Endowment recognizes Jerry Estep, M.D., for advancing patient-centered cardiovascular care
February 22, 2026 — Cleveland Clinic has established the Eric and Lois Zorn Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine, supported by a $3 million philanthropic gift from Eric and Lois Zorn.
The endowed chair recognizes Jerry Estep, M.D., division chair of Cardiovascular Medicine for Cleveland Clinic Florida, and will support continued advancement in patient care, research and education.
Dr. Estep has been named the inaugural holder of the endowed chair. In his role as division chair, he leads cardiovascular medicine across Cleveland Clinic Florida, with an emphasis on coordinated, patient-centered care and innovation in the prevention and treatment of
“Caring for patients like Eric is a privilege, especially when we are able to support them over time and see them improve and thrive with their families by their side,” Dr. Estep said. “The support of Eric and Lois enables our team to grow, advance research, leverage the latest technology, and continue delivering exceptional care. This is truly a team effort, and I am deeply grateful.”
The Zorns’ gift was inspired by years of care Eric Zorn has received at Cleveland Clinic, including treatment for cardiac amyloidosis, a rare protein disorder affecting the heart, as well as more recent life-threatening acute renal failure.
Zorn’s cardiovascular care journey began after he developed worsening symptoms while playing golf near his home in Sarasota, Florida. He later underwent quadruple bypass surgery at another hospital, followed by a rapid decline in his health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cleveland Clinic specialists identified amyloidosis as the underlying cause of his heart failure and initiated treatment.
“Dr. Estep and the Cleveland Clinic team identified the cause of my illness when others could not,” Zorn said. “That care made a life-changing difference.”
Following Zorn’s return to Florida, Dr. Estep remained actively involved in his care, helping ensure continuity across locations. That involvement continued during a hospitalization in November 2025, when he became unconscious while on his way to the Weston Hospital for spinal surgery. When he arrived, doctors realized he was in acute renal failure which resulted in an extended stay in the intensive care unit.
“Dr. Estep coordinated my care across specialties and remained closely engaged throughout my hospitalization,” Zorn said. “His leadership and commitment were critical during a very serious time.”
Endowed chairs provide permanent funding that supports Cleveland Clinic physician leaders in pursuing high-impact clinical initiatives, advancing research and strengthening education. The Eric and Lois Zorn Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine will further support excellence in cardiovascular care across Cleveland Clinic Florida.
Dr. Estep is a recognized leader in the care of patients with advanced and complex cardiovascular disease. His work has contributed to advances in the treatment of advanced heart failure, cardiac amyloidosis and cardiogenic shock, and he has served as a principal investigator or co-investigator in numerous clinical trials focused on heart failure, mechanical circulatory and heart transplantation. His research has helped inform best practices in the use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and multimodality cardiovascular imaging.
He has also played a key role in the development and expansion of comprehensive heart failure and transplantation programs, integrating multidisciplinary care models to improve outcomes for patients with advanced cardiovascular disease. His ongoing efforts focus on translating innovation into clinical practice to improve survival and quality of life.
Dr. Estep received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He completed his residency in internal medicine at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, followed by a fellowship in heart failure and transplantation at Houston Methodist Hospital and the Texas Heart Institute.
His clinical interests include advanced heart failure, cardiac amyloidosis, heart transplantation, LVADs, echocardiography, cardiogenic shock, and hemodynamic monitoring. He has participated in more than 100 clinical trials and has authored or coauthored more than 200 peer reviewed publications and abstracts related to heart failure and transplantation.
About Cleveland Clinic’s Florida Market
Cleveland Clinic in Florida is a nonprofit, multi-specialty healthcare provider that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Cleveland Clinic’s Florida market includes Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital, and numerous outpatient centers in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties. The Florida market is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information about Cleveland Clinic in Florida, visit www.clevelandclinicflorida.org. Follow us on X and Facebook.