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$1 Million Gift from Grateful Patient to Establish Endowed Chair

The chair was funded by a $1 million gift from a grateful patient of Dr. Britton’s, who wishes to remain anonymous, and was named in memory of Dr. Britton’s late wife, Catherine Sheer Britton, who passed away in 2003 following a long battle with cancer. Dr. Britton plans to use the funds to advance patient care, research and education in cardiothoracic surgery.

“The fact that one of his own patients gave so generously to fund this chair reflects the profound respect and admiration this patient, like so many others, had for both Lew and Catherine,” said Verdile. “We are extremely grateful for this generous gift and for the many opportunities it will afford Dr. Britton to continue delivering the highest quality of cardiothoracic care to his patients.”

According to Dr. Verdile, the Medical Center receives approximately $1 million each year from grateful patients, making 2007’s total more than $2 million.

Dr. Britton joined the Albany Med faculty in 1986. He received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed residencies in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery at Albany Medical Center Hospital, and also completed a fellowship in pediatric cardiac surgery at Boston’s Children’s Hospital. He is a fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Cardiology.

The Albany Medical Center is northeastern New York’s only academic health sciences center. It consists of the Albany Medical College, the Albany Medical Center Hospital and the Albany Medical Center Foundation, Inc. Additional information about the Albany Medical Center can be found at www.amc.edu.