HealthEast Physician, Patient Named Heroes of 2008 by American Heart Association/Greater Midwest Affiliate

ST. PAUL, MN--(Marketwire - September 24, 2008) - HealthEast Care System announced today that Eric Nussbaum, MD, FACS, has been named a Physician Hero of the Year for 2008 by the American Heart Association (AHA), Greater Midwest Affiliate for his accomplishments in treating patients dealing with aneurysms, strokes and other neurovascular conditions. His patient, stroke survivor Barbara Ladd McNamara, has been named the Patient Hero of the Year for 2008 by the same organization.

Dr. Nussbaum, neurovascular surgeon and Chair of The National Brain Aneurysm Center (located at St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Paul, a member of HealthEast Care System) has spent the last six years creating a world-class neurovascular program that has exceeded nationwide benchmark performance. The program was founded on a collaborative physician approach, evidenced-based research, pioneering treatment discoveries, and a commitment to offering patients the area's first fully dedicated neurovascular intensive care unit.

Over the past year, there were many highlights of Dr. Nussbaum's work including:

--  the creation of The National Brain Aneurysm Center, a sub-specialty
    practice committed to personalized care and superior clinical outcomes for
    patients facing the challenge of brain aneurysms, brain tumors, vascular
    malformations and strokes.
--  his assemblage of a multi-hospital, multi-specialty surgical team to
    perform a medically complex, life-changing surgery for a severely
    disfiguring craniofacial condition on a patient from Ethiopia.
--  his role in successfully treating a local woman with an amazing 13
    brain aneurysms.
    

The patient, Barbara Ladd McNamara, not only survived but is thriving following her three-part treatment plan for those 13 brain aneurysms. She was recognized by the committee for creating an ICU Visitors Guide for families and guests of severely ill patients, sharing her unique story with a variety of local media to educate and inspire others, and serving as "Courage Girl," one of three key heroes of their own stories in the St. Joseph's Hospital awareness campaign.

Dr. Nussbaum and Barbara Ladd McNamara captured two of the four possible awards given in 2008.

They were honored at a patron reception in September and will be recognized at the annual AHA Heart and Stroke Gala in October.

The National Brain Aneurysm Center at St. Joseph's Hospital (formerly the HealthEast Neurovascular Institute) was created in 2002 as the country's first dedicated brain surgery center. It is committed to providing personalized care and unsurpassed clinical outcomes for patients facing the challenge of aneurysms, brain tumors, vascular malformations, and strokes. To learn more, go to www.brainaneurysmcenter.org.

Contact Information: Contact: Lynn Sadoff Senior Public Relations Specialist HealthEast Care System 651-326-3590 (office) 651-864-1023 (enter your phone number, press # and I will be paged) 612-723-8991 (cellular)