Heroic Doctor Saves the Life of Colleague at Silver Cross Hospital

In a story that comes straight from the heart, interventional cardiologist Dr. Hong Jun “Francisco” Yun has earned the Silver Cross Compass Award for saving the life of a Silver Cross colleague earlier this year. The award recognizes doctors and advanced practice providers on Silver Cross Hospital’s medical staff for providing safe, quality, compassionate care and is given monthly.

Last week’s jam-packed celebration in the hospital’s Interventional Pre/Post/Recovery (IPPR) unit included dozens of staff members, Dr. Yun’s wife and 2 children – and Dr. Kamran Ayub, esteemed Medical Director of the Advanced Endoscopy Center at Silver Cross, and fellow medical staff member whose life was saved by Dr. Yun’s heroic actions.

The hospital’s Facebook post announcing Dr. Yun’s award earned more than 101,000 views, 100+ comments praising both doctors and 134 shares – and continues to grow.

Dr. Yun of Heart Care Centers of Illinois received 4 Compass Award nominations in all for demonstrating extraordinary leadership in a crisis, but it was Katie Lowe, MSN, RN, CV-BC, Clinical Director of Cardiovascular and Endoscopic Services, who read hers to those assembled.

“Without hesitation, Dr. Yun responded, performed CPR, lead the resuscitation efforts, escorted him to the ER, assumed care, and essentially saved his life,” Lowe said. “Anyone who has worked alongside Dr. Yun would not be surprised to hear this story. What I found most profound about this event is that when I spoke afterwards to Dr. Yun, he shared that it was his first time providing bystander CPR. I believe that no one ever truly knows how they will react when faced with crisis. Dr. Yun could have chosen to focus on his own patients, schedule, and job responsibilities that morning. He chose to act, to lead, and to demonstrate all 6 of the Silver Cross values. His actions impacted every patient, visitor, and team member who were present that day. Thank you, Dr. Yun, for providing an exceptional patient care experience!”

“I was in the right place at the right time,” Dr. Yun humbly told the crowd while praising IPPR staff who assisted him that day. “I’m just happy the outcome was a good one.”

As Dr. Yun patiently posed for pictures afterwards, one in particular drew loud applause (and tears) from the crowd: when Dr. Ayub joined him.

“It was an extremely emotional moment for me,” Dr. Ayub said. “You realize just how fragile life can be. I’m forever grateful to Dr. Yun for stepping in, taking charge and saving my life.”

Dr. Yun displayed professionalism, leadership, extraordinary calm and a commitment to excellence under truly extraordinary circumstances!

For more information or to nominate a doctor or advanced practice provider for a Silver Cross Compass Award, visit silvercross.org/compass