Getting to the heart of the matter: Dr. DeSanctis listens with more than just his stethoscope

Dr. Roman DeSanctis is a medical Hall of Famer. Practicing cardiology at Massachusetts General Hospital for more than 60 years, he's treated kings, political emissaries, movie stars, professional athletes, and one very special lady from Chelsea who told him dirty jokes until he had to laugh out loud.

DeSanctis, who believes in faith, miracles and tender mercies, also believes in sitting on the soft bedside of patients when delivering hard news. As Director of Clinical Cardiology Emeritus, DeSanctis teaches Harvard Medical School students to hold the hands of patients and look into their eyes to see the heart of those they're treating. Rather than rely exclusively on science, DeSanctis encourages cardiology residents and Fellows to listen carefully, beyond the murmurs, to what matters most to their patients. This man of the Old West loathes cold winters but loves the warm hearts of New Englanders as he employs kindness and compassion; espousing humanity not technology as the corner stone of medical care.