Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), part of RWJBarnabas Health, hosted its annual Heart and Vascular Patient Reunion on February 13. The event brought together patients, their families, and the hospital’s medical staff to recognize the efforts of the heart and vascular care teams during American Heart Month.
Attendees included Nick Landosky of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, his family, and various members of the hospital’s leadership and clinical teams. The reunion highlighted the collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals in critical situations.
Lisa Breza, Chief Administrative Officer of RWJUH Hamilton, said: “It is truly meaningful to have the opportunity to gather here today with our patient, his family, physicians, nurses and staff, not just to reconnect, but to celebrate life, healing and the power of exceptional care. And thank you, Nick, for trusting us with your heart.”
Nick Landosky experienced severe chest pain that led him to seek emergency care at RWJUH Hamilton after encouragement from his wife. Tests in the emergency department indicated a possible myocardial infarction—commonly known as a heart attack.
Lasanta Horana, MD, Vice President of the Medical Staff and Chair of Emergency Services at RWJUH Hamilton explained: “Getting to an emergency room right away ensures patients receive timely treatment, which can limit heart muscle damage and save lives.”
Landosky was treated by an interventional cardiologist who performed a cardiac catheterization procedure. A blood clot was found blocking his left anterior descending artery; a stent was placed to restore circulation. He then received further monitoring in intensive care.
Justin Fox, MD, Cardiologist and Chair of the Department of Cardiology at RWJUH Hamilton stated: “In order to properly treat Nick, a cardiologist relies on a highly skilled, specialized team, and I am proud to say we have that expertise in our two Cath Labs at RWJUH Hamilton. Nick had the best of the best. From the Emergency Room to the catheterization procedure to aftercare and cardiac rehab, I am proud of the entire team for delivering this high level of emergent cardiac care.”
As part of his recovery process Nick wore an automatic external defibrillator for three months while following medication protocols aimed at improving heart function. He continued follow-up appointments with Mahmoud S. Ghusson, MD—a leader in local cardiovascular care—and completed stress testing before beginning cardiac rehabilitation.
During the reunion Nick Landosky emphasized early intervention: “The moral of the story is to just go and get checked out,” he said. “If it turns out to be nothing then it is nothing. Do not wait because my story could have been very different. I still get to be a dad a husband brother and son… What seemed like only a couple minutes made me feel pain-free… I am thankful…”
Cardiac rehabilitation played an important role in Landosky’s recovery by helping him return to daily activities.
“Cardiac rehab helps patients recover restore heart health and reduce risk,” Landosky said about his experience.
He now manages risk factors through diet regular follow-ups with his doctor—and encourages others not only plan for emergencies but also take preventive steps.
“At RWJBarnabas Health Heart Month is a time to reaffirm our promise of care and why we do this work every day,” said Hiliary Nierenberg Senior Vice President Heart & Vascular Service Line.“Together we are saving lives shaping future.”
Medical experts advise that symptoms such as chest pain discomfort shortness of breath or sudden nausea may signal a heart attack requiring immediate action—calling 911 rather than self-transporting remains crucial in emergencies.
