Michael Teodori, MD, Healthcare Provider, Physician

Listening to one family describe the countless hours that Michael Teodori, MD, spent with their child, you would think the physician never left their baby's side.

But knowing that hundreds of families throughout the Valley tell the same story about Teodori's bedside manner, you can't help but wonder if the heart surgeon ever sleeps.

"Dr. Teodori is an incredibly patient, compassionate, committed, invested surgeon and person. He cares for every aspect of his patients' needs from the moment they are admitted to follow-up care after discharge," said Amy Bjorkman, mother of Emma Beth, a patient of Teodori's.

In the minds of his patients, their families, and his staff, Teodori is a legend.  He finds the time to perform more than 300 open heart surgeries every year at Phoenix Children's.  His mortality rate is under 3 percent -- one of the best in the country.

And his quest to constantly do better and demand the most of his staff has allowed him to help develop a state-of-the-art Children's Heart Center at Phoenix Children's.  "It is due to Dr. Teodori that pediatric cardiac patients in Phoenix have this kind of care and comfort available to them," said his colleague Ericka Wintering, MSN, RFA, PCCNP.

The families are thankful.  The waiting room in Teodori's office is covered with patient photos, many of which feature Teodori along with his patients.  It's a great testament to a physician who -- through his tireless and humble crusade to improve cardiac care -- is giving his patients chances they never dreamed they'd have.