A Family Affair: Grateful Patients Herbert and Lorraine Podell Give Back to HSS
H
erbert S. and Lorraine B. Podell know well the anxious moments experienced by family members awaiting news of a loved one following surgery. So it is only fitting that their generous pledge to Building on Success: The Campaign for the Future of HSS will go toward the naming of a warm and welcoming family waiting room when the Hospital’s new building expansion is completed in 2012. Both Mr. and Mrs. Podell have themselves sought care and treatment at HSS at various times in recent years. A senior managing partner at Podell, Schwartz, Schechter & Banfield, LLP, Mr. Podell first came to Hospital for Special Surgery in 2001. Over time, he developed debilitating hip pain from osteoarthritis and was increasingly unable to enjoy his leisure activities, such as playing tennis and golf. “I knew I had to have surgery – the X-rays showed that the bones were worn out,” he says. “I chose HSS because of its fine reputation and excellent surgeons. The Hospital also has an outstanding record of infection control, which is very, very important. I felt if I needed any surgery, I would want to come here.” In 2008, Mr. Podell underwent hip replacement surgery by Eduardo A. Salvati, MD. “My hip is doing just fi ne now, and the quality of my life has
improved immensely,” he says. In grateful appreciation for the excellent care received at HSS, the Podells have also contributed to the Eduardo A. Salvati, MD, Chair in Hip Arthroplasty. This fund provides vital perpetual
In addition to supporting HSS, the Podells’ philanthropy extends to a number of other organizations and programs. Through their family foundation, they have donated preColumbian art to Syracuse University
support to the Hospital’s joint replacement research, while honoring Dr. Salvati for his 40 years of service to Special Surgery – a career that has enriched the lives of thousands of patients, students, and colleagues, while advancing the course of hip surgery throughout the world.
and sponsored a student fellowship at the Furman Center for Real Estate and Public Policy at New York University School of Law, where Mr. Podell received his law degree.
More recently, an injured shoulder brought Mr. Podell to seek care with Russell F. Warren, MD. Mrs. Podell, who is an owner of New York Dog, a pet clothing and accessories design and manufacturing fi rm, has been a patient of Andrew D. Pearle, MD, and Frank A. Cordasco, MD.
“We have been very pleased with Hospital for Special Surgery and the treatment we’ve received there,” adds Mr. Podell, “and we plan to continue to assist the Hospital in its important work in helping other patients.” ■
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