SYLVIA GRIFFITHS

Dr Griffiths was my cardiologist. I was born in 1960 with Pulmonary Stenosis. In 1967 I had Open Heart surgery with Dr Albert Starr. Dr Griffiths was the doctor that made me feel safe and fearless. I had no idea of the gravity of my diagnosis. She was warm caring and gentle. I regret that I lost touch with her in my adulthood. Thank you Doctor for always holding my hand and loving me. #RN,MSN

Most amazing Dr.and woman!!! She was our Pediatric Cardiologist! So devoted and kind to my son with Down syndrome! Sylvia was a Blessing to our family! God Bless

I had the good fortune to work with Sylvia during my pediatric cardiology fellowship from 1987 to 1990. She guided the fellows in clinic and attended every patient management conference. She was an amazing mentor and I tried to model myself after her. She had an unusual combination of wisdom, strength, kindness, intelligence, and poise. When I started my fellowship, she asked where I was from. I told her Minnesota. She replied, "Well, that's where it all began." "Where what began?? "Open...

I was saddened to hear just last night of Sylvia`s passing. She was a tremendously accomplished mentor and colleague. In the early 90s when I returned to Columbia as an attending, Sylvia volunteered to share her small office as a place I could "hang my hat". This was typical of her. Her door was always open to all of the fellows who went through the program and she left her mark on all of us. i´ve been fortunate over the years to "rub shoulders" with many bright and some brilliant minds. No...

Sylvia was a pioneer in so many ways, in pediatric cardiology, in breaking through barriers for women, and in caring for children and families. She was a fierce advocate for her patients and their families, a consummate physician, clinician, mentor, and friend. I will miss all of that as well as the memories of her interest in everything around her, her corn cob pipe, the cups of postum she taught me to drink, but especially her laugh, that wonderful laugh that I can still hear in my mind....

Dr. Griffiths was a giant in our field of pediatric cardiology. Her clinical skills, her humanity, and her insight into our field was legendary. I always enjoyed seeing her at work. She always had great insights into training the next generation of fellows. On a personal note, I had the great honor of having her and my fellowship mentor Dr. Eugenie Doyle speak informally in my home to the Columbia P and S medical students . They spoke about being women in medicine and being the only...

Working with Dr. Grifftihs and her colleagues to raise funds for the Babies Heart Fund was one of the greatest joys of my professional life. To know the families whose children's lives were saved at Columbia-Presbyterian and to see Sylvia Griffiths' kind, quiet, assuring connections to her patients and their families was a unique honor.

In 1980 I had the great pleasure of meeting Dr Griffrith she was one of the best clinicians, teachers a young Peds Card RN could ever have. Her complete demeanor was one that gave you the confidence to question and or call her without fear. Her dedication to the children and families had no equal. She was the one to learn from and equate. Rest at peace Dr Griffiths My condolences to her loved ones. Betsy Tirado RN

Dr. Griffiths was my teacher, my friend and my hero. She taught me about taking care of patients and about taking care of family, friends and colleagues. She had the extraordinary ability to make patients feel that they were all that mattered. The same was true when she was talking to a friend or colleague. She sincerely cared about people and was amazingly perceptive and wise in her counsel. I truly feel that I am standing on the "shoulders of a giant."