When it comes to cardiothoracic surgery, the language can often feel like "doctor speak." In this episode of Wise and Well, heart and lung surgeon Dr. Ryan Vela joins host Maggie McKay to bridge the gap between complex medical procedures and patient understanding.

Dr. Vela discusses his unique background in the humanities and how it shapes his "patient-first" communication style. We dive into the traditional roles of cardiovascular surgeons, the revolutionary impact of the da Vinci robot in treating lung cancer, and life-saving advancements like TAVR and robotic-assisted bypass surgery. Tune in to learn how Community Memorial Healthcare is bringing world-class, tertiary-level heart and lung care directly to the Ventura community. 

Learn more about Ryan Vela, MD