Good Sam: Taking care of the “heart” of Rockland and Orange

BY KATHY KAHN
A new cardiothoracic team has joined Good Samaritan Hospital, bringing advanced heart surgery back to both Rockland and Orange counties. The original director of the heart surgery program at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dr. Edward Lundy, had left the hospital.

Drs. Chirag Badami and Bruce Toporoff have brought their extensive skills to Good Samaritan so residents have the ability to get top-notch care without traveling out of the area. Since both share the same love of making a big difference in their patients’ quality of life, particularly when it comes to keeping their hearts ticking, the move to Rockland hospital was extremely appealing.

“Patients no longer have to travel to get excellent care,” said Dr. Toporoff. “Although we are part of the WMC Health Network, Dr. Badami and I are Good Samaritan’s cardiac team and are based here permanently. One aspect of working here at Good Sam is the quality of caring we see in our physician assistants. They are deeply committed to the patients’ needs and make our jobs that much easier.”
Both doctors choose minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. “It’s better for the patient and helps them recover more quickly,” said Dr. Badami, who hails from New Jersey. “When I was asked to join the team here, I saw it as an opportunity to bring the best of both worlds to our local community. With the support of WMC Health, Good Samaritan offers the most advanced technology in both Rockland and Orange, where there is a great need.”

In 2015, Bon Secours Charity Health System—comprised of Good Samaritan in Suffern, Bon Secours Hospital in Port Jervis and St. Anthony’s Community Hospital in Warwick—signed a partnership agreement with the Westchester Medical Center Health Network. “We’ve already seen the impact on what we are able to provide to our community…helping transform communities and make them stronger, more vital and economically sound,” Bon Secours CEO Mary Leahy said.

Put state-of-the-art technology, personalized compassionate care of a community hospital and two great heart surgeons on a team and you have the makings of a winning combination for the residents of Rockland and Orange counties. “This is something desperately needed for our area,” said Dr. Badami. “Getting quality care close to home is one of the top concerns for patients. We’re thrilled to be here to provide it.”