Dr. Marc Futernick & Heart of the City 5k

Originally published 3/24/17

With California Hospital’s annual Heart of the City 5k right around the corner, we caught up with Dr. Marc Futernick, Medical Director of the hospital’s Emergency Department and Chair of the 5k Planning Committee. Dr. Futernick gave us some information about the run, its impact on the community, and his involvement.

In its 5th year, the Heart of the City 5k raises funds for California Hospital Medical Center, the only hospital in Downtown. Tomorrow, over 3,000 runners, walkers, and dogs are expected to fill the streets of South Park to meet the $220,000 fundraising goal.

We asked Dr. Futernick a few questions about the race and why he’s so passionate about this event.

SPBID: What motivates you to volunteer so much of your time on this race?

Dr. Futernick: I really believe in the mission of California Hospital. The Heart of the City 5K helps secure resources we need to take excellent care of all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

What is your favorite part of the race?

It feels great when we see the whole community represented here. I especially like seeing the kids who run the race to support California Hospital.

Of all the hospital improvements that have been funded by this race, which is most impactful to you?

I’m proud of the way the Emergency Department came together to honor one of our EMTs, Doug Augustson, who passed away in 2009. They created Doug’s Team, which has been one of the most impactful teams each year. The money raised by Doug’s Team is earmarked for nursing education, which directly impacts the great care we deliver to our patients.

At press time, Doug’s team is the 4th place fundraising team. This year, proceeds from Heart of the City will fund two new portable x-ray machines, allowing patients receive care when they need it most.