Trinity Health Oakland Receives Major Gift to Establish Heart Rhythm and Valve Clinics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Von Lozon
Pager: (248) 725-2400
von.lozon@trinity-health.org

PONTIAC, Mich. (May 4, 2026) – Trinity Health Oakland has received a major monetary gift from Sandra Lyness, PhD, a hospital donor and patient, given in honor of her physician, Interventional Cardiologist Michele DeGregorio, M.D., FACC. The donation will support the construction of a dedicated Heart Rhythm Clinic & Heart Valve Clinic. Co locating the two clinics in a shared space, with both specialized and shared staff, will improve access, streamline care delivery, and enhance the overall patient experience.

The Heart Rhythm Clinic will offer initial consultations for patients with atrial fibrillation and other heart arrythmias, providing comprehensive evaluation and guidance on treatment options. Meanwhile, the Heart Valve Clinic will support patients being considered for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other structural heart conditions by offering evaluation, education, and care coordination.

“Dr. DeGregorio is an experienced and well respected cardiologist and leader and, as this generous donation demonstrates, he is deeply valued by his patients, many of whom attribute their lives and longevity to his experienced and compassionate care,” said Fabian Fregoli, M.D., chief medical officer and president at Trinity Health Oakland. “This gift will significantly enhance our ability to coordinate care for patients with atrial fibrillation and advanced structural heart disease, including complex heart valve conditions.”

Trinity Health Oakland is recognized as a leading cardiovascular program in Oakland County and across Michigan. The hospital’s heart and vascular services are supported by an experienced team of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and vascular surgeons, all of whom are board certified and fellowship trained in their respective subspecialties. In addition, many nurses, technicians, and therapists hold specialty certifications and advanced training in cardiovascular care, ensuring patients receive the highest level of expertise and treatment.

“Making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families is why I chose cardiology,” said Dr. DeGregorio. “Trinity Health Oakland has become a destination for advanced heart care, and this gift further accelerates our momentum as we continue building one of Michigan’s leading cardiovascular programs.”

According to the American Heart Association and global epidemiologic research, the incidence of both atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease is expected to increase by approximately 25 percent over the next decade, driven largely by an aging population and improved survival from cardiovascular disease, placing growing strain on traditional models of care.

Purpose-built, co-located clinics like the Heart Rhythm and Heart Valve Clinics are designed to address this challenge by streamlining evaluation, improving care coordination, and reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment for complex cardiovascular conditions.

“Philanthropy plays such a powerful role in advancing care, innovation, and healing,” said Doug Ferrick, vice president of Philanthropy at Trinity Health Southeast Michigan. “When donors like Dr. Lyness invest in programs like these clinics, they are helping ensure that our future patients receive the right care at the right time in the right location.”

If you would like to learn more about or support Trinity Health Oakland’s Cardiovascular Services Program, please contact the Trinity Health Michigan Office of Philanthropy at 734-712-4040.

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About Trinity Health Michigan
Trinity Health Michigan is a leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 24,000 full-time employees serving 29 counties, Trinity Health Michigan is composed of nine hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Howell, Livonia, Muskegon, Oakland and Shelby, and two medical groups. The health system has 2,314 beds and 5,446 physicians and advanced practice providers. With operating revenues of $4.16 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $184 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 23 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents.