Connective Issues Spring/Summer 2026

Nishani Patel | Future Cardiovascular Surgeon For Nishani, her own medical journey with Marfan syndrome, especially open-heart surgery, led to her decision to pursue cardiovascular surgery. “Going through my own open-heart surgery gave me a real inside look at saving lives through cardiovascular surgery,” said Nishani. “This experience, although scary, gave me patience more than anything and will help define every decision I continue to make.” That experience continues to influence how she sees her future in medicine. “I want to be the surgeon who really understands the feelings of the one on the operating table,” she said. “My goal is to help improve the long-term outcomes for families who, like mine, rely on the heart’s ability to be fixed.” Advice for others: Having a strong mind is key. Having support from family and gaining knowledge are also important . Brooke Pulliam, RN | NICU Nurse For Brooke, who lives with Marfan syndrome, the path to nursing began early with her own experience in the hospital. “Growing up and spending time in hospitals surrounded by medical professionals, I knew I wanted to be a part of the medical field,” she said. “I had my spinal fusion when I was 12, where I really experienced firsthand how special nurses are. I knew that I wanted to be that great nurse for patients and their families and to make a real impact during a tough time.” Today, that experience translates to the care she provides for others. “I think that empathy is one of the most important traits a nurse can have,” Brooke explained. “I think that my experience of being a patient as well as a family member of a patient [her mom] has made me an even more empathetic nurse.” Advice for others: Don’t give up. If you have a dream, keep at it. The medical field is huge and so diverse, so there are positions that will work for you. Each one is important and makes a real difference in people’s lives. Gabrielle Samuels, DO | Primary Care Physician Growing up with Marfan syndrome, Dr. Samuels spent years navigating the healthcare system before receiving a diagnosis, a process that would later shape her career. She still remembers the pediatric cardiologist who changed everything. “I was profoundly affected by the late Dr. Robert Boxer, the pediatric cardiologist who finally gave me a diagnosis (after 2+ years of my mother trying to get me diagnosed),” she said. He didn’t just take care of me physically, but he helped encourage my personal interests. Seeing how a doctor could deeply affect someone’s life in so many ways inspired me to try and provide that level of care to others.” Today, that experience continues to shape how she practices. “As a primary care physician, it is particularly humbling to care for the Marfan/VEDS/LDS community,” said Dr. Samuels. “I have the opportunity to connect people to a greater health care team, and care for their mind, body, and spirit.” Advice for others: I encourage others to use their own life experiences to connect with those they meet. Keep a steady moral compass and remind yourself of your purpose each and every day. Tony Yasick, MD | Anesthesiologist Dr. Yasick’s connection to VEDS began during medical school, when the condition started affecting his family. “Having family with VEDS made it more difficult but also helped me learn as much as possible, be a family resource, and advocate from within the medical community,” he said. Dr. Yasick credits having a life-threatening condition in the family for making him a better caregiver. “VEDS isn’t always obvious. Just always being aware that many people struggle with all sorts of hidden challenges has made me a more empathetic and effective physician,” he said. “Healthcare comes down to individuals, caring for, connecting with, and helping others. I grew to really value that individual connection more throughout my career.” Advice for others: I believe everyone should dream as big as possible. You can make even more of a difference for our community as a healthcare provider. Spring/Summer 2026 13