Dr. Craig R Smith, MD

I scheduled minimally invasive mitral valve repair. Day if surgery he was planning to open my chest. He didn't remember me our our conversation I should have left then. He did minimally invasive procedure-needed a 2 unit transfusion, had a partially collapsed lung and 2 months later my ball was worse than when I went in. I had to have it repaired again by a real doctor- this time successfully

Dr Smith is one of the best heart surgeons in the US. If you are going to undergo open heart surgery, why not seek out the best surgeon you can find. He is straight to the point and covers all the risks and expected outcomes prior to surgery. His staff is attentive and will go the extra mile to ensure your outcome is optimal. The other doctors and nurses at Columbia NYP hospital rave about his ability. After heart surgery, patients spend time in the ICU and then on the cardiac floor. Dr Smith was the only doctor that I saw visiting all of his patients daily to make sure you are healing as expected.

I won’t give details, but for a man who replaces hearts for a living, he should find a kinder one to place in his own chest.

My 33 year old cousin will never be the same because of the care of Dr. Smith. Not only did he cause him to have a stroke but he also did not follow through or even acknowledge this problem. This was the most disappointing consultation ever. I think he is not worth it.

Definitely would recommend Dr. Smith. He was professional, caring, skilled, and he took the time to explain my entire procedure. It was worth the effort to get the appointment and two years after my surgery, I still am feeling great.

Dr. Smith saved my life in emergency open-heart surgery. He came to the hospital on a Sunday night to operate on me and could not have been more professional. He is focused and cordial and COOL under pressure... I think of him as the "Sully" of cardiac surgery. He is a man of few words which count! If you are looking for a hand-holding surgeon (foolish, in my opinion), he's not for you. However, if you want total competence, skill and experience, he's it. He really is THE MAN and quite a decent gentleman. No regrets. Total gratitude.

Dr. Smith is an extremely talented surgeon and a true stand-up guy. Smith will certainly deliver, however, I would think twice about going to NYP for any surgery. A family member had a successful surgery with Dr. Smith, but during his post -operative days, he developed a common complication that was overlooked by NYP staff and it cost him. Remember it is the nursing care and post op care that will get you out of the hospital alive. If we could do it over again, we would definitely pick the less famous surgeon in a more patient friendly magnet status hospital with better nursing care and better organizational structure. After our ordeal we were also stunned by the lack of guidance, support or concern on behalf of hospital management. There are TOO many good hospitals in this nyc area, I would highly highly recommend Dr. Smith if he practiced at a better hospital.

Dr. Smith is a typical celebrity doctor. He does his job and drops you even if there are complications. He is very skilled but don't expect him to be there for you or your family. I think there are plenty of equally skilled surgeons out there.