NYC Gazette

Geraldine Ong, MD, MSc, has been appointed as the new medical director of NYU Langone Health’s Aortic Center. Dr. Ong, a respected cardiologist known for her expertise in aortic valve diseases, will also serve as a clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine and join the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Dr. Ong was previously affiliated with St. Michael’s Hospital at the University of Toronto, where she headed the aortic clinic and was the interventional echocardiographic lead for the Structural Heart Program. "We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ong to our division and the NYU Langone Heart community," said Glenn I. Fishman, MD, highlighting her expected role in advancing research and personalized patient care at the Aortic Center.

Partnering with cardiothoracic surgeon Mark Peterson, MD, PhD, Dr. Ong will lead efforts at the Aortic Center to diagnose and treat complex aortic conditions. "Aortic disease is an understudied but rapidly growing field," Dr. Ong stated, expressing her enthusiasm for contributing to a comprehensive center that integrates various specialists to approach aortic conditions holistically.

The Aortic Center focuses on ailments such as aortic dissections and aneurysms, crucial given the aorta’s role as the body's main blood vessel. It offers long-term care strategies, including imaging, genetic testing, medical treatments, and surgical options. Dr. Ong emphasized her commitment to patient education and coordinated care: "My goal is to educate patients, support them in maintaining a normal lifestyle, and collaborate closely with primary care physicians."

With Dr. Ong’s appointment, NYU Langone aims to bolster its reputation in cardiology. According to U.S. News & World Report, NYU Langone is the No. 2 hospital in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery, with specialists providing care at locations across New York and Florida.

Dr. Ong is an alumna of the University of Montreal and completed her cardiology residency at Laval University. Her advanced training took place at St. Michael’s Hospital and other respected institutions, emphasizing her active participation in international heart trials and imaging studies. She is committed to advancing aortic health, guided by her clinical expertise and dedication to enhancing patient outcomes.

NYU Langone Health is renowned for excellent patient outcomes and is ranked top among academic medical centers by Vizient Inc. U.S. News & World Report also placed several of its specialties among the top in the nation. The health system operates with significant revenue, offering extensive medical services across inpatient and outpatient locations.