From the Heart, For the Heart
Patients don’t care how much a doctor knows until they know how much a doctor cares. A comforting bedside manner is more important than we realize—until we experience it firsthand.
Martha Frey Dillenberg (’70 AS) and her husband, Tom, experienced outstanding care from cardiologist Dr. Peter Buttrick. As he cared for her heart, he touched both their hearts in a profound way, inspiring them to donate $1.875 million to support Buttrick’s cardiology research, the division of cardiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and to establish the First Tee Scholarship Program.
“Dr. Buttrick took us under his wing, gave us personal care,” says Martha, who has had two strokes and a heart attack. “He explained everything so well that I calmed down. He even called us at home to see how we were doing.”
“We decided that kind of quality and caring needs funding,” Martha said. As a 1970 graduate of the University of Colorado and later as the first director of major gifts at the University of Colorado Foundation, Martha understands firsthand the need for philanthropic support.
Exciting research in the division is already underway. 3D models of patients’ hearts will help surgeons better understand cardiac problems prior to surgery, and research on electrophysiology will minimize how invasive surgery impacts patients.
Martha and Tom are confident that their gift will lead to advancements in cardiology research and education, and highlight the essential role that a compassionate bedside manner can play in a patient’s recovery.
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