USF Health cardiology patient Harold Saied Samhat recently chose to memorialize his wife and thank his physician, Arthur Labovitz MD, with a $50,000 gift in support of cardiovascular research, education and clinical care at USF.

“Everyone at USF, from the people I passed in the hallway to my head cardiac surgeon was friendly, caring and professional,” said Samhat, a semi-retired businessman. “Dr. Labovitz and his team took great interest in my care, providing me with all the necessary testing and referrals. I particularly appreciated their willingness to explain things to me and to my family.”

Dr. Labovitz, chair of the department of cardiovascular sciences at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, has cared for Samhat as a patient for the past five years. In 2016, Samhat underwent a successful quadruple bypass by Robert Hooker MD, who also serves on the USF medical faculty as a member of the Florida Advanced Cardiothoracic Surgery group.

“Supporting USF Health seemed like a natural fit for me to help others access the level of care I was fortunate to receive,” said Samhat. “I firmly believe that each person, regardless of their economic status, is entitled to quality medical care.”

Samhat made the gift in memory of his late wife, Khadeja Elinor Samhat. The couple was married for more than 50 years before her death in 2009.

“It’s such an honor when a patient like Mr. Samhat chooses to support the work we do by making a gift to the program,” said Dr. Labovitz.