In 2021, Ambyr Spencer, a clinical operations manager at Primary Children’s Hospital Miller Lehi Campus in Utah, found herself in need of medical care. Her experience with Intermountain Health’s cardiology team, particularly Alberto Brizolara, MD, highlighted the importance of quality and compassionate care.
Ambyr and Dr. Brizolara first met years earlier at St. George Regional Hospital, where he identified her heart murmur. In December 2018, Ambyr’s brother, a pilot, was grounded due to a heart aneurysm. His thoracic surgeon suggested Ambyr get tested for the condition, as it might be genetic. Initially unconcerned, Ambyr eventually decided to see Dr. Brizolara for confirmation.
Dr. Brizolara confirmed she had an aneurysm, though it wasn’t immediately serious. They monitored it every six months, and by January 2021, it had grown large enough to require surgery. “Even though I work in healthcare, and I’ve been around it for many years, you go in that blank moment of ‘What do I do now?’”, Ambyr recalled.
Dr. Brizolara organized her surgery, which took place in October 2021 at Intermountain Medical Center. He coordinated her postoperative care and ensured her sons were tested for any genetic predisposition to heart aneurysms.
Ambyr still sees Dr. Brizolara annually for echocardiograms and every three years for an angiogram CT. Despite the distance, she values the positive experience. “He’ll call me and make sure that I’m good. He will always contact me to let me know if everything’s OK and things are good. If it’s not, he’ll contact me.”
Beyond medical treatment, Ambyr and Dr. Brizolara have bonded on a personal level. “He knows all about my life. We share things in common with snow skiing and mountain biking. He never skips a beat; he always checks on me first as a person and then cares for me as a patient. He became a friend over the years. Plus, I have the confidence that he’s giving me good care.” Ambyr felt included in her treatment. “He included me in my care. It’s that moment when somebody allows you to be present in your own care and doesn’t make you feel like you’re asking [silly] questions. It brings you a different level of comfort when it comes to a doctor like that.”
Dr. Brizolara treats every patient like a friend or family member. “Every person is a person and deserves to be treated that way," he said. Influenced by his physician mother and his experiences in South America, he learned to be sympathetic with people.
He emphasizes compassion and responsibility in providing excellent care. “I don’t feel that I have any superior power,” he said. “I tell [patients] I’m here to advise you. I’m here to coach you. I’m not here to demand you to do anything.” He listens to patients, reads visual and non-verbal cues, and involves them in their treatment with dignity. “It’s their health, it’s their life,” he said. “You have to be the most sympathetic, empathetic, and respectful that you can be.”
Although Ambyr doesn’t see Dr. Brizolara as often now, they still enjoy reconnecting. Inspired by her experience, Ambyr applies this knowledge in her daily work. “I really feel like because I got to be so involved the way that I did is why it went so well and so successful,” she said. “It’s why I do what I do, to give the patient a voice and know that it’s OK to speak up, because if you speak up about your care, you’re going to have a better experience. I think that’s the most important part.”