From Death to Life: Organ Donation, Heart Health & Living with Purpose | Dr. Hassan Tetteh

In this powerful episode of Purposeful, Ashley Bernardi sits down with Dr. Hassan Tetteh, thoracic surgeon, retired U.S. Navy captain, healthcare leader, author, and board member for the American Heart Association in the Greater Washington region.Together, they discuss Dr. Tetteh’s extraordinary life of service, from military medicine and trauma surgery to transplant care and organ donation. Dr. Tetteh shares the deeply human stories behind his book, From Death to Life, and offers a moving perspective on resilience, grief, hope, and the profound gift of organ donation.Ashley and Dr. Tetteh also explore the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, the importance of CPR readiness, and what women need to know about cardiovascular health, including why symptoms of heart disease can look different for women.This conversation is a reminder that life is fragile, purpose matters, and sometimes the smallest action can become someone else’s second chance at life.In this episode, you'll learn:• Dr. Tetteh’s path from the Navy to transplant surgery• The human side of organ donation• The story behind From Death to Life• Why CPR training matters• Women’s heart health and overlooked symptoms• How to get involved with the American Heart Association• Living with purpose, gratitude, and service