During a routine test, Stephen Farruggia was found to have an aortic aneurysm, a life-threatening balloon-like bulge in a major blood vessel. Cardiothoracic Surgeon Charan Mungara, M.D., performed surgery in February 2021.
Stephen’s daughter, Lauran O’Connor, who is a Registered Nurse at Monument Health in Rapid City, recently nominated Dr. Mungara for the February Monument Health Clinical Excellence Award. She and her father were on hand when the award was presented to Dr. Mungara.
“Utilizing his extraordinary knowledge and skills, Dr. Mungara saved my dad’s life,” Lauran wrote in her nomination letter. “I feel that he went above and beyond, through the entire process, by communicating with us frequently, being especially attentive to my dad during his hospital stay, and also by continually keeping us updated on his progress after surgery.”
Stephen, in a letter to Dr. Mungara, wrote, “It (the award) is well-deserved, and after all you did for me and my family, it is the very least we can do to thank you.”