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Dr. Michael Defrain, MD

Dr. Michael Defrain, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery*
25+ years of experience

Dr. Michael Defrain, MD is a cardiothoracic surgeon in Fort Myers, FL and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Defrain has extensive experience in Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection and Cardiac Surgical Procedures. He graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1998. He is affiliated with medical facilities Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital. He is accepting new patients.

4.5 Star Rating
Based on 69 reviews 4.5 Star Rating (69 reviews)

Practice

9981 S Healthpark Dr Ste 156 Fort Myers, FL 33908

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At a Glance

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Defrain specializes in the area of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    America's 100 Best Hospitals Award™ See hospitals
  • Recent Reviews
    Reviews made in the last 30 days. See reviews
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Dr. Defrain's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Defrain

4.5
69 ratings, 38 with a written review
5 star
83%
83%
4 star
4%
4%
3 star
3%
3%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
10%
10%

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Absolutely THEEEE Best !!
He knows his field and how to deal with people who are fearing heart procedures. He exudes confidence. He explained things well, he took his time and listened to all our questions and answered them fully. But the very best part was the outcome !! He navigated a very challenging procedure (which had been verified before we met him) and took my husbands age into account. We couldn't possible be more pleased because he DID it. He Actually DID it !! It took Skill and experience and knowledge and my husband is just fine !! Thank YOU Dr. DeFrain !!!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Charlotte Wheatcraft – Apr 07, 2025
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STAY FAR AWAY! He killed my mom by performing 3 valve replacements and 4 artery bypass all at once without letting us know. He was only supposed to do 1 valve. He treated he her like Frankenstein and she never woke up. He never even called after she passed away. He is DOCTOR DEATH
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Tim – Mar 04, 2025
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Dr. DeFrain saved my husband’s life in 2008 in Michigan. Ron’s St. Jude mechanical mitral heart valve was coming loose. Dr. DeFrain was completely honest with both of us, telling him he had to have his affairs in order (which we did already). Dr. DeFrain was the nicest man, so caring and completely honest with us. It will be 14 years in August that Ron had his 2nd open heart surgery, that one being done by Dr. DeFrain. We will always be thankful for him and appreciate his medical expertise. Sincerely, Ron & Cindy Carlon
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Ron & Cindy Carlon – Jan 16, 2024
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Horrible MD
I have spent over 30 years in health care and we had the worst experience with Dr DeFrain and Shipley Institute and would never step foot in there again.. He spent time with us before my husbands surgery and answered questions however the follow up, ability to get support , receive a heart monitor and even answer our numerous pleas for help was nonexistent .My husband had a TAVR. His primary care MD saw him five days after discharge and he was in AFIB. His cardiologist responded immediately but still no response from Dr. DeFrain. The last follow up appointment we waited over 2.5 hours and he told us the valve moved and would need to be revised once we returned in October . We returned to the Boston area and the team in Boston was horrified at our experience and appalled that we were lied to about the valve moving. After an oesophageal ECHO it has been confirmed the valve was done incorrectly and was put in too deep. Go somewhere else!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Dec 21, 2023
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All staff I interacted with were very good.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jun 14, 2022
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All about the same
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 09, 2022
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Dr. DeFrain is a superb doctor. Very professional and knowledgeable. Took plenty of time with us. I would recommend him to anyone needing [service].
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 08, 2022
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Dr. DeFrain, excellent Doctor.He was very caring and made us feel better about the future.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 25, 2022
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Very efficient, caring staff! Wish other medical offices were like this one!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 04, 2022
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Very satisfied with our experience with our visit with Dr. DeFrain and His staff.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Feb 19, 2022
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Everyone was friendly and made the scary experience a little wasy to deal with..
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Feb 12, 2022
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Dr. DeFrain has a very positive way of explaining the health issues
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jan 12, 2022
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Each staff person and Dr. DeFrain were excellent and caring during my visit. I was given a folder with an explanation of my tests to be done prior to [service]. I was assured that it would be a very careful and complete decision as to the safety of [service]. All appointments were made by staff with complete addresses given. I was told to call any time if I had any questions or concerns.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 26, 2021
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I was diagnosed with severe Mitral Valve Regurgitation. Over time, my symptoms worsened, and upon a consult with Dr. DeFrain, he felt it was in my best interest to intervene quickly. I met with another major group in Florida who felt Surgery was not required a year prior, & that group's surgical approach was much more invasive. Long Story Short - I am glad I went with Dr. DeFrain. His approach was not as invasive as others, & he was able to repair my valve on the first attempt - a slam dunk surgery! I am now on the mend, feeling good, & I knew I made the right decision going with Dr. DeFrain as my left atrium was severely dilated, very likely from my regurgitation, thus further confirming his suggestion to do surgery soon was correct, unlike my other consultation from a group elsewhere. If I would have waited, it's likely I would have other complications. Dr. DeFrain was honest with me, went over his experience, & his experience showed given the successful surgical outcome.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Erik – Dec 10, 2021
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All involved are very professional and courteous! Outstanding Customer Service! Lee County is very lucky!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nov 20, 2021
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Dr. Defrain was amazing, as well as all of the staff! I will give a special shout-out to Ryan. He scheduled my appointment and just has a very friendly and easygoing personality. He is extremely thorough with getting information as well as giving information. As a former practice administrator, I have much appreciation for a good front-end scheduler as I know how much there job and ability to do it well affects the rest of the office. Great job as a whole though!!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Oct 29, 2021
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They were all outstanding, from receptionist through to Dr DeFrain! Very impressed with care received first visit and look forward to continued care. Thank you to all!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Oct 15, 2021
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Dorene and the Dr Of course!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 10, 2021
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everyone i came in ctc with was friendly knowlegeable
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 07, 2021
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Dr. DeFrain and his staff were very professional and helpful in explaining my Heart condition and the treatment involved. I know I am in excellent hands.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 06, 2021
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About Me

Watch Dr. Defrain's Video

care philosophy

I am committed to providing the highest level of care for the improvement of human life.  I strive to deliver high-quality, cost-effective healthcare in an environment where every patient is valued and given personalized attention.  I enjoy t

biography

Dr. Michael DeFrain earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI and his medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. He completed a general surgery residency at Michigan State University...read more
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Michigan State University

    Internship Hospital
  • Texas Heart Inst/st Luke's Hospital|university Of Texas

    Fellowship Hospital, 2005
  • Grand Rapids Michigan State University General Surgery Residency|michigan State University General Surgery Residency|texas Heart Institute And Md Anderson Cancer Center - Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency

    Residency Hospital, 2003
  • Wayne State University School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1998
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Thoracic Surgery®
Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Locations

Practice

LPG Cardiothoracic Surgery9981 S Healthpark Dr Ste 156 Fort Myers, FL 33908
1

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Lee Memorial Hospital

    2776 Cleveland Ave
    Fort Myers, FL 33901
    Recipient of 27
    hospital awards

    America's 100 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    87%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    3% higher than the national average

    77%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    2% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Cape Coral Hospital

    636 Del Prado Blvd S
    Cape Coral, FL 33990
    Recipient of 26
    hospital awards

    America's 100 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 2% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality year over year

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 2% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality year over year

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    88%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% higher than the national average

    77%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    2% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality