Meet Your Surgical Team

Your surgical team includes your heart surgeons, physician assistants and advanced practice nurses and other medical professional – all of whom specialize in cardiac care. At ARMC , we answer your questions, talk with you candidly about your condition, educate you about your treatment options and treat you with compassion and respect – the same we wish to be treated.

• Cardiothoracic Surgeons
• Physician Assistants and Advanced Practice Nurses

Cardiothoracic Surgeons

	James Dralle, MD

James Dralle, MD Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery
The Heart Institute at ARMC

Dr. Dralle was most recently the medical director for the Cardiac Surgery Program at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Illinois , one of the top 100 heart hospitals in the country. Dr. Dralle is certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Dralle earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine. He completed his internship, residency and cardiothoracic fellowship at the New York University Medical Center.

To make an appointment with one of our specialists, call 609-748-7500.

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	Howard I. Axelrod, MD

Howard I. Axelrod, MD

Howard Ian Axelrod, MD, is a cardiothoracic surgeon at the Heart Institute at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC). Dr Axelrod performs all phases of cardiac surgery including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), beating heart bypass surgery, traditional and minimally invasive valve repair and replacement, and aortic aneurysm surgery. Dr. Axelrod is on the faculty of New York University School of Medicine serving as an associate professor of surgery.

Prior to joining ARMC, Dr. Axelrod was an attending cardiovascular surgeon at Westchester Medical Center, where he initiated the Off-Pump CABG program as well as the minimally invasive valve surgery program. In addition he brought minimally invasive vein harvest to Westchester. He was involved in the heart transplant and pediatric surgery program as well. Dr. Axelrod also served as an associate professor of surgery at New York Medical College.

Dr. Axelrod received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine in New York, New York. He performed his surgical residency at New York University (NYU) Medical Center, where he was also a cardiovascular surgery research fellow and a cardiothoracic surgery fellow. He also served as chief resident in surgery at NYU. Dr. Axelrod graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS from Union College in Schenectady, New York.

Dr. Axelrod is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. He has published a number of manuscripts and abstracts in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Axelrod lives in Egg Harbor Township.

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Physician Assistants and Advanced Practice Nurses

Physician assistants and nurse practitioners play a large role in helping each patient through the experience of cardiac surgery at ARMC. Their vast clinical experience, advanced knowledge, and education make them vital members of our healthcare team. Their job? To ensure you receive the best possible surgical care. Here are some of the ways you’ll interact with PAs and NPs:

Pre-Surgical Testing/Admission
You will undergo extensive pre-surgical testing before your surgery. The nurse practitioner and physician assistants provide directions on where to go, explain what you can expect, and instruct you about how to prepare the night before the surgery.

Surgery/Post-Surgical Care
During your hospitalization, the nurse practitioner and physician assistants see you every day. They help coordinate the plan of care developed by the surgeon; they are in constant touch with your surgeon, keeping him updated on your condition.

Discharge
When you are discharged, the nurse practitioner and physician assistants give you instructions on postoperative care, medications, diet, activity, incisional care, rehabilitation, and visiting nurse services when necessary. They also advise you of your follow-up visits with your surgeon and cardiologist.

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