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Dr. Richard Shlofmitz guides family to better health over decades
Dr. Shlofmitz went on to treat Steinlauf’s father at various times. He also treated his mother, Amelia, prior to and after heart bypass surgery. Steinlauf says that Dr. Shlofmitz has always been accessible, returning calls and quelling the concerns of patients or their family members.
“It’s impressive the amount of engagement he has with patients. To deal with any illness in the hospital in recent years has been a challenge, but he’s been incredible,” said Steinlauf.
Steinlauf’s father-in-law was also a patient of Dr. Shlofmitz and underwent a variety of procedures at St. Francis over the course of 35 years. When he developed bladder cancer, Dr. Shlofmitz was there to refer his father-in-law to a colleague and specialist at the hospital, who helped extend his quality of life by more than a year. His fatherin-law recently passed away at the age of 93.
“Dr. Shlofmitz was there to offer support and direction throughout his final days,” added Steinlauf.
Richard A. Shlofmitz, MD, System Chair of Cardiovascular Services, Catholic Health and Chair of Cardiology, St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center®, has been a trusted clinical counselor for Ronald Steinlauf’s entire family.
Ron’s father, Jerry, was treated with an angioplasty at St. Francis in the late 1980s. Although Dr. Shlofmitz was not yet his father’s physician, that was still a special time for Steinlauf’s connection with St. Francis Hospital. He met his wife there, who was his father’s nurse. They’ll celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary this year.
As longtime supporters of St. Francis Hospital, the Steinlauf family most recently made a donation to support Dr. Shlofmitz’s research in cutting-edge technology to improve treatments for patients. The family has also supported other areas of the hospital, including The Cancer Institute.
Steinlauf stressed how important it is to his family to support St. Francis Hospital. He said that despite the hospital’s growth, it remains approachable and offers top-quality care for its patients.
