Ted Frank, MD, has many titles – husband to Cynthia, father of two, Atrium Health cardiologist and director of Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute’s (SHVI) Heart Transplant Program. He’s also well known for his love of running. The avid marathoner devotes himself not only to his family and running goals, but also to his patients.
Dr. Frank and his fellow Sanger teammates are dedicated to meeting the needs of heart transplant and ventricular assistive device patients as they navigate what is, for many, the most difficult journey of their lives. This includes meeting patients’ physical, emotional and financial needs associated with a major heart procedure. For many patients, covering the cost of medical and non-medical needs associated with their care and recovery can be a hardship. This is where Dr. Frank has stepped in.
He combined his passion for running with his desire for his patients’ health by creating the Heart Transplant Run two years ago. The event – which brings together former and current patients, members of SHVI, and community members of all ages – has raised $80,000 for the Heart Transplant Patient Special Needs Fund. The dedication Dr. Frank and his team have shown their patients through this meaningful endeavor exemplifies one of Atrium Health’s guiding principles: patient-centered care.