Oprah’s “Doctor Oz” visited Hampton Roads Friday.

We first got to know heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz during an interview three years ago. When 13News talked with him on his visit to Portsmouth, we learned that though times have changed, he seems to have stayed the same.

Though America is used to seeing him on television, not everyone has seen him in a smaller setting at Bon Secours Maryview Hospital, where he is a co-clinical director. Dr. Oz  pays attention to detail surrounding heart operations performed at the hospital.

“We go over all the results of the cases that have been taken care of and figure out how we can make their care even better,” he said.

Oz is also interested in helping people become smart patients.

“A lot of Americans think they can abdicate responsibility for their care by picking a doctor or nurse,” he said. “I want you to trust who you are picking, but you have to do your homework, also.”

Dozens of Maryview employees lined up, his new book in hand, hoping to get an autograph and a word with Dr. Oz.

“I think he’s a very exciting doctor,” said Melissa Gomes, Ph.D., RN. “I think he’s cutting edge and the way he writes is very, very easily understood for the average person.”
His morning was low-key compared to the reception he received at a sold-out luncheon in Norfolk. Oz recognizes that his popularity outside scientific circles is due in large part to Oprah, whom he admires.

"She's as authentic as they get,” he said. “She will say exactly what she's thinking and what you see on TV is exactly what she's like behind the scenes.

The same, it seems, goes for Dr Oz.

"It's not just about open heart surgery but what you do that will ultimately give you the life you want,” he said. “Take that message and share it with America; you will change people's lives."

Dr. Oz and his colleagues from Columbia University Medical Center make periodic visits to Bons Secours Hospitals and he is continuing on Oprah. He is signed to produce 16 more shows in the beginning of next year.