An Insider's Appreciation

WRITTEN BY NANCY STEINER

Glenn Gorlitsky, MD, is an internal medicine physician who has practiced in the community and been affiliated with Saint John's for more than 40 years. In addition to referring his patients to Saint John's, his own children and grandchildren were born here, and he once received care at the hospital, too.

"Sometimes doctors don't like to go to their affiliated hospitals because of privacy, but I felt secure knowing I'd receive excellent care," he said. "It was a very good experience."

Dr. Gorlitsky has raised funds for the Saint John's Health Center Foundation and given substantial funds of his own. In addition, he and his wife, Kendra Gorlitsky, MD, named Saint John's as one of their trust's beneficiaries.

They chose to give to Saint John's for two reasons. "I practice in this community, and I want my patients to have the best care. Nonprofit hospitals need additional funds to give the caliber of care they want to give," he says. "Also, I'm a client. I may need the hospital in the future, and I want the best hospital we can possibly create."

Dr. Gorlitsky has encouraged friends and associates to give to the health center. When patients ask him how they can thank him, he suggests a donation to Saint John's.

"Where you choose to give is your legacy," he says. "When you think about including your church or university or favorite charity, think about including your hospital, which needs funds to function at the highest level."