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Cook Medical Donates $2 Million to Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute Foundation

Posted on: Thursday, 18 January 2007, 09:01 CST

In keeping with their long-standing tradition of supporting medical education, Cook Medical donated $2 million to Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute Foundation to establish the "Barry T. Katzen Medical Director Endowment Fund." As founder and medical director of Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute in Miami, Fla. Barry T. Katzen, M.D., demonstrates a true understanding of interventional medicine and what it can do in place of medication and surgery. Dr. Katzen is the first to hold the chair position named after him.

"I'm incredibly honored, humbled and grateful to Cook Medical for its philanthropy, which will make possible the Institute's ongoing leadership in and commitment to multidisciplinary cardiovascular care. Visionary medical leadership remains a great challenge and this endowment of my position will create continuity for future success," Dr. Katzen said.

Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute was established at Baptist Hospital of Miami in 1987 under the leadership of Dr. Katzen. Physicians from 20 medical and surgical specialties joined together to offer the Institute's comprehensive approach to cardiovascular care. Many other institutions throughout the United States and Europe have since emulated the Institute's model for patient care. In addition, the Institute's medical staff is actively involved in many federally approved clinical research studies to find better, less invasive ways of diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease.

"It is an honor to be able to support this director position and chair that recognizes the excellence of a unique individual and institution," says Cook President Kem Hawkins. "We hope this support will continue Dr. Katzen's vision of high quality, multidisciplinary care and clinical research. Under his direction, the Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute keeps the medical revolution moving, remaining at the forefront of the future of medicine. Cook is proud to serve such a man and such an institution."

"The endowment from Cook is an acknowledgement and testimony to the leadership that Dr. Katzen has provided in bringing together a strong team who continuously develops less invasive treatments for cardiovascular disease," said Bo Boulenger, CEO, Baptist Hospital.

Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. It also includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children's Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital in Tavernier and Baptist Outpatient Services.

About Cook Medical

Cook Medical, the world's largest privately held manufacturer of medical devices, has pioneered numerous innovative clinical technologies for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures since its founding in 1963. Known worldwide as a leading developer, manufacturer and global distributor of medical therapies in the fields of radiology, cardiology, urology, endovascular therapy, women's health, critical care medicine, surgery and soft tissue repair, gastroenterology, bone access, oncology and cellular and genetic treatments, the company won the prestigious Medical Device Manufacturer of the Year Award for 2006 from Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry magazine. For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com.

Source: Business Wire

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