The year 1963 marked the inception of The Cardiovascular Care Group, a significant milestone in the field of cardiovascular medicine that has since played a vital role in the healthcare landscape in the tristate area for over 60 years. The group emerged during a tumultuous period in American history, where the nation grappled with both triumphs and tragedies.

In this backdrop, The Cardiovascular Care Group (then named The Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgical Group) was founded in New Jersey by two dedicated doctors, Franklyn P. Gerard, MD, FACS, and Adrian M. Sabety, MD, FACS. Operating as the first professional corporation in the state of New Jersey, The Group always insisted on providing the highest level of quality care to patients with Vascular or Thoracic diseases.

Initially based in East Orange, New Jersey, the Group's founding physicians, Drs. Gerard and Sabety, were affiliated with several hospitals, including East Orange General Hospital, Orange Memorial Hospital, Mountainside Hospital, Rahway Hospital, Clara Maass Medical Center, Saint Barnabas Hospital, and Saint Mary’s Hospital.

In 1985, The Group underwent a significant transformation by relocating its primary office to Belleville. With an increasing number of physicians joining the practice, coverage expanded to include Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Another office was established in Westfield, broadening the geographical reach of The Cardiovascular Care Group.

By 2002, reflecting its evolving focus and activities, the group changed its name to The Cardiovascular Care Group. The emphasis remained on total cardiovascular care and comprehensive patient management. The principles behind healthy living including nutritional counseling and lipid management became primary concerns, highlighting the group's commitment to addressing the holistic health of its patients.

The establishment of an active Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory in 1967 by Virginia Vyniski, RVT marked a pivotal development for The Group. Currently under the leadership of Amanda Burton, RVT, and Kathleen Petrillo, RVT, the laboratory performs over 3,000 noninvasive vascular examinations annually. Since 1993, the lab has been accredited by the IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission) for Vascular Testing, demonstrating a sustained commitment to quality and excellence.

Today, The Cardiovascular Care Group has its main business office in Springfield, NJ along with 5 locations for providing patient care. There are now 16 board certified vascular surgeons on staff and the practice is managed by Clifford Sales, MD, MBA, FACS. Under Dr. Sales’ tenure, in 2013, the group acquired the Vein Institute of NJ. The focus has now extended from managing and treating vascular conditions such as Peripheral Artery Disease, Carotid Artery Disease, Aortic Aneurysms, and Hemodialysis Access to a variety of Vein diseases that are both symptomatic and cosmetic. These include concerns such as spider veins, varicose veins, and reticular veins. The group also cares for patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis, Leg Swelling, and severe cases such as ulceration or breakdown of the skin.

Throughout its history, The Cardiovascular Care Group has maintained a commitment to the highest level of quality care. All physicians associated with the group are continuously advancing their medical education and many have also served as department Directors and Chiefs in the area hospitals as well as teaching positions in local medical schools.

Physician availability is guaranteed, and patients are welcomed into a compassionate environment where cutting-edge technology is seamlessly integrated with sound medical care. The Group's enduring legacy is a testament to its dedication to the well-being of its patients and its resilience in the face of evolving healthcare challenges.

As we begin our next decade of service, we would also like to acknowledge that our growth could not have occurred without the dedication and compassion of our nurses, physician assistants, technicians, medical assistants and administrative staff. These people, who are an integral part of our family, are the backbone of our healthcare system and play a pivotal role in our success and our successful patient outcomes.

We are grateful to our staff, doctors and patients who have made these past 60 years an incredible journey and a medical success story! Wishing you all good health, joy and gratitude during this holiday season and the year to come!

Enjoy this compilation of photos from the past 60 years . . .