The Ocala Heart Institute began in January of 1988 as a vision of three individuals – a cardiovascular surgeon, an invasive cardiologist and a cardiovascular anesthesiologist. The goal was to draw upon the expertise of these three specialties to deliver the best quality of cardiothoracic and vascular care to the heart, lung and vascular patient. These three specialties working in complete cooperation to provide the highest quality of care with the shortest length of stay in a cost-effective manner has been born out by the recognition awarded to the Ocala Heart Institute since its inception over 16 years ago.