Dr. Philip Bacidore's Journey from Heart Attack to Healing

In May 2024, Good Samaritan Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Philip Bacidore and his wife Jennifer, had taken a trip to Niagara Falls and Toronto. What was meant to be a relaxing getaway turned into a wake-up call. "We were at a big shopping mall in Toronto, and I could only walk so far into it before I had to stop and catch my breath. My legs were bothering me. It was a miserable day because I’d walk the distance of this room, and I’d have to stop." 

Jennifer, a nurse, knew something wasn’t right. "His demeanor changed," she said. "He was always easygoing, but that day, I could tell he was struggling. He was in so much pain, and he wasn’t himself. That’s when I knew—we needed to get this checked out when we got home." 

But life got busy, and like many people, Dr. Bacidore put off seeking medical attention. "I kept telling myself, I’m going to have to do something about this," he admitted. "But I thought maybe it was just being out of shape. I told myself it could wait." 

When Dr. Bacidore, woke up on June 6, 2024, he had no idea that his life was about to change forever. What began as a seemingly normal morning quickly spiraled into a life-threatening emergency. "I just got very short of breath," Dr. Bacidore recalled. "I knew something was up, but I just sat there a minute, hoping, well, whatever it is, it's going to pass. And it just rapidly got worse and worse, and I couldn't breathe." 

Normally a deep sleeper, Jennifer was awaken by the sound of her name being called. Jennifer ran into the kitchen and found her husband on the floor. As a Good Samaritan Rehabilitation nurse, she immediately knew this was more than just a passing episode. "I grabbed the albuterol, but when I touched him, he was cold," she said. “And from that moment, everything was a blur of urgent medical intervention." 

A Friend and a Lifesaver: The Critical Moments at Good Samaritan 

When Dr. Bacidore arrived at Good Samaritan, every second mattered. His heart attack was severe—one that many people do not survive. But Good Samaritan’s heart team was ready. 

The moment Dr. Vikash Khurana, an interventional cardiologist, saw Dr. Bacidore’s condition, he knew immediate action was needed. What made this case even more remarkable was that Dr. Khurana wasn’t just any physician—he was Dr. Bacidore’s colleague and friend. The two had worked together for years, helping others through cardiac emergencies, but now, Dr. Khurana was the one tasked with saving Dr. Bacidore’s life. 

"Things happened quickly," Dr. Bacidore recalled. "I went right through the ER and directly to the heart cath lab. They were ready. Dr. Khurana was ready. The cath lab was ready. They got that artery open fast, and they saved my life that day." 

“Certainly Dr. Bacidore's condition was very serious. He had an ST elevation myocardial infarction and was in congestive heart failure as well.  he was critically ill. It was serious and anything could have happened at any time,” Dr. Khurana said. 

Dr. Bacidore had suffered a widowmaker heart attack, a 100% blockage in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, one of the most dangerous types of heart attacks. Without immediate intervention, the survival rate is devastatingly low. But because Good Samaritan had a well-trained, high-quality heart team on-site, there was no delay. 

Dr. Khurana acted with precision and speed, inserting a stent to reopen the blocked artery and restore blood flow to Dr. Bacidore’s heart. "Dr. Khurana saved my life," Dr. Bacidore said. "He knew exactly what to do, and because of him, I’m still here today. This community is incredibly lucky to have this level of heart care right here at Good Samaritan." 

The Next Phase of Care 

Throughout his treatment after being transferred to an Indianapolis hospital, his doctors worked diligently to stabilize his condition and determine the best course forward. With each step, Jennifer played a crucial role, advocating for her husband and making important medical decisions. "It was overwhelming at times," she recalled. "But knowing that Phil was receiving the care he needed gave me confidence that we were on the right path." 

Dr. Bacidore’s time in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Indianapolis required careful monitoring and ongoing treatment. As his body worked to heal, his progress was steady but required patience. One of the biggest challenges was the process of being weaned off a ventilator and regaining his strength after days of intensive care. 

Throughout this journey, a retired Good Samaritan Interventional Cardiologist / Pulmonologist played an extraordinary role in ensuring Dr. Bacidore received the attention he needed. Dr. Bacidore recalld his a long-time friend and mentor, Dr. Philip Watson went above and beyond staying in the hospital parking lot in his RV to be close to Dr. Bacidore every day. His dedication was a source of immense support for both Dr. Bacidore and Jennifer. 

"Having him there meant the world to us," Jennifer shared. "He was a reassuring presence, someone who truly understood the complexities of Phil’s condition and could help us navigate this process." 

Slowly but surely, Dr. Baidore’s strength returned. The team worked diligently to manage his care, and after weeks of perseverance, Dr. Bacidore was finally strong enough to take the next steps toward recovery. 

