Imagine cruising through life feeling invincible, only to be blindsided by a diagnosis that forces you to face your mortality. That’s precisely what happened to Dr. Kadar, a highly skilled physician, when he found himself on the patient side of the stethoscope, battling heart disease. This episode takes listeners on an emotional and psychological journey through Dr. Kadar’s life-altering experience, filled with challenges, realizations, and triumphs.

Dr. Kadar begins by recalling his initial refusal to acknowledge the warning signs. Despite experiencing textbook symptoms of heart disease, he brushed them off. Why wouldn’t he? He was a former college athlete, boasting an impeccable health record. But as many know, denial can be easier than accepting that something might be seriously wrong. His story is a critical reminder of the importance of paying attention to your body and seeking medical help when it whispers—or yells—for attention.

After his diagnosis, Dr. Kadar dives into the recovery process following his coronary bypass surgery. He walks listeners through the gritty details of managing medications and preserving cognitive function—things that can easily be overlooked but are essential for a full recovery. Dr. Kadar’s meticulous approach to his healing underscores that recovery isn’t passive; it’s active and requires a sharp focus on every detail, from the physical to the mental.

In his book Getting Better, Dr. Kadar highlights the transformative power of gratitude and positivity during recovery. It’s not your average “how-to” guide but more of a beacon for anyone going through a complex recovery process. It’s about fostering hope, nurturing a positive mindset, and accepting that healing is as much an emotional journey as a physical one. The book serves as a reminder that recovery is about more than just surviving—it’s about embracing life in a new way.

Dr. Kadar’s journey didn’t end when the surgery was over. Post-surgery complications like low blood pressure and atrial fibrillation became hurdles, but his approach remained steadfast. He stresses that maintaining a positive attitude and communicating clearly with healthcare providers is crucial to overcoming these challenges. His triumphant story of hiking to see mountain gorillas is a testament to how life can offer incredible experiences, even after significant health setbacks.

This episode contains valuable insights on managing chronic illness and the mental and emotional strength required. Dr. Kadar’s experience is a nudge for all of us to take control of our health, address symptoms early, and trust that, with resilience, life can still offer excellent opportunities after illness.

Dr. Kadar talks about the emotional turmoil of transitioning from physician to patient. He candidly shares the humbling experience of losing control over his own health. He highlights the unpredictable nature of recovery and the importance of sharing experiences to help others walk a similar path.

Dr. Kadar details the painstaking process of recovering from coronary bypass surgery. He reflects on the fragility of life and his renewed commitment to being a positive influence on others. His story underscores the transformative nature of facing a health crisis and becoming more muscular on the other side.

He emphasizes the broader lessons he’s learned about managing a chronic illness. His experience offers valuable insights into the importance of resilience and clear communication, lessons that apply not just to medical recovery but to any problematic situation. to medical recovery and He encourages listeners to share their stories, building a community of support and understanding for those facing similar challenges.

Dr. Kadar’s journey powerfully reminds us that even after life-changing health events, new beginnings are waiting. His story of resilience and hope inspires anyone facing adversity, proving that strength and optimism can pave the way to a meaningful and fulfilling life.

What can we learn?

1. The Importance of Recognizing and Acting on Health Symptoms: Dr. Kadar’s initial denial of his heart disease symptoms reminds us that even highly knowledgeable individuals can struggle to acknowledge their vulnerability. Early recognition and timely medical intervention are crucial to managing health issues effectively.

2. Recovery Is a Comprehensive Process: Dr. Kadar emphasizes the meticulous aspects of recovery, such as medication management and cognitive function preservation. Recovery from illness, particularly after significant surgeries like coronary bypass, is a complex and ongoing process requiring proactive care and attention.

3. The Ripple Effect of Health Crises: Dr. Kadar’s experience increased heart health awareness among his colleagues and family, demonstrating how one person’s health crisis can inspire positive changes in others, prompting more preventive measures and checkups.

4. The Power of Mindset and Resilience: Maintaining a positive mindset and resilience is vital in overcoming post-surgery challenges, such as complications like atrial fibrillation and low blood pressure. Dr. Kadar’s outlook, even through struggles, enabled him to embrace life fully post-recovery, symbolized by his mountain gorilla hike.

5. Sharing Experiences to Foster Support and Awareness: Dr. Kadar’s willingness to share his journey through his story and book underscores the value of sharing personal health experiences. These stories provide practical advice and emotional support and foster a broader community and awareness around chronic illness and recovery.

These points highlight the physical aspects of illness and recovery and the emotional and psychological dimensions that play a vital role in healing and resilience.

About Dr. Kadar:

Dr. Andrew G. Kadar is a physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, and a Fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. He graduated from the Yale University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Stanford and Harvard Universities (Massachusetts General Hospital). He has served on the faculties of the UCLA School of Medicine, Charles Drew University, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He has appeared on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, Air Talk with Larry Mantle, and The Dennis Prager Show. Dr. Kadar studied in the UCLA Writers’ Program and the Antioch University MFA writing program. His writing has appeared in the The Atlantic, Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, Philadelphia Inquirer, and San Francisco Chronicle. 

Dr. Kadar got the shock of his life when he suddenly faced open-heart surgery for a condition known as the “widow maker.” That challenge forced him to reevaluate his priorities and perspective on life. He describes this experience in Getting Better, A Doctor’s Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Renewal. The book aims to help make the experience of a significant illness easier for others and their loved ones.

Originally Published on https://www.theworthyphysician.com/blog

Sapna Shah-Haque Internal Medicine Physician

Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, MD is a board certified Internal Medicine physician. She was born and raised in Kansas, and attended medical school at the University of Kansas [KU] School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at KU-Wichita as well. After experiencing burnout herself, and watching other physician colleagues burn out, it became a passion of hers to look into different aspects of burnout. While the system does need to change, as it is broken, this podcast is a way to reach physicians and possibly shed light on what is not an isolated situation.