The American Heart Association’s (AHA) seventh annual Vermont Go Red For Women Luncheon attracted more than 450 attendees and featured special recognition for Frank Ittleman, M.D., professor of surgery and cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Vermont/Fletcher Allen Health Care. The event took place January 30, 2014 at the Sheraton Burlington (Vt.) Hotel & Conference Center.

The UVM College of Medicine and Fletcher Allen served as joint sponsors of the event, which included a morning panel discussion moderated by former Vermont Governor Madeleine Kunin, a silent auction, and luncheon keynote and survivor presentations.

Ittleman was named Vermont’s 2014 recipient of the Crystal Heart Award, which recognizes an individual who has contributed to the mission of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Mary Cushman, M.D., M.Sc., Vermont AHA board chair and UVM professor of medicine, provided remarks about Ittleman at the event.

“He believes, as many of us in this room do, that the soul is in the heart,” said Cushman. “He isn’t just an amazingly successful surgeon from the technical perspective; he truly cares for his patients. In turn, he appreciates the gratitude that they bestow upon him.”

Cushman added that currently, the AHA is providing $1.2 million in funding support to UVM researchers.

UVM/Fletcher Allen cardiologist Frederike Keating, M.D., delivered a keynote address at the luncheon.

In addition to Ittleman, past Vermont Crystal Heart Award recipients from UVM include Paula Tracy, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry, Mary Cushman, M.D., M.Sc., professor of medicine, and Jennifer Nachbur, senior public relations officer.