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News from John Muir Health Foundation ISSUE 6 | s p r in g 2 0 1 6 Cindy Warburton, R.N. (left), and Rita Trachuk, R.N., invite eligible cardiac patients to participate in clinical trials at John Muir Health’s Clinical Research Center. “We participate in some of the same important trials as major academic medical centers,” says Trachuk. “Our patients here can have the same benefit as in the larger institutions.” Briefings Cardiovascular Research at John Muir Health Photography by Akim Aginsky THROUGH OUR CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTER, JOHN MUIR HEALTH PHYSICIANS, NURSES AND STAFF PIONEER NEW FRONTIERS IN CARDIAC CARE A fully dissolving coronary artery stent. An MRI-safe implantable cardiac pacemaker. Clinical research trials at John Muir Health study these and other important advances in technology and treatment every day. As a community-based hospital system, John Muir Health is unique in having the infrastructure to perform top-notch cardiovascular clinical research. In addition to experienced physician investigators, our Clinical Research Center includes research nurses and staff that provide regulatory oversight and patient informed consent and assist with study enrollment and follow-up. We have harnessed this valuable resource to build a robust cardiovascular research program and participate in numerous prestigious cutting-edge clinical trials. Many of these studies evaluate new technologies or investigational devices that are available to patients only through participation in these clinical trials. Our mission is to include all cardiovascular physicians and staff in our clinical research enterprise, thereby enhancing our clinical programs and introducing the best new treatments for our patients. president’s message J o h n M u i r H e a lt h F o u n d at i o n 2016 Board of Directors David D. Woodworth CHAIR M AN Richard M. Del Monte John Muir Health is proud to be a premier provider of choice for cardiovascular care in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our patient volumes and success rates rival those of much larger medical centers, including hospitals at local academic institutions. In addition to being a preferred choice among individual patients, we also serve as a regional cardiac transfer center for surrounding hospitals and communities. We hold the highest level of accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers and are designated as STEMI Receiving Centers for severe heart attack patients. We are particularly excited to be at the forefront of innovative, minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures that we can offer to patients who cannot tolerate traditional open-heart surgery. John Muir Health is one of few health care providers in the Bay Area performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip). By inserting a catheter into a small incision in the patient’s leg or groin, cardiologists and cardiac surgeons can replace or repair valves in the heart without opening the chest cavity. John Muir Health has now performed more than 130 TAVR procedures and just launched the MitraClip program last June. Philanthropic contributions provide critical funding for cutting-edge technology, precision equipment and patient care enhancements that help save lives every day. Thank you for your generous support. SECRETAR Y/ TREASURER Jack E. Thompson CHAIR , G O V ERNANCE & NO M INATIN G CO M M ITTEE F. Ryan Anderson, M.D. P RESIDENT CONCORD VOLUNTEERS Laurie Doyle P RESIDENT J M M C- W C AU X ILIAR Y Kathryn J. Bennett, M.D. Paul R. Gray, Ph.D. O F F ICER - AT- LAR G E Alice D. Hunter, M.D. Beverly A. Jones Rev. Dwane L. Michael O F F ICER - AT- LAR G E Margaret S. Murphy John C. Sayres Elliot D. Stein O F F ICER - AT- LAR G E Patrick J. Carew P RESIDENT J M H F OUNDATION Calvin K. Knight P RESIDENT AND CEO J OHN M UIR HEALTH Richard O. Vandenberg, Jr. HONORARY DIRECTORS Jean and Ken Hofmann Margery B. Sterns AD V ISOR Y COUNCIL Guy R. Henshaw CHAIR M AN Stephen P. Beinke Linda Best Chuck Bloch Patrick J. Carew Angela M. Coffee Carlotta R. Dathe Stephen L. Davenport William H. (Hank) Delevati Nourollah G. Ghorbani, M.D. Peter D. Gruebele Frederick M. Gutterson Calvin K. Knight Douglas M. Lange, M.D. Michael L. Levine, M.D. Robert S. Lowitz, M.D. James V. Mitchell Ronald E. Nunn Irving M. Pike, M.D. S. Donley (Don) Ritchey Robert F. Saydah Gerald D. Stroffolino Anne Marie Taylor Jack E. Thompson Ken Wienholz Vivian W. Wing, M.D. Photography by mike McEuen Mike Thomas President and CAO John Muir Medical Center, Concord Lolita Lopez i m pa c t u p d at e Your Gifts at Work Photography by Akim Aginsky TECHNOLOGY FOR INNOVATIVE HEART PROCEDURE FUNDED BY DONOR SUPPORT More than 4 million Americans— nearly