heart transplants were performed by the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program team, bringing the program to a total of 296.
Cardiovascular Health
The heart and vascular systems demand extraordinary care, starting with specialists who expertly monitor every aspect of these vital systems. The Frederik Meijer Heart & Vascular Institute is at the forefront of research and innovation, continually advancing cardiovascular medicine through cutting-edge studies and pioneering new treatments. Thanks to generous philanthropic support, we can provide a true continuum of heart and vascular care, ensuring that our patients receive the most advanced treatments and compassionate care available.
Program Highlights
400th lung transplant
The Richard DeVos Heart and Lung Transplant Program performed its 400th lung transplant in 2025. Aaron, who was being treated for testicular cancer, developed a rare complication from one of his chemotherapy medications, leading to lung damage and ultimately a bilateral lung transplant. As of October 2025, Aaron’s cancer is in remission, and his lungs are doing well. He reports he is looking forward to spending more time with his fiancé, dog, family, and friends while immersing himself in the things he enjoys!
Excellence in vascular surgery
In Fall 2025, the vascular surgery team at the Frederik Meijer Heart & Vascular Institute become the first in Michigan to achieve comprehensive inpatient Vascular Verification from the American College of Surgeons and Society for Vascular Surgery. This national verification recognizes vascular surgery programs that demonstrate a commitment to quality, and continuous improvement of care. Only seven other institutions in the United States have achieved this accreditation.
The talent of tomorrow
In May 2025, the Vascular Future Fellows Program held a two-day intensive course designed to inspire and support general surgery residents who are considering a career in vascular surgery. Supported by philanthropy, this program offers hands-on experience at the Jacob and Lois Mol Cardiovascular Simulation Center and expert mentorship from faculty at the Corewell Health Frederik Meijer Heart & Vascular Institute, as well as other hospitals around the country.
The ninth cohort of the Richard McNamara Cardiovascular Fellowship program, also supported by philanthropy, began their training at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center in July 2025. The tenth cohort was announced in December 2025 and will begin their training over the summer.
Life After VAD: Mark’s Story
Every transplant story is unique, but they all share one thing in common: a new beginning. Five years after receiving his Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) at the Frederik Meijer Heart & Vascular Institute, Mark shared his story of growth and gratitude.
“I’m Mark, and I’ll be 67 years old in 2025. I’m a former college football player, husband, dad, and grandpa. In August 2020, I had a large cardiac event which sent me to Grand Rapids on ECMO and shortly after my VAD was placed, I am back to being able to do everything I ever did, including all the yard work, snow removal, golfing, walking, vacationing, attending football games and traveling to see my 97 & 98-year-old parents in Iowa. I want to express my deepest HEART-felt gratitude for everyone that cared for me or cared about me through this journey. Literally, I would not be here today without everyone who cared for me, looked out for me, or chipped in to help me or my wife during the intense moments. The crisis is over, but the work never ends, so to those that are still pitching in and caring for me, your efforts are so deeply appreciated. The doctors, nurses, technicians, and coordinators have been a joy to get to know, and it feels like my own personal medical family in Grand Rapids. I’m quite certain they are happy I only come to visit for short stays once a month!”
lung transplants were performed by the Richard DeVos Lung Transplant Program team, and over the lifetime of the program, 461 lung transplants have been completed at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center.
transplant patients received financial assistance made possible by philanthropy, including prescription assistance, gasoline gift cards, and meal vouchers.
best hospital for Cardiac Surgery, as ranked by Healthgrades, and the only hospital in Michigan to make the list.
heart transplants were performed by the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program team, bringing the program to a total of 296.
lung transplants were performed by the Richard DeVos Lung Transplant Program team, and over the lifetime of the program, 461 lung transplants have been completed at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center.
transplant patients received financial assistance made possible by philanthropy, including prescription assistance, gasoline gift cards, and meal vouchers.
best hospital for Cardiac Surgery, as ranked by Healthgrades, and the only hospital in Michigan to make the list.
heart transplants were performed by the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program team, bringing the program to a total of 296.
lung transplants were performed by the Richard DeVos Lung Transplant Program team, and over the lifetime of the program, 461 lung transplants have been completed at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center.
transplant patients received financial assistance made possible by philanthropy, including prescription assistance, gasoline gift cards, and meal vouchers.
best hospital for Cardiac Surgery, as ranked by Healthgrades, and the only hospital in Michigan to make the list.
heart transplants were performed by the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program team, bringing the program to a total of 296.
lung transplants were performed by the Richard DeVos Lung Transplant Program team, and over the lifetime of the program, 461 lung transplants have been completed at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center.
transplant patients received financial assistance made possible by philanthropy, including prescription assistance, gasoline gift cards, and meal vouchers.
best hospital for Cardiac Surgery, as ranked by Healthgrades, and the only hospital in Michigan to make the list.
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