At Advanced Cardiology and Primary Care, we are honored to share a meaningful recognition from author Velandrea Giselle Ratliff. In her book, I’m Still Standing, Ratliff dedicates a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Sumit Som and the Advanced Cardiology staff, thanking them for their care, compassion, and reassurance during a difficult chapter of her life.
Her words offer a personal perspective on the difference a caring medical team can make for a patient and their family.
A Patient’s Tribute to Dr. Sumit Som and His Team
On page 21, Ratliff addresses Dr. Som and the staff directly, describing the support she received while navigating serious health challenges. She reflects on the vulnerability and uncertainty she experienced and expresses gratitude for the team’s steady presence.
Her appreciation extends to the staff members who helped her through monitoring and testing. Throughout the passage, she emphasizes both the attention given to her care and the kindness that made a demanding experience more manageable.
One line captures the heart of her tribute:
“You did not just protect my physical heart; you protected my hope.”
— Velandrea Giselle Ratliff, I’m Still Standing, page 21
Recognizing the People Behind Patient Care
Ratliff’s acknowledgment highlights the many people involved in a patient’s experience. Alongside her thanks to Dr. Som, she recognizes the staff’s tenderness, attentiveness, and support.
She also describes what their reassurance meant to her family. Her account is a reminder that a patient’s experience includes the conversations, encouragement, and personal connections that take place throughout their care.
We are grateful that she chose to recognize our team in such a personal way.
Meet Dr. Sumit Som, New Jersey Cardiologist
Dr. Sumit Som is a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Advanced Cardiology and Primary Care. His training includes cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, advanced cardiac imaging, and congestive heart failure.
In his approach to care, Dr. Som emphasizes working together with patients and tailoring recommendations to each individual’s needs, values, and background. Ratliff’s tribute offers her own perspective on the compassion and reassurance she experienced from him and the team.
Thank You, Velandrea, for Sharing Your Words
We extend our sincere appreciation to Velandrea Giselle Ratliff for including Dr. Som and the Advanced Cardiology staff in I’m Still Standing. We are honored by her words and grateful for the opportunity to be part of her care.
Her tribute is a meaningful recognition of the people who supported her and a reminder of why personal attention matters in medicine.
Connect With Advanced Cardiology and Primary Care
Advanced Cardiology and Primary Care serves patients in New Jersey, with offices including Cedar Knolls, Hackettstown, Newton, and Morris Plains. Advanced Cardiology and Primary Care LLC
To learn more about our physicians or discuss scheduling a cardiology appointment, contact our team.
Dr. Sumit Som and Advanced Cardiology Staff Honored in Patient’s Book, I’m Still Standing
/in Blog, Uncategorized /by Kristine Contento-AngellAt Advanced Cardiology and Primary Care, we are honored to share a meaningful recognition from author Velandrea Giselle Ratliff. In her book, I’m Still Standing, Ratliff dedicates a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Sumit Som and the Advanced Cardiology staff, thanking them for their care, compassion, and reassurance during a difficult chapter of her life.
Her words offer a personal perspective on the difference a caring medical team can make for a patient and their family.
A Patient’s Tribute to Dr. Sumit Som and His Team
On page 21, Ratliff addresses Dr. Som and the staff directly, describing the support she received while navigating serious health challenges. She reflects on the vulnerability and uncertainty she experienced and expresses gratitude for the team’s steady presence.
Her appreciation extends to the staff members who helped her through monitoring and testing. Throughout the passage, she emphasizes both the attention given to her care and the kindness that made a demanding experience more manageable.
One line captures the heart of her tribute:
Recognizing the People Behind Patient Care
Ratliff’s acknowledgment highlights the many people involved in a patient’s experience. Alongside her thanks to Dr. Som, she recognizes the staff’s tenderness, attentiveness, and support.
She also describes what their reassurance meant to her family. Her account is a reminder that a patient’s experience includes the conversations, encouragement, and personal connections that take place throughout their care.
