Dr. Jodi Abbott is the new president and CEO of the University Hospital Foundation

Like so many of you, I have a close, personal connection with the University of Alberta Hospital.

Following a diagnosis of a second cancer, my husband, Michael, received care on many occasions. A team of incredible physicians and surgeons performed successful surgeries to ensure he would live a long and productive life. Thankfully, he’s doing much better now.

What role did generous community support play in the level of care that Michael and thousands of other patients receive? A significant one, to say the least.

David Finlay, our new board chair, has also experienced the benefits of having a world-class hospital right here in Edmonton. “My family has relied on the hospital to get us through serious medical issues. As difficult as those times were, we were always comforted by the commitment and expertise of the medical staff.”

For many of the most critically ill or injured patients, the University of Alberta Hospital provides hope through knowledge and advancements in patient care that simply aren’t available anywhere else in the province – thanks to our amazing donors.

Knowing that I’m joining an organization that plays such a critical role in providing the technology, research opportunities and highly skilled medical teams needed to deliver the best care possible is nothing short of awe-inspiring. I’m so pleased to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to the University Hospital Foundation.

I’m also a community builder who puts my heart and soul into everything I do. Knowing we can do even more to push the boundaries of care in Alberta and beyond is our next goal. Because we can.

As David says, “Through our donors, we are keeping the University of Alberta Hospital at the leading edge of medical science, diagnosis and treatment. Our dedicated board of trustees brings strong financial and governance expertise to ensure every dollar counts.”

Our donors provide additional investment – financial, intellectual, and through their tireless efforts – that will help shift and shape the future of health and wellness. They will help create better, stronger communities. Many of the research projects we support are on the cusp of transforming care not only for patients here, but around the world.

I believe very strongly that health care in Alberta is changing and that the University Hospital Foundation is in a perfect position to play a significant role in that change.

The time has never been better to be a part of the University Hospital Foundation as a partner, donor or volunteer.