The heart of the matter

Since its founding in 1987, Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute has become a global leader in cardiovascular 
medicine. Now, under the leadership of Dr Tom C. Nguyen, the institute is embarking on its next phase of growth, focusing on research, innovation, and patient-centred care.

The Institute’s latest advancement includes a dedicated arrhythmia centre, the first in South Florida and among the few in the US. Dr Nguyen plans to introduce new programmes, such as robotic heart surgery, and continue recruiting top cardiothoracic surgeons and specialists from around the world. “Our goal is to make Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute the crown jewel of cardiovascular care, while always prioritising the community's needs,” he said.

Heart-surgery expertise 

Dr Nguyen is a nationally recognised expert in minimally invasive heart surgery, with a focus on valvular heart disease. With more than 300 peer-reviewed articles, his research and expertise have been instrumental in advancing heart surgery techniques. Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr Nguyen led the cardiothoracic surgery programme at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he co-directed the Heart and Vascular Center and oversaw groundbreaking clinical advancements.

Dr Nguyen’s journey to becoming an internationally recognised surgeon is rooted in resilience. A refugee from Vietnam, he fled the country with his family at the age of four. They arrived in Houston with no knowledge of English and lived in poverty.

The Institute’s latest
advancement includes a
dedicated arrhythmia centre,
the first in South Florida and
among the few in the US

These early hardships instilled in him the value of second chances and a deep commitment to helping the most 
vulnerable patients. “Everyone deserves a second chance,” he said, reflecting on his mission to serve patients who have been told there are no more treatment options.

His determination to succeed was supported by a strong community and mentors along the way. After graduating with honours in economics from Rice University, Dr Nguyen earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed a general surgery residency at Stanford University, followed by a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Columbia Presbyterian and a transcatheter 
aortic valve replacement (TAVR) fellowship at Emory University.

A dedication to patients

A turning point in Dr Nguyen’s life occurred when he returned to Vietnam after medical school and witnessed a man his age working long hours on a shrimping boat. “I wasn’t stronger or smarter, just luckier,” he recalled. This experience reinforced his dedication to helping others, especially those facing significant challenges.

In his approach to surgery, Dr Nguyen emphasises the importance of precision and teamwork. “There are over 100 critical steps in heart surgery with small margins of error. 
You have to stay composed, and the entire team needs to work together seamlessly,” he explained. His collaborative approach is central to the success of the Institute’s heart surgery programmes.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr Nguyen is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Dr Gina Landinez, an interventional radiologist, have two young daughters. He is 
also a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognising the importance of diverse perspectives in healthcare and supporting women’s contributions to the field.

“My experiences have shaped me as a doctor and as a person,” Dr Nguyen said. “It’s a privilege to care for patients who place their trust in you. Seeing them return to the activities they love, whether it’s fishing or hiking, is incredibly rewarding.”

For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Heart, call 786-596-2373 or email us at [email protected]