Mount Auburn Hospital has long been known for its outstanding, personalized cardiology care. Staffed by nine full-time cardiologists, two cardiothoracic surgeons, and an incredible support team composed of nurses, technicians, and cardiac rehabilitation experts, Mount Auburn provides the excellent care typical of a major medical center with an attention to detail and personal touch only possible in a smaller community setting. Philanthropy will remain deeply impactful in meeting the needs of the growing community and helping Mount Auburn stay at the forefront of cardiac care with reinvented spaces, current technology, and the latest procedures.
After suffering a cardiac arrest in 2013, Marc Rottman was rushed to the ER, where the quick decision-making of Kyle Pond, MD, Chief of Cardiology, and colleagues saved Rottman’s life. At the time, Rottman was in his late twenties, in good health, and far from the demographic of older individuals who are at higher risk for heart failure or heart attacks. The team utilized the Cardiac Catheterization Lab to stabilize Rottman with a stent, and years later, he continues to receive cardiac care at Mount Auburn. “Dr. Pond has been at the helm of my care since the day I was brought in to Mount Auburn,” says Rottman. “Beyond the incredible quality of care I received, and continue to receive, Dr. Pond personally made it a priority to get to know my family and develop a relationship with them as well, as they were critical to my initial recovery, subsequent treatment, and continued care.” Rottman’s experience embodies Mount Auburn’s “here for you” mission and its dedication to creating relationships in the community while providing second-to-none health care.
Philanthropy is essential to keeping cardiac care at Mount Auburn on the cutting edge of medicine. Longtime hospital supporter and former employee Marylen Sternweiler understands the vital importance of investing in cardiac services and equipment, as well as the powerful impact of pairing incredible care with technology to match. A pioneer of the hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program, Sternweiler aided patients through the recovery process after their cardiology-related procedures. “Our goal was, and still is, to help patients get back to leading healthy lives with healthy hearts,” says Sternweiler. “Supporting the hospital philanthropically to update cardiac spaces and equipment, while also enabling the staff to keep learning through educational programs, leads to patients requiring less post-procedural care.”
Mount Auburn’s focus on enhancing cardiac care reflects its commitment to keeping the community healthier by providing the best and latest treatments. “There’s been an evolution toward gentler, smaller, and more precise interventions in heart health over the past few decades,” says Victor McElheny, a supporter and grateful patient. “This change is helping a much larger slice of the population than ever before. Pairing these incredible physicians who are continuing to learn new techniques with updated technology and reinvented spaces to work in is a recipe for continued success for Mount Auburn.”
Philanthropy is vital to updating equipment and renovating the cardiology space at Mount Auburn—ultimately leading to even better care for those in need. “The proposed updates to the space and equipment will have a large impact on our ability to treat patients effectively, efficiently, and safely,” says Pond. “These areas are vital to keeping our patients healthy when seconds can make an immense difference.”
Kyle Pond, MD