Patients interviewed for this story are identified only by their initials and cities of residence
The expression “listen to your heart” takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to vascular medicine.
Our blood vessels supply oxygen and nutrients to our bodies. But a blockage in a blood vessel, such as an embolism or blood clot, can be life-threatening.
For two Endeavor Health patients, listening to their hearts led them to Endeavor Health Director of Vascular Medicine Alfonso J. Tafur, MD, MS, MBA, who works at the Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute (CVI). Thanks to philanthropic support and institutional investment, the CVI has expanded to provide the most comprehensive care for all patients in the region.
A heart crisis
Northbrook resident B.W., a 75-year-old retired financial and management professional, led a healthy and active lifestyle. He had been a marathon runner and worked out three times a week. But he suddenly experienced shortness of breath and had a hard time walking up the stairs. It took many appointments to discover that B.W. had a crisis of embolisms.
B.W. eventually connected with Dr. Tafur to address his diagnosis of multiple acute pulmonary emboli in a main artery and instantly knew he’d found a trusted partner in his heart care.
“Dr. Tafur is very present and engaged in our conversations,” B.W. said. “He’s very responsive, very caring.”
Dr. Tafur helped B.W. with his blood thinner medications to manage his embolisms. When B.W. needed spinal surgery, Dr. Tafur also helped him transition his blood thinners before and after surgery. To this day, B.W. works with Dr. Tafur to manage his embolisms and continues to do the things he enjoys, like spending time with his grandchildren.
“[Dr. Tafur] is one of the first people I call if I have a problem,” said B.W. “I can’t say enough good things about him.”
A physician and a friend
For Winnetka resident S.B., an 80-year-old woman who raised her family in the North Shore community, Dr. Tafur has become more than just a physician. Since helping her manage blood clots following back surgery, he’s become a close friend.
“He’s unbelievably special, and he’s always been there for me,” said S.B.
She remembers calling Dr. Tafur late one night when she was experiencing leg pain while on a vacation cruise. Even though Dr. Tafur was half a world away on his own vacation, he helped S.B. over the phone to make sure she was well cared for. Dr. Tafur also encouraged S.B.’s husband to see a urologist following a leg examination, which resulted in a kidney cancer diagnosis.
“[Dr. Tafur] saved my husband’s life,” S.B. added. “He’s just amazing, and we’ve built this close friendship despite our generational differences.”
A regional destination
Patients like B.W. and S.B. can access world-class heart care at the newly opened Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute at Glenbrook Hospital. More than 14 cardiovascular programs and 50 specialist physicians are centralized at the CVI.
Philanthropic support of the CVI has established The Bergstrom Interventional and Surgical Center and the new Pepper Family Foundation Endowed Chair of Cardiovascular Excellence and Education.
As B.W. and S.B. can attest from their experiences, the care teams at the CVI ensure their patients’ health is in the best hands.
In addition to patient care, the CVI is a hub for medical education where the next generation of healthcare professionals train — including medical students, residents, fellows and allied health experts.
“I was drawn to the cardiology fellowship [at Endeavor Health] because of the research program, as well as the remarkable physicians who are my teachers and mentors,” said Luis Paz Rios, MD, a Cardiovascular Institute fellow. “I truly believe there are no limits to what we can do for patients here.”
Vascular Medicine fellows at the CVI spend the majority of their time with patients, often working in sub-specialty, outpatient clinics like the cancer-thrombosis clinic led by Dr. Tafur.
A unique sub-specialty clinic and one of the only clinical services in the area with expedited specialty care, the cancer-thrombosis clinic helps patients with cancer who are at a higher risk of developing blood clots due to their disease. Fellows who work in the cancer-thrombosis clinic gain valuable learning opportunities.
“When the student is ready to learn, and a curious question is asked with humility, something remarkable happens — a moment where new knowledge is born, shaped by the patient’s story,” said Dr. Tafur. “That is the true magic of medical education.”
Leading the way
Innovation, education and community connection combine to fulfill Endeavor Health’s purpose of helping its patients enjoy longer, healthier lives.
Looking ahead, Dr. Tafur hopes to expand the Vascular Medicine Fellowship Program to attract the best and brightest in cardiovascular care to help Endeavor Health patients with blood vessel care needs — patients like B.W. and S.B.
“What makes our Vascular Medicine fellows at the CVI special is their deep commitment to both precision and compassion,” said Dr. Tafur. “They stand at the crossroads of complex science and human vulnerability — bringing patients not just expertise, but hope.”
These inspirational stories would not be possible without philanthropic support. We are powered by the generosity of donors who directly impact our ability to deliver on our commitment to providing community-connected care for every person, every time.
Masthead photo credit: Jon Hillenbrand