We are grateful that she chose to recognize our team in such a personal way.
Meet Dr. Sumit Som, New Jersey Cardiologist
Dr. Sumit Som is a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Advanced Cardiology and Primary Care. His training includes cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, advanced cardiac imaging, and congestive heart failure.
In his approach to care, Dr. Som emphasizes working together with patients and tailoring recommendations to each individual’s needs, values, and background. Ratliff’s tribute offers her own perspective on the compassion and reassurance she experienced from him and the team.
Thank You, Velandrea, for Sharing Your Words
We extend our sincere appreciation to Velandrea Giselle Ratliff for including Dr. Som and the Advanced Cardiology staff in I’m Still Standing. We are honored by her words and grateful for the opportunity to be part of her care.
Her tribute is a meaningful recognition of the people who supported her and a reminder of why personal attention matters in medicine.
Connect With Advanced Cardiology and Primary Care
Advanced Cardiology and Primary Care serves patients in New Jersey, with offices including Cedar Knolls, Hackettstown, Newton, and Morris Plains. Advanced Cardiology and Primary Care LLC
To learn more about our physicians or discuss scheduling a cardiology appointment, contact our team.
Advance Cardio Primary Celebrates Suzanne Seeley, APN, on Being Named Advanced Practice Provider of the Month
/in Blog /by Kristine Contento-AngellAt Advance Cardio Primary, we are proud to celebrate Suzanne Seeley, APN, who has been recognized as RWJBarnabas Health – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Month for July 2026. This recognition highlights Suzanne’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care and her dedication to improving the lives of those she serves.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Being selected as Advanced Practice Provider of the Month is a meaningful honor that recognizes providers who consistently demonstrate excellence in clinical care, compassion, teamwork, and professionalism.
Throughout her career, Suzanne has been known for taking the time to truly listen to patients, carefully explain diagnoses and treatment plans, and ensure each individual feels confident in their care. Her ability to combine clinical expertise with genuine compassion has earned the trust of countless patients and colleagues alike.
Putting Patients First
At Advance Cardio Primary, our mission has always been to deliver personalized, patient-centered cardiovascular and primary care. Suzanne exemplifies these values every day by:
Her recognition reflects not only her clinical excellence but also the positive impact she has on everyone she encounters.
A Reflection of Our Team’s Commitment
Awards like this represent more than an individual accomplishment—they reflect the culture of excellence that our entire team strives to maintain.
Every member of Advance Cardio Primary is committed to delivering evidence-based, compassionate care while treating every patient with respect, dignity, and kindness. Suzanne’s achievement serves as an inspiration to our entire practice and reinforces our commitment to exceptional healthcare.
Congratulations, Suzanne!
Please join us in congratulating Suzanne Seeley, APN, on being named RWJBarnabas Health Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Advanced Practice Provider of the Month for July 2026. We are incredibly grateful to have Suzanne as part of the Advance Cardio Primary family and look forward to the continued positive impact she will make for our patients and our community.
We are honored to celebrate this well-deserved achievement and thank Suzanne for her dedication, compassion, and excellence in patient care every single day.
A New Rhythm: Thriving After Pacemaker Procedure
/in Blog /by Kristine Contento-AngellOringally Published at: https://www.rwjbh.org/patient-stories/a-new-rhythm-thriving-after-pacemaker-procedure
“I had always been apprehensive about getting a traditional chest-mounted pacemaker. The thought of having a visible bulge and wires running to my heart made me hesitant. However, when I spoke to Dr. Gourg Atteya, cardiac electrophysiologist at Cooperman Barnabas, he introduced me to a new option: a leadless, wireless pacemaker. It seemed like a simpler, less invasive choice,” says Richard Boyer.
“Unlike conventional pacemakers, the leadless dual chamber pacemaker devices are implanted directly into the heart via a catheter, eliminating the need for wires and chest incisions,” shares Dr. Atteya. “Also, the patient can return to full life activities in about a week, with absolutely no restrictions.”
