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Gift funds new cardiac fellowship program

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Sentara Health, through the Sentara Foundation, and Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, announced an agreement Aug. 19, 2024, with The Kaufman Foundation, founded by George M. and Linda H. Kaufman of Norfolk, Va., to establish an Academic Cardiology Fellowship Program for the Sentara Heart Hospital at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital through an annual gift and endowment.

The combined efforts will establish the George M. and Linda H. Kaufman Chair of Academic Cardiology. The George M. and Linda H. Kaufman Academic Chair of Cardiology will be appointed as a Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University faculty member, practice in Sentara Medical Group and oversee Sentara’s academic pursuits in cardiology, including the development of a fellowship in cardiology.  

The gift includes an annual donation of $200,000 until funding of a $5 million gift endowment.  

“Sentara is honored to partner with the Kaufman Foundation to enhance the quality of cardiac care for the Hampton Roads area for generations to come,” said Jordan Asher, MD, Sentara’s executive vice president and chief clinical officer.  “I am grateful to Linda Kaufman for her passion and commitment to the health of this region. This gift is a wonderful example of how collaboration with local leaders can further our not-for-profit mission to improve health in the community we serve and call home.” 

"I am dedicated to elevating the quality of cardiac care in my family's hometown to rival the centers of excellence across the country,” said Linda Kaufman, the Foundation’s president.

Sentara Heart Hospital, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, is the region's first and only dedicated heart hospital. Patients receive comprehensive cardiac services - from diagnostics to open heart surgery and transplants - at one location. This state-of-the-art hospital features all-private rooms, including 112 inpatient beds and 45 pre-/post procedural rooms for patients undergoing interventional cardiac procedures.

In addition, Sentara Heart Hospital houses five cardiac operating rooms designed to accommodate 2,000 cardiac surgeries a year. There are six catheterization labs for diagnostic and interventional procedures. A parking garage with 450 spaces is available to heart patients and families.