Home: West Lafayette, IN. Age: Sixty-something. Birthplace: Ludwigsburg, Germany. Profession: Cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon. Organization: Gulf Coast Cardiothoracic Surgery Institute (GCCSI). Title: President and Founder. Significant other: Dr. Brigitta Bittner, MD, MPH.
Current project: Teaching and assisting to build and expand minimally invasive cardiac mitral and aortic valve surgery and interventions. Recent recognition: Best Doctors in America Award and featured in Best in Florida Magazine. Latest accomplishment: Building and establishing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery and catheter-based aortic valve interventions in rural areas. Latest contribution to others: Founder and President of the not-for-profit The Thoracic Connect Foundation (TTCF). What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? The move and transition of the entire family from Germany across the Atlantic to the USA. Hobbies: Tennis, and cardiac surgery. Last book read: The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
Personality profile: Kindness, resilience, endurance, patience, creativity. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mutual trust, transparency, respect, good communication. What is your greatest joy? Experiencing the development and growth of our daughters. What is your greatest fear? Climate crisis. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Family trips and dinners. What is at the top of your bucket list? Boosting our retirement funds. What is your go-to workout? Tennis. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? With my family in Italy.
What was your favorite college course? Physiology. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Original paintings from German arts scene Leipzig, Germany. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My wife Brigitta. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Be tough but fair. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? Witnessed and experienced the fall of the Berlin Wall and the lift of the Iron Curtain. What activity has had the greatest influence on your life? Tennis. The sport's emphasis on mental resilience and endurance has influenced my approach to various aspects of life.
What is your big idea?
A team and multi-disciplinary approach for the cardiac surgery patient.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Building and expansion of minimally invasive cardiac surgery. What change would you like to see in the world? Strengthening the global and joint campaign fighting climate change and global warming. What message do you want to send out into the world? Be more respectful and kind; focus on working together for continuous growth. What widely held belief do you reject? That success is solely determined by one's natural talent and resources.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Daniel Craig. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A pilot. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my wife and our two daughters preparing together for a dinner party and evening. What advice would you give your younger self? Never give up, stay positive, be resilient. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? Chief of the Duke University Department of Surgery offering me a position in the residency program. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? One of my high school years, which I wasted and had to repeat.
Personal mission: Supporting advancements in healthcare, particularly in the field of cardiac surgery. Personal motto: Face life's obstacles with resilience and determination and always strive to learn and improve. Favorite quote: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving" (Albert Einstein).
