Personal Stories

Putting People First

Diane Amato creates a healing community

Diane Amato prepares a patient for upcoming heart surgery.

As Administrator of Columbia's Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Diane Amato plays a dual role: She uses her business acumen to keep the office running smoothly, streamlining billing procedures, and managing a staff of 22 health care professionals. In addition, she serves as an outreach coordinator for Craig Smith, MD, Chief of the division, providing medical information, practical support, and a good old-fashioned dose of TLC for all those in his care. "This is a passion, not a job," she says. "People are my number one priority."

Columbia's heart surgeons have a reputation for innovation and are among the best in the nation. "We also treat our patients like family members," Amato adds. "We're available 24 hours a day to guide them through some of the most challenging moments of their lives."

On orientation day, Amato presents patients with a tote bag and a navy warmup suit to be worn on the morning of their surgery. Patients also receive an information packet, with a DVD explaining their procedure. Amato then tells patients and their families what to expect from surgery. From that moment on, she's available to answer questions, field problems, and provide moral support.

Cynthia Agerup was recovering from a hysterectomy when she found out that her husband, Dennis, needed surgery for an aortic aneurysm." Dennis was only 55 and had no symptoms, so we were in a state of shock," she says. "Dr. Smith calmly explained our options then introduced us to Diane, who saw that I was teary. She put her arms around me and from that moment, I knew I had a friend."

A few days after Dennis Agerup was discharged, Cynthia was concerned about her husband's response to a bloodthinning medication. Amato immediately set up an appointment with Columbia Physician Assistant, Joseph Costa. "You can stay here for monitoring, or go home and call me if you feel worse," Costa told the Agerups, "I'll meet you here any time, even if you call at 3 AM."

"This gave us tremendous peace of mind," Cynthia says. "In the last five years I'd dealt with a lot of hospitals and whenever I needed help, I got stuck with a telephone recording."

Amato also referred the Agerups to the Heart-of-Hearts support group run by Columbia health educator Lisa Mainieri, MPH, MSW. "We talk about the psychological effect of heart surgery, as well as nutrition, exercise, and other activities post-op," says Mainieri.

On the one-year anniversary of Dennis Agerup's bypass, Cynthia had this to say: "Diane and all the doctors at Columbia gave us something money can't buy. At every turn, they offered us their hearts."