The John G. Sheedy, MD Endowment
Bill and Patti Sheedy, to honor Bill’s late father, Dr. John G. Sheedy ’54, have endowed the directorship of the Ruth M. Hillebrand Center for Compassionate Care in Medicine at the University of Notre Dame.
Dominic O. Vachon, Ph.D., is the first John G. Sheedy, M.D., Director of the Ruth M. Hillebrand Center for Compassionate Care in Medicine. Vachon graduated from Notre Dame in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy. In 1985, he completed a master of divinity from Notre Dame, and in 1993, he earned a doctorate in counseling psychology from Loyola University, Chicago. Vachon teaches courses to students and provides national workshops for professionals in compassionate care and burnout, and he facilitates practical experiences for students preparing to enter medical school. Through his research, extensive networking with leading organizations, and consulting in the health care professions, he has developed an approach to training that is sound in theory and practice.
Bill and Patti Sheedy both received MBA degrees from Notre Dame in 1990. Bill Sheedy is an alumnus of West Virginia University, and Patti (Novak) Sheedy is an alumna of Saint Mary’s College.Throughout his 40 years of medical practice in Altoona, Penn., Dr. John G. Sheedy was committed to serving his patients in any capacity, but his true passion was providing comfort. His patients embraced him, not just as their physician but also as a confidant, counselor, and friend. .The gift from Bill and Patti Sheedy, in honor of Dr. Sheedy, will continue his legacy as a compassionate doctor by educating the next generation of medical professionals in his image. The John G. Sheedy, M.D., Director of the Ruth M. Hillebrand Center for Compassionate Care in Medicine will be further empowered to effect positive change in the medical community.
“This endowment from the Sheedy Family will be vitally important as the Hillebrand Center moves toward becoming a national center for the improvement of patient care and clinician well-being,” said Mary E. Galvin, the William K. Warren Foundation Dean of the College of Science. Vachon added, “their generosity will enable us to become a national center advocating for the integration of compassionate caring in healthcare.”
