Gifts Support Innovation at UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute

UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute is dedicated to providing innovative and state-of-the-art care for its patients. Several recent gifts will help further the institute’s commitment to research and discovery.

Angela and James Hambrick Chair in Innovation

Medhi Shishehbor, MD

In 2014, Angela and James Hambrick established the Angela and James Hambrick Master Clinician in Innovation, an endowed position held by Mehdi Shishehbor, MD, President, UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute. In honor of Dr. Shishehbor’s outstanding achievements, the Hambricks recently made a commitment to elevate his endowed position from a master clinician to a chair, creating the Angela and James Hambrick Chair in Innovation.

“Angela and I are proud to have been able to support the incredible work of UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute through the years,” said James. “This chair not only celebrates Dr. Shishehbor’s leadership, dedication to life-saving research and passion for patient care, but also his ability to recruit an outstanding global team.”

Russ and Connie Lincoln Chair in Cardiovascular Innovation

Yasir Abu-Omar, MD

A gift from Russ and Connie Lincoln, with matching support from the James and Angela Hambrick Foundation, will establish the Russ and Connie Lincoln Chair in Cardiovascular Innovation. Yasir Abu-Omar, MD, Director, Cardiothoracic Transplantation, will be the inaugural chair holder.

“UH has saved my life several times,” said Russ. “In 2007, I was hit by a car and sustained multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. The UH orthopedic and neurological teams brought me back to life.”

In 2012, during surgery to correct blockage in three arteries, Russ said there were complications, causing him to lose a lot of blood. “I said my goodbye to Connie before they revived me.”

Longtime UH supporters, the Lincolns have helped advance research in a variety of clinical areas throughout the hospital system; their latest gift will fuel innovative practices and superior outcomes in cardiology and cardiac surgery.

“It is a true honor to be named the inaugural holder of the Lincoln Chair,” said Dr. Abu-Omar. “We are very grateful for this extremely generous donation by Russ and Connie Lincoln, which will allow us to drive research and innovation in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The ultimate benefit is to our patients and the community, aligning with our mission To Heal, To Teach, To Discover.”

Alexander and Marianna McAfee Chair in Cardiology Innovation

Guilherme Attizzani, MD

The late Alexander and Marianna McAfee remembered UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute in their estate with a gift that created a legacy in both of their names and established the Alexander and Marianna McAfee Chair in Cardiology Innovation.

Guilherme Attizzani, MD, Director, Valve and Structural Heart Disease Center, will be the inaugural chair holder. “Innovative cardiac interventions have revolutionized the way we practice medicine in the last couple of decades, said Dr. Attizzani. “The Valve and Structural Heart Disease Center has been a world leader on these procedures. The amazing gift from the McAfee family will be phenomenal to help expand our knowledge and further consolidate our leadership in the field. I am deeply grateful for their vision and unparalleled support to my research and career and to our Center.”

Alexander and Marianna were both members of the Diamond Legacy Society, which recognizes and celebrates the generosity of friends and supporters who have made an estate, endowed or other planned gift to UH.

"We are grateful to the Hambrick, Lincoln and McAfee families for believing in UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute and our physicians,” said Dr. Shishehbor. “Clearly, their investments in our institute will advance science, innovation and programmatic growth which will then allow UH Harrington to provide better care for our patients in Northeast Ohio."