A Heartfelt Farewell to Dr. Peter F. Bruno Jr.

After serving the cardiac community for more than four decades, Dr. Peter F. Bruno Jr. has announced his retirement. Dr. Bruno is a founding member of North Suffolk Cardiology and is credited as the first cardiologist to practice in the Port Jefferson/Three Village area. Dr. Bruno’s career as a cardiologist has touched thousands of patients and their families. His commitment to the field of cardiology, and more importantly, his patients is something that his colleagues have admired and emulated over the years.   

When asked about what it was like to work alongside Dr. Bruno, here is what some of our physicians had to say:  

“Knowing Dr. Bruno for four decades and working with him for almost two decades has been an absolute privilege. What I will miss the most about him is the way he spun a yarn. The opening line with every note told you everything you needed to know about the patient. It was descriptive and poetic at the same time.

'Thank you for allowing me to evaluate this 80-year-old decorated Korean war veteran...'

'I had the privilege to assess this 103-year-old suffragette and dedicated USO worker...'

'Thank you for allowing me to evaluate this 74-year-old lobster boat captain who hails from Greenport…'

Just reviewing the first line of Dr. Bruno’s notes gave you a wonderful idea of who the person was and where they have been in life. The next sentences would be filled with their medical history. Still, it is the opening line I will always remember, as it showed how personally he knew his patients. He will be missed,” said Dr. Christopher M. Cesa. 

“Dr. Bruno will leave a legacy of integrity and excellence in how he practiced cardiology. He will be known for pioneering multiple firsts in Long Island cardiology. He was the first board-certified, full-time cardiologist and longtime Chief of Cardiology in Port Jefferson and one of the first invasive cardiologists in Suffolk County.  He started the first cardiac nuclear stress testing, 2D echocardiography and intravenous CV thrombolytic programs in Port Jefferson. He was the co-founder of the first chest pain emergency room on Long Island and a member of the first hyperbaric oxygen therapy team. His spirit of volunteering his time and talents at Mather Hospital as President of the medical staff, long time co-chairman of the Critical Care Committee, along with countless other volunteer hours, was recognized with two separate Teddy Roosevelt Awards,” said Dr. Thomas P. Ribaudo. 

“As physicians, we all strive to remain determined learners, providers of high-level care, and a reassuring human presence in the lives of our patients. Dr. Bruno, you have done this all so well. With such remarkable persistence, class, and modesty, you are an inspiration for all of us. You are irreplaceable. Thank you for your dedication and for founding North Suffolk Cardiology, a practice that means so much to so many people,” said Dr. Jason A. Sadlofsky. 

“When I first considered a career in medicine, I envisioned the characteristics of the physician I aspired to be. Little did I know that I would be fortunate enough to work with and be mentored by Dr. Bruno. This physician embodies all of these characteristics. He is humble, respectful and compassionate. He is a skilled clinician that applies the highest level of evidence-based medicine. The strength of his relationships and the trust he has engendered between his patients and their families are unparalleled. He is the quintessential physician. The greatest compliment you can pay someone is to try to emulate them. I try to emulate Dr. Bruno every day,” Dr. Thomas E. McBrearty. 

Dr. Bruno serves as an inspiration to all the physicians and staff who had the privilege of working with him and the patients that were fortunate enough to be under his care. We wish him all the best in his retirement and this new chapter in his life.  
 
At North Suffolk Cardiology we will be forever grateful for the work that Dr. Bruno inspired just by doing what he loved to do.