Tim Sartore of Gainesville, Georgia, shares his heartfelt story of the exceptional care he received from Northside Hospital Heart Institute before and after his bypass surgery.
My name is Tim Sartore, and I was recently a bypass surgery patient at Northside Hospital Gwinnett. I want to share my experience with your team, starting at the beginning of my journey.
I am a patient of your cardiovascular office in Gainesville, Georgia, under the care of Dr. Pradyumna Tummala. In the summer of 2024, I had an appointment with Dr. Tummala. He recommended a full cardiac work-up, including an echocardiogram and a nuclear stress test, which we scheduled for early October 2024. While the echocardiogram results were normal, the stress test revealed some concerns. Based on those findings, Dr. Tummala recommended a cardiac catheterization procedure, which I underwent at your hospital on Oct. 22, 2024. Following the procedure, Dr. Tummala informed me that bypass surgery was needed. He introduced me to Dr. Dan Winston, who explained the surgery, and it was scheduled for Oct. 29.
This is where my story becomes a testament to the exceptional care the Northside team provides.
Every employee I encountered was outstanding, from the valet to the check-in staff. Each one of them was professional, kind and reassuring. I want to recognize a few individuals who went above and beyond:
- Dr. Tummala and Dr. Winston – Their expertise and bedside manner are unparalleled.
- Camellia – My nurse during the catheterization procedure, who showed great skill and compassion.
- Ellie, Necole and Lauren – Dr. Winston’s advanced practitioners were always knowledgeable, kind and attentive.
- On the fifth floor, the care was exceptional. I want to highlight:
- Leslie and her trainee, Minh
- Jo Gastodor and her trainee, Camryn
- Aides Jackie and Leddy
The only disappointment during my stay? When walking the halls on Halloween, I couldn't find a single full-size candy bar!
In all seriousness, the Northside staff are intelligent, efficient and empathetic—qualities that speak volumes about the leadership. My wife, a retired nurse who worked in both clinical and administrative roles, and I recognize the enormous challenges faced by hospital teams. It’s often said that organizations reflect their leadership, and I believe something exceptional has been built here.
Thank you for the care I received and for the culture of excellence you’ve clearly instilled across your hospital.
Learn more about Northside Hospital Heart Institute.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
