Santo Polito, MD

Director, Heart Center
Glendale Memorial Hospital & Health Center

Santo Polito, MD, has devoted over 40 years to Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center. His introduction to medicine came from his father, a general physician, who let little Santo tag along during his rounds at the former Physicians and Surgeons (now Glendale Memorial) Hospital. From the age of 11, he knew medicine would be his life’s calling.

Dr. Polito received his medical degree from USC School of Medicine and served his internship and residency at USC County Hospital. Originally intending to become a surgeon, a chance to serve a cardiology fellowship at St. Vincent’s Hospital changed the course of his career.

Known for his clinical excellence and warm and compassionate bedside manner, Dr. Polito built a thriving cardiology practice in the Glendale community. He also built an enduring bond with Glendale Memorial, practicing there exclusively for most of his career.

In 1992, Dr. Polito took on the role of medical director of Glendale Memorial’s new Heart Center. Under his leadership, the Heart Center has developed into an award-winning, nationally recognized cardiovascular program, known for clinical excellence and medical innovation.

Dr. Polito has served as Chairman of the Glendale Memorial Hospital Community Board of Directors, as well as on the Board of Directors of Catholic Healthcare West. He currently serves on the Glendale Memorial Health Foundation Board of Directors as Chair of the Governance Committee.

Dr. Polito’s proudest achievement is his close-knit family. He and his wife Joanne recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have four children and 11 grandchildren.