The Road to Recovery 

After three weeks of intensive medical care and a long journey through treatment, Dr. Bacidore’s road to recovery brought him back to where it all started—Good Samaritan. The decision to return for further care was an easy one, as the hospital had not only been where his life was saved but also where he worked alongside the very physicians who had been there for him in his most critical moment. 

Among those who played a pivotal role in Dr. Bacidore’s recovery was Dr. Khurana, the same colleague and friend who had performed the emergency heart procedure that saved his life. But Dr. Khurana’s commitment to Dr. Bacidore didn’t stop at the hospital doors—he took it upon himself to make a personal visit to Dr. Bacidore’s home to check on his condition after discharge. 

"Dr. Khurana actually came to our house for my follow-up," Dr. Bacidore said. "That’s not something you see every day. That’s the kind of doctor he is—not just a physician, but a true friend." 

“I was extremely thankful to be able to play a small part in helping him recover. Truly it takes a whole team so I certainly can’t take all of the credit,” Dr. Khurana said. “It is great to see your fruits of all of the hard work and training come to fruition, especially on a friend. This is why I became a doctor to help people and being able to help a friend and colleague makes it even more meaningful.”  

Jennifer also recalled that the first visitor from Good Samaritan to check on Dr. Bacidore was Good Samaritan Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Dalvir Gill, another close colleague and friend. The deep sense of community among the hospital staff was undeniable. Dr. Bacidore wasn’t just a patient—he was part of the Good Samaritan family. 

Beyond the incredible medical care, Dr. Bacidore’s recovery was also made possible by the overwhelming support from colleagues, hospital staff and family members. His team at Good Samaritan ensured that everything was taken care of so he could focus entirely on healing. 

"The support was incredible," Jennifer said. "From the doctors and nurses to his colleagues and friends, and even administration, everyone played a part in helping Phil recover." 

Strength in Family: Healing Together 

Just as Dr. Bacidore was making strides toward recovery, another crisis struck the Bacidore family. In a heartbreaking twist, their son was involved in a serious accident, requiring hospitalization at the same time that Dr. Bacidore was still undergoing treatment. 

As Dr. Bacidore fought to regain his strength, his son was beginning his own battle toward healing. The emotional weight of the situation was overwhelming, but it also reinforced the strength and resilience of their family. 

Despite the challenges, Dr. Bacidore and his son were discharged just one day apart, a powerful moment that symbolized their shared journey to recovery. 

"It was surreal," Jennifer said. "To have both of them in the hospital at the same time was incredibly difficult, but seeing them both walk out, just one day apart, was nothing short of a miracle." 

Dr. Bacidore’s return home was not just about his own healing but also about being there for his family, offering the same love and support they had given him throughout his ordeal. 

The Physical and Emotional Journey 

While the worst of the medical crisis had passed, the road to regaining strength was just beginning. The days following his return home were filled with physical therapy and rehabilitation, as Dr. Bacidore worked hard to regain mobility, endurance, and independence. 

"It’s humbling," he admitted. "You don’t realize how much strength you lose after a medical emergency like this. Simple things—standing up, walking, even eating—took a tremendous effort at first." 

With Jennifer’s expertise as a rehab nurse, she became an essential part of his recovery, ensuring that he took the right steps toward regaining strength. Physical therapy played a critical role in rebuilding his 

endurance, and Good Samaritan’s rehabilitation team was instrumental in guiding him through the process. 

Beyond the physical toll, the emotional impact of surviving such a life-threatening event was significant. Facing one’s mortality is never easy, and Dr. Bacidore found himself reflecting deeply on the experience. However, rather than being defined by the struggle, he found himself empowered by the support of those around him. 

"Going through something like this changes you," he said. "I have an entirely new perspective—not just as a patient, but as a health care provider. I understand, in a way I never could before, what my patients go through. It’s made me a better doctor, a better colleague and a better person." 

"I wouldn’t be here today without Dr. Khurana, Good Samaritan’s cath lab team, and the incredible support of my family and colleagues," Dr. Bacidore said. "It’s one thing to work in the medical field, but to experience this level of care firsthand—it’s humbling. Good Samaritan saved my life." 

Dr. Bacidore’s story is a powerful reminder that heart disease can affect anyone, often with subtle warning signs. Many people expect a heart attack to come with sharp chest pain, but Dr. Bacidore’s symptoms—shortness of breath, leg pain, and fatigue—were easy to dismiss. Acting quickly makes all the difference. 

For anyone facing heart concerns, Dr. Bacidore and Jennifer have one message: don’t wait. 

"Listen to your body," Jennifer urged. "If something feels off, don’t push it aside. Early detection and fast action are what save lives." 

As Dr. Bacidore continues living revitalized, he remains grateful for the second chance he’s been given, and he hopes his experience will inspire others to prioritize their heart health. 

Good Samaritan is more than just a health care facility; it is a lifeline for the community where expertise, compassion and dedication come together to save lives every day. Learn more about our Cardiology services by clicking here.