June 2012
Heart Starters executive
producer Suzana Talevski and presenter Professor Ian Meredith.
Series goes to heart of cardiac surgery
By Tim Vainoras
The new Heart Starters television series on Channel 31 may be lining up against ratings powerhouse The Voice but this is one reality show that is a must for anyone with a passion for health.
Heart Starters gives a fly-on-the-wall look into the world-leading work of MonashHeart – Melbourne’s largest cardiac service at Monash Medical Centre.
The 13-part series is the brainchild of Southern Health’s Suzana Talevski and features internationally-respected heart surgeon Professor Ian Meredith and his talented team.
The program includes exclusive access to world-first cardiac surgery procedures, stories on patient journeys and tips on maintaining a healthy heart.
Each 30-minute episode focuses on the story of one patient, giving a more in-depth look and explanation into the patient’s heart condition and treatment.
Despite this, presenter Ian Meredith is able describe his complex surgeries in a language that everyone can understand.
A classic example is his use of the closing doors during the opening titles of TV show Get Smart as an analogy for repairing a hole in the heart.
The first episode told the story of Sally, a mother of a two-year-old, who discovered she had a hole in the heart following a stroke.
The heartfelt story highlighted the emotional journey through MonashHeart with pre‑operation nerves experienced by the patient right through to a family’s relief and joy after a successful procedure.
Viewers would have been thrilled with the rare chance to go inside a cardiac operating theatre during a live operation.
Professor Meredith clearly and simply explained the procedures step-by-step, highlighting the amazing medical equipment and monitors which followed a probe right inside the patient’s heart to repair a hole.
Heart Starters is compelling viewing and provides invaluable lessons about heart health and a unique insight into the professionalism of the team at MonashHeart.
Details:
Professor Ian Meredith AM – Presenter
Suzana Talevski – Executive producer
Shane Butler – Lead editor and assistant producer
Mobile Video Services – cameras and post production
Mondays at 7:30 p.m.
Repeated Fridays 1 a.m. and 9 a.m.
