New Endowed Position Honors Dedicated Physician Dan Simon
Daniel I. Simon, MD, University Hospitals Chief Clinical and Scientific Officer and President of UH Cleveland Medical Center, has been named the inaugural Ernie and Patti Novak Distinguished Chair in Health Care Leadership at UH. The new endowed position was established with a generous gift of more than $2 million from Ernie and Patti Novak with additional support from the Dr. Donald J. and Ruth W. Goodman Philanthropic Fund at the Cleveland Foundation.
Among UH’s most loyal patients and advocates, Ernie and Patti Novak know a strong, caring and committed leader when they see one. That is why when Ernie began navigating complex heart issues and Patti started her quest to conquer breast cancer, they turned to a trusted friend - Dan Simon, MD.
“Ernie and I have been fortunate to get to know Dan as both a dedicated physician and a supportive friend,” shared Patti. “His commitment to providing the best care to every patient, every time is second only to his exceptional leadership skills.”
Health Care Leader
Since joining UH in 2006, Dr. Simon has asserted himself as a pioneer and innovator in health care. A recipient of numerous research awards, Dr. Simon was elected into the American Society for Clinical Investigation, Association of University Cardiologists, and the Association of American Physicians. He is a recipient of the prestigious MERIT Award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the 2016 Distinguished Scientist Award from the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Simon’s main area of research interest is the role of inflammation in vascular injury and repair. He is an active interventional cardiologist and continues to play a leading role in national and international clinical trials investigating new devices, anti-thrombotic drugs, and regenerative medicine therapies. Dr. Simon is the official cardiovascular health care partner of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. Today, he is responsible for charting the future of UH’s academic mission in a changing and challenging environment.
“Strong leadership is essential to the success of any health care system,” noted Ernie, who joined the UH Board of Directors in 1999 and later became the inaugural chair of the UH Cleveland Medical Center Board of Directors. “When Dan came to UH, so many followed him, which is a sign of a true leader. We are thrilled to endow this chair and support in perpetuity strong leadership and a culture of caring at UH.”
How You Can Help
Over the years, the Novaks have inspired countless donors to join them in supporting UH. They hope their most recent gift does the same. “We care about others and want to make a difference,” they said. “UH shares that commitment, it’s that simple.”
To join the Novaks in supporting UH, make your gift online today.