Mayo Clinic Patients Share 'Stories of the Heart' with Health Care Providers

Monday, September 29, 2008

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Clinic heart patients and family members again will share their stories in "Stories of the Heart: Through the Eyes of Our Patients." This event will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, and from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, in Geffen Auditorium, Gonda Building, 100 Third Ave. S.W.

Patients will talk about their care at Mayo Clinic, focusing on the impact of Mayo staff during their stay. Approximately 900 allied health professionals and physicians have been invited to attend. Mayo has conducted this gathering twice previously.

"We are presenting the third 'Stories of the Heart' because of the overwhelming success of the prior programs. Hearing patients tell their stories, share personal insights of their care, and express their appreciation of the total team involved is very gratifying," says David Hayes, M.D., chair of the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases. "Some of our staff in the cardiovascular division have never seen themselves as members of our larger team, or fully appreciate their own contributions to the patient's experience. Everyone makes a difference, and they need to hear and understand how their contributions impact the successful experience of the patient."

Four patient stories will be told through videotaped interviews. Three of the four also will attend the event and speak directly to their health care providers. Here are their stories:

-- A man in his early 80s began experiencing rapid and irregular heartbeat, and found the answer at Mayo Clinic. Following a procedure to correct the abnormality, he is at home in California, where he is an active and well-known artist.

-- An 18-month-old girl has had three heart surgeries to correct hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a birth defect that becomes apparent within hours of being born. Her family expects her to undergo one more surgery. She is currently doing well.

-- A man in his 60s recently received a heart transplant. Originally from Spain, he has lived in Rochester for several years during his cardiac care. He is active in the Rochester community, including welcoming others as a Mayo Clinic volunteer.

Note: The media is welcome to cover the event and interview patients and staff. Please contact John Murphy at (507) 284-5005 to schedule arrangements.

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