one out of 10 people age 75 and over—suffer from mitral left atrium regurgitation (MR), which is caused by an anatomical defect mitral valve of the mitral valve of the heart. The mitral valve facilitates blood left ventricle flow from the upper left chamber of the heart (left atrium) to the lower left chamber (left ventricle). MR is a debilitating, progressive and life-threatening disease in which a leaky mitral valve causes a backward flow of blood in the heart. The condition can increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, stroke and heart failure. John Muir Health physicians are among the first in Northern California to offer MR patients a new, minimally invasive, breakthrough treatment option. The procedure, known as transcatheter mitral valve repair, or MitraClip, repairs the mitral valve without the need for open-heart surgery. A clip device is delivered to the leaky heart valve through a blood vessel in the leg and, once implanted, fastens the opening of the leak, allowing the heart to pump blood more efficiently. During the procedure, physicians rely on cutting-edge ultrasound technology called 3-D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to guide the positioning of the clips. The TEE provides physicians with unprecedented scope and views to ensure optimal placement of the clips. With the support of philanthropic gifts, John Muir Health recently purchased a new TEE machine, which makes lifesaving procedures like MitraClip possible. Cardiologist Perkin Shiu, M.D., controls the 3-D transesophageal echocardiograph (TEE) to provide the surgical team behind him with live images of the patient’s heart. Inserted through the patient’s throat, the TEE allows physicians to view the heart from multiple angles, with unprecedented clarity and detail. During a MitraClip procedure, Dr. Shiu pinpoints the exact location of the patient’s valve that needs repair. The TEE images are visible to both Dr. Shiu at his control terminal and also to the surgical team on a large monitor above the operating table. Through a small incision in the patient’s leg, cardiologist Andrew Dublin, M.D., feeds a catheter holding the clip up into the patient’s heart and is able to position it precisely by referring to images Dr. Shiu provides using the TEE. The MitraClip team also includes Faizul Haque, M.D., Paul McWhirter, M.D., Murali Dharan, M.D., and Jatinder Dhillon, M.D. Services Spotlight They Don’t Miss a Beat Meet the Medical Directors of John These seven physician leaders bring a wealth of knowledge, skill and passion to of providing John Muir Health cardiovascular patients with the best possible treatment and care. Meet this dynamic team of committed cardiologists who are advancing cardiovascular services at John Muir Health. Paul McWhirter, M.D. Perkin Shiu, M.D. Jatinder Dhillon, M.D. Medical Director, Noninvasive Cardiology and Rehab – Concord Medical Director, Noninvasive Cardiology and Rehab – Walnut Creek Co-Medical Director, Cardiac Surgery MY work: As a general car- nary bypass grafting, which improves blood flow of a blocked vessel, and also valve replacement. I’m also on the MitraClip team. i’m excited about: The vast improvement in patients’ lives after valve replacement. They can return to normal life. I’m proud of: The fact that for bypass grafting, valves and other heart procedures, we treat more patients than some prestigious academic medical centers. ON MY Wish list: Upgraded, tech-intensive operating rooms specifically for cardiac surgery. Bucket list item: Antarctica. volunteer work: Medical missions to India and the Dominican Republic. My work: I often see pa- tients who are experiencing the first symptoms of heart problems. I mostly work as a generalist, doing everything from angiograms (images of the heart’s blood vessels) to implanting pacemakers and ventricular devices. i’m excited about: How responsive the heart is. We often deliver good results very quickly. I’m also excited about the breakthrough medical technologies that enable us to perform minimally invasive procedures like TAVR and MitraClip. on my Wish list: Cardiac MRI. Currently, we send patients out for this. Bucket list item: Sail the Southern Hemisphere. on my Playlist: Opera, Pearl Jam. diologist, I see a broad range of patients. I do diagnostic angiograms, cardiac imaging and implant pacemakers. i’m excited about: The speed of technological advancements in cardiology. Patients are wonderfully unique. Treatment takes scientific detective work. