Physician Profile: Cardiologist Grew Up in New York, Enjoys Scuba Diving

Premier Pulse February 2019 Feb 1, 2019

Gary J. Fishbein, MD, sees patients at Premier Cardiovascular Institute.

What is your clinical specialty?
Interventional cardiology, with an interest in treatment of advanced peripheral artery disease

Where did you go to school?
University of Rochester for undergraduate
Hahnemann University Hospital (now Drexel University College of Medicine) for medical school

What brought you to Premier Health?
I have been practicing at Good Samaritan Hospital (closed in July 2018) and Miami Valley Hospital since 1993, when I joined my “old group,” The Dayton Heart Center.

Why did you choose medicine as a career?
I always had an interest in science, but also found that I was good at interacting with people. Medicine was a way to apply science to helping others.

Who are the people who influenced and/or mentored you?
Dr. Bertron M. Groves, Dr. Douglas Morrison, Dr. Robert Ginsburg (University of Colorado), Dr. John B. Simpson, Dr. C. David Joffe

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy scuba diving.

Where is your hometown?
I was born in the Bronx, but grew up in Spring Valley, New York.

What, if any, sports team(s) do you cheer for?
The New York Yankees, New York Giants, OSU Buckeyes

What is the last book you read?
David McCullough’s “John Adams”

What is your favorite song in your playlist?
I don’t have a playlist. I just let my collection of albums play randomly.

What is your favorite food?
New York-style pastrami

What are your favorite hobbies?
Exercising, when I get the opportunity

What is your favorite animal, and why?
Dogs. I have had four of them. Right now, she’s a 5-month-old puppy that is all love and licks.

Where is your favorite vacation spot, and why?
Maui. Because it’s far away, the weather is always good, and it gives me the chance to do things with my wife that I don’t get to do when in town (like scuba!).

Describe something for which you are especially thankful:
Easy. My wife. We have been together since high school. She brings balance to my life.