Read more at: https://www.rwjbh.org/patient-stories/a-new-rhythm-thriving-after-pacemaker-procedure
Dr. Godkar Answers CBMC Staff Questions
/in Blog /by Kristine Contento-AngellDr. Darshan Godkar, Director of the Trans-radial Program, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at CBMC, is answering our staff’s questions! Learn more about Dr. Godkar and the Trans-radial Program here at CBMC!
Dr Godkar featured in April/May issue of Morris/Essex Health & Life!
/in Blog /by Kristine Contento-AngellView the Full Publication here: https://issuu.com/wainscotmedia/docs/msx_april_2023_issuu/24
Dr. Godkar featured in article from Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology
/in Blog /by Kristine Contento-AngellIncreasing Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation Through Improved Short-Term Monitoring
Originally published: Dec 07, 2021, on https://www.dicardiology.com/article/increasing-early-detection-atrial-fibrillation-through-improved-short-term-monitoring
View original article: https://www.dicardiology.com/article/increasing-early-detection-atrial-fibrillation-through-improved-short-term-monitoring
Do’s and Don’ts after your Cardiac Catheterization
/in Blog /by Kristine Contento-AngellDo’s….
Don’ts…
Go to the Emergency room if you have ….
COVID-19 VACCINE – What NJ Residents Need to Know
/in Blog /by Kristine Contento-AngellCOVID-19 VACCINE Information
We are over a year into this pandemic but we now have a light at the end of the tunnel. We have 3 safe and effective vaccines approved in the U.S. Almost everyone should be getting vaccinated when it is your turn. If you have specific questions about the vaccine or if you should get it, please contact your doctor to discuss. The vaccine is free to everyone regardless of insurance or immigration status. The bigger question now is how to get the vaccine scheduled. This is a summary of all the places and websites with special emphasis on help for seniors over 65 finding it hard to find a vaccine or difficulty navigating the internet/computer.
NJ SENIORS CAN CALL 855-568-0545 8am-8pm for help scheduling a vaccine
Websites NJ residents can register on:
State of New Jersey: https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/
Atlantic Health: https://www.atlantichealth.org/conditions-treatments/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-vaccine.html#alerts
St. Luke’s Health Network : https://www.slhn.org/covid-19/protect-yourself/covid-19-vaccine
By County – Websites to register on:
Warren county : http://www.co.warren.nj.us/Healthdept/WCCOVIDVaccine.html must check repeatedly for when vaccine available
If you need assistance scheduling an appointment you can call 908-878-3188 press 2 Monday-Friday 10-2
Morris County : sign up at Atlantic website
Sussex County : register for Fairgrounds: https://www.sussex.nj.us/cn/webpage.cfm?TPID=17520
Seniors 65+ can call 856-249-7007 8am-8pm for assistance
Pharmacies offering the COVID Vaccine:
Shop Rite: https://shoprite.reportsonline.com/shopritesched1/program/Imm/Patient/Advisory
CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
Walgreens: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-vaccine.jsp
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302
Seniors 65+ can call their local Walmart for dedicated senior appointments if that store is giving the vaccine.
Weis: https://www.weismarkets.com/pharmacy-services
Helpful Websites for Seniors Scheduling the COVID Vaccine
Here are other sources for seniors (computer savvy children or grandchildren may need to help)
NJ Vaccine Matchmakers for seniors
(65 and older) : https://wgirls.org/requestforhelp/
Get My Vaccine : https://www.getmyvaccine.org/
Find a Shot : https://www.findashot.org/appointments/us/NJ
Vaccine Spotter : https://www.vaccinespotter.org/NJ/
Facebook – New Jersey COVID Vaccine Info Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/891546924927251/
Twitter Resources
Vaccine Bot NJ
Twitter: twitter.com/nj_vaccine / Vaccine Bot NJ @nj_vaccine
CVS COVID Vaccine Bot-NJ : @NJCVSCovidVax
Additional resources
Related website with resource guide: sites.google.com/view/vaccine-bot-nj