As part of Hofstra’s National Public Health Week celebrations, the School of Health Sciences hosted a moving and candid event titled “Heart to Heart: My Journey to Becoming a Cardiovascular Physician.” Held Monday, April 7, at the Mack Student Center Greenhouse, the open dialogue featured Hofstra alumnus Dr. Frank Amico Jr. ’06, whose story of resilience captivated an audience of undergraduate students, faculty, and staff.
Facilitated by Corinne Kyriacou, vice dean and associate professor of population health, the event offered an intimate look into Dr. Amico’s life — from his early days as a pre-med student navigating the long standing effects from a trauma brain injury, to his dual role as a patient and physician, and ultimately to his success as a cardiovascular specialist.
Dr. Amico described suffering a traumatic brain injury as a college student, followed years later by a catastrophic spinal cord injury from a car accident. Despite immense setbacks, he completed medical school and pursued a career in Interventional and Advanced Heart Failure Cardiology.
“I’m not going to stop,” Dr. Amico told the audience. “You put something in front of me, and I want it, I’m going to go after it. There’s a solution to every problem — it may look different, but I’ll find a way.”
Vice Dean Kyriacou, who moderated the conversation and once taught Dr. Amico as an undergraduate student, reflected on the full-circle nature of the event.
“Frank is a true testament to the power of perseverance and purpose,” she said. “As his former professor, watching him become not only a skilled clinician but also an advocate and educator is incredibly moving. He exemplifies what it means to turn adversity into impact.”
Dr. Amico also spoke candidly about the physical and emotional toll of working in high-stakes cardiology and the importance of advocating for policy change to improve working conditions and patient care. He currently serves on the Wellness Committee for the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention.
“We have to take care of our healthcare providers too,” Amico said. “Wearing lead vests to protect against radiation has led to back and neck injuries for many in the field. We’re working on finding better solutions because this affects lives.”
Amico’s personal journey was both sobering and inspiring. After multiple surgeries and years of intense rehabilitation, he now walks with some aid and continues to perform complex cardiac procedures.
“The amount of recovery I’ve seen is remarkable,” he said, showing footage from his rehabilitation. “They didn’t expect that.”
“Dr. Amico’s story represents the heart of what public health and health care should be about — resilience, equity, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose. Events like “Heart to Heart” allow our community to connect beyond the classroom and be reminded of the human spirit that drives this work,” said Reginald Alston, dean of the School of Health Sciences.
The “Heart to Heart” event not only highlighted the determination of one physician but also underscored Hofstra’s commitment to fostering a culture of empathy and dialogue during National Public Health Week and throughout the year.
Before the conversation concluded, Dr. Amico left the audience with heartfelt advice rooted in his own experiences.
“Don’t forget where you came from,” he said. “Hard work, determination, and grit will get you where you need to be.”
His words were met with thoughtful silence and nods of appreciation — serving as a powerful reminder of the resilience needed not just in health care, but in life.
National Public Health Week at Hofstra University reflects the pillars of the Hofstra 100 strategic plan—fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing student success through hands-on learning, and strengthening community engagement. Through a week of educational programming, campus-wide initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations, Hofstra continues its commitment to building a healthier and more connected future.
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