The physicians and staff of The University of Toledo Medical Center derive their greatest gratification from providing personalized patient care and successful treatment.
And when that care has been particularly satisfying to the patient, it may also result in a smile of gratitude, note of thanks, or in some cases, even a financial gift of support for the hospital.
Alfred and Adela Mundt’s recent $140,000 gift to the UT Medical Center is the result of such an experience.
Married in 1983, the couple began their marriage facing the trauma of Mr. Mundt’s first heart attack. Following a quadruple bypass, a pacemaker attempt was unsuccessful, and he was put on the list for a heart transplant.
The transplant was completed at the former Medical College of Ohio (now the UT Medical Center) in January 1998. Ten years later, Mr. Mundt is doing “wonderfully,” his wife said, thanks to the successful surgery and the ongoing care he has received through the years.
“We’ve had such wonderful treatment from the healthcare community here that we wanted to do something in return,” said Mrs. Mundt.
The Mundts, owners of Barron’s Cafe, Loma Linda and Ventura’s restaurants, believe the UT Medical Center is an important part of a vibrant Toledo community.
“There’s so much more to Toledo than many people realize,” Mrs. Mundt said. “We have a beautiful museum of art, wonderful restaurants, and a terrific university.”
She said the UT Medical Center’s physicians and staff are especially an advantage. “We have outstanding medical care here,” she said.
Beyond the clinical expertise they’ve witnessed, Mrs. Mundt said their own experience with the Medical Center staff has been like being part of a “family group.” Her husband’s care by the late heart surgeon Dr. Thomas Walsh was particularly gratifying.
“He was not just a terrific medical doctor, but also a friend who treated you like someone special,” explained Mrs. Mundt. “That’s so important, especially when you’re dealing with significant health issues.”
The Mundts’ gift, which they’ve directed to benefit the UT Medical Center’s cardiovascular program, is another important step toward providing enhanced treatment and care, said Dr. Jeffrey Gold, UT executive vice president and provost for Health Affairs, and dean of the College of Medicine.
“We are deeply grateful to the Mundt family for their ongoing support of our cardiac programs at The University of Toledo,” he said. “Their continued generosity and vision will impact generations of learners at all levels.”
Private gifts to the Medical Center are often the impetus for leading-edge treatments and solutions. “This particular gift,” Dr. Gold noted, “will impact the technical skills necessary to treat cardiac and vascular patients.”
“Al and Adela have made a transformational gift,” said Vern Snyder, UT vice president for Institutional Advancement. “Their sense of community, combined with their philanthropy, will have a significant impact on the cardiovascular program for a very long time. It is a special privilege to know Al and Adela.”