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT JOHN MUIR HEALTH: My colleagues are world-class. We’re pushing boundaries. ON MY Wish list: A new cardiac rehab gym. Rehab is as potent as some medical therapies. Bucket list ITEM: Climb all mountain peaks 14,000 feet or higher. outside of work: Biking, skiing, former collegiate rower. My work: A lot of coroPhoto of Dr. Eisenberg courtesy of John Muir Health. All other photography by Akim Aginsky. their roles COMMON SENSE Muir Health Cardiovascular Services Ramesh Veeragandham, M.D. Co-Medical Director, Cardiac Surgery MY work: I deal with every- thing involving the heart and blood vessels, i.e., blockages, replacing or repairing leaky valves, aorta issues and electrical issues. i’m excited about: Making a critical difference at a critical time in patients’ lives. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT JOHN MUIR HEALTH: Cardiac surgery is a team sport. Our program is second to none. I’m most proud of the near impossible things we achieve as a team. ON MY Wish list: Upgrading our cardiac operating rooms and building a rehab facility. Bucket list item: Study psychology. Outside of work: Running daily to withstand long hours. . When asked for their best advice for a healthy heart, all seven physicians had one answer in common: Exercise regularly and eat sensibly. As Dr. Shiu put it, “Use that heart—it likes it!” Richard Chang, M.D. Susan Eisenberg, M.D. Gary Gershony, M.D. Medical Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Medical Director, Cardiac Rhythm Center Medical Director, Cardiovascular Research, Education and Technology MY work: As an interven- MY work: I treat the electri- tional cardiologist, I use catheters inside blood vessels for tests or repairs like angioplasties to widen narrowed vessels, pacemaker insertions, opening blocked arteries, or stents. I’m excited about: In an emergency, I can make a dramatic difference. Also, evidence-based medicine doesn’t get any better than cardiology! I’m proud of: Our excellent capabilities to save lives. ON MY Wish list: A dedicated office building with imaging near the cardiac catheterization lab. Bucket list item: Open a charity hospital in the Philippines. outside of work: Professional poker paid for medical school. cal system of the heart. Slow heart rhythms are treated with pacemakers. Fast heart rhythms are treated with either cold energy or hot energy, which is applied to the site of the irregular beat. I’m excited about: Curing atrial fibrillation with cutting-edge technologies. Our work rivals that of academic centers. MY work: As an interventional cardiologist, I perform a lot of TAVR procedures. I also direct research in landmark clinical trials, evaluating new drug therapies, stents and pacemakers. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT JOHN MUIR HEALTH: Foresight and support. New technologies allow us to deliver the highest level of care. Incredible staff. ON MY Wish list: A new 3-D mapping system. This is a quantum leap in medical technology. ON MY Playlist: ’80s rock. Bucket list ITEM: Visit Morocco and Tanzania. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT JOHN MUIR HEALTH: Excellent collaboration among forward-thinking administrators and physician leaders. I’m proud of: Our commitment to build a true heart team for TAVR procedures. Now, we can do more of them. ON MY Wish list: High-tech conference and teaching center using live techniques. Cardiac MRI. BUCKET LIST ITEM: Skipper my own boat and sail the Mediterranean. Outside of work: Sailing, piano. OUT AND ABOUT Celebrate John Muir Health! 2nd Annual Gala november 7, 2015 Thank you to all who participated in “Reaching New Heights,” our second annual Celebrate John Muir Health! gala event, which raised $1.4 million to benefit John Muir Health’s comprehensive cancer services program. The next issue of this Give Health newsletter will feature a closer look at the gala, its attendees, sponsors, activities and how funds raised will benefit cancer patients and programs at John Muir Health. The gala “flight crew” was a team of 60 John Muir Health employees who volunteered to help staff the event on Nov. 7. Gala Co-Chairs Maureen Knight (left) and Margie Murphy A tented reception area was transformed into a bustling airport terminal, complete with an Arrivals Lounge, information kiosks and Baggage Claim (coat check). The decor of the dining area gave guests the feeling of soaring high above the clouds. Bidder paddles were raised high during the live auction and “Make A Difference” fundraising activity that night. 