CHRIS JOHANNSEN introduced fellow Rotarian FRED KUIPERS, whose career in Cardiology seemed a natural fit for his program on Interventional Cardiology. Heart disease is the leading cause of death with cancer in second place. In 1958 a mistake at the Cleveland Clinic made Mason Sones realize X-rays could be made of the heart enabling doctors to preform coronary bypass surgery and later cardiac catheterization to save heart attack patients. FRED learned the procedure from Dr. Sones and began performing the procedures in 1964 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette. In 1977 the first angioplasties were performed and between 1977 and 1994 stints became available in increasing degrees of technological effectiveness. Having been on both ends of the catheter, FRED understands the necessity of being quick and gentle when dealing with the heart. DICK GRIPE was recognized for bringing great heart surgeons to Lafayette. When asked for the number one thing a person can do to avoid heart problems, the reply was “don’t smoke”. Or quit.

JIM'S WISDOM:
AEIOS.  JIM’s memory aid for the Object of Rotary.  The second Object is: High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.  JIM adds that high ethical standards in personal relationships should be added to this Object.