Thuy Nguyen, MD

I became a doctor because I grew up without one. My family immigrated to the United States when I was seven years old, and we didn’t have regular access to medical care. I saw firsthand how much harm can come when chronic illness goes untreated, and I wanted to be the kind of physician who is there for people, no matter their circumstances or the hour of the day. Emergency medicine was a natural fit—I thrived in the fast-paced environment and loved being able to help people in their moments of greatest need. Over time, I found myself especially drawn to the sickest patients. Stabilizing them in those first critical hours and guiding them through the intensive care unit was deeply rewarding, and it motivated me to train further in critical care medicine. Now, I focus on cardiothoracic critical care, caring for patients who are at their most vulnerable and using precise, moment-to-moment decision-making to help them heal.

For most of my patients, their time in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit is part of a planned recovery after heart or lung surgery. My goal is to ensure that each step in that process is as safe, smooth, and predictable as possible. Good critical care means close attention to every detail, paired with clear and honest communication. I make time to explain to patients and their families what is happening, what to expect at each stage, and the steps we’re taking to help them regain their strength—from coming off a breathing machine to getting up and moving again. I believe that care must always reflect a patient’s individual goals and values, and I work in partnership with families to make sure that remains at the center of every decision.

I care for adults who are critically ill with heart and lung conditions, including those recovering from cardiac or thoracic surgeries such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repairs or replacements, aortic surgery, and lung surgery. Some of my patients also have cardiogenic shock, severe heart failure, or respiratory failure, and some require advanced mechanical support to assist their heart or lungs while they recover or await further treatment. This includes ventricular assist devices (VADs), intra-aortic balloon pumps, Impella heart pumps, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). I also draw on my background in emergency medicine to treat patients with sepsis, bleeding, multiorgan failure, and other critical conditions. In addition to my work in the cardiothoracic ICU, I see patients in the Emergency Department, where I treat a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries.

At NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, I work as part of a tightly coordinated team of cardiothoracic surgeons, intensivists, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and other specialists. We collaborate daily, reviewing each patient’s progress together and adapting the care plan to meet their changing needs. With training in both emergency medicine and critical care, I am prepared to respond quickly to rapid changes in a patient’s condition and provide support at the bedside. Patients and their families can count on a team that communicates openly and works to center their needs and preferences at every stage of recovery.

I also bring specialized skills to my practice, such as the use of point-of-care ultrasound—including bedside echocardiography—to assess heart and lung function and guide real-time treatment. I am experienced in managing patients on ECMO and other circulatory support devices, and I perform procedures such as airway management and intubation, central venous and arterial catheter placement, chest tube placement, and bronchoscopy. By combining technical expertise with close attention to each patient’s needs, I aim to provide thoughtful and compassionate care every day.