Lester R. Sauvage, MD
Founder & Medical Director Emeritus
In 2006, Lester Sauvage, MD celebrated his 80th birthday. The Hope Heart Institute founder continues to work in The Hope offices, coming in to sign letters, autograph books and keep in touch with his former patients.
As a tribute to their decades of service to The Hope and the community, Dr. & Mrs. Sauvage were presented the Wings of Hope award in November 2006. (visit our events page for details)
Dr. Sauvage’s patients tell wonderful stories of the genuine love and concern they were shown by their surgeon. We would like to share those stories. Please tell us about your experience with Dr. Sauvage, as a patient, a family member, a colleague. Click Here to submit your story.
Lester R. Sauvage, MD was a young cardiovascular surgeon in 1959 when he founded the Hope Heart Institute, a cardiovascular research facility. He began his practices at Providence Seattle Medical Center and Children's Medical Center in Seattle just a few months before opening the doors of The Hope. His efforts were balanced between his clinical research and his work as a surgeon.
During his long cardiovascular surgical career, Dr. Sauvage distinguished himself in ways too rarely seen in medical professionals. He appealed to the most human aspects of healing - caring for the "whole person," not just his patients' symptoms. He valued and respected each individual's spiritual needs and recognized the important role a "healthy soul" can play in healing the heart.
His reputation for extraordinary acts of kindness towards his patients is legendary: He was known to check in on his patients in the wee hours of the morning, or to meet a terrified patient at the airport before open-heart surgery. Still known informally among hospital employees as "Saint Sauvage," he clearly has made an unusual impact on his colleagues as well. He encourages us all to focus on the things that bring meaning to our lives.
 Dr. Sauvage's research at the Hope Heart Institute beautifully complemented his surgical career. Drawing in talented researchers who share his mission to serve humanity through this important work, Dr. Sauvage's research teams at The Hope have conducted groundbreaking cardiovascular research. Research achievements include the first successful experimental coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery - the most frequently performed heart surgery today - and design of improved artificial arteries and heart valves.
Thousands of surgeries and more than two decades later, The Hope continues to conduct pioneering cardiovascular research. Dr. Sauvage retired from surgery in 1991, but as Medical Director Emeritus of The Hope, he has hardly retired from his mission of service. Today, he spreads heart-healthy messages to people worldwide through his three books:
You Can Beat Heart Disease: Prevention and Treatment explains medical science in understandable terms to help people live longer, healthier lives.
The Open Heart: Secret to Happiness presents real-life accounts from Dr. Sauvage and ten of his former patients. Each story shares wisdom about health, healing, happiness and spirituality. Read an excerpt from The Open Heart.
The Better Life Diet ©: A simple plan for a long and youthful life is Dr. Sauvage's most recent work (January 2000). It provides easy-to-follow guidelines and tips for heart-healthy nutrition.
Dr. Sauvage also appears on radio and television programs to share his powerful messages. To arrange a presentation by Dr. Sauvage, please call 425-456-8701.
To order Dr. Sauvage's books, call toll-free: (800) 888-4741 or visit our Shop The Hope page. Learn more about Dr. Sauvage on his website at www.drsauvage.com.
To view Dr. Sauvage's curriculum vitae, click here.
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January 31,
2009
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