Speeches

Cardiovascular Center Dedication

 

June 7, 2007

This is a week of tremendous emotions for the University of Michigan community because of the heartrending loss of our Survival Flight transplant team. We are all grieving for our colleagues and for the pain this tragedy is causing their loved ones and friends.

The life-saving work of Survival Flight and our transplant teams brings hope and optimism to our patients and their families. And it is that spirit, that faith in a healthier tomorrow, which buoys us in our dedication of the Cardiovascular Center.

By gathering as a university family, despite our profound sadness, we want to tell the wider community that the best health care and research will always define the University of Michigan and the exceptional people who work here.

Today is about our heart, as well as the hearts of our patients.

Our patients are going to be in very good hands in this facility. Interdisciplinary research and education are hallmarks of the University of Michigan, and the Cardiovascular Center epitomizes that passion for building bridges. Through our medical teams, this is a facility that recognizes and makes the most of connections—connections between food and health, between genetics and exercise, between gender and disease.

By providing patients and their families with a wealth of services under one roof, we have created a critical mass of expertise and care that is second to none in this country.

This level of care and treatment does not happen without vision, leadership and financial support. When you tour the Cardiovascular Center later today, know that it is the work of many, many people, from our Board of Regents and Dr. Robert Kelch and his outstanding team, to talented planners and architects, and dedicated donors who always want the best for Michigan.

Most importantly, an experienced team of physicians and administrators will lead this extraordinary approach to cardiovascular health: Dr. Kim Eagle, Linda Larin, Dr. David Pinsky, Dr. Richard Prager and Dr. James Stanley.

We thank all of you for making the Michigan Difference in treating and preventing heart and vascular disease.

This week we have been tested as an institution. But our hearts are strong. Strong hearts are what we are all about.