Beloved JFK Surgeon Remembered With A Portrait By Local Artist Nancy Tilles

Artist Nancy Tilles with her portrait of the late Dr. Malcolm Dorman.

Dr. Malcolm Dorman, a beloved cardiac surgeon, was honored at a special reception at JFK Medical Center last month. Local artist Nancy Tilles was commissioned to paint a portrait of Dorman, which was unveiled at the event.

Dorman was a world-renowned heart surgeon, adored by his peers and patients alike. As the medical director of cardiac surgery, he founded and directed the Valvular Heart Institute at JFK. He was known for his research and pioneering work in repairing mitral valves using minimally invasive techniques. Besides his innovative techniques and educational dedication, Dorman was recognized for his compassion to his patients and earned numerous awards and accolades over the years. He considered the Patient’s Choice Award (2012, 2013, 2014) and the Compassionate Doctor Recognition Award (2013, 2014) to be among his greatest achievements.

Dorman was dedicated to ensuring that his patients received the best care possible, often staying in a patient’s room long after performing an exhausting surgery, in case he was needed. Despite his incredible talent for saving lives, he remained a humble man who said that it was God who used his hands to work medical miracles. He passed away on March 26.

Tilles presented the commissioned oil painting of Dorman at the June 15 reception. “I enjoyed painting Dr. Dorman. His kind spirit is what I most wanted to capture,” she said.

Tilles is known for her oils and portraits, which hang in public and private collections throughout the country. She exhibits her work in nationally recognized art shows across Florida. Along with her portrait work, Tilles has created bodies of work representing flowers, underwater scenes and tropical art in mural-sized triptychs. She is presently teaching painting to adults at Easel Art Supply and will be teaching at the City of Palm Beach Gardens in the future.

Tilles is passionate about sharing her love of painting with her students. She is also an active member of the Wellington Art Society, whose members consist of dedicated professional artists, up and coming artists, art lovers and supporters. Learn more about her work at www.nancytilles.com.