Dr. Guleserian trains medical student and former patient, Laney Lord

In 2013, Laney underwent life-saving surgery performed by congenital cardiac surgeon, Kristine Guleserian, MD, to correct a partial atrioventricular septal defect. The procedure repaired a hole in her heart that affected her heart valves and chambers. That lifechanging medical intervention also ignited a passion for medicine in the teenager and the dream to become a surgeon.

Laney has stayed in touch with Dr. Guleserian, who became a mentor and a role model as a woman who had reached the pinnacle of expert success in the competitive world of medicine. Dr. Guleserian’s confidence, skill and leadership taught her that women can be both powerful professionals and true to themselves. Seeing Dr. Guleserian excel in her field while remaining approachable and compassionate inspired Laney to believe that she, too, could achieve greatness in medicine.

Now a first-year medical student, Laney is determined to follow in her mentor's footsteps, breaking barriers and making a difference in patients' lives.

The graduate medical education programs at Medical City Healthcare provide future physicians with the tools and experience they need to provide exceptional care to our patients. The GME programs are rooted in evidence-based medicine and led by dedicated, accomplished faculty.

As a mentor and a sought-after educator, Dr. Guleserian is committed to helping train the next generation of physicians. Recently, Laney had the opportunity to watch Dr. Guleserian perform the very same surgery that once saved her life.

"It was surreal seeing the procedure that gave me a second chance at life, performed by the person who inspired me to pursue this path," she says. “The blend of precision, strength and skill required for this operation – paired with the deep compassion shown to both patient and family – is nothing short of extraordinary.”