In Good Hands

Donor Liz Horrom is grateful for her recent care at the Robert W. Considine Heart & Vascular Center

Liz Horrom and her husband Ken began supporting McLaren Northern Michigan many years ago when they were both nurses at the hospital. After serving as a nurse and nurse manager in various departments—including the cardiovascular unit—Liz was surprised to find herself here as a patient.

Liz came down with severe stomach issues, but never imagined she could be having a heart attack. “I’m very active and usually never stop moving all day long,” said Liz, “so I was surprised.” She came to the Emergency Department at McLaren Northern Michigan. “The early diagnosis of heart disease in women is often missed. Thankfully, my ER doc, Nick Frame, (MD, Emergency Medicine), did not miss this for a second. He did a great job.”

Dr. Frame admitted Liz to the cardiovascular unit and handed over her care to the cardiovascular team for next steps. “Dr. Frame listened to me and explained everything so thoroughly. I felt very respected.” Liz said. She was also grateful for the nursing staff during her stay; she knew many of the staff from her time at the hospital.

Stephen Mattichak, MD, Interventional Cardiologist, performed her catheterization procedure. “He was very professional and down to earth. He put me at ease,” said Liz. Dr. Mattichak joined Michigan Heart and Vascular in 2020, coming to us from the McLaren Bay Region. “Each and every patient experience means a lot to me,” said Dr. Mattichak. “Helping people understand and manage their symptoms while improving quality of life is very rewarding.”

Liz is grateful for her care. “McLaren Northern Michigan has been known for being a heart center for so long, and it is great to see that we will continue to be one. I’m so very glad that Dr. Mattichak is here. I’ve probably told 10 people about him. He is very personable, respectful and very genuine—besides being efficient and good at what he does.”

Three months after her heart attack, Liz is back to her active days of caring for her home and her grandchildren, and volunteering in the community. The high-quality care Liz received is a direct result of the incredible generosity of many donors who have made heart health a priority here for years. Thank you for your support!