Dr. Robert Louis Hooker, MD

I was admitted to TGH 2017 with severe aortic insufficiency and endocarditis. Dr. Hooker did this extremely serious and very risky surgery with a most incredible outcome. I was awake and talking with the nurse the next morning when I was not given much of a chance to come through. I don’t want a surgeon who will pat my hand or tell me jokes. I want a surgeon who has the ability to do what dr. Hooker did. Saved my life. Forever grateful.

Dr Hooker neglected to do a heart ablation which was badly needed. He left a “repair” not done properly and now I have a large aneurysm in my heart that will eventually need to be repaired properly and my sternum was not wired back correctly. Every time I cough or sneeze it pops out causing severe pain (it’s been 3 years since my surgery and I can’t sue because FL has a two year statute of limitations on medical malpractice.) He came highly recommended, but I can’t see how if this is how he cares for his patients. I had to move to a different state and start from square one to get the care I need. I’m very disappointed and disgusted that I will have to go through another open heart surgery due to Dr Hookers negligence. I would not recommend him to anyone.

Dr Hooker neglected or just 'forgot' to do part of my surgery. Here I am two years later with a very poor quality of life since the "miracle surgery" that was supposed to cure me and get me off all medications....since the surgery, my medication list has tripled!! Very unhappy patient here, now I have to go through MORE pain and suffering due to his negligence!!

I recently found myself at Tampa general in need of heart surgery. Dr. Hooker was assigned my case. He saw me for about two minutes the first day and about four minutes before surgery. That was the extent of his concern for me. Considering I was from out of town, you would think that he would want to spend some time reassuring me and letting me know I was in good hands. I was left feeling like part of his conveyor belt surgeries. Not happy about his care at all, although I'm sure he did a good job since I'm still alive. A refocus on compassion is indeed in order for this good doctor.

He was very good. He explained what him and his team found wrong and that he need to operate on me. If it was not for him I might not be here today.

11 years ago I met Dr. Hooker when I was 43 and was found to have an ascending aortic aneurysm, I had it for almost 3 years. He calmed my fears, performed the surgery and I was home in 3 days. He is talented, compassionate, funny and an excellent surgeon. He is the best of the best, and I recommend him to anyone who needs this type of surgery.

I am 48 yrs old and Oct 08 I had to have a Mitral Valve replacement with Dr. Hooker as the Surgeon. I felt he was superior in every area and would recommand him as a surgeon. God Bless