2016 UPCOMING FOUNDATION EVENTS Mistress of Ceremonies Ann Notarangelo April 13 Award of Distinction May 22 Legacy Brunch November 5 3rd Annual Celebrate John Muir Health! Gala Photography by Akim Aginsky; dining area by blueprint studios Concord jet center L E AV E YO U R L E G AC Y The Legacy Within PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ESTATE OF MYRTLE MCGREW There is an emotional and spiritual legacy that lives inside each of us. Most of us are unaware or have not taken the time to identify our own personal, deeply abiding values and the powerful impact they have in our everyday lives. An individual’s value system, or “The Legacy Within,” is usually formed over many years, through numerous experiences, and is often influenced by various traditions, teachers and mentors. Our personal legacy is something that we have inherited and received through the sum of our own life experiences. We quite naturally often desire to share this legacy and have it live on through others. The gift of philanthropy is that it provides an outlet to express the legacy that lives inside each of us. It reminds us of what we value and what we hope to share and pass on to others. Our legacy is about our values, not the value of what we own. “The Legacy Within” evolves over time, is connected to what we care most about and can be discovered by contemplating such questions as “What really matters most to me?” or “What difference would I like to make for future generations?” or “How would I most like to be remembered?” John Muir Health Foundation’s Office of Legacy Planning invites you into this discovery process. For more information on how you can discover and celebrate your own “Legacy Within,” please contact Michael Crvarich, Vice President, Legacy Planning and Major Gifts, at (925) 941-2120 or michael.crvarich@ johnmuirhealth.com. Through her generous bequest, Myrtle McGrew will continue to help John Muir Health cardiovascular patients far beyond her lifetime. Myrtle McGrew’s Legacy Within Last year, donor Myrtle M. McGrew (1915–2015) left an estate gift of more than $2 million for the very first named endowment to benefit Cardiovascular Services at John Muir Health. Myrtle’s values of healthy living, access to quality health care and the experiences of caring for her siblings who suffered from heart disease helped shape her “Legacy Within,” which she was able to express through her generous bequest. Her legacy ensures that others in our community will continue to receive the highest level of cardiovascular care at John Muir Health for generations to come. Good News! IRA Charitable Rollover Permanently Extended President Obama has signed legislation to permanently extend the IRA charitable rollover for 2015 and beyond. IRA owners age 70½ or older can transfer up to $100,000 from an IRA to a qualified public charity free of federal income tax. The amount transferred can also be used to satisfy a donor’s required minimum distribution. For more information about how an IRA rollover can be of benefit to you and John Muir Health, please contact your IRA custodian or Michael Crvarich, Vice President, Legacy Planning and Major Gifts, at (925) 941-2120 or [email protected]. NonProfit Org. U.S. Postage PAID John muir health foundation John Muir Health Foundation 1400 Treat Boulevard Walnut Creek, CA 94597-2142 WHY we GIVE The Heart of the Matter Photography by Akim Aginsky ELMER AND GLORIA KAPRIELIAN CHERISH QUALITY HEALTH CARE IN OUR community More than 50 years ago, when Elmer and Gloria Kaprielian were raising funds to build John Muir Memorial Hospital, they didn’t know that John Muir Health would become such an important part of their lives. They made their first gift in support of the new hospital in 1959, before the facility even opened, and have been loyal annual donors ever since. In the fall of 2012, their family physician, Dr. Benjamin Sadoff, informed them that Elmer’s aortic valve was “worn out.” He spoke of a new, highly innovative, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure that could replace the valve without Elmer, now age 94, diligently exercises for two hours every Tuesday and Thursday at the Walnut Creek Cardiac Rehab Gym, while Gloria continues her service of the past 37 years as a devoted John Muir Health volunteer. performing open-heart surgery. The valve would be replaced by feeding a catheter to Elmer’s heart through a small incision in his leg. Elmer became the 10th patient at John Muir Health to undergo the minimally invasive TAVR procedure. At the time, John Muir Health was one of only three medical centers in Northern California performing this procedure. Since then, more than 130 TAVR procedures have been performed at John Muir Health. “It was a great experience,” says Elmer. “Dr. Gary Gershony was the lead cardiologist on the team, and he was amazing. All the doctors and nurses took care of me, and they took care of Gloria, too. They were there for us the whole time.” The Kaprielians’ positive experiences have validated the reasons why they helped rally support for John Muir Memorial Hospital half a century ago. ”We love that John Muir Health is always looking to improve and do more for the community,” says Gloria. “We are so fortunate to have this world-class health system right here in our own backyard.”