Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin has been chosen by the Cleveland Clinic, regarded as one of the best teaching hospitals in the country, to become an affiliate member of its Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute.
The two organizations will remain independent, but will share data and clinical research. Teams of physicians from both hospitals will also collaborate on research to improve heart care treatment.
“We have a strong cardiovascular program, and this relationship will help us take it to the next level,” said Michael Cinquegrani, director of Froedtert & MCW’s heart and vascular services. “The best get better by collaborating and learning from each other. Joining our Medical College Physicians group with a proven national performer will accelerate our progress toward having a world-class heart program here in Milwaukee to benefit people throughout the region.”
The Cleveland Clinic’s cardiology and heart surgery program has been ranked No. 1 in the United States by U.S. news & World Report for more than two decades. Froedtert & MCW was chosen for the Heart & Vascular Institute just months after opening its new $140 million Center for Advanced Care at the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, which houses its heart and vascular program.
The 12-story, 613,000-square-foot building opened in October 2015 and became fully operational in January. The Froedtert & MCW Heart and Vascular Center and Transplant Center occupies the buildings entire fourth floor.
Froedtert & MCW leaders anticipate the new affiliation will give patients and doctors access to new treatments and technologies used at the Cleveland Clinic.
“Collaboration and partnership are founding principles of our health system, and this relationship with Cleveland Clinic further demonstrates the value of that philosophy,” said Cathy Buck, president of Froedtert Hospital. “The way forward in health care is through alliances that enable sharing of resources, knowledge and skills.”
Froedtert & MCW is the only hospital in the state and the upper Midwest to become an affiliate member of the Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute.