I was referred to Dr. Raney for my TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) procedure. I interviewed several different interventional cardiologists and Dr. Raney stood out as the best from the get go. It was clear that he had an “expert” background in this newer and technologically advanced medical procedure. He took the time to answer all of my questions about the procedure and provided me with the knowledge I needed to feel comfortable about my decision to have the procedure done. Dr. Raney’s team at St. Joe’s and Hoag did a phenomenal job in coordinating my TAVR and making sure that all of the necessary paperwork and tests were done in a timely manner. Thanks to Dr. Raney, the procedure itself was a tremendous success and my recovery was a swift one.

As a physician of 30 years, I am familiar with the difference between good and great medical care. Dr. Raney embodies the qualities of an excellent physician. He is tremendously knowledgeable about all facets of cardiology and demonstrated his keen understanding of his craft during my several out patient visits leading up to my coronary angioscopy. Dr. Raney explained my cardiac complications and the proposed remedies in a clear and concise manner. On the day of my procedure, he not only handled my case with expert care, but he also took the time to liaise with my family to keep them abreast of my procedure and recovery. I could not have been more impressed with Dr. Raney’s knowledge, skill set or professionalism.

Dear Dr. Raney:

Thank you for performing a TAVR operation on my mom. My family and I are so very grateful to you for giving us extra time with our cherished mother. You were so amazing throughout this entire process! You took the time to go over the many questions that my mom and I had during our visit to your office. You checked in with us frequently prior to the operation; I can’t tell you how much peace of mind that it gave me and my mom to know that you truly cared. Following the procedure (which you did an amazing job on!), we really appreciated your wonderful bedside manner on the many visits you made to check in on my mom. I cannot thank you enough for giving my mother this new lease on life.

With gratitude and appreciation,

[Family Member of Grateful TAVR Patient]

Dear Dr. Raney:

I hope and pray all is well with you and your family. I think this letter is long overdue, but I have only you to thank for the delay. As of February 19th, 2017, as you recall, I have celebrated my one year anniversary of my heart attack and subsequent surgeries. I can’t believe that it has been a year already and time has surely slipped by.
          My main focus of this letter is to let you know how much I have been wanting to thank you and your entire surgical staff from the bottom of my heart (no pun intended) for all you have done in order for me to continue having a great quality of life. My thanks are an understatement as to how I feel about my gratitude in your skill as cardiologist and I will be forever grateful.
          On the day of my heart attack I think that by the look on your face, you thought I was hallucinating. On that very same day and time people were waiting for me at a funeral in Long Beach for a very good and dear friend of mine named Robert Rainey. When you came into the ER and introduced yourself to me, I distinctly heard you identify yourself as “Dr. Robert Rainey.” I had been concerned about surviving the heart attack and subsequent surgery but when I heard you identify yourself, I saw it as a sign from Heaven that I was in great hands and that everything would be alright. In case you don’t remember, I had asked you what you were doing in the ER and puzzled you told me you were my cardiologist and I commented that I was supposed to be at your funeral. I Hope I didn’t seem like a total idiot but I thought that the last names (although spelled differently) were pronounced too much the same to be a coincidence.
          I don’t know about you but I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ and wanted to let you know that we literally had thousands of people praying for both of us. Me, for a full recovery, and for you and your staff, that your hands be guided with precision by the Almighty. A year later and I feel all the prayers came through!
          Dr. Raney, a big THANK YOU to you, your dad and the rest of the hospital staff for all you have done for me and all the other heart patients who have come under your care. May God always guide your hands and Bless your family.
          With all due respect and admiration,