Laura Pierce, MD, a second-year internal medicine resident at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, was warming up for a high-intensity aerobics class last spring when she saw a fellow gym-goer, Phil Pursino, in obvious distress.
She ran over to him and noted that he was pale and not breathing. Laura initiated CPR, then attached an automated external defibrillator, which delivered a shock to his chest, then she did more CPR, and Phil regained his pulse. He was brought to the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at The Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a severe blockage of his left anterior descending artery and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention by Annapoorna S. Kini, MD, Director of the laboratory and a leader in her field.
Laura visited Phil in the Coronary Care Unit the next day, which happened to be her 28th birthday. She was greeted by Phil’s family and friends with hugs and a birthday cake. One year later, Laura has developed a deep friendship with Phil and his wife, Katie, sharing dinners and holiday celebrations.
“Laura was my guardian angel that day,” Phil says. “She, Dr. Kini, and the incredible professionals at Mount Sinai helped save my life.”
Laura responds, “I am grateful to have been in the right place at the right time that day and glad I was able to give Phil and Katie the opportunity to celebrate more milestones together.”
Laura Pierce, MD, center, with Phil and Katie Pursino