Personal Stories

Robert Minaert Learns a Lesson in Self-Healing from the Integrative Medicine Program

"I had never even heard of qigong before I encountered the Integrative Medicine Program at Columbia. Now, I take a qigong class once a week and I love it," says 57-year-old Robert Minaert.

Mr. Minaert, a resident of Hyattsville, Maryland, made the trip from Maryland to New York to have mitral valve surgery partially because of the Integrative Medicine Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. "When I did research on what hospitals in close proximity to me could provide top-notch doctors, there were various options—but Columbia was the only place that came up which utilized complementary and alternative medicine," explains Mr. Minaert.

In December 2003, Mr. Minaert was advised by his cardiologist that his heart condition, mitral valve prolapse, had significantly worsened over the past year and was in need of repair. He was referred to a surgeon at a hospital near his home in Maryland, who proposed to repair or replace his mitral valve via a full medial sternotomy—an incision through the breast bone to access the heart. Mr. Minaert was told the invasive procedure would be followed by at least a week to 10 days in the hospital and several months of recuperation thereafter.

"At that point I started to explore alternatives. I believed that there had to be better medical options for dealing with my condition. After considerable research, I learned that NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center was significantly better equipped than my local hospital to provide state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical techniques, as well as complementary medical resources. I knew these capabilities would increase the likelihood of a successful valve repair with significantly less recovery time and trauma. I was also aware of Dr. Oz's expertise with minimally invasive surgery and knew I would be in good hands" says Mr. Minaert.

Mehmet C. Oz, MD Co-founder and Medical Director, Integrative Medicine Program, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center

Mehmet C. Oz, MD, Professor of Surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and Co-founder and Medical Director, Integrative Medicine Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, met with Mr. Minaert in March 2004. Dr. Oz discussed minimally invasive alternatives to a sternotomy with Mr. Minaert and explained the added value of complementary medicine—as a holistic approach to healing.

"Dr. Oz recommended that I listen to guided imagery tapes a few weeks before the surgery. I found them extremely useful. They helped make me feel calmer, more peaceful, and more relaxed before the operation. The tapes were played during the surgery as well."

That was merely Mr. Minaert's first sampling of complementary medicine. "Next, I had the benefit of a qigong practitioner, Mr. Jeffrey Zimmerman, who provided energy-balancing therapy both during the surgery and afterwards. After the surgery, when I was in recovery, I received a therapeutic massage that helped to relax my muscles and make me feel better. All of these things combined made me feel less anxious about the surgery," explains Mr. Minaert. "I truly believe they also helped shorten my hospital stay and increase the rapidity of my healing and recovery. I had surgery on Tuesday, April 13, 2004, and I was out of the hospital by that Saturday."

Today Mr. Minaert is feeling significantly better than he did a year ago. "Due to Dr. Oz's skill, diligence, and compassionate care, I am here today. And the Integrative Medicine Program has had a lasting impact on my lifestyle. Currently, I am in a cardiac rehab exercise program at a hospital in Maryland, and have started classes in qigong and yoga to exercise my body and mind."

When asked what he valued most about the Integrative Medicine Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, Mr. Minaert adds, "For one, it makes traditional medicine easier to deal with. And secondly, it gave me a sense of empowerment—as if I had a say in my medical destiny and a direct part to play in my own healing."

What's next for Mr. Minaert outside of qigong and yoga? Not necessarily more rest and relaxation. "I'm already looking forward to a new career after I retire from the government," he adds.