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The Auburn Heart and Vascular Institute was established in 2023 and occupies space on the third floor of the hospital. It was created to address a "large unmet need" in the community, according to Scott Berlucchi, the hospital's president and CEO.Ìý

The launch of the heart institute became more important when Berlucchi learned that Dr. Rama Godishala, a longtime cardiologist in Auburn, would be retiring this year. Godishala's practice, Auburn Cardiology Associates, closed Sept. 30.Ìý

At a groundbreaking ceremony outside of the hospital's cancer center, Berlucchi highlighted the recruitment of cardiologists who have joined the institute. Among them is Dr. Jay Varanasi, a New York native who had an interventional cardiology practice in North Carolina. He returned to his home state to launch Auburn hospital's cardiac catheterization program.Ìý

Cardiac catheterization is how heart blockages are detected and treated. The heart institute will also offer electrophysiology, which addresses abnormal heart rhythms. This includes implanting defibrillators and pacemakers.Ìý

For now, patients with heart disease or heart rhythm problems must go to another hospital, likely in Rochester or Syracuse, for treatment. Once these services are offered at Auburn Community Hospital, they won't have to leave the county.Ìý

"Patients who are suffering from chest pain and congestive heart failure and, ultimately, having heart attacks are going to get high-quality care in a rapid fashion — and they won't have to be inconvenienced with going some place else," Varanasi said.Ìý

Berlucchi lauded Dr. Ronald Kirshner, who was instrumental in the establishment of the heart institute as its first chair. Kirshner was the chief of cardiac services and cardiothoracic surgery at Rochester Regional Health's Sands-Constellation Heart Institute.Ìý

When Auburn hospital sought the state Department of Health's approval for the heart institute, Berlucchi recalled that Kirshner joined him for the presentation. While Berlucchi could answer general questions about the hospital's proposal, it was Kirshner who handled the technical questions about cardiac care.Ìý

Kirshner, who attended the ceremony Thursday, explained why the heart institute is important in Auburn. They found more patients with heart disease in Cayuga County were having poor outcomes.Ìý

"This project was put together in order to erase this health care disparity," he said.Ìý

The improvements also include expanding operating room capacity. Three more operating rooms will be added to the hospital's existing six-room department.Ìý

The project will be supported by a $21 million state grant that was awarded in February 2023.Ìý

There will be more work at the hospital's North Street campus in the future. Berlucchi previewed other aspects of the strategic plan, including a bone and joint center, neuroscience facility and women's health center.

The hospital has launched a $50 million fundraising campaign to support those projects and other improvements, such as additional parking and a new emergency department.Ìý