A.H.A. Honors Dr. Mark W. Connolly

NEWARK, N.J. (July 19, 2007) –– Dr. Mark W. Connolly, chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and director of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Saint Michael’s Medical Center, was honored by the American Heart Association, Northern New Jersey Regional Board, at its Second Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner held recently at the Van Vleck House and Gardens in Montclair.

Dr. Connolly was recognized for his volunteer efforts in support of the annual Affair of the Heart Gala, which benefits the American Heart Association. Dr. Connolly, who has also served on the organization’s Leadership Board, was the first doctor to be honored as “Physician of the Year” by the American Heart Association in Northern New Jersey in 2006. He was selected in recognition of his work at Saint Michael’s Medical Center, where he has championed a number of new procedures, including minimally invasive heart surgery, beating heart coronary artery bypass graft surgery, valve repair in lieu of valve replacement, endoscopic radial artery and saphaenous vein harvesting, radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, and aortic surgery.

Felicia Karsos, administrator of Saint Michael’s Medical Center, said, “Dr. Connolly is widely recognized for his successful surgical intervention, especially in complex and high-risk cases. In the recently published report, Cardiac Surgery in New Jersey 2004, the N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services acknowledged Dr. Connolly as having one of the lowest risk-adjusted patient mortality rates in the state. We are proud that he carries on a long tradition of top-quality heart care at Saint Michael’s Medical Center.”

Robert Evans, president of Cathedral Health Services and chief of operations for Cathedral Healthcare System, said, “As a board member of the American Heart Association, I have worked with many wonderful people to fight cardio-vascular disease. Superb clinicians such as Dr. Connolly inspire us to keep up the fight. I know Mark Connolly personally and professionally and know he is most deserving of this honor.”

Saint Michael’s Medical Center, a 337-bed regional primary-care, teaching, and research center, is an affiliate of Cathedral Healthcare System, a nonprofit hospital system that also comprises Saint James Hospital and Columbus Hospital in Newark. All are affiliated with Catholic Health and Human Services Corporation and support the mission of the Archdiocese of Newark. More information is available online at www.cathedralhealth.org.