Four Utahns who’ve had a major impact on the quality of healthcare in Utah and across the globe were honored recently at the 28th annual Legacy of Life Dinner and Gala. 

Presented by the Intermountain Research and Medical Foundation, the annual event raises funds to advance cardiovascular and pulmonary health through clinical research that leads to clinical application. Nearly 500 people attended, raising more than $160,000 for cardiovascular and pulmonary research. 

Retired cardiothoracic surgeon Donald B. Doty, MD, and his wife, Cheryl J. Doty, were honored with the 2018 Legacy of Life Award, which recognizes leaders with ties to Utah for their contributions to the well-being of mankind. Dr. Doty is a pioneer in cardiac surgery who led the LDS Church’s missionary health services worldwide. For 30 years, Cheryl served on Intermountain Research and Medical Foundation’s Holiday Quilt Show and Auction board. A generous donation from the couple built the Doty Family Education Center at Intermountain Medical Center.

C. Gregory Elliott, MD, chair of the department of medicine at Intermountain Medical Center and a trailblazer in the field of pulmonary hypertension, was honored with the 2018 Scientific Achievement Award. Because of Dr. Elliott’s work, for many patients a progressively fatal disease became a survivable condition.

Businessman Robert J. Corcoran received the 2018 Gold Caduceus Award for his outstanding service as a community volunteer and Community Development board member at Intermountain Research and Medical Foundation. 

Since 1970, generous donors have funded medical research at Intermountain that improve patients’ lives. Said Dr. Elliott: “When young physicians and scientists see opportunities to study, to make things better, they quickly realize they can’t do it if there aren’t resources, financial and otherwise. We depend heavily upon the donor community to help us to give back to our communities.”

Major event sponsors included the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation, the Beesley Family Foundation, the Child Family Foundation, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, the Huntsman Foundation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation, Sinclair Oil, Les Olson Company, the Okland Family Foundation, and Alvey Media Group.

Watch videos about our awardees