Christine Lutfy

A relentless advocate for patients. The nurse you would want taking care of you or your family. A dedicated colleague willing to lend a hand.

These are just a few of the sentiments colleagues and leaders use in describing Christine Lutfy, BSN, RN, of the outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation practice at the Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center in Foxborough.

“Christine embodies every aspect of nursing excellence that I have witnessed in my 40 years of nursing practice,” said Gisele Bousquet, MS, RN, program director of Cardiac Rehabilitation. “She cares for each patient as if they were her own family and gently nudges them to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes while she relentlessly works with other health care disciplines to ensure patients have the best chance of decreasing their risk factors.”

Lutfy recently took the lead in developing the practice’s peripheral artery disease (PAD) exercise therapy program, researching evidence-based guidelines and furthering her knowledge about the effects of living with PAD. She meets regularly with patients, providing education about the benefits of walking and other healthy lifestyle changes, such as diet modifications, and motivating them to engage in their care and improve their quality of life.

“The ability to see true joy and happiness in people and helping them to achieve their goals makes my job rewarding every single day,” she wrote in her narrative.

Early analysis of data on the program provides evidence of its success, including a 101 percent increase in patients’ exercise minutes per week and improvements in mobility, pain and activities of daily living.

“Christine is a fearless advocate for her patients and provides nothing but the best patient-centered care,” said Lindsay Sonis, MSN, RN, of Cardiac Rehabilitation. “She is someone you would want to care for you and your family.”

When one of her patients suddenly needed to end cardiac rehabilitation to receive treatment for another disease, Lutfy continued to call the patient and offer support throughout the treatment.

“Christine has a kind way about her that allows her to communicate about sensitive topics,” said Michelle Young, NP, of the Advanced Heart Disease Program. “She easily develops relationships and offers a caring environment that supports professional nursing practice and results in positive outcomes, despite the challenges patients face.”

Lutfy began in her current role in 2014, joining the Brigham from Newton-Wellesley Hospital, where she was a clinical nurse in the Anticoagulation Clinic. Outside of the Brigham, Lutfy is a board member for the Catholic in Action youth organization at her church.

Lutfy earned her BSN from Framingham State University. She is currently enrolled in the MSN program at Regis College, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2021 as an adult geriatric nurse practitioner.

Nominated by Gisele Bousquet, MS, RN, program director of Cardiac Rehabilitation, with letters of support from Michelle Young, NP, of the Advanced Heart Disease Program, and Lindsay Sonis, MSN, RN, of Cardiac Rehabilitation.