After an eighteen-month intensive research sabbatical, Froedtert South is excited to welcome Goya Raikar, M.D., Cardiothoracic Surgeon, back to its world-class team right here in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
“I love this unique hospital, which is full of highly skilled and dedicated team members,” said Dr. Raikar. “It feels great to be back home at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital.”
Advancing the Field of Robotic Heart Surgery
Dr. Raikar took a year and a half off to complete advanced collaborative research in robotic heart valve surgical procedures. A major advancement he contributed to was the completion of a heart valve replacement and bypass procedure simultaneously. He brings the most leading-edge knowledge and skills in the realm of robotic heart surgery to serve the patients of our community.
Dr. Raikar said, “I was one of the first surgeons to embark on the robotic heart surgery journey in the early 2000s. My recent sabbatical was an extraordinary opportunity for growth and learning. I love being a surgeon and working with robotics. Having the chance to advance not only my own skills but also the field of cardiothoracic surgery was a challenging and rewarding experience. For me, several hours of surgery feel like mere minutes. I thoroughly love my field of study and using my skills to help patients. I cannot imagine doing anything else.”
It’s All About Community
“I love the uniqueness of Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital,” said Dr. Raikar. “It may seem unassuming, but this hospital houses world-class physicians across all specialties and is a state leader in robotic heart surgeries. Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by skilled personnel. Cumbersome travel to major metropolitan hospitals is unnecessary. Plus, there is valet parking! I appreciate that convenience factor for my patients and their families. It is a beautiful thing that this hospital is filled with friends and neighbors who are dedicated to caring for the community. The focus here is always on people helping people.”
Dr. Raikar said, “Kenosha is my home, too. My wife, Lan, and I are empty nesters now and enjoy the lakes and hiking trails in the area. Lan is a general surgeon, and all three of our boys followed us into the medical field. Our oldest, Dylan, is training in ophthalmology; Connor is training in cardiac surgery, and our youngest, Aidan, is currently in medical school.”
We Are Always Ready at Froedtert
“A patient experiencing concerning symptoms, such as shortness of breath, often consults their primary care physician first. When a patient is referred to me, I focus on helping them reach a comfort level where we can thoroughly discuss care plan options. I take my time to communicate clearly because I know it is a lot of information for patients and their families to absorb. Even calling them back later to answer additional questions. I understand that this can be a challenging time for patients, and I do my best to calmly guide them through it.” Dr. Raikar said.
Of course, emergency situations arise, and the cardiac team at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is available 24/7 through the Straight-to-Cath Lab program. Dr. Raikar stated, “If a catheterization is not the solution, then I, or one of my fellow cardiothoracic surgeons, am prepared to perform urgent bypass surgery or more complex repairs to the heart or blood vessels as necessary. The advantage of Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is that we always have surgery readily available as backup, without needing to transfer the patient to another facility.”
Dr. Raikar said, “I love what I do- caring for the cardiac surgical needs of this community. My sabbatical was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am glad to bring all that experience back home.” For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Raikar or another cardiothoracic surgeon, call 262-653-5483.
About Froedtert South
Froedtert South is a comprehensive regional healthcare system that has served communities in southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois for 120 years. Froedtert South provides services primarily through the Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital and several other clinic locations in Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie, western Kenosha County, and Northern Illinois. Our Mission is the foundation for the care delivered through our multiple locations.
Froedtert South is committed to living out the healing ministries of the Judeo-Christian faiths by providing exceptional and compassionate healthcare services that promote the dignity and well-being of the people they serve. In efforts to make the best in healthcare available locally to the communities served, Froedtert South has built strong relationships with Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
