend the hospital, the cardiac surgeon and staff, the hospital staff from admission to discharge and follow up as well as the heart and vascular physicians involved. I was up less than 24 hours following my transfer from the OR to Intensive Care, walked to the Telemetry Unit within hours and was discharged in 4 days. Might also add that I have experienced absolutely no pain, am healing well and ready to begin rehab. My family and I are most grateful to Dr. Olenchock and St. Luke's Hospital of Bethlehem."
Posted by Frederick Shunk, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 03/05/2015
"Doctor Olenchock explained everything in terms I could understand from my first office visit. The surgery went very well and I'm feeling better everyday. He and his team visited me in my stay in the hospital after surgery every day. Again explained everything in terms I understood. I would recommend Doctor Olenchock to anyone including my family members and friends. Also he is just a pleasant man to deal with. "
Posted by alan jones, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/26/2015
"Surgery was a complete success. Dr. Olenchock's surgical team was first class in every phase of my surgery. Dr. Olenchock, in my opinion is the best heart valve surgeon around. His bedside manner is fantastic and he answers all questions. I would highly recommend Dr, Olenchock to anyone who needs heart valve surgery."
Posted by John Kunkle, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/17/2015
"Dr. Olenchock provided excellent reassurance, knowledge, bedside manners, and surgical results. He is a patient, caring, and outstanding surgeon. The nurses and surgical staff were also exemplary."
Posted by Tammy Leister, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Median Sternotomy, 01/08/2015
"Our experience with Dr. Olenchock was wonderful. He is very professional, but very friendly and very concerned for his patients. He talks to you in terms that you can understand and you can always ask questions whenever you feel you need to.
We would recommend him for our family members and friends."
Posted by Joseph Mies, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Transcatheter, 04/22/2014
"DR OLENCHOCK TREATED ME WITH RESPECT, KINDNESS, AND COURTESY. HE NOT ONLY IS A WONDERFUL AND COMPETENT SURGEON BUT HE IS PERSONABLE, FRIENDLY, MODEST, AND CARING. WHAT AN OUTSTANDING TEAM DR OLENCHOCK HAS. HIS TEAM WAS VERY CORDIAL, REASSURING AND PLEASANT AND EXPLAINED THINGS IN LAYMAN TERMS. EVERYONE HELPED ME THROUGH A VERY DIFFICULT TIME IN MY LIFE AND I WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR KINDNESS TO BOTH MYSELF AND MY WIFE. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM TO OTHERS AND I WOULD DEFINITELY COME BACK TO HIM, BUT HOPEFULLY I WON'T HAVE TO SINCE HE DID SUCH AN EXCELLENT JOB!"
Posted by ELLISMARO CORDERO, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/09/2014
"As a 45 year old mother of 3, I promised myself a second opinion when I became aware that it was time for surgery. Even on that road trip for a second opinion to a well known surgeon and hospital in Philadelphia, I knew Dr. Olenchock was the surgeon for me. He came highly recommended and took time to answer ALL of the questions I had about my imminent mitral valve replacement. He is confident, professional, well educated and quickly put my concerns to rest. There was no doubt in my mind that he was qualified to provide me with the best care.
Dr. Olenchock conducted the surgery as planned and was there in the days after to see me through my recovery. His team is exceptional and also provided me with excellent care while in the hospital and in the office. I feel renewed! There are few way to thank a surgeon who makes such a huge impact on your life so I feel privileged and honored to have the opportunity to refer any one I know or who visits this profile to reach out to the brilliant and highly skilled Dr. Olenchock."
Posted by Dominique Miccio, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/06/2014
"Dr. Olenchock has excellent bedside manner and a very capable physician assistant to give added support. I'm quite happy with the result as I went to Europe less than 2 months after my surgery!"
Posted by Richard Woodyatt, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 05/05/2009